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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11C New Oltman Middle School (02) City Council Action Request Form Meeting Date 8/10/2016 Department Community Development Agenda Category Regular Agenda Title New Oltman Middle School Staff Recommendation Adopt Ordinance No. XXX rezoning certain properties on an approximately 57-acre parcel from AG-2, Agriculture, to R-2.5, Residential; and adopt Resolution No. 2016-XXX approving the preliminary plat named New Oltman Middle School, and the conditional use permit and and site plan review applications for the proposed new Oltman Middle School. Budget Implication N/A Attachments Council Memo Ordinance No. XXX Resolution No. 2016-XXX Planning Commission Minutes Excerpt from 7/25/16 meeting Exhibits Traffic Study TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Charlene Stevens, City Administrator FROM: John McCool, Senior Planner DATE: August 4, 2016 RE: South Washington School (ISD 833) - Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project Introduction The City Council is requested to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation approving South Washington County ISD 833’s rezoning, preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review applications for the proposed construction of a new middle school to be named Oltman Middle School. The proposed new middle school site is located south of 65th Street and east of Geneva Avenue. The address for the new Oltman Middle School is 6625 Goodview Avenue. The proposed new middle school will have approximately 188,000 gross square feet of floor area with a student capacity of approximately 1,100 students and a future expansion design to accom- modate a total of approximately 1,467 students. Outdoor athletic fields, approximately 233 passenger vehicle parking spaces, 18 designated bus parking spaces, and future outdoor athletic fields with approximately 93 passenger vehicle parking spaces are also proposed. The location map for the proposed new Oltman Middle School project is shown below: Location Map Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 2 of 17 Review Process Application Received: June 2, 2016 Acceptance of Completed Application: July 8, 2016 Tentative City Council Date: August 10, 2016 60-day Review Deadline: September 6, 2016 Planning Commission Public Hearing On July 27, 2016, the Planning Commission held a public hearing for South Washington County ISD 833’s rezoning, preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review planning appli- cations for their proposed New Oltman Middle School project. At the public hearing, testimony was received from neighboring residential property owners who expressed concerns for the proposed roadway improvements to 65th Street and Geneva Avenue, the two proposed roundabouts on 65th Street, parking for school events, lack for landscaping along the south and west property boundary lines for future athletic fields, stormwater runoff, and outdoor lighting. Very little was discussed about the proposed new middle school building. The property owners north of the proposed middle school site expressed concerns that existing trees along 65th Street might need to be removed for the proposed roundabouts, roadway, and trail improvements. Tree removal will decrease the amount of screening along their property and allow more traffic noise to be heard. The property owner wanted to know where the property/right- of-way line will be to better understand potential impacts. Jennifer Levitt explained that the design for 65th Street and the proposed roundabouts has not been completed. Once more details are available, the City and/or Washington County staff will discuss the design with the property owners. Several landowners along the west side of Geneva Avenue (also named Lincoln Avenue in St. Paul Park and Century Avenue in Newport) expressed concerns for the proposed roundabout at the 65th Street/Geneva Avenue intersection, increased traffic on Geneva Avenue, future lighting for the outdoor athletic fields east of Geneva Avenue, their ability to see the proposed athletic fields, they objected to parking along Geneva Avenue, and they asked if their properties will be assessed for any of the proposed roadway improvements. City staff stated that parking is not proposed along Geneva Avenue, and Geneva Avenue will be a “rural” designed roadway (without concrete curb and gutter) and the proposed outdoor athletic fields are not planned to be lit. Be- cause the athletic fields will be elevated about 10 to 15 feet higher than the south property line elevation for the future athletic fields and the north half of the western field will be about the same elevation as Geneva Avenue, additional landscaping and/or earth-berms could be required. City staff informed the Planning Commission that the ISD 833 and City staff will continue to work to- gether to revise their landscape plan and incorporate specific language in the development agree- ment between the City and School District that addresses the final landscape plan and the timing when the landscaping will be completed. The Planning Commission also discussed the parking layout for the site. Some concerns were expressed for the lack of parking near the football/track, soccer, and softball fields along the east and north of the proposed middle school. The Planning Commission understood that passenger vehicle parking would be available in the bus parking lot during school activities that do not require Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 3 of 17 buses. Two areas closer to the athletic fields east and north of the school building were identified as potential parking lots that could be constructed if it is determined that additional parking is needed. Architectural design for the school building’s exterior was generally accepted. The Planning Commission unanimously (7-to-0 vote) recommended that the City Council approve the rezoning, preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review applications for the proposed new Oltman Middle School, subject to the 28 conditions in the planning staff report. Background Over the past year, ISD 833 has been exploring several properties in which to locate a new middle school that will serve St. Paul Park, Newport, the southwest area for Woodbury, and the northwest area for Cottage Grove. ISD 833 ultimately settled on the 57-acre subject property because of its proximity to the other aforementioned communities. The site is located in the northwest corner of Cottage Grove’s municipal boundary. 65th Street abuts the property on the north side of the site and Geneva Avenue is on the west side. Geneva Avenue is also the municipal boundary line between the City of Cottage Grove and the adjoining St. Paul Park and Newport communities. The west half of Geneva Avenue is also named Lincoln Avenue in the City of St. Paul Park and Century Avenue in the City of Newport. Planning Considerations Project Proposal ISD 833 is proposing to construct an 188,000 square foot (gross floor area) middle school on approximately 32 acres of land. The new school will include an auditorium and lecture hall with a seating capacity of approximately 450 people, an eight-lane modern swimming pool and seating area for approximately 300 spectators, classrooms on two levels, cafeteria, gymnasium with ap- proximately 450 seating capacity, all other ancillary rooms/offices, physical education fields, foot- ball/track field, approximately 233 passenger vehicle parking lot and 18 spaces for school bus parking. During special events at the middle school, the 18-school bus parking lot could accom- modate approximately 85 parking spaces for passenger vehicles. The student capacity for the first school building construction phase will be approximately 1,100 students. The first school year (2018-2019), occupancy is projected to be approximately 850 students. A future two-story, 38,600 gross square foot addition with classrooms, lockers, and restrooms can be constructed on the south side of the school building. This addition would be constructed in the future when additional student capacity is warranted. With this future addition, the student capacity would increase to approximately 1,467 students. Comparison of this new middle school with Cottage Grove Middle School and the existing Oltman Middle School is summarized below: No. of Passenger No. of Bus Parking School Name No. of Students Parking Spaces Spaces Oltman Middle School (existing) 137 14 677 Cottage Grove Middle School 163 13 1,192 New Oltman Middle School 233 18 1,100 Lake Middle School 162 14 1,269 Woodbury Middle School 186 17 959 Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 4 of 17 The proposed football field and nine-lane track facility is located in the southeast corner of the