HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-26 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove
Planning Commission
February 26, 2007
Pursuant to due cail and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Planning Commission was duly
held at City Hall, 7516 — 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on the 26th day of February
2007, in the Council Chambers and telecast on local Government Cable Channel 16.
Call to Order
Chairperson Brittain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Members Present: Shane Bauer, Ken Brittain, Tina Folch-Freiermuth, Rod Hale,
Chris Reese, David Thiede
Members Absent: Tracy Poncin
Staff Present: Howard Blin, Community Development Director
John McCool, Senior Planner
Mark Grossklaus, City Council
Approval of Agenda
Brittain reported that agenda item 6.3, Concept Plan for McHattie Farms, has been continued
to next month due to the applicant being delayed out of town due to weather. Motion by Hale,
second by Thiede, to approve the agenda. Motion approved unanimously (6-0 vote).
Open Forum
Chairperson Brittain asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission on any non-
agenda item. No one addressed the Commission.
Chair's Explanation of the Public Hearing Process
Chairperson Brittain explained the purpose of the Planning Commission, which serves in an
advisory capacity to the City Council, and that the City Council makes all final decisions. In ad-
dition, he explained the process of conducting a public hearing and requested that any person
wishing to speak should come to the microphone and state their full name and address for the
public record.
Public Hearings and Application Reviews
6.1 S& C Bank — Cases ZA07-007, SP07-008, and CUP07-009
S& C Bank has applied for a zoning amendment to amend the Planned Unit Development
(PUD) ordinance for Almar Village and a conditional use permit to allow a drive-through
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 2 of 12
bank, and a site plan review of a proposed bank building to be located at 7199 Jorgensen
Lane South.
Blin summarized the staff repart and recornmended approval subject to the conditions stipu-
lated in the staff report.
Mark Paschke, Frisbie Architects, River Falls, Wisconsin, stated that the trash will be con-
tained within the building and the enciosure shown on the site plan is screening for mechanical
equipment. He also stated that they would incorporate the additional landscaping recom-
mended by staff along the south of the building.
Folch stated that she likes the design of the building. She asked about the location of the drive-
up ATM and pavement markings for the drive-through. Paschke responded that the ATM
would be located in the second drive-through lane. Regarding pavement markings, he stated
that they would work with staff to further identify the stacking positions.
Thiede also expressed concern about stacking in the drive-through lanes and suggested that
the building be turned so the ATM would be on the east side. Paschke stated that proposed
configuration helps screen the drive-through lanes from the public right-of-way. Blin stated that
after Iooking at the number of transactions from another of their branches, staff is comfortable
that the five stacking spaces are sufficient to handle the peak demand at that location. Thiede
asked if building design is a franchise layout. Paschke stated that it is a new layout and not
based on a prototype.
Scott Johnson, President of the Metro Division of S&C Bank, explained the thought process on
how the building was laid out and designed, noting that extending the drive-through to the east
would intrude into the landscaping and would significantly affect the turning radius. He stated
that they cut off a corner of the building to attempt to make that corner a little smoother.
Thiede asked if they were confident that there would not be a back-up in the drive-through
lanes. Johnson explained that they did a study at their Oak Park Heights branch, tracking the
number of vehicles in their drive-through lanes and looking at a report of their ATM usage, and
there were very few times when they had more than two or three vehicles in the drive-through
at the same time.
Brittain opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing.
Bauer asked if the vehicles coming out of the drive-through lane could be routed to the road in
front of the new convenience store and out to Jorgensen Lane so they do not go through the
rest of the parking lot. Blin responded a no left turn sign could be installed at the end of the
drive-through lane. Brittain disagreed noting that section of the parking lot is very rough due to
the gas tank covers. Bauer expressed concern for about the safety of pedestrians going to the
restaurant due to the extra traffic from the bank. Brittain stated that would be a Ionger route
and there could be issues with the gas station traffic. Hale stated that he does not see that this
would be a big traffic issue as the bank is far enough away from the existing businesses.
Brittain agreed noting that it could be addressed if it does become a problem in the future.
Hale asked if this site would connect to the existing storm sewer. Blin responded that a buiid-
ing had been planned for this site and the storm system was sized to accommodate that.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 3 of 12
Brittain expressed concern about the exterior materials, noting that there should be more brick
on the building. Thiede agreed, stating that the bank building should look more like the mall
than tne gas station and meat market do.
