HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.14.24 Planning MinutesCITY OF FARMINGTON
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 14th, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Rotty at 7:00pm
Members Present: Rotty, Lehto, Tesky, Windschitl, Snobeck
Staff Present: Tony Wippler, Planning Manager
Jared Johnson, Planning Coordinator
Deanna Kuennen, Community and Economic Development Director
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Tesky, second by Lehto to approve minutes of Planning Commission for
April 9th, 2024 regular meeting. APIF MOTION CARRIED
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chair Rotty opened all public hearings
3.1 Ordinance Amendments to Titles 4 and 10 of the Farmington
City Code –Withdrawal. Planning Coordinator Jared Johnson requested
the commission accept the withdrawal and close the public hearing for
ordinance amendments to Titles 4 and 10 of the Farmington City Code. MOTION by Windschitl, second by Snobeck to accept withdrawal and
close the public hearing. APIF MOTION CARRIED
3.2 1. Petition to rezone property from A-1 (Agriculture) to MUCI
(Mixed Use Commercial/Industrial) - PID's 07-00500-76-011 and 07-
00500-76-012
2. Petition to rezone property from B-1 (Highway Business), R-1
(Low Density Residential), R-2 (Low/Medium Density Residential),
R-3 (Medium Density Residential) and P/OS (Park and Open Space)
to MUCI (Mixed Use Commercial/Industrial) - 2830 220th Street W
Planning Manager Tony Wippler presented the requests for rezoning for
these parcels, the proposed use of these parcels is for a master planned
technology park, which is a permitted use in the MUCI zoning district.
He explained the City is in process of a mid-cycle comprehensive plan
amendment. The amendment will include guiding all three of these
parcels as Mixed Use (Commercial/Industrial). The rezoning will be
contingent upon approval of the comprehensive plan amendment being
approved by the City Council and ultimately the Metropolitan Council.
Chair Rotty opened up the public discussion.
• Alan Catchpool from Kimley Horn Engineering on behalf of Tract,
introduced himself and stated he is available to answer questions.
• Resident Nathan Ryan 22390 Cambrian Way - made statement for
the record. “We believe the request to change the zoning of the
Olsen property also known as Fountain Valley Golf Course is not
in the best interest of anyone that surrounds this parcel. We
believe that by re-zoning this property the city is creating and
island of mixed-use commercial, which could also be an illegal use
of zoning known as spot zoning and does not follow the guiding
principals adopted in the comprehensive plan. We also believe
that re-zoning this parcel is against the orderly annexation
agreement (OAA) between City of Farmington and Castle Rock
Township.” He then explained additional reasons they believe
this would not be a good decision for the community and property
owners.
• Cathy Johnson on Berring Ave. -shared they have created a
citizens group regarding this proposal. She discussed the School
District 192 property sale being used as Data Center Campus and
the concerns of the impact from it including noise, water usage
and electricity. She is opposed to the re-zoning in the location
proposed to accommodate data centers.
• Jeffrey Schottler 22420 Calico Ct. - shared environmental and
safety concerns as it is adjacent to his property. He voiced concern
about putting commercial and/or industrial in between two
neighborhoods.
• Eszter Varga 3094 225th St. - discussed property tax concerns
about tax credits and impacts on residents and assessment for the
residents. She supports diversifying in the community but not in
between residential areas.
• Jamie Williams 22315 Berring Ave. – voiced concerns about the
water usage and other environmental issues.
• Andy Berg resident since 2005 – asked planning commission to
vote no for re-zoning. Discussed concerns with spot zoning.
• Jason Folger 3015 224th St. – stated a data center does not
promote sustainability and does not protect natural resources.
• Stefan Petrashek 2982 225th St W. – discussed how when
purchased home the 2040 plan was for residential.
• Terrie Pearson 2475 225th St W – hopes the planning commission
does it due diligence to ensure decision is good for all citizens.
• Lynn Greenslit 22405 Berring Ave. – has been here for 40 years
and does not think the Data Center is good. Her horse and riding is
impacted by the surroundings.