new Oltman Middle School site. A 240-foot by 360-foot soccer field and flexible playing field are located in the northeast corner of the school site. The flexible playing field west of the soccer field is closest to the access door on the east side of the locker rooms and gymnasium. Two softball fields are located north of the school building and east of the new city street named Goodview Avenue. The parking lot for school staff, volunteers, and visitors is on the west side of the school building. This parking area will provide 233 parking spaces for passenger vehicles. The parent/student “drop-off” lane will be between the passenger vehicle parking and bus parking lots and the school building. A 20-foot wide emergency lane extends around the north, east, and south sides of the school building. West of the school building, passenger parking lot, and bus parking lot are additional athletic playing fields that will be developed by the City in the future. These recreation fields will be located on Lot 2, Block 1 of the New Oltman Middle School final plat. In addition to the athletic fields, 93 parking spaces for passenger vehicles are proposed in the northeast corner of the site. The con- struction of a city street proposed to be named 66th Street South will be constructed with the first middle school construction phase. Sidewalks will be constructed along Goodview Avenue and 66th Street and around the perimeter of the new Oltman Middle School building and internal to parking areas. Pedestrian trails will be extended from the southeast corner of the school property (dead-ended Cattail Avenue), from the trail paralleling 65th Street, internal connections between athletic fields, and the school building and parking areas. The site plan for the proposed new middle school is shown below. Site Plan Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 5 of 17 Ordinance Criteria The ordinance allows public or private schools as conditional uses within the R-2.5 District, pro- vided that no building is located closer than 50 feet to any property line. The proposed middle school building is further than the 50-foot minimum requirement. The smallest setback is approx- imately 187 feet from the school building’s south wall to their south property boundary line and approximately 463 feet from the school building’s east wall to their east property boundary line. Maximum lot coverage of impervious surfaces is 50 percent within the R-2.5 zoning district. The impervious coverage for the 57-acre site is approximately 26 percent. Although the entire site is 57 acres, the school building, parking/drive aisles, football/track field, one soccer field, flexible playing field, and two softball fields cover approximately 31.8 acres of land (56 percent). Site Characteristics The proposed 57-acre New Oltman Middle School site consists of two taxing parcels (PIN 06.027.21.31.0001 and PIN 06.027.21.32.0002) that were previously owned by Bailey Nurseries, LLC. The property has street frontage along 65th Street (CSAH 74) and Geneva Avenue. The property was used for agricultural cropland. The site has a slight to moderate slope whereby surface water drainage flows to the south-central part of the site and continues in a southerly direction to 70th Street. Trees are almost non-existent on the property with the exception of deciduous trees and brush along common property boundary lines adjoining the proposed school site. An aerial photo of the proposed new Oltman Middle School site is shown below. 2005 Aerial Photo Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 6 of 17 Rural estate lots exist on the north, west, and south sides of the proposed middle school site. These rural lots have private water and sanitary sewer treatment systems. Urban residential lots serviced with city water and sanitary sewer are located east of the proposed school site. Comprehensive Plan The Future Land Use map in the City’s Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan designates the 57-acre proposed middle school site developing in the future as low density residential land uses. Other properties north of the school site are also designated as low density residential land. Churches, schools, parks, and other municipal essential services are allowed in residential neigh- borhoods. The future land use designation for properties south of the proposed middle school site are des- ignated “rural.” In the “rural” designated areas, the City generally does not plan to extend city water or sanitary sewer systems into those areas. Zoning ISD 833 is also requesting the City to amend the City’s Official Zoning Map to rezone the 57 acres of land from Agriculture (AG-2) to Residential (R-2.5). The R-2.5 zoning classification is an urban residential zoning district for unattached single-family living. Low density population densities that include community services such as public parks, schools, and religious facilities that commonly support residential neighborhoods are allowed in the R-2.5 District. The proposed R-2.5 District is the same zoning classification that exists for the adjoining Highland Hills and Pine Summit residential developments located northeast and east of the proposed middle school site. The R-2.5 District is consistent with the low density residential land use designation in the City’s Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan. It is recommended that the Planning Commission rec- ommend to the City Council to approve ISD 833’s rezoning application. Preliminary Plat The subdivision plat name for the new Oltman Middle School project is New Oltman Middle School. The gross area for this proposed subdivision plat is 57 acres. The property is located south of 65th Street and east of Geneva Avenue South. Additional right-of-way will likely be re- quired for 65th Street and the proposed roundabouts at the proposed Goodview Avenue/65th Street and Geneva Avenue/65th Street intersections. Land will also be dedicated for the 60-foot wide right-of-way for the new City street named 66th Street and an 80-foot wide right-of-way for Goodview Avenue South. The roadway for 65th Street is not centered on the north section line for Section 6. A 50-foot wide right-of-way dedication is proposed. This right-of-way dedication is approximately 50 feet south from the south roadway edge of 65th Street. The City Engineer finds the right-of-way dedications within this subdivision plat to be acceptable. All other drainage and utility easements for proposed and future city utilities will be shown on the final plat. The Public Works staff and City Engineer will continue to work with ISD 833’s engineer- ing consultant on finalizing the right-of-way and easement dedications on the final plat. The proposed 67th Street South street name for that east-west street segment is recommended to be re-named as 66th Street South. The ditch area south of the 65th Street roadway shoulder is required to be mowed the same time as when the grass area for the new Oltman Middle School property is mowed. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 7 of 17 Outlot A abuts and parallels 65th Street. This strip of land is approximately 2.1 acres of land and will be owned by ISD 833. Landscaping, earth-berms, and trail corridor will be within Outlot A. Outlot C is located in the northwest corner of the school site. This remnant parcel of land will also remain in ISD 833’s ownership. ISD 833 has no useful purpose for this remnant parcel and might consider selling the parcel to the landowner north of this parcel. The preliminary plat for New Oltman Middle School is illustrated below. Preliminary Plat for New Oltman Middle School Architecture The proposed building height will be 35 feet at the gymnasium; 30 feet at the pool, lecture hall, and classroom areas; and 25 feet at the cafeteria, kitchen, and music areas. The exterior wall for the two-story classroom/academic areas will be constructed with masonry exterior finish, alumi- num windows, decorative masonry brick, and glass. The exterior walls for the pool and gymna- sium will be precast concrete walls that will complement the masonry brick materials on the other exterior walls. These exterior materials will be similar to the exterior materials used at the Eastridge High School. A photograph of the exterior wall of Eastridge High School’s gymnasium is shown below. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 8 of 17 Photo of Eastridge High School’s Exterior Wall Materials The proposed new Oltman Middle School’s exterior wall elevations are illustrated below. Overall, staff believes the building is an attractively designed structure that is consistent with the other school buildings in the City. The materials are consistent with ordinance architectural stand- ards, and in staff’s opinion, will provide attractive views from the adjoining residential properties. The floor plan for the new middle school are shown below. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 9 of 17 Main Level Floor Plan Upper Level Floor Plan Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 10 of 17 Parking and Site Circulation Parking will be available for staff/visitors and buses. City ordinance requires one parking space per classroom, plus one additional parking space for each 100-student capacity. The school is designed (including future classroom expansion) for a student population of approximately 1,467 students and 50 classrooms within the school. There are an additional five special education rooms, such as computer rooms or music rooms. The site plan illustrates 233 parking spaces west of the middle school building. This number of parking spaces exceeds city ordinance mini- mum requirements. A comparison of parking spaces for other middle school facilities within the ISD 833 District is shown in the table below: No. of Passenger No. of Bus School Name No. of Students Parking Spaces Parking Spaces Oltman Middle School (current) 137 14 677 Cottage Grove Middle School 163 13 1,192 New Oltman Middle School 233 18 1,100 Lake Middle School 162 14 1,269 Woodbury Middle School 186 17 959 Eighty-five passenger vehicles could park in the bus parking area during special events/activities. These parking spaces would likely be used during events and activities that are held at the foot- ball/track field. The distance between the east end of the bus parking area and the southwest corner of the football/track field is approximately 400 feet. City staff had recommended that additional parking be provided northwest of the football/track field. The School District is reluctant to provide additional parking spaces in that general area at this time because it would reduce the amount of flexible playing field area and increase impervious surface area, and they did not want to move the outdoor athletic fields any closer to the existing residential properties located east of the proposed middle school site. The 20-foot wide emer- gency access drive along the north, east, and south sides of the middle school building will only be used for emergency vehicle access and parking passenger vehicles will be prohibited along this emergency access lane. The site plan shows the proposed traffic circulation for the site. Overall, the access drives and designated drive aisles for parking and student drop-off/pick-up appear to be efficient and safe for pedestrians. ISD 833 will instruct their bus drivers to access the new middle school site using the Geneva Avenue to 66th Street route. At the 66th Street/Goodview Avenue intersection, bus drivers will have the ability to make a right-hand turn into the bus parking lot with little impact to other pas- senger vehicles arriving and exiting the passenger vehicle parking lot or the student “drop-off” lane. The circular student drop-off lane will have two designated lanes for dropping off students along the west side of the main school building entrance. Students arriving on school buses will walk to the building entrance located at the southwest corner of the school building. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 11 of 17 If additional parking is determined to be necessary in the future, there are two potential areas near the middle school building that could provide additional parking. These areas are shown on the illustration below. Potential Areas for Additional Passenger Parking Grading and Drainage The site generally drains surface stormwater to the east and south. Most of the site improvements will require mass site grading, and the outdoor athletic fields will be graded to provide a gentle slope to drain excess stormwater off the playing fields. The highest point on the existing site is in the north-central area of the site at an elevation of approximately 970 feet above mean sea level. The first floor elevation for the school building will be at a 957-foot elevation. The soccer and football fields will have a 941-foot elevation in the center of the playing field. Drainage from the east half of the playing fields will flow east to the east property boundary line. A stormwater pipe and catch-basins already exist along this common boundary line, which were constructed at the time the Pine Summit residential subdivision was developed in 2001-2002. Natural drainage will continue to flow toward the east and south; however, the improved portions of the site, parking lot, and drive aisles will have a storm sewer piping system and catch basins that will direct stormwater runoff flows to the stormwater basins proposed along the south-central portion of the proposed school site. A stormwater management report (dated June 23, 2016 and revised on July 9, 2016) was prepared. Final review and approval of grading and drainage plans will be subject to approval by the City Engineer. The existing drainage plan and proposed grading plan are shown below. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 12 of 17 Existing Drainage Patterns Proposed Drainage Plan Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 13 of 17 Landscaping The landscape plan is generally consistent with the intent of the zoning ordinance in terms of the quantity and placement of the plantings. The overall tree and shrub plantings proposed by ISD 833 generally complies with the minimum landscaping requirements if the football/track field, soc- cer field, and two softball fields are not included in the land area tabulation for Lot 1, Block 1. All these trees are proposed to be planted on Outlots A and B and Lots 1 and 2, Block 1 in the New Oltman Middle School subdivision. The table below compares the number of trees and shrubs proposed to be planted with the minimum number of trees and shrubs required for Lot 1, Block 1 minus the athletic fields (net area equals 1,001,389 square feet or 23 acres). PROPOSED REQUIRED COMPLIANCE Deciduous Trees 334 329 + 5 Conifer Trees 159 285 - 126 Large Shrubs 144 600 - 456 Small Shrubs 328 600 - 272 The landscaping plan is shown below: Landscape Plan Not all the trees proposed to be planted on Lot 2, Block 1 will be required to be planted at this time, but will be completed by the City when the City completes the development of the proposed two soccer fields, three softball/baseball fields, and 93 passenger parking lot in the future. The development agreement between the City and ISD 833 will include specific details relative to the future development and maintenance of the proposed recreation fields, parking and trail/sidewalk improvements on Lot 2, Block 1 in New Oltman Middle School subdivision. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 14 of 17 Near the stormwater basins within Outlot B, the proposed ground vegetation will be more natural and not mowed as much. ISD 833 will be required to maintain the area around the stormwater basins, even though ownership of Outlot B is required to be transferred to the City. The City will be responsible for maintaining the storm sewer infrastructure that is not privately owned by ISD 833. An underground irrigation system is proposed for all sodded and mulched landscaped areas on Lot 1, Block 1. Lawn care and maintenance is required to extend all the way to the 65th Street roadway edge and to the curb of Goodview Avenue and 66th Street. The irrigation system shall be designed by a professional irrigation installer to meet the water requirements of the site’s specific vegeta- tion. The irrigation system shall also cover all the landscaping within Outlot A and included on the Irrigation Coverage Plan (Sheet L1.20). The Irrigation Coverage Plan as proposed by the appli- cant is shown below. Irrigation Coverage Plan Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways The proposed project is bounded by 65th Street (CSAH 74) on the north side of the proposed middle school site and Geneva Avenue on the west side of the project site. Washington County has jurisdiction of 65th Street and the City’s Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan classifies this County roadway as a major collector. With the proposed roundabouts at the Goodview Ave- Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 15 of 17 nue/65th Street and Geneva Avenue/65th Street intersections, additional right-of-way and tempo- rary construction easements will be needed from abutting landowners in order to complete the construction of these proposed roundabouts. The Washington County Public Works Department and City Engineer will continue to work together in finalizing the design of these roundabouts and acquisition of land necessary to complete the construction of these proposed improvements. Ad- ditional land is also needed along the north side of 65th Street (CSAH 74) to extend the existing bituminous trail located at the southwest corner of the Highland Hills neighborhood. The westerly extension of this trail along the north side of 65th Street is critical in providing a pedestrian walk- way to the Goodview Avenue/65th Street roundabout so pedestrians can reach the new middle school site. Goodview Avenue will be a new city street that will provide primary access to the new middle school. The dedicated right-of-way width for this segment of Goodview Avenue between 65th Street and the proposed 66th Street is 80 feet. The right-of-way width will provide three north- bound lanes connecting to the 65th Street roundabout and a southbound lane to the new middle school main entrance. As motorists (southbound) approach the 66th Street/Goodview Avenue intersection, one additional lane will be constructed on Goodview Avenue. This will allow motors to turn right and the second traffic lane will allow motorist to turn left or continue straight south into the middle school’s main entrance. 66th Street will be a new city street that will provide secondary access to the new middle school. The dedicated right-of-way width for this segment of 66th Street between Geneva Avenue and the proposed Goodview Avenue is 60 feet. This is the typical right-of-way width for local streets. ISD 833 plans to instruct their bus drivers to access the new middle school site using the Geneva Avenue to 66th Street route. At the 66th Street/Goodview Avenue intersection, bus drivers will have the ability to make a right-hand turn into the bus parking lot with little impact to other pas- senger vehicles having to access the passenger vehicle parking lot or the student “drop-off” lane. A concrete sidewalk six feet in width is proposed along the south side of 66th Street and east side of Goodview Avenue. Other concrete sidewalks internal to the site, particularly the connections between the passenger and bus parking lots and school building entrances will be provided. Bituminous trails eight feet in width will also be extended from Cattail Avenue (southeast corner of the middle school site), constructed within Outlot A in New Oltman Middle School subdivision (along the south side of and paralleling 65th Street), from the 65th Street trail to the school build- ing, and from various athletic fields (future development by the City) proposed on Lot 2, Block 1 in the New Oltman Middle School subdivision. The overall sidewalk and trail corridors will provide sufficient pedestrian walkways to the new school from existing and future residential neighbor- hoods. The dead-ended segment of Cattail Avenue lying west of Wildflower Drive will be abandoned. The dedicated right-of-way will remain in the City’s jurisdiction, but the roadway street section will be removed. A trail connection will be constructed from Wildflower Drive to the proposed trail seg- ments interior to the new middle school site. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 16 of 17 Lighting and Sign Plans The applicant has provided a photometric plan that depicts the projected footcandle limitations for outdoor lighting on the middle school property. Lighting for the outdoor athletic fields is not pro- posed. Outdoor lighting is proposed for building security and pedestrian safety within the parking lot areas, walkways, and the emergency access lane along the east side of the school building. This photometric plan shows that the outdoor lighting on the middle school site complies with city regulations. Plans for a free-standing monument sign have not yet been prepared. Such a sign will likely be installed on the New Oltman Middle School property. As a condition of approval for the conditional use permit and site plan review applications, ISD 833 will be required to comply with the City’s Sign Ordinance regulations for all signage proposed at this site. Utilities The proposed middle school 57-acre site is within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA). All city utilities in this vicinity provide the necessary capacities to serve this proposed middle school and future development in this general vicinity. The existing sanitary sewer and city watermain systems will be extended from the existing street stub (Cattail Avenue) located in the southeast corner of the middle school site. The westerly and northerly extension of these city utilities will be provide service to land in Cottage Grove north of the middle school site. Public drainage and utility easements will be dedicated on the New Oltman Middle School final plat. The City Engineer and/or Public Works Department have reviewed these utilities easements and their recommendations will be incorporated in the city resolution approving the final plat. City Department Review Representatives from various City Departments reviewed the proposed new Oltman Middle School project at the Technical Review Committee meeting on July 13, 2016. City staff expressed concerns for the lack of passenger vehicle parking along the east side of the Middle School build- ing, near the football/track athletic field. City staff understood that the 20-foot wide access drive along the east side of the school building will only be used for emergency vehicles. Additional parking spaces were suggested to be pro- vided near the football/track field or the private access drive paralleling the east side of the school building be widen so that parking motor vehicles on one side of the emergency access drive could be provided. The overall circulation of buses and passenger vehicles was found to be practical and supported the ISD 833’s desire to have buses enter the site from Geneva Avenue/66th Street so passenger vehicles could enter the site primarily from Goodview Avenue. The Public Works Department also recommended that the new city street (oriented east-west) along the north side of Lot 2, Block 1 be named 66th Street South. No comments or recommendations were received from other advisory commissions. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Charlene Stevens South Washington County ISD 833 – Proposed New Oltman Middle School Project August 4, 2016 Page 17 of 17 Neighborhood Meeting On June 30, 2016, ISD 833 held a neighborhood meeting at their District Center. Approximately 231 notices were mailed to surrounding property owners. The purpose of this neighborhood meet- ing was simply to advise neighboring residents of ISD 833’s plans to construct a new middle school and recreation facilities on the 57-acre site and the project’s tentative timeline for comple- tion of construction. The information meeting was well attended, and most attendees seemed to be okay with the overall layout for the new middle school. Most questions pertained to the possible Geneva Avenue and 65th Street roadway improvements and possible roundabouts at the Goodview Avenue/65th Street and Geneva Avenue/65th Street intersections. Public Hearing Notices The public hearing notice for the July 25 Planning Commission meeting was published in the July 13, 2016 issue of the South Washington County Bulletin. Notices were mailed on July 13, 2016 to 100 property owners that are within 500 feet of the proposed project. To date, no written com- ments have been received. Recommendation That the City Council accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation approving South Wash- ington County ISD 833’s rezoning application to rezone that portion of the 57-acre new Oltman Middle School site from AG-2, Agriculture, to R-2.5, Residential, their preliminary plat named New Oltman Middle School that creates two platted lots and three outlots, and the conditional use permit and site plan applications for the proposed new middle school consisting of approximately 188,000 gross square feet of floor area with a student capacity of approximately 1,100 students and a future expansion design to accommodate a total of approximately 1,467 students. In addi- tion, outdoor athletic fields, approximately 233 passenger vehicle parking spaces, 18 designated bus parking spaces, and future outdoor athletic fields with approximately 93 passenger vehicle parking spaces are also proposed. The recommended approval is subject to the conditions listed in the attached draft resolution. Approval of the New Oltman Middle School final plat and development agreement will be on a future City Council agenda for final action by the City. Attachments:  Site Plan  Existing Site Survey  Building Elevations  Floor Plan  Grading and Drainage Plan  Landscape Plan  Irrigation Coverage Plan  Preliminary Plat  Stantec’s Memo dated July 20, 2016  Traffic Study dated August 12, 2016 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o ORDINANCE NO. XXX AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 11-1-6, ZONING MAP, VIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED ON APPROXIMATELY 57 ACRES OF LAND (PID 06.027.21.31.0001 