Paschke stated that those are valid points and stated that they wouid take into consideration
the Commission's comments on their final design. Brittain recommended that they work with
staff on this design prior to the City Council meeting. It was the consensus of the Commission
that more brick be added to the exterior of the building to better match the existing mall.
Thiede made a motion to approve the app(ications subject to the conditions listed below
with a recommendation that the applicant work with staff on changes to fhe exterior
elevations to more cfosely match the existing mall. Ha/e seconded.
Hale asked if this should be done prior to the City Council meeting or shouid the designs come
back before the Commission. Brittain responded that the recommendation wouid be that the
City Council would make the final approval of those exterior changes. Hale clarified that the
motion should be that the approval is based on revising the exterior of the building prior to the
plan being presented to the City Council. Thiede accepted the clarification.
1. All site, landscaping, and architecfural plans must conform to submitted ptans dated
January 22, 2007.
2. The original conditions of approvat identified in Ordinance No. 698 and Resolution
Nos. 01-173 and 01-174 must be complied wifh.
3. All applicable permits (i.e., buitding, electrical, grading, mechanical) and a commercial
plan review packet must be compieted, submitted, and approved by the City prior to
the commencement of any construction activities. Detailed construction plans must
be reviewed and approved by the Building Official and Fire Marshal.
4. Final exterior construction materials and colors must be reviewed and approved by
the Planning Department prior to the issuance of a building permit.
5. The grading and erosion control plan for the site must comply with NPDES /l Permit
requirements. Erosion control devices must be installed prior to commencement of
any grading activity. Erosion control must be performed in accordance with the rec-
ommended practices oi the "Minnesota Construction Site Erosion and Sediment
Control Planning Handbook" and the conditions stipulated in Title 10-5-8, Erosion
Control During Construction, of the City's Subdivision Ordinance.
6. All curbing for the project must be consistent with the existing curbing in the
project.
7. The applicant must provide the City with an as-built survey of all private utelities
prior to certificate of occupancy.
8. The appiicant wiil be responsible for ensuring that all appropriate stormwafer and
access cross easement documentation is completed prior to the issuance of any
building permits.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 4 of 12
9. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant must submit a comprehen-
sive sign package to fhe City for review and approval.
90. Prior to the issuance of a L�uiPding permit, the applicant �nust submit a comprehen-
sive lighting package consistent with tHe city redevelopment plan for review and ap-
proval. All outdoor lighting must be directed downward and away from residential
property and public streets and must not exceed one footcandle at the property
lines.
11. The landscaping plan must be revised to address the items identified in the staff re-
port. Said plan will be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to
the issuance of a building permrt
12.A bona fide cost estimate of fhe landscaping improvements must be submitted in
conjunction with a letter of credit approved by the City in the amount of 150 percent
of such estimate. Upon completion of the landscaping requirements, the applicant
must in writing inform the City that said improvements have been completed. The
City must refain the financial guarantee for a period of one year from the date of no-
tice to insure the survival of the planfings, and unfil the as-built utility survey has
been submitted. No building permit wi!l be issued until the required financia! guaran-
tee has been received and accepted by the City.
13. The block enclosure proposed to enclose the mechanical equipment and trash en-
c/osure must be modified to include a combination of block and brick, consistent
with the principal building.
Motion passed unanimously (6-to-0 vote).
6.2 The Preserve at Cottage Grove — Cases ZA07-010 and PP07-011
B&C Real Estate Investments, on behalf of Johnson-Reiland Construction Company, has
applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning of land at 6750 Jamaica Avenue
South from R-1, Rural Residential, and AG-1, Agricultural Preservation, to R-2A, Residential
District; and a preliminary plat to create 39 single family lots and 4 outlots.
McCool summarized the planning staff report and recommended approval subject to the con-
ditions stipulated in the staff report.
Reese asked if the fencing language could be more specific so it is more consistent throughout
the East Ravine. McCool stated that the fencing would only be along lot lines at the back side
of the Jamaica buffer strip. The city would not dictate the type of fence, but just ensure con-
sistency. Reese then asked about condition #19 noting that he does not understand the pur-
pose of the condition. McCool responded that it is to let the buyers of the properties
understand that they are responsible to maintain out to the curb, including mowing, and that if
they install irrigation systems in the boulevard area, any damage from street reconstruction
would be paid by the homeowners.
