HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 05/07/1996 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1996 7:30 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
COUNCI AIEMBERS: Mayor Jean Harris,Ronald Case, Patricia.
Pidcock, Ross Thorfinnson, Jr., and
Nancy Tyra-Lukens
CITY COUNCIL STAFF: City Manager Carl J.Jullie, Assistant City
Manager Chris Enger, Director of Parks,
Recreation & Facilities Bob Lambert,
Director of Public Works Gene Dietz, City
Attorney Roger Pauly, and Council
Recorder Jan Nelson
ROLL CALL
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. All members were present.
PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING "SENIOR AWARENESS WEEK" MAY 11
THROUGH MAY 17, 1996
Mayor Harris read the proclamation proclaiming the week of May 11 through May 17, 1996, as
"Senior Awareness Week."
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITIEMS OF BUSINESS
Pidcock added item XI.A.1. STA Meeting on May 9, 1996. Hams added item
XI.A.2. Maintenance of Utffitj Flags in the Community.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfmnson, to approve the agenda as
published and amended. Motion carried unanimously.
If. OPEN PODII
III. MlNUTES
A. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL NZEMG HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1996
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to approve the minutes of
the Special City Council meeting held Tuesday, April 16, 1996, as published.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUF DA , APRIt 16, 1996
Case had two changes: Change paragraph 5 of page 9 to "...construction method
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 2
had been addressed."; Delete the last sentence of paragraph 2 of page 12 and
change the first sentence to "...out onto the street, but that this configuration of a
turned garage would address that concern."
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to approve the Minutes of the
City Council Meeting held Tuesday, April 16, 1996, as published and amended.
Motion carried unanimously.
C. COUNCEUSTAFF WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1996
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve the Minutes of
the Council/Staff Workshop held Tuesday, April 23, 1996, as published. Motion
carried with Pidcock abstaining.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. SOUTHWEST METRO TRANSIT HUB by Southwest Metro Transit
Commission. 2nd Reading of Ordinance 13-96-PUD-3-96 for PUD District
Review and Zoning District Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser on 8.5 acres;
Adoption of a Site Plan review on 8.5 acres and Approval of a Developer's
Agreement for Southwest Metro Transit Hub by Southwest Metro Transit
Commission. Location: South of Highway 5, north of Technology Drive and west
of Prairie Center Drive. (Ordinance 13-96-PUD-3-96 for PUD District Review
and Zoning District Change and Resolution 96-75 for Site Plan Review)
C. WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION by City of Eden Prairie. 2nd
Reading of Ordinance 18-96-PUD-5-96 for PUD District Review on 18.9 acres and
Zoning District Amendment within the I-5 District; and Adoption of a Site Plan
Review on 18.9 acres. Location: Southeast corner of Highway 5 and Mitchell
Road. (Ordinance 18-96-PUD-5-96 for PUD District Review and Zoning
District Amendment and Resolution 96-76 for Site Plan Review)
D. BEST BUY PARKING by Best Buy Company. 2nd Reading of Ordinance
19-96-PUD-6-96 for PUD District Review on 28.5 acres and Zoning District
Change from Rural to I-2 on 0.7 acres; Adoption of a Site Plan Review on 0.7
acres and Approval of a Developer's Agreement for Best Buy Parking by Best Buy
Company. Location: 10555 Northgate Parkway. (Ordinance 19-96-PUD-6-96
for PUD District Review and Zoning District Change and Resolution 96-77 for
Site Plan Review)