AND 06.027.21.32.0002) FROM AG-2, AGRICULTURAL, TO R-2.5, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO ALLOW A MIDDLE SCHOOL The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota, does ordain as follows: SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. The City of Cottage Grove’s Official Zoning Map as refer- enced in Section 11-1-6 of the “Code of the City of Cottage Grove,” County of Washington, State of Minnesota, shall be amended by rezoning certain properties with property identifica- tion numbers being 06.027.21.31.0001 and 06.027.21.32.0002 from AG-2, Agricultural, to R- 2.5, Residential District. Said properties are legally described below: The South Twenty (20) acres of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NW ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Six (6), Township Twenty-seven (27) North, Range Twenty-one (21). AND The Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Six (6), Township Twenty-seven (27) North, Range Twenty-one (21) West of the Fourth Meridian. Property is located in Washington County, Minnesota. SECTION 2. REZONING. The Official Zoning Map shall be amended by changing the zoning classification of the property legally described above from AG-2, Agricultural, to R-2.5, Residential District, based on the following findings: A. The property is guided for Low Density Residential. B. The R-2.5 District is consistent with the low density residential land use designation in the City’s Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan. C. The R-2.5 zoning classification is an urban residential zoning district for unattached single-family living. D. Low density population densities that include community services such as public parks, schools, and religious facilities that commonly support residential neighborhoods are allowed in the R-2.5 District. Ordinance No. XXX Page 2 of 2 E. The proposed R-2.5 District is the same zoning classification that exists for the adjoining Highland Hills and Pine Summit residential developments located northeast and east of the proposed middle school site. SECTION 3. SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191, in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. While a copy of the entire ordinance is available without cost at the office of the City Clerk, the following summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire Official Zoning ordinance: “The City of Cottage Grove’s Official Zoning Map (City Code Title 11-1-6) shall be amended by rezoning certain properties with property identification numbers 06.027.21.31.0001 and 06.027.21.32.0002 from AG-2, Agricultural, to R-2.5, Residential District. SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE . This ordinance amendment shall be in full force and effective from and after adoption and publication according to law. Passed this 10th day of August 2016. Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Joe Fischbach, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 2016-XXX RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT KNOWN AS NEW OLTMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL ADDITION, A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A SCHOOL IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT, AND A SITE PLAN REVIEW OF A 188,000 SQUARE FOOT MIDDLE SCHOOL TO BE LOCATED ON APPROXIMATELY 57 ACRES OF LAND (PID 06.027.21.31.001 AND 06.027.21.32.0002) WHEREAS, South Washington County Schools filed applications for a preliminary plat for New Oltman Middle School Addition, which consists of two lots and three outlots; and a conditional use permit and site plan review for the construction of a middle school building with approximately 188,000 gross square feet of floor area that will have a student capacity of approximately 1,100 students with a future expansion design to accommodate a total of approximately 1,467 students, outdoor athletic fields, approximately 233 passenger vehicle parking spaces, 18 designated bus parking spaces, and future outdoor athletic fields with approximately 93 passenger vehicle parking area, to be located on property legally described as: The South Twenty (20) acres of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NW ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Six (6), Township Twenty-seven (27) North, Range Twenty-one (21). AND The Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE ¼ of SW ¼) of Section Six (6), Township Twenty-seven (27) North, Range Twenty-one (21) West of the Fourth Meridian. Property is located in Washington County, Minnesota. WHEREAS, South Washington County Schools also applied for a zoning amendment to rezone approximately 57 acres of land (PIN 06.027.21.31.0001 and 06.027.21.32.0002) in the North one-half of the Southwest Quarter in Section 6 from AG-2, Agriculture, to R-2.5, Residential District; and WHEREAS, public hearing notices were mailed to surrounding property owners within 500 feet of the proposed New Oltman Middle School Addition preliminary plat and a public hearing notice was published in the South Washington County Bulletin; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held the public hearing on the zoning amendment, the New Oltman Middle School Addition preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review applications on July 25, 2016; and WHEREAS, the public hearing was open for public testimony and testimony from the appli- cant and the public was received and entered into the public record; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission unanimously (7-to-0 vote) recommended to the City Council the approval of the zoning ordinance amendment, preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review applications, subject to certain conditions. Resolution No. 2016-XXX Page 2 of 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council for the City of Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota hereby approves preliminary plat for New Oltman Middle School Addition, which consists of two lots and three outlots; and a conditional use permit and site plan review for the construction of a middle school building with approximately 188,000 gross square feet of floor area that will have a student capacity of approximately 1,100 students with a future expansion design to accommodate a total of approximately 1,467 students, outdoor athletic fields, approxi- mately 233 passenger vehicle parking spaces, 18 designated bus parking spaces, and future out- door athletic fields with approximately 93 passenger vehicle parking area,, located on the property legally described above, subject to the following conditions: 1. The New Oltman Middle School final plat is approved by the City and recorded at the Washington County Recorder’s Office. 2. All applicable permits (i.e.; building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical) and a commercial plan review packet must be completed, 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. 3. Final grading and drainage plans must be submitted to the South Washington Watershed District for review. The final grading plan shall meet the approval of the City Engineer. 4. Irrigation shall be provided for all sodded and mulched landscaped areas. Lawn care and maintenance must extend all the way to the 65th Street roadway edge and to the curb of Goodview Avenue and 66th Street. The irrigation system shall consist of an underground sprinkling system that is designed by a professional irrigation installer to meet the water requirements of the site’s specific vegetation. The irriga- tion system shall cover all the landscaping within Outlot A and included on the Irrigation Coverage Plan (Sheet L1.20). 5. ISD 833 must prepare a stormwater management plan for the two stormwater basins located on Outlot B. This plan must be submitted to the City for review and approval before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for the New Oltman Middle School. 6. Installation of landscaping shall occur in a timely fashion and be consistent with an approved plan. A letter of credit in the amount of 150 percent of the landscape esti- mate shall be submitted to the City as required by City ordinance. The financial guarantee shall be in effect for one year from the date of installation to ensure the installation, survival, and replacement of the landscaping improvements. 7. The applicant must follow the recommendations referenced in Stantec’s memoran- dum to Ryan Burfeind, dated July 20, 2016. 8. All site lighting must meet City Code requirements. All light fixtures must be down- ward directed with cut-offs. The specifications of all light fixtures must be provided with the application for a building permit. The light poles and fixtures shall be con- sistent in design and color throughout the project site. Resolution No. 2016-XXX Page 3 of 4 9. Final architectural plans, lighting details, and exterior construction materials and col- ors must be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of a building permit. 