Thiede stated that this project does not match the concept plan for that area of the East Ravine
because the plan showed a loop street coming up the northeast side of the lake and out the
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 5 of 12
north to the East Ravine Parkway. He also noted that the properties on the south side of the
road are extremely long, and it appears as if most of the trees would be removed, which would
give the appearance of a pasture in those backyards. Blin responded that the loop street
shown in the plan was just illustrative of what could i�appen; when the engineers were de-
signing the project, it was determined that this design was not practical, particularly given the
required setback from the wetland.
Rick Osberg, James R. Hill Engineering, 2500 West County Road 42, Burnsville, a consultant
for the developer, explained that the deep lots on the south side are due to the higher topogra-
phy in that area. He pointed out the tree clearing limits, noting that most of the trees in the
woodland area would be preserved.
Thiede asked about the proposed average retail price of the homes. The appiicant responded
$600,000 and up.
Folch asked when the property to the north would be coming before the Planning Commission,
noting that Street B connects to that property. She stated that it seems that for this number of
lots to be authorized, that street connection to the adjacent development needs to be con-
structed in the near future. Blin responded that staff discussed this issue of access with the fire
department and they are comfortable with a temporary solution as long as there is the oppor-
tunity to extend the access in the future.
Brittain asked about the water feature to the north of the property. McCool responded that it is
a very shallow water-locked basin with no outlet. As part of the East Ravine development pro-
posai, a storm sewer would run through a series of ponds within the developed areas that
would eventually discharge to this pond and there will be a storm sewer outlet that goes to the
northeast and down Ravine Parkway. Brittain asked if that pond was an amenity that could be
used in a park because there would probably be the need to have a public park either with the
project or the property to north when it develops. McCool responded that stafF has talked to the
property owner about providing some public views and frontage along this pond area and a
future trail system around the pond that would connect to the Wilder property to the west as
well. Brittain asked about access to that area. McCool responded that most of it will be private
property and it is not going to be a public pond. Brittain asked if the pond would a scenic
enough feature that a community park of some type could be Iocated somewhere around it.
Blin responded that the East Ravine plan shows some public access and connection to the
west side on the Shepard's Woods property.
Hale asked if the city talked with the Wilder Foundation about public use in that area. Blin
stated that staff has had discussions with the Land Trust, which controls the conservation
easement, and through them with the Wilder Foundation, and they are agreeable to a trail
system through that area. He explained that the area would not be developed as an active
park but would just have a trail corridor leading to Inwood Avenue on the west side. Hale
asked what the minimum lot size is for the R-2A zoning district. McCool responded 11,000
square feet. Hale asked what the cul-de-sac length requirement is in the ordinance. McCool
stated that the ordinance specifies 600 feet but the city is now using the new International Fire
Code requirement, which is limited to 30 units without secondary access.
Thiede asked if the intersection with Jamaica lines up with the proposed McHattie Farms sub-
division. McCool responded yes.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 6 of 12
Brittain opened the public hearing.
David Wolterstorff, 9398 Erin Court, Woodbury, stated that he is the property owner to the
north. He stated that his only concern is that fhe city agrees to aiso exceed the limits on cul-de-
sacs for his property to the north of the development. He is concerned that there would be no
access for development of that portion of his property. Brittain stated that the Planning Com-
mission cannot give approval for any part of future development of his properiy at this meeting,
but there is a reasonable expectation that there would be access to that portion, possibly simi-
lar to what was shown in this staff report. Thiede stated that there needs to be some type of
access to Jamaica, even if that stub was allowed. Osberg explained that the emergency ac-
cess would not be paved. Brittain asked if it would be a trail. Blin responded that it would a trail
about eight feet wide that would have grass paving stones on either side to allow truck access.
Brittain suggested a paved pedestrian trail that emergency vehicles could use. Folch asked
why that option was cnosen instead of a paved road. Blin responded that the number of ac-
cesses onto Jamaica Avenue is limited as it is an arterial street. In addition, the city will be
turning Jamaica Avenue over to the County at the end of this process and they aiso limit road-
way connections. Thiede stated that the East Ravine plan shows an access to the lake area off
Jamaica at the mid-point and asked if that could be an access point. Blin responded that was a
possibility, but it would just be a pedestrian access that follows the wetland. That could be
looked at when the Wolterstorff property comes in for approvai. Thiede asked if the homes in
both this proposal and in the adjacent portion of the future development to north would be ar-
chitecturally consistent. Blin responded that could be addressed in the association documents
for both projects. Wolterstorff stated that the lot sizes would be very similar. Hale asked how
many acres Wolterstorff owns. Wolterstorff responded between 92 and 98 acres. Hale stated
that he does not want this to be construed as approval for the double cul-de-sac shown on the
proposed plat because may be a better layout that incorporates the whole parcel, not just the
parcel south of the lake. He stated that there would be access to that part of his property with-
out approving a specific type of design. Wolterstorff stated that he just wants to ensure there
would be access.
