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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-23 PACKET 07.City of Cottage Grove Planning Commission October 26, 2020 A meeting of the Planning Commission was held virtually at Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on Monday, October 26, 2020, in the Council Chamber and telecast on Local Government Cable Channel 16. Call to Order Chair Khambata called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Boike called the roll: Bigham — Present; Brittain — Absent; Fisher — Present; Frazier — Present; Khambata — Present; Knable — Present; Rasmussen — Present Also present were: Ben Boike, Community Development Director; John M. Burbank, Senior Planner; Emily Schmitz, Senior Planner; Ryan Burfeind, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Steve Dennis, Council Member Approval of Agenda Frazier made a motion to approve the agenda. Bigham seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher — Aye; Frazier — Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen — Aye. Motion carried: 6 -to -0. Open Forum Khambata opened the open forum. Khambata asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission on any non -agenda item. No one addressed the Commission. Khambata closed the open forum. Chair's Explanation of the Public Hearing Process Khambata 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 addition, he explained the process of conducting a public hearing and provided information on how any person wishing to speak could participate in the virtual meeting. Public Hearings and Applications 6.1 Lot Split at 881 92nd Street — Case MS2020-044 8811 92nd Street, LLC has applied for a minor subdivision to divide an approximate 1.8 - acre parcel into a 1.2 -acres parcel consisting of the existing commercial building located at 8811 92nd Street South and a 0.6 -acre commercial developable parcel. Schmitz summarized the staff report and recommended approval subject to the conditions stip- ulated in the staff report. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 2020 Page 2 of 6 Mark Saliterman, 8811 92nd Street, LLC, stated that the proposed minor subdivision provides flexibility to develop that parcel and allow it to possibly be something different than the building behind it. Khambata opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Khambata closed the public hearing. Frazier asked if the existing building on the new Lot 2 would conform to all setback require- ments. Schmitz responded that the existing building on the new Lot 2 would meet the minimum standards. Khambata asked if future parking would meet the City's minimum standards. Schmitz re- sponded that one reason for the preliminary site plan was to ensure the minimum standards, including parking, would be met. The amount of parking is also dependent on the proposed use of the building, but she believes with what they have proposed they will be able to meet that minimum standard. Rasmussen made a motion to approve the minor subdivision subject to the conditions in the staff report. Khambata seconded. Rasmussen stated that while this is a small site, he thinks they are doing their homework and that this will get the City closer to a shovel ready site. Khambata agreed that this will expand the possibilities for the highest and best use for that property and offer more options for poten- tial end users. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher— Aye; Frazier— Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen - Aye. Motion carried: 6 -to -0. 6.2 61 Marine Lot Split — Case MS2020-046 61 Marine & Sports has applied for a minor subdivision to subdivide a 32.48 -acre parcel of land located north of Highway 61 and west of Highway 95 into two parcels consisting of 2.0 acres and 30.48 acres. The 2.0 -acre parcel would then be combined with the 61 Marine & Sports parcel to the east at 11730 Point Douglas Road South. Burbank summarized the staff report and recommended approval subject to the conditions stipulated in the staff report. Jay Feider, speaking for the applicant, Al Stewart from 61 Marine & Sports, stated that the staff report covered everything they are trying to accomplish. Khambata opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Khambata closed the public hearing. Frazier made a motion to approve the minor subdivision subject to the conditions in the staff report. Fisher seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher— Aye; Frazier— Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen - Aye. Motion carried. 6 -to -0. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 2020 Page 3 of 6 6.3 Glacial Valley Estates — Cases ZA2020-047 & PP2020-048 Donnay Homes has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning of 18.95 acres of land located north of the Military Trail Corridor and west of Keats Avenue from R-5, Medium Density Residential, to R-5, Medium Density Residential, with a PUD, Planned Unit Devel- opment, allowing for flexibility in development requirements. Donnay Homes has also ap- plied for a preliminary plat for a residential subdivision to be called Glacial Valley Estates, which will consist of 100 townhome units. Schmitz summarized the staff report and recommended approval subject to the conditions stip- ulated in the staff report. Paul Donnay, Donnay Homes, and Steve Bentkey, who works with him on developments and architecture stated that they would answer any questions. Khambata asked if this development would be similar to their development in Mississippi Dunes. Donnay responded that there would be three-bedroom units with 1,700 square feet. The architecture elements in this proposed development will be enhanced with stone and dif- ferent roof styles and siding types. Khambata asked about the market for these types of homes. Donnay responded that the ones they are currently building have been well received. He noted that the land for Glacial Valley Estates is more expensive so these will cost more than those in Mississippi Dunes, but will still maintain the price range. Khambata asked when they foresee having units in this development ready for sale. Donnay stated probably late next year. Khambata opened the public hearing. Jerome Knutson, 6520 Keats Avenue South, stated that he owns the tree farm on the east side of the Woodward Ponds development and has been working with Donnay for about six months on a series of unresolved issues. Khambata asked if he was the property owner who requested during the Woodward Ponds public hearing that a fence be installed. Knutson responded yes. He explained his concerns are about safety, which is why he requested a fence. He noted that he has not been told when the fencing will be installed. The second issue he has is about construction debris, and he was told by Donnay that M&I Homes, the builder, is responsible. He specifically wants that addressed. He then stated that the grade from his property to Wood- ward Ponds was drastically changed and asked how future erosion issues would be addressed. Khambata stated that he