10. The grading and erosion control plan for the site must comply with NPDES II 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 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. The applicant shall be responsible for the costs for the City to inspect the site in relation to erosion control conformance. 11. The applicant must provide the City with an as-built survey of all private utilities prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy. 12. All mechanical equipment must be screened as required in Title 11-6-4 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance and consist of materials consistent with the principal building’s exterior materials and color scheme. 13. Trash enclosures must be constructed of building materials that are consistent with the principal building’s exterior materials. 14. The applicant shall be responsible for maintaining the sidewalks and removing snow and/or ice from sidewalks on the site. 15. Storm sewer pipe must be reinforced concrete pipe (RCP). 16. The applicant is responsible for removing debris from all adjacent public roadways during their grading and construction process. These streets shall be swept clean daily or as needed. 17. The applicant shall install a crosswalk on 65th Street that connects the bituminous trail along the north side of 65th Street (south of Highlands Hills) to the proposed bituminous trail within Outlot A in New Oltman Middle School subdivision. ISD 833 is responsible for construction all pedestrian ramps required by the City Engineer. 18. Rubbish, garbage, and recycling containers must be stored within an enclosed structure compliant with City ordinance screening requirements and shall be main- tained at all times so as not cause odors or other public nuisances. 19. The applicant must submit a stormwater management plan for the stormwater basins located within Outlot B in New Oltman Middle School subdivision. The City’s Public Works Department and City Engineer must review and approve the storm- water management plan before the development agreement between the City and ISD 833 can be approved. Resolution No. 2016-XXX Page 4 of 4 20. A pre-construction meeting with City staff and the contractor must be held before site work begins. The contractor shall provide the City with a project schedule for the various phases of construction. 21. One freestanding monument sign is allowed on the project site. The monument sign must not encroach on any public right-of-way and must comply with the City’s Sign Ordinance. The applicant must obtain a sign permit prior to installation of the free- standing sign. 22. The developer must enter into a development agreement with the City. The devel- opment agreement will address all matters relevant to public improvements associ- ated with the construction of the new middle school and must include details for the stormwater management plan for the stormwater basins in Outlot B in New Oltman Middle School subdivision, landscaping improvements on Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, New Oltman Middle School, and address the private access drive encroachment along the south property line of Lot 2, Block 1 in New Oltman Middle School. 23. ISD 833 must contact the City Forester for purposes of staking the location of all the landscaping improvements that are proposed to be placed in the public right-of-way. 24. ISD 833 and/or the adjoining property owners are responsible for maintaining and mowing the grass area within that segment of Cattail Avenue lying west of Wild- flower Drive. ISD 833 is responsible for the cost of removing that portion Cattail Avenue roadway, the barriers at the west end of Cattail Avenue, and the restoration of that portion of Cattail Avenue lying west of Wildflower Drive. 25. The new street with an east-west orientation located between Geneva Avenue and the proposed Goodview Avenue should be named 66th Street South on the New Oltman Middle School final plat. 26. ISD 833 is required to transfer ownership of Outlot B to the City by warranty deed. 27. Parking along 65th Street (CSAH 74) is prohibited. 28. The applicant must obtain an access permit from Washington County Public Works for construction and grading access. Passed this 10th day of August 2016. Myron Bailey, Mayor Attest: Joe Fischbach, City Clerk EXCERPT FROM UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF THE JULY 25, 2016, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6.2 New Middle School – Cases ZA2016-045, PP2016-046, CUP2016-047, SP2016-048 South Washington County Schools has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning of 57.14 acres of land located on the southeast corner of 65th Street and Geneva Avenue/Century Avenue from AG-2, Agricultural, to R-2.5, Residential; a preliminary plat to create a lot for a proposed middle school; a conditional use permit to allow a school in a residential zoning district; and a site plan review of the 188,000 square foot middle school. McCool summarized the staff report and recommended approval based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions stipulated in the staff report. Graff asked if there will be parking along Geneva Avenue and 66th Street. McCool responded that there have been discussions about allowing parking along one side of 66th Street, in the bus parking area. No parking is proposed along Geneva Avenue. Graff stated that she is glad that extra parking will be provided but she is concerned that during large events, this location does not have accessible street parking. McCool responded that the distance from the event parking and the bus parking area is about 400 feet from the east end of the bus parking area to the footballfield/track. Rostad asked if the emergency road going around the building would be wide enough to pro- vide parallel parking for special events. McCool stated that it will be school policy to prohibit parking along the emergency lane. It is 20 feet wide and could allow parking on one side but public safety has concerns that emergency vehicles might have a difficult time maneuvering along the emergency lane if other passenger vehicles were parked on the lane. If parking along the lane is proposed, the lane should be widened. The School District said it will be posted as “No Parking - Emergency Access Only.” Brittain asked if the area along the emergency lane could be widened in the future to allow for parallel parking. McCool responded that curb, irrigation systems, paved surface, and fire hy- drants would need to be removed and the area along the emergency land re-graded. Mike Vogel, Interim Director of Facilities and Construction for South Washington County Schools, 7362 East Point Douglas Road South, clarified that the name of the school will be Oltman Middle School once the building is open, and the existing Oltman Middle School will be converted to an elementary building as the home for the Nuevas Fronteras Spanish immer- sion program. He noted that the real estate closing was last Wednesday. Graff asked if walking paths will be incorporated on both sides of 65th Street with the round- about or only on the south side. Vogel responded that will need to be addressed by the City. He stated there are negotiations to put a path on the north side, but currently the plan only shows it on the south side. Levitt stated that the City does not have adequate right-of-way along the north side of 65th Street to construct a trail from the Highland Hills development to the roundabout. The City will contact the property owner. The City is also working with Wash- Excerpt from Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes New Middle School – Cases ZA16-045, PP16-046, CUP16-047, SP16-047 July 25, 2016 Page 2 of 6 ington County on the roundabout and 65th Street roadway design to see if a trail can be con- structed on the south side of 65th Street from the northeast corner of the new middle school site to Meadow Grass Avenue. Levitt said the existing terrain and rural roadway section along this section of 65th Street makes it challenging to make that trail connection. Brittain asked about the building schedule. Vogel stated that they would like to break ground in late October. They have a 22-month building timeframe, which will allow them to open the building in August 2018. Brittain opened the public hearing. Verene Posavad, 6193 65th Street South, stated that they have owned that property prior to the 1950s. She noted that they met with Vogel who explained the project to them in detail. She expressed concerns about access to sewer and water on their 17-acre property. Levitt stated that the City would be extending water service via 66th