Planning Commission - 10/23/1995 APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
October 23, 1995
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote,
Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Douglas
Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary
Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner
Scott Kipp, Planner
Barbara Anderson, City Recorder
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Katherine Kardell.
Commissioner Sandstad arrived at the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
U. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Wissner to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 6-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 9, 1995
MOTION: Schlampp moved, seconded by Wissner to approve the Minutes of the
October 9, 1995 Planning Commission meeting as submitted. Motion carried 5-0-1.
Kardell noted she abstained as she was not present at the meeting.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. GLEN LAKE GOLF AND PRACTICE CENTER by Hennepin County.
Request for Site Plan Review within the Public Zoning District on 13.5 acres.
Location: Crosstown at Indian Chief Road.
Paul Miller, representing Williams Gill & Associates, reviewed the proposal
and noted that it would be a championship quality golf course, but was
designed as an executive golf course. There will be nine holes, with the first
seven holes located on the Minnetonka side of the site and the eighth and ninth
holes located on the Eden Prairie portion of the property. There will be a
practice range which will feature target ranges and fairways which will allow
people to practice during inclement weather and receive feedback regarding
• how well they are doing. Players will pass underneath the roadway to reach
the holes located on the south side of the property, and he believed these were
• PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 23, 1995
Page 2
the most interesting holes topographically. There are many large oak trees on
this portion of the property which will be preserved, and there is also a
drainage pond on the site which will collect runoff from the parking lot area.
He stated they have worked hard to achieve a plan which fits into the site and
the natural features present on the property.
Ismail asked what the term "executive golf course" meant and Miller
responded that it was a shorter course than the championship course. The
purpose in designing a shorter course was to create a golf course with all the
features and amenities of the championship level course, but shorter in length
to allow people of all levels to play on it and enjoy it. It was designed for
those people who play for fun rather than those who play competitively.
Ismail asked whether they had received approval from the City of Minnetonka
or from Hennepin County, and Miller responded that those applications were
in process, but they anticipated that they would be approved.
Foote asked about irrigation for the property and Miller responded that they
would use water from the pond on the site adjacent to hole V, which would
provide adequate water for the entire golf course.
Kipp reviewed the Staff Report with the Planning Commission. He noted that
the portion of the proposal which impacted Eden Prairie was the southern
portion on which holes #8 and #9 would be constructed in addition to a
maintenance building. A golf course is a permitted use in the Public Zoning
District. Staff recommended approval of the site plan review within the Public
Zoning District on 13.5 acres based on plans dated October 11, 1995, the Staff
Report dated October 20, 1995 and the stipulations included therein.
The Public Hearin was opened.
No one present wished to speak.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton, to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Hennepin County for Site Plan Review
within the Public Zoning District on 13.5 acres based on plans dated October
• 11, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
October 20, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 23, 1995
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B. EDEN HILLS CONDOMINIUMS by Brenwood Development Corporation.
Request for Guide Plan Change from Neighborhood Commercial to High
Density Residential on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-
2.5 on 3.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres and Preliminary Plat of 3.3
acres into 1 lot and road right-of-way. Location: Franlo Road, south of
Prairie Center Drive.
Peter Knaeble representing Brenwood Development Corporation introduced
Arne Zachman of Brenwood Development, and John Harris of HKA
Architects, who were also present. Knaeble reviewed the proposal and noted
that they are requesting four approvals; a Guide Plan Change, a Zoning
Change, a Site Plan Approval and a Preliminary Plat. They believed that the
transition between their proposed project and the adjacent properties was a
good one, and fit within the guidelines and met City Code requirements. He
stated they propose to save extensive tracts of existing trees on the site and to
place a conservation easement over a portion of them to preserve them
• indefinitely. He discussed the retaining walls which will be used to preserve
site vegetation and trees on the south side of the property. He discussed the
three items staff had requested them to provide prior to City Council review of
their proposal, and noted that they will provide revised landscaping plans as
requested. He stated that they will work with staff to develop plans to include
the 5' sidewalk along the front edge of the parking lot, and they will submit
samples of building materials for staff review. He noted that they had colored
renderings of the building to show to the Planning Commission that evening
which would illustrate how the buildings would appear when constructed.
Sandstad commented that it appeared the sidewalk in the Medcom Boulevard
area disappeared on the plans and Knaeble responded that their sidewalk will
tie into the sidewalk when Medcom Boulevard is extended in that area.
Sandstad asked about a decorative post or sign for the project and Knaeble
responded that there will be a small sign. Sandstad inquired whether the
parking would be adequate during holiday times, and Knaeble responded that
at other similar facilities in Minnetonka and elsewhere with lower parking
requirements the parking had been adequate. He noted that the City of
Minnetonka requires 1.5 spaces per unit versus Eden Prairies' requirement of
2 spaces per unit.
John Harris, HKA Architects, showed colored renderings of the building
illustrating the appearance of the building and its appearance from different
angles. He stated that all materials will be earth tones to blend in with the
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October 23, 1995
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area and they have designed the pitch of the roof not to be intrusive into the
surroundings.
Wissner inquired why they proposed to use vinyl siding instead of wood and
Arne Zachman responded that they were endeavoring to make the building as
maintenance free as possible to reduce association fees for the residents.
Harris noted that vinyl siding is only proposed to be used in the bay window
areas. Wissner commented that she had noticed problems with vinyl siding in
areas where long pieces were used, and Harris reiterated that they only
proposed to use it in the bay window areas which would be short lengths.