E. FLYING CLOUD BUSINESS CENTER by Opus Corporation. 2nd Reading of
Ordinance 20-96-PUD-7-96 for Zoning District Amendment in the I-5 Zoning
District and PUD District Review on 15.6 acres; Adoption of a Site Plan Review
on 15.6 acres and Approval of a Developer's Agreement for Flying Cloud Business
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 3
Center by Opus Corporation. Location: 6509 Flying Cloud Drive. (Ordinance
20-96-PUD-7-96 for Zoning District Amendment and PUD District Review and
Resolution 96-78 for Site Plan Review
F. PROCLAMATION PROCLAEVIING MAY 21, 1996 AS MARGE MCPEAK
DAY IN THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
G. APPROVE BID TO INSTALL RUBBERIZED FLOORING IN COMMUNITY
CENTER LOBBY
H. REQLMT TO APPROVE BID FOR MILLER PARK SHELTER
I. APPROVAL OF EASEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE AND
AM
J. AUTHORIZATION OF PURCHASE OF OUTLOT B FROM MIS
K. RESOLUTION 96-79 AWARDING CONTRACT FOR 1996 STREET
SEALCOAT, I.C. 96-5410
L. RESOLUTION 96-80 AWARDING CONTRACT FOR 1996 STREET
STRIPING, I.C. 96-5411
M. AWARD CONTRACT FOR DRUM VIBRATORY COMPACTOR, I.C.
96-5416
N. APPROVE PETIT RSON VS CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE SETTLEMENT
AGREFAEENT
O. RELEASE OF LAND - PERTAINING TO SPECIAL ASSESSMINT
AGREEMENTS WITH MASON HOMES, INC.
P. APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR WATER TREAD NT
PLANT EXPANSION AND AUTHORIZE BIDS TO BE RECEIVED, I.C.
96-5350
Q. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT WITH BE RPATR REGAR
SEWER AND WATER ACCESS CHARGES
Pidcock asked that item F, PROCLAMATION PROCLADMG MAY 21, 1996
AS MARGE McPE,AK DAY IN THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRID, be treated
as a separate item in order to give it special consideration.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Case, to approve items A-E and items
G-Q of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 4
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to proclaim May 21, 1996,
as Marge McPeak Day in the City of Eden Prairie. Motion carried unanimously.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. L UETOUCH CORPORATE HEADOUARTl♦RS by Lifetouch, Inc. Request
for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 109 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review on 16.22 acres, Zoning District Change from
Commercial Regional to Office on 9.6 acres, Site Plan Review on 9.6 acres and
Preliminary Plat of 16.22 acres into 2 lots. Location: Viking Drive and Prairie
Center Drive. (Ordinance for Zoning District Change and PUD District
Review, and Resolution 96-81 for PUD Concept Review, and Resolution 96-82
for Preliminary Plat)
Ted Koenicke, representing Lifetouch, reviewed the proposal for staged
construction of an office development on a 16.22 acre parcel.
Pidcock asked how many jobs will be brought into the City. Koenicke said Phase
1 construction will provide a building with 300-400 employees. It will be
consolidated from their current facilities in Edina and Bloomington.
Enger said the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at the April 8, 1996,
meeting and recommended approval on a 7-0 vote, subject to the recommendations
of the Staff Report of April 5th. As part of Phase 2 and Phase 3, the Commission
noted there should be discussion regarding no adequate justification for the
seven-level parking ramp. The Commission also recommended that waivers for
the building height and impervious surface be granted. Enger noted that the zoning
for Phases 2 and 3 would require a zoning amendment and site plan review prior
to building permit issuance.
Lambert said the Parks, Recreation&Natural Resources Commission reviewed the
proposal at their April 15, 1996, meeting and recommended approval on a 7-0
vote, per the Planning Commission report, the Supplemental Staff Report of April
10, 1996, and the additional recommendation that a five-foot concrete sidewalk be
built on the north side of Viking Drive. The Parks Commission had extensive
discussions regarding the shoreland variances, stormwater drainage and the cash
park fees. There are no cash park fees required because of a 1976 agreement with
Condon-Naegele.
Pidcock asked if Southwest Metro has reviewed this proposal. Enger said they
have.
There were no comments from the audience.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to close the Public
Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL AIINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 5
Regarding the shoreline variance request, Case was bothered by yet another waiver
for variance on shorelines. He could see some differences between this project and
projects on other locations; however he would like to put future developers of
lakeshore property on notice that they cannot count on his vote for variance.