Street and Goodview to provide water main looping through the site for future development and will also provide sanitary sewer and water services down 66th Street to facilitate the 17 acres. Sanitary sewer will be extended to the roundabout area to allow future development north of 65th Street. Posavad asked if a zoning impact study had been done. She is concerned about increased traffic as it is currently difficult to get out of her driveway onto 65th Street because of visibility due to the elevation changes in the road. She does not want parking on 65th Street. John Posavad, 6193 65th Street South, expressed concern with how the plat is laid out for the roads, roundabouts, and walking trails. He pointed out that the roundabout protrudes into their property and farm field and the proposed trail on the south side will cut through their driveway. Posavad said nobody has contacted them about compensation for right-of-way, access to their field, and the impact and liability on their personal property from kids walking through and trespassing. He asked if the City has done an impact study. He then expressed concern about not having enough parking spaces and suggested adding the proposed future parking spaces now and getting additional easements on either 65th or 66th Streets for added parking. Levitt stated that the City is still working with Washington County on the ultimate layout and design for 65th Street. One option is roundabouts at Geneva/65th Street and Goodview/65th Street. At this time, 65th Street is a County road. The City and County are contemplating a potential “turnback” of that road from the County to the City. One of the challenges with this project is the right-of-way to facilitate the necessary turn lanes. The roundabout at Goodview most likely would only have three legs, it would not have the northern leg, which would minimize neces- sary right-of-way. The City needs to have a final agreement with Washington County on the roadway design before working to acquire the necessary right-of-way. Staff’s intent is to review the designs with the Posavads in conjunction with Washington County. The applicant’s engi- neer is here and could provide information on the traffic study that was conducted by SRF. Staff has reviewed the traffic study and didn’t find negative impacts to the area. The School District will be financially responsible for the traffic improvements being proposed to mitigate concerns and issues. Brittain asked about access to current farming activities. Levitt stated that 65th Street is a county road so any future access points would have to be approved by Washington County. Posavad pointed out the access point to one of their fields that is being taken away by a possible curb and walking trail. Brittain asked if that is a defined access point by the County. Excerpt from Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes New Middle School – Cases ZA16-045, PP16-046, CUP16-047, SP16-047 July 25, 2016 Page 3 of 6 Levitt explained that in rural sections farm access routes are permitted but are not defined access points on a technical spacing guideline. She believes the City can work with the appli- cant and property owner to provide access off Goodview due to safety considerations along 65th Street. Janet Neihart, 6751 Geneva Avenue South, stated that there are very few houses on the end of Geneva Avenue/Lincoln Avenue. She likes the rural characteristics in this area. She at- tended the neighborhood meeting on June 30 and was told parking might be constructed along the east side of Geneva/Lincoln Avenue for that section of roadway abutting the athletic fields. She and the neighbors south of the proposed athletic fields prefer a berm with trees to cut down on noise pollution and possible future light pollution. She is concerned about the round- about on 65th and Geneva because the hill on Geneva is treacherous in the winter to get up. McCool displayed the grading and landscaping plans. Dave Rey, Anderson-Johnson Associ- ates, 7575 Golden Valley Road, Minneapolis, explained the existing grades in the southwest and west side of the future athletic fields. Dey said they were contemplating putting in a retain- ing wall but with the layout of the grades and redesign since the School District meeting, a wall is no longer needed in that location. Neihart stated that at the meeting, they were talking about improving Geneva and putting curbs all the way down to the dead end of the road, but she doesn’t believe curbs are needed on a dead-end rural road and doesn’t want to be assessed for them. Levitt stated that they had contemplated putting 22 parking stalls on the east side of Geneva immediately adjacent to the ballfields to provide for additional parking with a turn- around at the south end, but based upon the analysis by the Parks Director, it was determined that the allotted parking in the parking lot and on 66th Street would suffice, so Geneva Avenue south of 66th Street would remain a rural section with the pavement width being a little wider. If curb and gutter was added, the property owners would not be assessed for that upgrade. Graff asked what the City and School District policy is regarding lighting for recreational fields. Levitt stated that there are no details yet regarding lighting the ballfields that would be under City ownership. Brittain asked if there would be some type of review on that in the future. Levitt responded yes. It could be at least five years until those fields are constructed. The review would be done by the Parks Commission and the City Council would make the final determi- nation. There would also be with a neighborhood meeting as part of that process. Verene Posavad asked about the size of the right-of-way on their property. Currently they have a continual line of trees and shrubbery setback five feet from 65th Street that provides privacy and noise protection. Levitt responded that the area referenced by Posavad is approximately 50 feet from the centerline of the road. The City, County, and School District will work with the Posavads to address their concerns. When the final design for the roadway is determined, those landscaping issues, tree removal, and grading limits would be negotiated. Brittain asked if a significant amount of landscaping was removed, would it be replaced. Levitt stated that trees and shrubs that are in the public right-of-way are typically not replaced but there would be negotiations regarding replacement for anything within private property. Tim Conrad, 410 Lincoln Avenue, St. Paul Park, stated that he met with the engineers from St. Paul Park and Cottage Grove and wanted to reiterate the questions he asked at that meet- ing. He expressed concerns about traffic issues, sight lines on the roads, difficulty going up 65th Street in the winter, school bus traffic, lack of parking, and lighting. He suggested that there should be a free right turn so westbound traffic west of the proposed Geneva/65th Street Excerpt from Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes New Middle School – Cases ZA16-045, PP16-046, CUP16-047, SP16-047 July 25, 2016 Page 4 of 6 roundabout are not entering the roundabout and taking away momentum from getting up the road. He also suggested that 66th Street be a one-way in only and that the buses would exit onto Goodview. During his discussion with the engineers, he talked about having parallel park- ing on the adjacent side of the ballfields with a little turnaround area so people would not exit 66th Street onto Geneva Avenue. If parking is allowed along the east side of Geneva Avenue, he suggested that a “No Parking” sign is posted on the west side of Geneva Avenue. He also like to see signage that says “no school/activity parking beyond this point” at the end of the little turnaround on Geneva Avenue because there aren’t any curbs on the narrow road and is concerned that vehicles will park on their yards or drive on their grass to turn around. He then expressed concern about drainage and water flow, which usually ends up in his yard. He asked that there berms be installed along Geneva instead of walls, which could deteriorate or be vandalized. He asked if the future ballfields would be left wild or rough groomed. Levitt responded that School District will grade the future athletic fields. The City will finish with topsoil and grass seed. They would probably be mowed twice a year. There will be street lighting on Goodview Avenue and 66th Street and at the Geneva and 66th Street intersection. No additional street lighting is proposed on Geneva/Century/Lincoln. Staff is currently review- ing turnaround options with the City of St. Paul Park. The City of Cottage Grove will continue to maintain and plow Geneva Avenue. Currently, there is a hammerhead at the end of Geneva Avenue for snowplows and garbage trucks to turn