Schlampp commented he was concerned about the parking being inadequate for
a 36 unit building with only 26 exterior spaces provided. Zachman stated that
they are meeting code by prociding at least 2 spaces for every unit. There was
one underground parking stall that went with each unit, and there were others
that would be sold to residents. They were targeting the "empty nester"
segment of the population with this development, and they usually do not have
as many vehicles.
Ismail inquired about the price range of the units and Zachman responded that
the 2 bedroom units would probably be somewhere in the area of$123,500
and the most expensive end units would probably be in the $147,500 range.
He noted that pricing had not yet been determined.
Clinton commented that traffic onto Franlo Road in this area is heavy and it
will be difficult to get out of the development. He inquired if the City has
future plans to install a traffic light at the intersection of Franlo Road and
Prairie Center Drive and Kipp responded affirmatively.
Sandstad inquired if the building would contain recreational facilities such as a
party room. Zachman responded that they plan to have a parry room, an
exercise room, a game room and there will be space available for other
amenities which have not yet been decided upon.
Foote inquired about the building in Minnetonka and whether that had been
successful and Zachman responded that there is a good market for this type of
homesite and most of the units have been sold. Foote inquired if there were
other buildings of this type in Eden Prairie and Franzen responded that the last
• one he knew of was the Ironwood Condominium in the Preserve area. Most
empty nesters live in townhouse or quad developments.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 23, 1995
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Wissner noted that the brochure had an awning on it over the front of the
building and she inquired if that would be constructed. Zachman responded
that it would be and it will extend to the parking area in the front.
Kipp reviewed the staff report and noted that staff recommended approval of
the Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Neighborhood Commercial to
High Density Residential on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to
RM-2.5 on 3.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres, and Preliminary Plat of
3.3 acres into one lot and road right-of-way based on plans dated October 11,
1995, the Staff Report dated October 20, 1995 and the stipulations and
recommendations contained therein.
Wissner inquired how much acreage was undeveloped to the north of this site,
and Kipp responded approximately 4 acres.
Kardell inquired what the staff expectations were for the completion of
• Medcom Boulevard, and Kipp responded that it was a priority and they
expected to proceed with completion as early as next year. He noted that it
would be a standard 32' wide roadway.
The Public Hearing was opened.
No one present wished to speak.
MOTION 1: Sandstad moved, seconded by Wissner to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 7-0-0.
MOTION 2: Sandstad moved, seconded by Wissner to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Brenwood Development Corporation for
Guide Plan Change from Neighborhood Commercial to High Density
Residential on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 3.3
acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres and Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into 1
lot and road right-of-way based on plans dated October 11, 1995, and subject
to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated October 20, 1995, and
including a stipulation that the developer delineate the conservation easement
area prior to City Council review. Motion carried 7-0-0.
•
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Page 6
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
Sandstad commented that he hoped that the Park and Recreation Department would
not wait too long to construct the trail in the area of the development.
Ismail asked when Eden Prairie would have a map available showing where the bike
trails are located and when those trails would be marked. Kipp stated that there is a
map available that shows the trails and parks and some of the regional trail corridors
that go through Eden Prairie.
Clinton commented that after the Planning Commissions discussion regarding training
sessions he had obtained two books. He had read his and felt that it was easy to read
and comprehend, and he thought that the City should purchase this book for all the
Planning Commissioners. Wissner stated she had read the second book and did not
feel that it was worth using as it did not really relate to what the Commission was
doing. However, it might be worth sharing among the Commissioners and perhaps
keeping in the library.
Kardell noted that the Diversity Training Workshop was scheduled for Wednesday,
October 25, 1995 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at City Hall. Sandstad requested staff to
submit a list of any books they were familiar with or had in their department which
might be helpful to the Commission for training.
Ismail inquired if it would be permissible to elect a Vice Chair since all the
Commission was present. The Commission concurred that it would be a good time to
take care of it.
MOTION: Wissner nominated Kenneth Clinton as Vice Chair. Foote seconded the
nomination. Motion carried 7-0-0.
Kardell stated that she believed they should elect a Secretary also, since the travel
schedules of the Chair and Vice Chair could create a situation where neither of them
might be present at a meeting.
MOTION: Wissner nominated Randy Foote as Secretary. Clinton seconded the
nomination. Motion carried 7-0-0.
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
• None.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 23, 1995
Page 7
VII. NEW BUSINESS
None.
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
Franzen noted that the next agenda would be a light one, with a preliminary plat of
Anderson Lakes Commercial Center 3rd Addition, which was withdrawn at the
Council meeting by the applicant had been resubmitted. Also, Bearpath Golf Course
had submitted a petition for Villa lots adjacent to the golf course.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Clinton moved, Foote seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
7-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, October 23, 1995 7:00 P.M.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Ismail Ismail,
Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner
Scott Kipp, Planner
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
U. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. GLEN LAKE GOLF AND PRACTICE CENTER by Hennepin County.
Request for Site Plan Review within the Public Zoning District on 13.5 acres.
Location: Crosstown at Indian Chief Road.
• B. EDEN HILLS CONDOMINIUMS by Brenwood Development Corporation.
Request for Guide Plan Change from Neighborhood Commercial to High Density
Residential on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 3.3
acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres and Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into 1 lot
and road right-of-way. Location: Franlo Road, south of Prairie Center Drive.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT