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Planning Commission - 06/14/1994 - Joint Meeting MINUTES JOINT CITY COUNCIIJPLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUKE 14, 1994 6:15 PM, CITY CENTER Council Chamber 8080 Mitchell Road COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Douglas Tenpas, Richard Anderson, Jean Harris, H. Martin Jessen, and Patricia Pidcock PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairperson Douglas Sandstad, Kenneth Clinton, Mary Jane Wissner, Timothy J. Bauer, Edward Schlampp, Katherine Kardell, Randy Foote, and Youth/Student Representative Lisa-Marie Gualtieri I. INFILL DEVELOPMENT - Road connection, tree loss, transition, wetland fill, etc. Commission members explained the problems being encountered with infill development proposals, those parcels which were the last, and often the most difficult, to develop in a • neighborhood. Commissioners reported that the tone of the meetings over the past several years had changed regarding this type of issue. For example, it was not unusual for residents in the area to hire someone to represent them. It was general consensus that the residents were better organized in their opposition and that the discussions at the meetings were becoming more and more contentious. Another concern was the clear pattern being set which seemed to dictate that infill project proposals would take more meeting time than the "average" project and that there seemed to be a greater likelihood of continuances during the public hearing process. It also seemed clear that there was a greater need for neighborhood information meetings before and during the Planning Commission review process. Councilmembers discussed the conflicting priorities for maintaining the existing character of the neighborhood balanced with the need to be fair to landholders wishing to develop. They were also concerned about maintaining the high standards of development in such sensitive areas as wetlands. Councilmembers expressed the importance of being sensitive to the existing residents in such situations, recognizing that the proposed developments of the land within their neighborhood often represented big change to the surrounding residents. The Commission was encouraged by the Council to spend all the time it believed necessary in order to gather enough information to make informed decisions about infill developments. Joint Meeting of City Council and Planning Commission -2- June 14, 1994 II. MARKETCENTER - Update on designs of Downtown area Enger gave an update on the properties which have been developed in the Marketcenter Area and discussed the disposition of the remaining properties in the near future. He noted that there was strong interest from the restauranteurs in the properties. Enger also spoke about the urban design connection between the City Center, Eden Prairie Center, and the role of the Southwest Metro Transit Hub. He also discussed the streetscape improvements, which would be visible in the Fall, 1994. It was also noted that construction of the water tower would be completed in September, 1994. M. TREE LOSS POLICY 30% - How should this information be utilized? The Commission members explained to the Council that the 30% tree loss figure for residential development had become a standard for reasonableness within the developing areas of Eden Prairie. They questioned whether this exact percentage should become an ordinance requirement, indicating that they believed it may not be appropriate to do so. During discussion, it was suggested that a similar policy may be in order for all trees and vegetation, not just certain species, as was the current practice. Council directed Staff to work with the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission regarding a species list prior to any further action by the • Council. IV. OTHER BUSINESS A. ACCESS TO PARKS AND TRAILS Anderson asked the Commission to remain alert for proper access to existing and planned trails and parks from new subdivisions during the review process. B. SIGNS Pidcock suggested that the Commission review the issue of legal rights with respect to signs in the City. V. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Tenpas adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.