understands Knutson's frustration and suggested he communicate with the City on concerns regarding debris. He noted that typically fencing is installed at the end of the development due to final grading and landscaping. He suggested working with staff for finding an interim solution. Boike stated that staff will reach out to Knutson to discuss his concerns with the current development. Staff would also talk with the builder in Woodward Ponds about the construction debris. Donnay stated that the contract for the fence has been let. Donnay and Knutson discussed some of the issues that have occurred with the Woodward Ponds development, including the fence installation timeline, debris, and tree trimming. Knutson reiterated his concerns about safety and wants Donnay to commit to a time for fence installation. Khambata stated that staff will reach out to both Knutson and Donnay to work on solutions to these issues. No one else spoke. Khambata closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 2020 Page 4 of 6 Khambata stated that keeping sites clean and other issues are common with development. He stated that City staff will address those issues. Rasmussen stated that he believes Knutson does have legitimate concerns regarding safety and the debris issue. He supports installing a construction fence, which should help keep people out of the property and stop a lot of the construction debris. Khambata noted that while temporary fencing may not be aesthetically pleasing, if there are safety concerns and time is of the essence, a temporary fence might be the best option in the short term until the final grade and landscaping are finished. Rasmussen pointed out that it could be difficult to maintain a permanent fence during construction. Rasmussen made a motion to approve the zoning amendment and preliminary plat for Glacial Valley Estates, subject to the conditions in the staff report. Frazier seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher— Aye; Frazier— Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen - Aye. Motion carried: 6 -to -0. 6.4 Landscaping Ordinance Amendment — Case TA2020-043 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a zoning text amendment to repeal City Code Title 11-6-5, Landscaping Requirements, and replace it with a revised section, and repeal City Code Title 10-5-3(1), Street Trees, and include it in the landscaping section of the City Code. Schmitz summarized the staff report and recommended approval. Khambata opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Khambata closed the public hearing. Rasmussen stated that this proposed amendment seems to simplify and makes the ordinance easier to use and supports the application. Khambata agreed, noting that he likes that the ordinance language is being consolidated, which will make it easier for future applicants to understand the requirements for development. Frazier made a motion to approve the landscaping ordinance text amendment. Bigham seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher— Aye; Frazier— Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen - Aye. Motion carried. 6 -to -0. 6.1 CIP 2021-2025 — Case CP2020-050 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a comprehensive plan amendment to amend the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2021-2025. Burfeind summarized the staff report and recommended approval. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 2020 Page 5 of 6 Khambata opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Khambata closed the public hearing. Bigham made a motion to approve the comprehensive plan amendment amending the CIP for 2021-2025. Rasmussen seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher— Aye; Frazier— Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen - Aye. Motion carried. 6 -to -0. Discussion Items 7.1 Clear View Triangle Schmitz provided an overview on the memorandum regarding clear view triangles and asked for direction from the Commission. Khambata stated that the City provides pertinent information on fence installation. He likes that Cottage Grove does not require permits for fencing, noting that the City utilizes their Code Enforcement Division for any fencing issues. He noted that for new developments, staff works with the developers about where fence lines can be located along major roads. Khambata stated that after discussing this topic at the last couple meetings, he does not see a need to amend the ordinance. Boike stated that it is a concern for which a specific example was given. The biggest issues typically occur are where there is a trail directly adjacent to a rear property line, particularly on county roads. Generally county roads have a pretty extensive right-of-way line, and staff will pay close attention to make sure trails do not abut directly to rear property lines to limit any conflicts. Frazier asked how many properties there are in the City that abut three streets with or without a trail. Boike responded that typically these properties are along county roads or arterial roads where homes back up to those roads with the interior roadway in front of the house. Burfeind explained that the County's new stand- ard of a 180 -foot right-of-way leaves plenty of room for the different parts of that roadway, including trails. In addition, the City has been requiring buffers, such as HOA outlots, push the fence even further back. Khambata stated he is satisfied with what staff put together and it sounds like there is an action plan to mitigate any issues with future developments. Fisher asked if Brittain, who initially brought this topic up and is not present this evening, needs to be part of this discussion. Khambata responded that this is not a public hearing but an informa- tional discussion, and if Brittain has additional questions or comments, he would have the op- portunity to address them at a future meeting. Approval of Planning Commission Minutes of August 24, 2020 Fisher made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 24, 2020, Planning Commis- sion meeting. Rasmussen seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher— Aye; Frazier— Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen — Aye. Motion carried. 6 -to -0. Reports 9.1 Recap of October 2020 City Council Meetings Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 2020 Page 6 of 6 Boike provided a summary of actions taken at the City Council meetings in September and October, 2020. Dennis stated that he and Mayor Bailey hosted an Economic Development Forum, which is available for viewing on the City's Facebook and You Tube pages. He then stated that he would answer any questions from the Commission. 9.2 Response to Planning Commission Inquiries None 9.3 Planning Commission Requests None Adjournment Rasmussen made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Khambata seconded. Boike called the roll: Bigham — Aye; Fisher — Aye; Frazier — Aye; Khambata — Aye; Knable — Aye; Rasmussen — Aye. Motion carried: 6 -to -0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.