Planning Commission - 07/11/1994 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
July 11, 1994
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy
Foote, Katherine Kardell, Douglas
Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane
Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner;
Donald R. Uram, Planner; Linda Bahley,
Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Katherine Kardell. Absent
• was Douglas Sandstad and Lisa-Marie Gualtieri; all other members present.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Bauer, to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 6-0-0.
III. MINUTES
MOTION: Schlampp moved, seconded by Foote, to approve the minutes of the June
27th meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CENTRUM DEVELOPMENT by Centrum Design/Build Corporation.
Request for PUD Concept Review on 23 acres, PUD District Review on 5.6
acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on
5.6 acres, Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into 3 lots and Site Plan Review on
5.6 acres. Location: Singletree Lane Between Bachman's and Brunswick.
(Continued from the June 27 meeting)
Uram reviewed the Staff Report with Commission. He stated that on June 30,
Is plans
Staff and BRW/COSA met with the proponent to discuss revisions to the
plans as recommended by the Planning Commission and as stated in the
• previous staff report. The plans that have been submitted incorporate a
number of these items. BRW has reviewed the revised plans and suggested a
number of revisions in addition to those recommended by Staff. A list of these
revisions were included in the staff report. None of these revisions
significantly alter the plans. Staff recommended that the changes be reflected
on the plans prior to City Council review.
John Curran, representing Centrum, gave a brief history of his project. He
stated that they have attempted to complete a majority of the changes that the
Commission and Staff requested. He said they met with BRW and they have
been presented copies of this plan.
Uram stated that a majority of the revisions are minor. Staff is comfortable
with the plans enclosed with the revisions. Centrum Development and BRW
have had a couple of meetings. The trash enclosure was a big problem. Staff
wants to make sure they can store all the trash indoors to reduce any odor
problem that may result. That's a critical element.
Kardell asked if there will be a take-out as part of the restaurant. Curran
replied there is a frozen foods market area and a take-out.
Kardell expressed concern for extra parking spots designated for take-out
• patrons only, such as four 10 minute parking spots. Curran said it was a good
suggestion. He said that when they go to the Council meeting they will have
all the issues ready.
Clinton asked about the type of sign that would be put up. Curran stated the
letters are neon backlit on an 'Eden Prairie" green background consistent with
the colors of the whole Marketcenter project. Uno's Pizza is dark green and
has a red lit neon sign. The style of the letters will be different for each
restaurant.
Clinton asked whether the sign would be the same size as the restaurant on
France Avenue. Curran replied that it's different because it will have three
names. They drew it at four feet tall but it will be six feet tall. It's not the
same size as the one on France, but the same colors in essence.
Bauer asked if Uno's Restaurant will also have a take-out. Curran stated they
don't stress take-out anywhere near the way that Lee Ann Chin's does. He
said it's not a primary focus. Their primary focus is a sit down restaurant.
Bauer suggested they reserve at least three parking spots in front for take-out
patrons. Uram said they will have parking easements on all the property and if
three spaces are allocated, the problem should be alleviated.
• Curran stated the wrought iron fences for the dining area, the accent lighting
and antique lighting will be in dark green also.
Bauer stated he is comfortable with the plan. He said it would be nice to have
the final plans but he's comfortable with Staff telling him the changes are
minor in nature.
Wissner said she supports the project. She wanted to know what the market
shops will be. Curran replied that they are talking to three different tenants.
One is more office related and the other two are commercial retail.
Foote stated he supports the project.
Schlampp said he is very happy with it and supports the project.
Clinton said he doesn't have any problems with the plan and supports it.
MOTION 1: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Centrum Design/Build Corporation
for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 23 acres based on plans
• dated July 8, 1994, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated July 8, 1994, and with the added condition that there be an agreement
upon the number of spaces located in front of the restaurant to allow
individuals parking for take-out, allowing the restaurant to decide the amount
of spacing. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 3: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Centrum Design/Build Corporation
for Planned Unit Development District Review on 5.6 acres based on plans
dated July 8, 1994. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 4: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Centrum Design/Build Corporation
for Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6
acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and subject to the recommendations of
the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 5: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Centrum Design/Build Corporation
for Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and subject
to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994. Motion
carried 6-0-0.
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. MOTION 6: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Centrum Design/Build Corporation
for Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and
subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
B. BEARPATH 4, 5, AND 6TH ADDITIONS AKA/CROSSROADS
ADDITION by William H. and Dorothy A. Gilk. PUD District Amendment
on 463 acres, PUB Concept Review on 51 acres, PUD District Review with
waivers on 51 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 45.73
acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 5.61 acres and
Preliminary Plat of 51 acres into 46 single family lots. 18 multi-family lots
and road right-of-way. Location: Dell Road and Highway 212.
Uram stated that before the Planning Commission he distributed a fax
transmittal from Mr. Bill Gilk to the Commissioners. It stated that Mr. Gilk
has an understanding that the Planning Commission and Staff will review the
project as it was submitted on June 3 at the July 25, 1994 meeting. Staff is
recommending that the project be continued until July 25, 1994.