Mary Kay Palmer, Wiider Foundation, 919 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, stated that she has two
concerns about the development. The first one has to do with the significant loss of trees. She
noted that is was encouraging that they are trying to preserve some of the trees on the south
side of the property tnat is adjacent to land trust parcel. The second had to do with the trail
proposed for Outlot G. She stated that this would be an opportune time for the Land Trust,
Wilder Foundation, and the city to discuss this issue. She knows that the former owners, who
still Iive on the property, are very concerned about their privacy and do not want the property
used by the general public until there is something formally set up. Hale asked if the current
owners don't want public access as long as they are living there. Palmer responded that they
are not opposed to having a trail on Outlot G that leads to the property but that they just want
to start negotiations on the trail location and public access within that property.
No one e/se spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing.
Foich asked if the city would be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the trail sys-
tem through the Wilder property. Blin responded that would need to be discussed. He stated
that this would not be an extensive trail system; the city is only looking at a soft surface trail or
two that crosses through the area. Hale stated that he appreciates the willingness of the Wilder
Foundation to work with the city on a trail access through their property.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 7 of 12
Brittain stated that the building plans show good quality homes and the developers have met
the city's standards with respect to 85-foot lots and tree preservation. His overall impression of
the development is very positive.
Bauer asked about condition #12 that says tree mitigation is required in accordance with ordi-
nance criteria and how many trees would be removed and replaced. McCool reviewed the tree
preservation ordinance requirements with the Commission. He stated that during the prelimi-
nary review 871 trees plus 57 around the homesteads would be removed. They plan to evalu-
ate the condition of the trees in the woodland area this spring. He explained that they only
estimated the number of trees in the woodland and based on the health assessment of those
trees, there would be better determination of how many trees would be impacted and what
would need to be mitigated. That information will incorporated in the development agreement,
which will specify the number of trees lost, how many need to be replaced, where they will be
replaced, and if there would any payment to the city if there is not enough space to replace on
the property. Bauer asked if the money paid for tree mitigation is dedicated for planting trees
elsewhere in the city. McCool responded that was correct.
Reese noted that both condition #17 and the second bullet point on condition #18 reference
monument "signs" and asked if that could read monument "sign" to ensure that there would be
only one. Brittain noted that the applicant has plans for only one sign and that the conditions of
approval could be changed to note that.
Brittain made a motion to approve the applications, with the change of "monument
signs" to "monument sign," subject to the conditions listed in the draft resolution. Hale
seconded the motion.
1. The final plat must conform to the preliminary plat dated January 31, 2007.
2. Approval of the rezoning and pre/iminary plat applications is contingent on the ex-
tension of city utilities that are necessary to serve this project.
3. The revised grading and utility plan must be submitted to City staff for review and
approval prior to the submission of the fina! plat plan applications to the City. All
emergency overflow swales must be identified on the grading and erosion control
plan.
4. The developer must petition the City for public improvements and enter into a sub-
division agreement with the City for the installation of and payment for all public im-
provements in the subdivision and adjacent public roadways, pursuant to City Code
Title 10.
5. The applicant receive appropriate building permits from the City, and permits or
approvals from other regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, the South
Washington Wafershed District, DNR, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
6. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the app(icant must submit for staff review and
approval a final construction management plan that inctudes erosion controf ineas-
ures, project phasing for grading work, areas designated for preservation, a
crushed-rock construction entrance, and construction-related vehicle parking.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 8 of 12
7. A pre-construction meeting with City staff and the contractor must be held before
site work begins. The contractor will provide the City with a project schedule for the
various phases of construcfion.
8. Erosion control devices must be installed prior to commencement of any grading ac-
fivity. Erosion control shall be performed in accordance with the recommended prac-
tices of the "Minnesota Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Planning
Handbook" and the conditions stipulated in Title 10-5-8, Erosion Control During
Construction, of the City's Subdivision Ordinance.