around. Regarding the drainage, condition #7 in the recommendations for approval addresses that issue. There are some modifications that need to be made to the grading plan for the southwest corner of the property that will provide the necessary pipe extensions and catch basins to improve the drainage. About 85 percent of the stormwater runoff would be contained in the storm basins on the middle school property. Levitt said work on the final design will involve Newport and St. Paul Park staff and will continue to work with those cities on parking. The final designs and layouts of the inter- section are still being studied. Levitt stated that she talked with Mr. Conrad about the free right turn and that is being studied also. The profile of the road has some challenges in the winter so we are looking at the road design but reducing some of those hills would have impacts on adjacent property owners. Conrad asked that any lighting on Goodview and 66th Street be downward directed so it does not impact the skies. Levitt responded that the light fixtures on Goodview and 66th Street would be an acorn-style, so there is a top on it to prevent light radiating upward. The City is also using more LED light fixtures, which provides better objectivity in forcing that light down- ward. Brittain asked if the lighting is the Eastridge Woods neighborhood is acorn-style. Levitt responded no, those don’t have the cap to provide the cut off. John Kooyman, 6749 Geneva Avenue South, noted that the elevations of the ball and soccer fields are going to be 10 to 15 feet higher wanted an earthberm with trees to provide screening. He asked if pine trees could be planted on the top of the berm at the field level. He then asked who is paying for the recreational area. Brittain asked about the landscaping between the soccer fields. McCool presented the landscaping plan, noting that trees are proposed to be planted on the slope below the fields. Kooyman asked that additional trees be planted on top of the plateau. Rostad asked if the construction of the school and the plantings would be done at the same. McCool stated that construction and plantings that would be on the school property, which is Excerpt from Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes New Middle School – Cases ZA16-045, PP16-046, CUP16-047, SP16-047 July 25, 2016 Page 5 of 6 Lot 1, will take place at the same time. As part of the development agreement between the City and School District, the plantings on the future athletic fields will also be addressed. Rostad suggested that planting the trees sooner than later will provide more time for them to mature. Levitt reported that any trees planted on the western half of the property are not re- moved during development of the ballfields and parking lot. It is the City’s intent to plant as many trees as possible around the two basins and to also figure out what can be planted along 66th Street that would not be impacted by future grading activities. Brittain asked who is responsible for completing the site improvements on the future field ex- pansions. Levitt responded that the future field expansions will be all City of Cottage Grove costs, with funding coming from the Park Trust Fund that are dedicated through development, or through the general fund or dedicated funding from revenue from our water tower leases. That will be a discussion by the City Council as we prepare the five-year capital improvement program (CIP). At this time, those future ballfields and soccer fields are not in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). Graff asked for an explanation of where the Park Trust funding comes from. Levitt responded that developers for new development either dedicate land or cash for future park development. Revenue from water tower leases with cellular companies was redirected towards park im- provements. The other option would be through the general fund, which would have a levy impact to the residents, but that is the Council’s last resort, as they want to be conscientious of the tax impact of park development. Kooyman asked if the ballfields will be paid for by the School District, prepped by the School District, and at some point sold to the City. Levitt responded that the details of the land trans- action would be outlined in the development agreement with the School District; the transfer of ownership has not been fully negotiated but at this time it is not anticipated that there is a fee associated with the land itself. Paul Seaton, 6690 Goodview Court South, stated that his property is south of the proposed school property. He asked about the status of the Clear Channel project for water runoff where property owners were asked to sign an easement to abate water runoff onto Highway 61. Levitt responded that the Clear Channel project was led by the South Washington Watershed Dis- trict, who was only able to construct the basin on the property that was immediately adjacent to Highway 61 (the former Wheels of Travel site) but was unable to do the improvements north of 70th Street because they were not able to secure all the necessary drainage and/or con- struction easements. She pointed out on the map the proposed stormwater basins on the proposed middle school property, noting that even though there will be additional impervious surface, the basins will provide rate control and water quality components, so the stormwater runoff into that ravine will be at a rate that is well below the existing rates. Conrad asked about berming along Geneva Avenue for the ballfields. He stated that the cur- rent farmland is about six to eight feet below the road surface and asked how the fields ended up ten feet above the road surface. Rey explained the grading plan and how drainage flows. At the northwest corner the land is five to ten feet lower than Geneva Avenue and in the south- west corner it is five to ten feet higher than Geneva Avenue with a matched grade point in the middle. As far as areas conducive for berming, the northwest corner slopes down rapidly to the field and would not be conducive to physical berms. He pointed out other locations they Excerpt from Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes New Middle School – Cases ZA16-045, PP16-046, CUP16-047, SP16-047 July 25, 2016 Page 6 of 6 could potentially do some berming. They could also plant some trees along that edge to pro- vide some screening and sound barriers. Gina Tester, 6775 Geneva Avenue South, asked why there has to be an entrance off of Geneva Avenue instead of having all the access points off 65th Street, which is more level. Levitt responded that the School District wants provide separation between bus traffic and motorists doing drop-offs, so the access off Geneva was proposed. Having several access points will provide multiple options for leaving the site, which disburses the traffic and provides efficiency when exiting. In addition, growth will happen in this area in the future, so intersection improvements will be necessary. There is a lot of growth in our residential market and this is the most economical time to make intersection improvements. Conrad stated that based on the last response it sounds like there won’t be any further dis- cussion on 66th Street being a one-way in. The roundabout is not going to make the intersec- tion less dangerous, especially if it is congested with traffic trying to get out and down a relatively steep hill in the winter. Levitt stated that city staff would not recommend 66th Street be a one-way; it is important to provide access to those 17 acres for their use or future devel- opment, and it would also impede the egress from the site. No one else spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing. Graff stated that she understands the desire to keep the area looking rural but the reality is that the owner sold the property. The Planning Commission has to take action on the applica- tions before us. The Commission has to work within the ordinances, and this use is allowed by the ordinances. She also pointed out that we’ve spend a lot of time discussing what ifs and what happens when the ballfields go in and how does the School District sell those ballfields to city and who pays for them, but that is not a part in deciding whether to approve the proposal. The Commission does not have a say in what the School District does with their property. Regarding the ballfields being transferred to the City, at other schools, the School District owns the fields and leases them to the City and that may end up happening here. Fox made a motion to approve the zoning amendment, preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and site plan review for the proposed new middle school, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Zopfi seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7-to-0 vote).