MOTION 1: Clinton moved, seconded by Bauer to continue the public
hearing until August 8. Motion carried 6-0-0.
C. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL by International School of Minnesota. Request
for Site Plan Review and Zoning District Amendment in the Public Zoning
District on 56 acres. Location: Crosstown and Beach Road.
John Harris, architect, reviewed the proposed site plan using visual aids. He
stated they are proposing to add 55 stalls and replace the tennis courts and
soccer field with a track field or running track. There will be new lighting and
they are adding a catch basin for the water problem. They are proposing to
slightly modify the plan to relocate the tennis courts.
Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Commission. He stated that a
parking lot expansion and running track are improvements that are not required
by City Ordinance to go through a site plan review, since no building
construction is involved. However, when the Developer's Agreement was
signed by the International School in 1987, they agreed to return to the
Planning Commission and City Council for review of any type of construction
on the property. Both the parking lot expansion and the running track meet
City Code. The only issue with this project is pre-treatment of storm water.
None of the site is pretreated to NURP standards, although a retention basin
exists on the property.
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The City could require the Developer to reconstruct the pond to NURP
standards now, however, the pond would have to be reconstructed when other
phases are built in the future. Since the amount of additional storm water
runoff is small, Staff would suggest stipulating as a condition of approval that
when the next expansion plan comes in, that the pond will have to be
reconstructed to NURP standards to cover the master plan improvements for
the property. Since the Developer's Agreement for International School
requires any type of construction to return to the Planning Commission, you
will have the opportunity to review a plan to NURP standards in the future.
Franzen said that Staff recommends approval according to the recommendation
of the Staff Report.
Wissner asked where the tennis courts are going to be since they are relocating
them. Harris stated they will be south and east from where they are now.
Schlampp asked where the water retention system was. Harris replied there is
no water retention system. He said there is a catch basin. Schlampp asked
where it was on the map. Harris stated it does not show it on this plan. He
said it does show it on the plan submitted to Staff. Schlampp asked if there
was a sedimentation pond. Harris stated they are not designing a sedimentation
pond at this point. Schlampp was concerned about the pretreatment of water
• into Bryant Lake.
Bauer stated that in the interest of consistency, as they review this project, he
was concerned as to whether special treatment was being given because this
project is a school and not any other commercial type development, referring
to the storm water and drainage.
Franzen replied that Huber Funeral Home they did not install a NURP pond.
The City asked for a contribution to the Utility Fund because the water drained
towards a pond on an adjacent site which did not have enough room to redo to
NURP standards. In this case there is room on site to build one. It is more of
a question of timing. With a security to guarantee construction of the NURP
pond, Franzen felt the school was being treated consistent with other projects.
Dennis Holasek, attorney representing Geri Poupard residing at 6251 Beach
Road, stated these are landowners directly to the west of International School.
He said it is their contention that the existing swale there can't handle the run
off and is inadequate to handle the exiting water. He is concerned that the
parking lot will increase the run off. He stated they have a pool of water that
shouldn't be there, maybe a quarter of an acre from run off, and they are in
Court on that issue now.
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Bauer asked if there is litigation pending on this. Holasek replied yes, and
now they are going to add to that problem.
Tracy Whitehead, Director of Operations, International School, stated they are
in litigation right now. They are going to trial on December 5th. She said
they have not shown that any water has landed on their property. She stated
that the schools engineers disagree with these conclusions. She said this has
been a long standing litigation that started here six years ago.
Franzen stated that Poupard is concerned about runoff draining towards their
property. He added that the center of the site would require 25 feet of fill
before water would back up on the Poupard site.
Schlampp asked if the drainage system were done on this development
according to NURP standards, would this eliminate the Poupard drainage
concern. Franzen stated the amount of water coming from the parking lot
expansion or the running track is small and the NURP must be designed based
on runoff from the area. The pond would be designed for storage, but the
pond itself would not solve the potential drainage problem. It is a question of
what direction the water flows. Clinton noted there is a swale between the
parking lot and the Poupard site that intercepts water and directs it towards
Bryant Lake.
MOTION 1: Bauer moved, seconded by Wissner to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Bauer moved, seconded by Wissner to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of International School for Site Plan
Review on 56 acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994 to include that within
three years if there is no additional expansion on this site they will build a
NURP pond. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 3: Bauer moved, seconded by Wissner to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of International School for Zoning
District Amendment on 56 acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and subject
to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994. Motion
carried 6-0-0.
D. NORWEST BANK ADDITION by Norwest Bank. Request for Site Plan
Review and Zoning District Amendment on approximately 2 acres for a 2,800
square foot bank addition. Location: 935 Prairie Center Drive.
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• Doug (Watcske), architect, stated this is a small expansion to Norwest Bank.
Most of it is making improvements to the drive-thru area to eliminate
congestion. The bank wants to expand the physical building.
Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Planning Commission, noting that
the request did not include a plat as indicated on one page of the Staff Report.