9. The developer is responsible for the cost of public land boundary markers to be
placed at corners of private property that abut Outlots A, B, and D.
10. The park fee in lieu of land dedication must be paid to the Cify before the final plat is
released to the developer for recording at the Washington County Recorder's Office.
The park fee in lieu of Iand dedication amount wil! be the amount in effect at the time
the final plat is approved by the City Council.
11. The developer must instalf and pay 100 percent of the costs for a six-foot wide
bituminous recreation trail and posted sign in Outtot G.
92. Tree mitigation is required in accordance with ordinance criteria.
13.In addition to one yard tree for each lot having street frontage, an additional four
yard trees and ten shrubs must be planfed on each residential lot. One of the four
trees must be a conifer tree.
14, The applicant must hire a city-approved arborist to assist with all facets of tree
preservation on the site. The arborist will supervise installation and maintenance of
free preservafion fencing and the tree and brush removal process. Mifigative meas-
ures to aid in preservation of trees slated to remain wil/ occur based upon the rec-
ommendations of the arborist. Shouid trees designated for preservation be remaved,
the applicant will replace the trees in accordance with the ordinance criteria. Trees
designated for preservation which is found to be harmed, diseased, or dying, or are
not suited for location into the project may be removed hased upon the recommen-
dation of the arborisf in agreement with the City and the applicant. Trees removed
will be replaced as required by ordinance. The developer must install snow fencing
or similar fencing material around all trees or groups of tr2es that are to be pre-
served prior to any grading activity on the site.
15. The applicant must submit appropriate engineering information for retaining wa!ls
over four feet in height. Any fencing on retaining walls must be decorative and sub-
ject to staff review and approval.
16.A "STOP" sign must be installed af the soufhwest corner of the Street A and Jamaica
Avenue intersect+on.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 9 of 12
17. All monument signs must comply with the City's Sign Ordinance and only be placed
on private property. The Homeowners Association is responsible for the mainte-
nance of a!/ signs.
18. The applicant musf submit private covenants which detaits the following:
• The homeowners association is responsible for all ownership and maintenance of
landscaping improvemenfs, fencing, and outlots as depicted on the fina! plat.
. Monument signs will be maintained by the homeowners association.
• Any fencing provided on the site will be constructed of materials that are uniform
in design and color.
• All signs, mailboxes, and accessory Iighting will be uniform in materials and de-
sign and be approved as part of the landscape plan.
• Protection and infringement management of all publicly owned open space and
areas located in the Private conservation easement.
19. The developer musf advise homebuyers that they are responsible to maintain the
boulevard area abutting their property atl the way to the curb of the street, and that
the City is not responsible for costs related to insta/lation, damage, or repiacement
of lawn irrigation systems placed in the boulevard areas.
20. An approved secondary fire apparatus access must be provided.
21. The preliminary landscaping plan must be revised to provide additional trees,
shrubs, and/or bushes within Outlots A and B. The revised landscaping plan must be
submitted to the Community Development for approval before the City Council
approves the final plat.
22.A11 existing wells and/or sanitary septic systems fhat will be abandoned must be
sea/ed, capped, or removed (whichever is most appropriate) in accordance with
County and State requirements. A copy of the certification document proving that
this work was done must be given to the City.
23. The developer must obtain a demolition permit from the Building Inspections Divi-
sion before any existing strucfure is razed.
24. The final street names identified on the final plat must conform with fhe City's Street
Naming System and be accepted by the City's Public Safety Department and City
Council. Street names must be no more than 10 characters (including spaces) in
length.
Motion passed unanimously (6-to-0 vote).
6.3 Concept Plan for McHattie Farms
Chase Homes will present their concept plan for their proposed subdivision, McHattie
Farms, which would be located north of 70th Street, east of Jamaica Avenue, and south of
Military Road.
Continued to March 26, 2007, Meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 10 of 12
Discussion Items
7.1 Commerciai and industrial Architectural Standards
McCool summarized the proposed ordinance that was based on the discussions at the Janu-
ary 22, 2007, meeting. There was discussion about rooftop mechanicai screening materials
and having architects and building contractors review the ordinance for any impacts it may
have on construction costs. Blin stated that there would be another Planning Commission work
session on this proposed ordinance at the March meeting with the public hearing at the April
meeting.