Pidcock said she also had some concerns about the variances; however, she feels
the Parks Commission did an excellent job of touching on the issues of concern.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve 1st Reading of
the Ordinance for Zoning District Change from Commercial Regional to Office on
9.6 acres and PUD District Review on 16.22 acres; to adopt Resolution 96-82 for
Preliminary Plat approval of 16.22 acres into two lots; to adopt Resolution 96-81
for PUD Concept Review on 109 acres; and to direct Staff to prepare a
Development Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. EDEN PRAIRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH by Eden Prairie Presbyterian
Church. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Low Density
Residential to Public on 12.18 acres, Site Plan Review on 12.18 acres, Zoning
District Change from Rural to Public on 12.18 acres and Preliminary Plat of 12.18
acres into one lot and road right-of-way. Location: Pioneer Trail and County
Road 4. (Ordinance for Zoning District Change, Resolution 96-83 for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change and Resolution 96-84 for Preliminary Plat)
Becky Lennon, representing Eden Prairie Presbyterian Church, reviewed the
project and noted that Eden Prairie Presbyterian has been a member of the
community for 140 years. She said they are asking for a waiver of the park
dedication fees.
Gary Tushie, architect for the project, reviewed the building and site plans.
Enger said the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at the April 8, 1996,
meeting and recommended approval on a 7-0 vote, subject to the recommendations
of the April 5, 1996, Staff Report. He noted there was a question at the Parks
Commission meeting regarding the building height of 38 feet; however the project
meets the code requirements with regard to height, landscaping and building
materials.
Lambert said the Parks Commission reviewed the proposal on April 15, 1996, and
recommended approval on a 7-0 vote, subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report. He said they discussed the cash park fees and the drainage plan. City
code does not allow cash park fees for churches, so a waiver is not required for
this. If the church decides to develop a portion of the property into residential at
a later time, they would be charged the cash park fee at that time.
There were no comments from the audience.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 6
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Case, to close the Public Hearing; to
approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for Zoning District Change from Rural to
Public on 12.18 acres; to adopt Resolution 96-84 for Preliminary Plat approval of
12.18 acres into one lot; to adopt Resolution 96-93 for Comprehensive Guide Plan
Change from Low Density Residential to Public on 12.18 acres; and to direct Staff
to prepare a Development Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff
recommendations.
Case asked if Prairie Lutheran Church paid a cash park fee when their lots were
sold off. Lambert said they did.
Thorfinnson asked if there has been resolution regarding the issue of driveway
access for the house to the north of the property. Tushie said they have agreed
with the homeowner to provide access out of the church driveway but they do not
have an engineering drawing for that as yet.
VOTE ON THE MOTION: Motion carried unanimously.
C. STARING LAKE TOWNHOMES by Pulte Master Builders. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Low Density, Medium Density, and High
Density and Office to Medium and High Density Residential and Office on 88.5
acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 and RM-2.5 on 38.5 acres,
Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 88.5 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review on 38.5 acres, Site Plan Review on 38.5 acres,
Preliminary Plat on 38.5 acres into 394 lots, and EAW review. Location:
Anderson Lakes Parkway and Hwy. 169. (Resolution for Comprehensive Guide
Plan Change, Ordinance for Zoning District Change from Rural to RM 6.5
and RM 2.5 and PUD District Review, Resolution for PUD Concept Review,
Resolution for Preliminary Plat)
7ullie said notice of this Public Hearing was published in the Eden Prairie News
on April 25 and was mailed to 35 property owners.
Thomas Stanke and Ron Bestyr, representing Pulte Homes, reviewed the project
and the site plan. There will be 692 units in the development with three different
townhouse products offered: villa homes; court homes; and club homes. At this
time they are requesting rezoning for the southern half of the property with 420
units proposed. Bestyr reviewed the sight lines for the project, noting that there
will be substantial plantings on the berms which will change the sight lines.
Pidcock asked about the plantings on the berms. Bestyr said most of the trees will
be coniferous that will grow up to 40 feet in height, and there will be
machine-moved trees that are 10 - 18 feet tall when they are planted.
Pidcock asked what areas of the City have similar types of berms. Enger said the
CrrY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 7
Hartford project north of the Preserve is an example, as are Eden Place and
Fountain Place apartments.
