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.