• Gina Trebil 22402 Calico Ct. – shared concerns for the home
values decreasing.
• Ryan Pietsch 22272 Cambrian Way – stated this is not the place
for industrial lots. He has had issues with the industrial behind
him.
• Susan Ferrozzo 1646 240th St. W – shared a letter of petition of
objection in the re-zoning of School District 192 Angus Farm and
Fountain Valley Golf course.
Chair Rotty explained for community members that the planning
commissions duty is to review and make recommendations to the City
Council, the City Council has the final decision regarding re-zoning
applications.
• Nancy Cassa Beaumont Ave. – was concerned about not being
communicated with and finding out through social media.
• Mo Feshami 2528 220th St. – He designed data centers in his
career and offered his knowledge. His concerns are about the
cooling and not being efficient. Requests that they have more
information before making decisions.
• Justin Wiles 22240 Cambrian Way – Wants to remind that he likes
having it be a quiet, small community and does not think data
center is good fit.
• Dorraine Dorneman 22295 Albatross Circle – shared concern
about water shortages (gave examples of droughts in the past).
• Diana Bell 1109 Maple St. – Questioned conserving water and the
protected ponds.
• Gerry Risto 516 Lower Heritage Way – concerned about the
school district sale of property and not being transparent with the
sale and planned use.
Resident asked where water supply will come from Empire or
Farmington? Planning Manager Tony Wippler answered from the city
system.
• Dan May 22665 Berring Ave. - asked if the Planning Commission
has opinions yet for approval. Chair Rotty explained this is just the
public hearing, they will review after this meeting before making
any decisions.
• Denise May 22665 Berring Ave. – asked what is next in the
process? Chair Rotty asked Planning Manager Tony Wippler and
he said they will send out additional notifications. He explained
the city code for notifying residents.
• Gary Johnson 22280 Berring Ave. – requested the notification be
expanded to include a bigger area.
• Bruce Betzold 22248 Cambrian Way – concerned about being
surrounded by data centers on both sides of neighborhood.
• Jennifer Motzko 407 11th St. – discussed the long-term effects, and
plan when becomes obsolete.
Chair Rotty explained that they are not reviewing site plans, just
reviewing changing the zoning in this meeting. He discussed that the
commission understands how quickly this came up and they will
continue to research before presenting a recommendation to City
Council. He recommends a continuance.
Commissioner Tesky stated she is looking to see what the
infrastructure will look like to support the technology park and plans
for sustainability, she is recommending a continuance.
Commissioner Windschitl agrees with the other members for a
continuance and is looking for more information about benefits of the
data center to the city.
Commissioner Lehto also agrees to delay in making any decisions
until they can review further. She asked Planning Manager Tony
Wippler to explain the 2040 Comp Plan and timelines. He reviewed
the process and explained why they looking to make updates to the
plan.
Commissioner Snobeck would like to look further into the water
usage and sustainability.
Chair Rotty requested additional information for the utilities, plans
for water usage and sustainability.
Community Development Director Deanna Kuennen shared that there
will be a “training” session with a consultant (President of Afcom) to
help explain processes for the environmental review etc. A neutral 3rd
party expert will be there to educate on technologies etc.
MOTION by Windschitl, second by Snobeck to continue public
hearing until June 11th meeting. APIF MOTION CARRIED
Chair Rotty called for a recess until 9:20 pm. Chair Rotty called the
meeting back to order at 9:20 pm.
3.3. Preliminary and Final Plat, Conditional Use Permit, and Three
Variances to Construct a 168-Unit Apartment Building at the
Northwest Corner of Dushane Parkway and Spruce Street. Planning
Coordinator Jared Johnson presented request for variance.
PLAT REVIEW
• Re-plat part of the “square-a-bout” (Outlot J) and existing 15 acre
parcel owned by Hy-Vee ( Outlot C) of the Vermillion River
Crossings plat into two parcels.
• Newly dedicated street on northside of Lot 2, extension of Spruce
Street south of Lot 2.