Case asked if Pulte has experience in building models other than the court and club
styles. Stanke said they have built those two models in other areas, and they have
experience building single family homes. Case then asked if they have a more
expensive townhouse model. Stanke said their experience shows that their market
of retirees and empty nesters are willing to spend in the price range Pulte is
proposing for this development. Case asked Enger if there are townhomes on the
corner of County Road 4 and Pioneer Trail. Enger said those are twin homes at
$230,000 and up.
Tyra-Lukens asked if there are two roof types for each type of unit. Stanke said
there will be two roof variations as well as two siding variations.
Enger said the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at their March 24,
April 8, and April 22, 1996, meetings and recommended approval of the request
at the April 22nd meeting on a 6-0 vote, per the revised plans of April 19 and the
recommendations of the Staff Report of April 19, 1996, with the exception that
items 4 and 5 referring to Alternative 2 would be struck from the recommendations
and with the additional recommendation that there be a more defined trail through
the court and club home neighborhood to provide access to the park. He noted the
project provides for affordable housing, and the traffic projections indicate less
traffic than the Guide Plan and Alternative 2 and also less than the original plan.
The setbacks are three times greater than required by code, and there is 60% open
space. Staff believes the berms are too high along Staring Lake Park and Anderson
Lakes Parkway and recommend that they be lowered. A waiver will be required
from the minimum lot size. Phase 2 will require rezoning for site plan review.
Lambert said the Parks Commission reviewed the project on May 6 and voted 6-0
for approval, subject to the following changes: Developer to remove the public
mini-park and make it optional to relocate within the complex; Developer to
maintain a 200-foot wide conservation area in a natural condition between the
NURP pond and any development; A sidewalk be built along the loop street to
provide safe pedestrian movement.
Tyra-Lukens asked about the staff recommendation to lower the berms. Enger
replied Staff feels the project would be more interesting if the berms were
undulating.
Tyra-Lukens asked Lambert the approximate cost to build a mini park. Lambert
said it would be$150,0004175,000 without the land.
Case asked if it is typical that the developer would put in a tot lot or two. Lambert
said the City can require a mini-park with tot lot or playground equipment and a
tennis court when there are high density and medium density units and the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 8
development is outside the service area of neighborhood parks. Case thought it
would be reasonable to ask the developer to put in a tot lot or two.
Tyra-Lukens asked if there was discussion regarding traffic along Columbine,
especially traffic from Hennepin Technical trying to avoid Hwy. 169. She asked
if the intersection at Hwy 169 was a higher grade than the one at Anderson Lakes
Parkway. Enger said the intersections would continue to operate at level service
D after this development is built with no further improvements. He said the signal
at the Hennepin Technical intersection operates at level service A and provides a
free-flowing condition, and the developer has changed the plans to orient more
units down to that signal. Columbine is an important connection north to Prairie
Center Drive in the future, and it will be important to signalize the intersection
with Fountain Place.
Thorfinnson suggested we could restrict some left turns onto Columbine at certain
times. Enger said we could look into that.
Dennis Davey, 8935 Pine Bluff Ct., said he has personal issues with the project
and is also the representative of a 200-member homeowners association. A survey
of his neighborhood showed that all of the participants were opposed to the
development. They have long term concerns about the private roadways and how
the homeowners association in the development will be able to plan for long term
maintenance of such things as parking areas. He was also concerned about traffic,
the additional load put on Staring Lake Park, and the common driveways.
Maurizio Gramigni, 8940 Hilloway Road, thought the development would
segregate the affordable housing in the City, and we should not concentrate low
income housing in one area. He asked about the plans for affordable housing in
the City. Harris noted that we have a plan for affordable housing and we do not
consider this low income housing, rather it is affordable housing and life cycle
housing. Gramigni asked for a copy of the plan for affordable housing, and then
asked the Council to prove Eden Prairie is not segregated by not approving this
plan.
Gene Kopyar, 8937 Hilloway Road, was concerned about long-term management
of the project. He presented a petition against the development. He said the
number one problem with homeowners associations today is inadequate cash flow,
and he was concerned that this association would encounter that problem. He was
also concerned about the impact of airport noise.