7.2 Sign Ordinance Revisions
Blin updated tne Commission on electronic billboards and suggested that the city wait to up-
date the sign ordinance until tne League of Minnesota Cities' study is completed. Blin then
asked for a consensus of the Commission as to whether these signs should be prohibited or
allowed with regulations on luminosity and frequency of inessage changes. Reese stated that
he is against electronic billboards but wants to look at reader board signs for gas station
prices. Hale agreed with Reese. Folch stated that she thinks the new electronic billboards are
attractive and she does not believe that they are a safety hazard, noting that she has talked
with other professionals at MnDOT and they are not really concerned about them being a
safety hazard, so she would hate to see the city completely rule them out. Thiede stated that
instead of prohibiting these signs, conditions could be placed on them. Brittain expressed con-
cern about regulating these signs. Reese asked if the moratorium could be extended. Blin
responded that the moratorium could go for a total of 12 months.
7.3 Park Dedication Fees
McCool summarized his memorandum on park dedication fees and asked for feedback from
the Commission as to whether the city should increase them. There was discussion on why the
city collects park dedication fees, the reason Cottage Grove has higher fees than Woodbury
and Hastings, and how park dedication funds are spent. It was the consensus of the Commis-
sion that a public hearing on increasing the park dedication fee to $4,200 be held in March.
7.4 East Ravine Development Update
Blin updated the Commission on development activities to date for the East Ravine, including
the schedule for utility and road construction. He dispiayed the plans for Ravine Parkway and
Jamaica Avenue. The discussion centered around the alignment of Ravine Parkway with
County Road 19; if there had been a traffic study on the effects of closing Military Road and di-
verting the traffic to Jamaica and 70th Street; if there would be traffic control devices at 70th
Street and Keats Avenue; the new intersection alignment at Jamaica and the western portion
of Military Road, which will have a continuous flow of traffic instead of a T intersection; the
speed limit proposed for Ravine Parkway. Blin then reported that the City Council held a work-
shop on February 21, where they determined that the Jamaica Avenue reconstruction project
would be pushed off for one to two years due to project costs. He also stated that the first and
second phases of the trunk sanitary utilities will be built this year, as well as the first segment
of the parkway through the McHattie Farms project. He noted that staff proposed that the addi-
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 11 of 12
tional 60 feet of right-of-way for Ravine Parkway would be provided as a credit against park
dedication requirements, because it is a linear park feature.
Approval of Planning Commission Minutes of January 22, 2007
Being that there were no correcfions or additions to the January 22, 2007, minutes, they
were approved as sent.
Reports
9.1 Recap of February City Council Meetings
Blin reviewed the items discussed by the City Council at their February 7 and 21, 2007,
meetings.
9.2 Response to Planning Commission Inquiries
None.
9.3 Planning Commission Requests
Reese asked for a clarification on the ordinance definition of an 85-foot lot front. McCool re-
sponded that the minimum lot width at the right-of-way line (front property line) is 85 feet. For
cul-de-sacs with pie-shaped lots, 65 feet of frontage at the right-of-way line is allowed with a
minimum of 85 feet at the 30-foot setback line. Reese stated that the plat approved this eve-
ning had lots Iess than 85 feet at the front property line but met the minimum lot width at 30-
foot setback line, and he wanted to ensure that the ciiy is consistent in applying that require-
ment. Thiede noted that the McHattie Farms proposal, which will be discussed next month, has
two large sections that have 76 feet of frontage. He asked if the city should let them know
before they come before the Commission that those lots need to be 85 feet wide. Blin noted
that the East Ravine plan does call out for less than 85-foot lots to a limited degree and they
are following that plan. There was further discussion about lot widths and densities in the East
Ravine.
Folch stated that the League of Minnesota Cities has been advocating that cities adopt a
resolution requesting a comprehensive road and transit funding bill be passed in 2007. She re-
quested that the City Council consider looking at such a resolution.
Brittain displayed a photo of the trash enciosure door at Walgreen's, noting that the material is
not maintenance free. McCool stated that the material is cedar and that is the gray look that
cedar gets without stain or preservation. Brittain asked if the city could require maintenance
free materials or a maintenance schedule.
Brittain then displayed a photo of the monument sign at Almar Village noting that it is a hodge-
podge of sign materials and asked if the city couid require higher quality materiais for
monument signs.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 26, 2007
Page 12 of 12
ACIJOUt"f1fT1e11$
Motion by Thiede, seconded by Hale, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously (6-to-0).
'The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.