• Lot 1 to be 11 acres
• Lot 2 to be 3.5 acres
• Newly dedicated right-of-way to be 5.25 acres
• Vacation of right-of-way from “Outlot J” is scheduled for the May
20th City Council meeting
CUP SITE PLAN REVIEW
• Apartment Buildings are a conditional use in SSMU zoning District
• 4-story, 168 units at market rate
• Mix of studio, 1bed, 1 bed plus den, 2 bed and 3 bed
• Balconies, surface and underground parking, bicycle parking,
fitness center, outdoor amenity space and dog run
• 252 parking spaces required, 252 parking spaces proposed
VARIANCE REVIEW
• Variance for building height. Max allowed is 40 feet, proposed is
53 feet 9inches. High water table requires elevated underground
parking
• Variance for parking lot setback from both the north and west
property line. Minimum 10-foot setback, 5-foot setback proposed.
Necessary to meet parking requirements.
• Meets all other zoning requirements.
ACTION REQUESTED
1. Motion to recommend the City Council approve the requested
combined preliminary and final plat for Vermillion River Crossings
3rd Addition subject to the following conditions:
• The vacation of right-of-way from a portion of “Outlot J” in the
Vermillion River Crossings Plat is approved by City Council
• The dedicated “new street” shall have its named changed to 214th
St. W and be reflected as such on the preliminary and final plat
• All engineering comments are satisfied
• A development contract between the developer and the Cit of
Farmington shall be executed and security fees and costs shall be
paid. Submission of all other documents required under the
development contract shall be required.
2. Motion to approve the requested conditional use permit and
three variances to construct and apartment building at the
northwest corner of Dushane Parkway and Spruce Street subject to
the following conditions:
• The preliminary and final plat for Vermillion River Crossings 3rd
Addition is approved by the City Council
• All necessary building permits are obtained
• A sign permit shall be obtained for any exterior signage
• All Engineering comments are satisfied
• An exterior lighting plan is submitted and approved by Planning
staff
Chair Rotty opened up public hearing. Sheldon Berg with DJR
Architecture is available for questions.
• Peggy Moore Vermillion River Crossings – concerned about the
water table. Chair Rotty verified the engineering has been
thorough, Planning Manager Tony Wippler stated the applicant
has done a geotechnical report and submitted to the City
• Blanche Riker Vermillion River Crossings – concerned about
traffic and noise, Planning Coordinator Jared Johnson explained
where the new road entrance will be.
• Terry Lomas 21400 Dushane Pkwy – questioned if all units will be
market rate and are they going to replace any greenspace
Planning Manager Tony Wippler explained there will be a better
use of the greenspace versus in the square-a-bout. She also had
concerns for traffic and requesting a stop light to get onto HWY
50, Tony explained the county is the authority for HWY 50
Chair Rotty asked commissioners if they have any questions.
Commissioner Tesky had concerns around the variances, they explained
the parking is not a concern they did calculations based on the types of
units and it was adequate. The height variance was done to match the
Vermillion Crossings pitched roof and due to raising out of the water
table. The project would not be viable as a three-story building.
Chair Rotty verified there is enough parking for guests as well.
Commissioner Windschitl verified there is no on street parking planned
on Dushane Pkwy. He also asked about security access, they run off fob
system.
Commissioner Lehto confirmed that there are ADA entrances and units.
She also asked if they know what the rates will be, he answered not at
this time. She asked what timeline for starting construction is, goal is to
start end of this summer.
Commissioner Snobeck inquired about the setbacks possibly creating any
concerns for sidewalk safety, Jared responded with no concerns.
MOTION by Windschitl, second by Lehto to close the public hearing.
APIF MOTION CARRIED
MOTION by Windschitl , second by Snobeck for a favorable
recommendation to City Council approve the combined preliminary and
final plat for Vermillion River Crossings 3rd addition. APIF MOTION
CARRIED
MOTION by Lehto, second by Windschitl to approve conditional use
permit and three variances with five contingencies. APIF MOTION
CARRIED
4. DISSCUSION - None
MOTION by Snobeck, second Tesky to adjourn at 10:03 pm. APIF
MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Tony Wippler, Planning Manager