Steve Bennett, 14631 Queens Trail, questioned the projected number of children
per unit at .21, noting that there will be no recourse once the proj ect is in place and
the projections are wrong.
Deb Dow, 14382 Starwood Circle, distributed a petition from some property
owners. Her main concern was the impact the development will have on the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 9
schools, particularly the impact on Cedar Ridge Elementray and the long-term
effects on schools and education in Eden Prairie. She was also concerned the
figures on the number of school-aged children are too low.
Robert Campbell, 15560 Edgewood Ct., thought it was outrageous that a project
of this scope is being dropped into this location.
Karen Tinucci, 9187 Victoria Drive, would like to see the project happen but not
at this magnitude. She thought the proponent could work with the Douglas
Corporation to subdivide and retain the commercial/retail development between
Columbine and Hwy. 169, while developing the rest as residential. She would like
to see some of the property used for parking at the new pool being built at the
Intermediate School.
Harris said that parking is not part of the current plan, but the Council may address
the issue. She noted the Planning Commission is appointed by the Council from
volunteers who serve on the boards and commissions. They represent the citizens
of the community, and they have contributed a great deal to the way Eden Prairie
is today.
Tinucci asked how many residential units could be put in the area between
Columbine and Staring Lake. Franzen replied there could be 740 units built in that
area.
Larry Berger, 8780 Flesher Cir., said the Metropolitan Council told him that the
affordable housing quotas are just suggestions. He thought we are not giving
people choices by forcing them to live in this large project, rather they should be
dispersed into the community. He was also concerned about safety issues.
Ann Pitzer, 8820 Flesher Cir., was concerned about the environmental impact,
especially the impact on the quality of water in Staring Lake. She thought Pulte
should be able to buy all the land in one purchase. She said we, as citizens, are
telling you this is not what we want.
Jody O'Connor, 8270 Mitchell Road, would like to see the project proceed. We
do need this type of housing, and that need is not going to go away. She thought
this was a very positive step towards developing this property. She thought the
units are too small for a large number of children in one unit. She noted that there
are no associations for many single family residential areas, and many of them
need maintenance or landscaping. There are not a lot of affordable lots in Eden
Prairie so we do not have a lot of options for placing affordable housing.
Jim Hokanson, 8979 Ferndale Lane, thought we should consider a mixed use for
this property by keeping a number of these units but adding a strip mall and office
building that won't put the same pressures on the City. He thought this is not
elderly housing, but it is possibly "empty-nester" property. He was frustrated at
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 10
the Planning Commission meetings, and he thought we must decide if it is good for
the community and then do it, otherwise don't.
Steve Swanson, 14183 McCoy Court, said the project is too large--it will be 3-1/2
times bigger than the biggest townhome development in the City. He was
concerned about who will live in these homes over the long term. He thought we
should be very cautious before we change the Guide Plan, and reguiding this
property will improperly favor this property owner. He noted there have been very
few exceptions to the commercial use of areas around Hwy. 169. He thought it
was not logical to develop the property from the south to the north and was
concerned about possible ulterior motives for developing the northern portion of
the property. He reviewed numbers that contradicted the traffic estimates
presented by staff. He thought there were errors in the EAW
Mary Ann McDonough, 8971 Garland Ct., said they have no information about
how this project fulfills the objectives and goals proposed by the City for
affordable housing. She thought we should wait on this project as she thought it
was a solution presented before the problem was defined. She was concerned
about the definition of affordable housing.
Harris noted we are not looking at this project as a solution to provide a spectrum
of housing in this community. The plan includes principles and criteria that guide
further development.
Paul Olson, 8899 Flesher Cir., presented figures on how this project could be one
that the opponents could be comfortable with and questioned that the developer
could not make a profit without building this many units.
Karen Sell, 8796 Flesher Cir., was concerned that the recommendations from the
DNR and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services were not included in the Parks
Commission packets. She questioned whether this is the proper placement of the
NURP pond. She was also concerned about the placement of the park in an area
that is environmentally sensitive according to the U.S. Interior Department. She
urged the developer to incorporate recreational areas into the project so that Staring
does not become the neighborhood park for the project.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to close the Public
Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Thorfinnson asked if there will be an association for each of the three types of
housing. Stanke said that was correct.
Thorfinnson asked if we are proposing to provide access to the park to people
outside the development and, if so, what kind of access. Lambert said that will
depend on what is approved. Staff recommended locating the park on top of the
hill, and the developer moved it down the hill. Staff had concerns about moving
it to the proposed location because of its proximity to the NURP pond. As
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 11
proposed, the access would come from a trail proposed to come off the loop street
trail. The trail would then connect to the Staring Lake Parkway trail.
Thorfinnson asked if Pulte would build the park and the City would maintain it.
Lambert said the proposal is that Pulte will build the park with 50% of cash park
fees, and the City would then own and maintain the park.
Thorfinnson asked if the Guide Plan would allow a maximum of 740 units on the
area west of Columbine. Enger said that is the maximum density that could be
allowed by the zoning ordinance and was based on the possibility of an apartment
project. Franzen reviewed the zoning designations on the property and the number
of units and square footage possible for the designations.
In reference to the concerns about affordable housing expressed, Thorfinnson said
the City did not seek out Pulte to develop the property as affordable housing. As
Chairperson of the Housing, Transportation and Social Services Board,
Thorfinnson said he is very involved in that group's dealing with our commitment
to affordable housing. He said the Council has approved some basic strategies that
will guide us in the process, and the Board is developing an action plan that will
guide us over the course of the next several years to the point where we will
encourage all developers to participate in the goal of 30% of the ownership housing
as affordable housing. He noted the definition of affordable housing was set by the
Met Council and is currently set at $115,000, a figure which is not low income
housing by any stretch of the imagination.
Thorfinnson said he toured the club homes Pulte built in Woodbury and noted there
was no one under 60 looking at those homes. He also noted that the townhomes
would be very crowded if there were more than one or two children in them. He
thought this is the time for such a project.
Thorfinnson was concerned about the placement of the NURP pond and the
placement of the park. He was not in favor of exchanging park fees for park land
and was not in favor of the ongoing maintenance of the park being done by the
City.
Pidcock thanked all of the people in the neighborhood who worked together on the
project review. She thought the project is market driven and helps to take care of
the needs of all of our residents. She was concerned that the governing structure
of the associations has been addressed satisfactorily. She noted it is not unusual
to have a residential area near major streets or roadways. She thought there is a
great need for one-level townhouses. She would like to'see some green space on
the east side of Columbine Road. She was offended by the term "kids in the
project" and thought this would be an area for people to live in dignity and peace.
Harris asked how many units there are in the Preserve. Enger replied there are
about 5000 residents in the Preserve in 2000 units.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 12
Harris asked when we will be done with the EAW. Franzen said the EAW has
been prepared and distributed to the 25 different agencies as required. We have
responses that have listed a number of questions and need to respond to those. The
questions were in regard to Purgatory Creek and the shoreline ordinance. The
U.S. Fish & Wildlife questioned the slope area. Harris asked if we are in the
process of addressing the issues but have not completed the EAW. Franzen said
that was correct.
Harris noted that the Preserve is a sizable development that is managed by an
association. She thought the density was similar to what one would see on a
traditional City block or in European cities. She thought it was the maximum
utilization of space.
Harris said the issue of the parks is shared by everybody; however, the City is
being built to accommodate 65,000-70,000 people and the schools have also
planned for those numbers. She wanted to see the issue of the "small city"
enclosed within the berms addressed and she also wanted to make sure all of the
concerns expressed in the EAW are addressed. She was concerned about the
"sameness," but thought changes in the roofs and colors would help. She would
like to have greater variety offered within the neighborhoods.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to extend the meeting to
12:00 a.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Tyra-Lukens said she is hearing a lot of comments from citizens that are
opposed to the project and she has talked to people in all part of the community.
She thought the density is not an issue but the extent of the project is an issue.
This is not scattered site housing, and this is not wise. She said it segregates
people to this area, and there is no sense of community designed into the plan.
Tyra-Lukens was concerned about increased traffic in an accident reduction
area. She had concerns about making Guide Plan changes for such a massive
project. She had problems that this is being proposed on the most expensive
land in Eden Prairie and she thought we should put some affordable housing on
less costly land so there can be more green space. She believes we are
sacrificing livability for affordability.
Case was sensitive to all the concerns expressed and he, too, believes there are
concerns with the project. He thought the project has become extremely tangled
with tangent issues. He is passionate about bringing new affordable housing
into Eden Prairie, and he would prefer to see the current plan worked on. He
thought it is essential to have it perceived by everybody as successful.
Case believed the following concerns need to be addressed: Lower the number
of units; Add one additional townhome product to enhance the diversity;
Provide variants to the exteriors; Accommodate some sort of parking lot at the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 13
entrance to the Oak Point lower parking lot; Signalize the intersection at
Fountain Place; Add two small tot lots and maybe a tennis court in the project
at the developer's expense. He was not comfortable with giving up the cash
park fees and supported the Planning Commission's rejection of Alternative 2.
Thorfinnson said the 200-foot conservation area would have to be part of what
happens and agreed that we need to look at the parking. He asked about the
staging of the project and if we are approving the whole project. Enger replied
we are approving the Guide Plan and PUD concept approval for the entire
proposal, and rezoning of the southern half of the property. The rezoning of
the northern portion would come back later this year.
Thorfinnson was concerned that the documents were not forwarded to the Parks
Commission as they should have been. Regarding the concerns expressed about
the process, he said the Planning Commission has a harder job than the Council
does because they have to wade through a lot of the development process before
it gets to the Council. The Commission is made up of hard working and honest
citizens; however, he knew there are concerns about the process and procedures
and we have been discussing the development process and where the citizens
can get involved in the process. He thought we may need some changes so
people feel more a part of the process and know when they can have input.
Harris suggested we continue the Public Hearing to a future date to give Staff
and the developer time to revise the project. Pidcock suggested continuing it to
June 4, 1996.
•Case said he was confused about the zoning. He asked if the northern section
could end up with a higher density than we are considering now. Enger said the
request is for a zoning of the southern half of the property at this time with a
concept approval on the entire piece. He said the alternative would be to leave
the northern half as the Comprehensive Guide Plan shows it. They would have
to return to the Council for rezoning.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to reconsider the motion
to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
VOTE ON THE MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING: Motion
failed unanimously.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to continue the Public
Hearing to June 4, 1996. Motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney Pauly said the clock is running on the EAW and we should
extend the EAW for an additional 30 days.
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to extend the EAW by
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 14
30 days. Motion carried unanimously.
Harris advised staff and the developer to take due note of the Council's
concerns expressed tonight when they work on the revisions to the project.
VI. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Case, to approve the Payment of Claims as
submitted. Motion carried on a roll call vote, with Case, Pidcock, Thorfmnson,
Tyra-Lukens and Harris voting "aye."
VII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION 96-85 APPROVING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICY
&PROCEDURES MANUAL
MOTION: Thorfmnson moved, seconded by Tyra-Lukens, to adopt Resolution
96-85 approving the Eden Prairie Fire Department Policy and Procedures
Manual as recommended by staff. Motion carried unanimously.
VIII. PETITIONS, REQJMTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
IX. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
X.
A. FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION- Appointment
of one member to fill an unexpired term to 3/31/98
Thorfinnson nominated Carlo Amato
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to close the nominations
and to cast a unanimous ballot for Carlo Amoto to fill the unexpired term on the
Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
XI. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Due to the lateness of the hour, 7ullie suggested the Council move to item M. C. 2. to
accommodate those in the audience who were present for that item.
C. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION & FAC_ILITEES
2. Request- from Girls Softball Association to Accept Donation of Scoreboards
for Balifields at Miller Park
Referring to the Staff Report of May 7, 1996, Lambert said the ballfields at
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 15
Miller Park were wired for scoreboards when they were constructed. The City
agreed to do the installation if the scoreboards were donated. He said the cost
to install eight boards is $9100. The Girl's Softball Association is anxious to
get them installed this year in time to host a national championship in August.
The scoreboards proposed would contain advertising for SuperAmerica., the
purchaser of the boards. The City has had a policy prohibiting advertising in
the City parks since the 1980's. The Parks Commission reviewed the proposal
and, on a 4-1-1 vote, recommended the donation be rejected due to the
advertising on the scoreboards.
Pidcock asked if anyone has gone back to the donor to see if they would
consider reducing the advertising. Lambert reviewed changes staff has
proposed to make the advertising less conspicuous. Representatives of the
Softball Association said they have not approached SuperAmerica with the
request to change the advertising.
Tyra-Lukens did not have a problem with the advertising because the policy was
made at a time when we had more money for parks. She asked if we need to look
at this in terms of the donation policy we came up with and possibly develop with
a policy regarding advertising on donations.
Harris said she would prefer to consider such issues on a case by case basis. She
thought there is a precedent with the Zamboni at the Community Center. She
asked if the$9100 for installation could be raised from the Association. Lambert
said there was an offer from the Softball and Baseball Associations at the
Commission meeting to pay half of the installation costs.
Case had some concerns that we not get the look of some of the fields in
Bloomington. He thought we should develop some general guidelines to help
relieve any fears that we would experience a proliferation of advertising out in the
ballfields.
Lambert noted part of the deal proposed was a ten-year commitment after which
we could start eliminating the advertising.
Tyra-Lukens noted she thought it is important to have a policy.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Pidcock, to accept the donation of
the scoreboards with the suggested revisions to the location and colors of the
advertising and with the stipulation that the Associations split the cost of the
installation with the City. Motion carried unanimously.
1. Policy on Smoking on Community Center Property
Lambert said the Parks Commission reviewed the proposed Ordinance and
suggested that we might prefer to move the smoking area to the rear of the building
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 16
rather than ban smoking on Community Center property.
MOTION: Tyra-Lukens moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to approve 1st
Reading of the Ordinance amending the City Code, Section 9.04, relating to Rules
and Regulations governing public parks, per the Staff Memorandum of May 5,
1996.
Case had a problem with this and thought we are going the other way in our
progress towards smoke-free grounds and buildings if we allow smoking at the rear
of the building. He thought the statement we are making to the community is
confusing.
Harris asked what would happen if someone is reported. Lambert asked how we
would define grounds. Case said those details would have to be worked out.
Pidcock was concerned that we would be promoting something that is bad for one's
health.
Thorfinnson asked who is the majority of the smokers. Lambert said it is the
parents. He did not want staff put in a position where they have to call the police
to move a smoker from the grounds. Thorfinnson thought this would get them
away from the front door. He thought we should do something but was concerned
about how we can enforce it.
Tyra-Lukens thought this is something that merits more discussion, and moving the
smoking area would relieve the present situation while we address the whole issue.
Case suggested we couple this with a direction to staff to take a look at the whole
issue on City grounds as he thought it is a much bigger issue than just the
Community Center.
VOTE ON THE MOTION: Motion carried unanimously.
3. Request to Appoint Deb Campbell Potter, Arts Commission
Chairperson, as the Commission Liaison to the Staring Arts Board
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to appoint Deb
Campbell Potter as the Commission liaison to the Eden Prairie Staring Arts
Board, including reimbursement for meal expenses. Motion carried
unanimously.
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
1. STA meeting on May 9., 1996
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 7, 1996
Page 17
Pidcock urged Councilmembers to attend the STA meeting on Thursday,
May 9, at 9:00 a.m.
2. Maintenance of Utility Flags in the City
Harris reported the plastic utility flags are in very bad shape around the
City and asked staff to contact the utility companies about maintaining or
replacing them.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
C. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION &FACH ITIES
D. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
E. REPORT OF DIRFCTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
F. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XH. OTHER BUSINESS
XM. ADTO
MOTION: Pidcock moved, seconded by Thorfmnson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried unanimously. Mayor Harris adjourned the meeting at 11:55 PM.