He said this is a very straight forward project. In addition to a small building
expansion, Norwest Bank wants to add addition drive-thru lanes to eliminate
congestion and provide better customer service. The approach to the drive-thru
lanes is similar to what the City approved for Twin City Federal over by the
Eden Prairie Mall. He said there is one variance for structure setback to the
canopy along the Highway 212-5 right-of-way. The Highway Department is
purchasing additional right-of-way from Norwest Banks to allow for the
construction of the new interchange and a 10 foot wide bituminous trail.
Without the highway right-of-way taking, Norwest Banks could meet the City
Ordinance.
Nancy Nicolay, 16011 Lake Shore Drive, stated the Norwest has been pro-
active in this community. She said she is happy that Staff has recommended
this development. As a customer of the bank that has stood outside because
the bank is so full, she would like to suggest that the Commission approve this
addition to Norwest.
• Wissner stated there is definite bottle-neck at the bank and she has no objection
to the addition. She said she supports the project.
Foote said he supports the project.
Schlampp stated he supports the project.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton to move to close the
public hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Norwest Bank for Site Plan Review
on 2 acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994, (amendment of a
building permit) Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 3: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton to move to recommend to
the City Council approval of the request of Norwest Bank for Zoning District
Amendment on 2 acres based on plans dated July 8, 1994 and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated July 8, 1994. Motion carried 6-0-
0.
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E. MCDONALD'S PLAYLAND ADDITION by McDonald's Restaurant.
Request for PUD Concept Amendment and PUD District Review on 1.5 acres,
Site Plan Review and Zoning District Amendment on 1.5 acres for a playland
addition. Location: Prairie Center Drive and Highway 169.
Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Commission. He stated that after
looking at the photograph provided by McDonald's, the choices are very clear.
Either recommend denial because of architectural incompatibility with
McDonald's and other buildings in the area, or recommend a continuance and
direct McDonald's to redesign the structure to be architecturally compatible,
using an approach similar to the Burger King Restaurant on County Road 4 and
Highway 5.
Jerry Roper, architect with McDonald's Corporation, stated they would like to
add a 40 foot by 40 foot indoor playland addition to the McDonald's
Restaurant at 598 Eden Prairie Drive. He said they are proposing to construct
the playland on the front of the building on the grass area and deleting two
parking stalls. There will not be much change to the site except for the
playland itself. Using an enlarged photograph of an existing McDonald's, he
said the building would be similar to what they see on the screen. He said it ,
consists of steel tube columns and beams. He stated there is a glass curtain
wall system and a metal deck roof with a built up roof on top of that. He said
. there were two types of structures to pick from, either the one in the
photograph or the structure in Cottage Grove. He said he preferred the one in
the photograph.
Bauer questioned what Mr. Roper's reaction was to the Staff's
recommendations. Roper stated his reaction is that he doesn't understand why
the building is not compatible, he doesn't know what the City would like to
see. He said he would appreciate any suggestions that the Commission has.
Clinton asked how the structure will connect with the existing building. Roper
replied they are connecting it with a ten foot walkway that comes out five feet
from the building. He said it will be like a hallway, that they are not really
attaching it.
Bauer stated he does not care for the structure in the photograph or the one in
Cottage Grove. Franzen asked if Roper was familiar with a new McDonald's
Playland in Red Wing that had a pitched roof and was compatible with the
Restaurant. Roper said his territory is the Twin Cities area only.
Foote was concerned about the structure staying warm in the winter with it
being all glass enclosed. He thought it would be very drafty. Roper replied
that you may think it would be cold but once you get the kids playing in there
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• it actually gets very warm.
Schlampp was concerned that there would not be adequate parking since they
were eliminating two parking spaces. Roper replied that these play units do
not thrive on lunch hour business. He said they thrive on off hours like from
2 to 5 pm. He stated he wasn't aware there was any parking problem over
there and the restaurant never complained about needing more parking.
Bauer asked whether there were parking easements in the back with the
adjoining businesses. Franzen replied there is shared parking. He said when
McDonald's was approved by the City it was approved with more parking than
the code required.
Bauer suggested they continue this for 30 days. He added that since he was
going to Winona, he would stop and take a picture of the McDonald's in Red
Wing which he believed would offer better design alternatives.
Kardell said when she looked at the play structure, the first thing that struck
her was the proportion and scale compared to the restaurant. She asked Staff
if the sign on the Cottage Grove restaurant is allowed in Eden Prairie by code.
Franzen responded no.
• Clinton stated that Cottage Grove could be adapted but he has a problem with
the whole area and theme of putting a curtain wall glass building kind of
structure.
MOTION 1: Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton to continue this in 30 days to
the August 8th meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0.
V. MEMBER'S REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIL NEW BUSINESS
VHL PLANNERS' REPORTS
Franzen reviewed the upcoming projects for the next four meetings. He asked the
Commission about scheduling since there were more projects requesting review than
the Commission had previously told Staff would be the maximum allowed per
meeting. The Commission directed Staff to manage the next four meetings by
scheduling on a first come, first serve, most complete and fewest problems bases with
a limit of 3 large projects and one housekeeping item per meeting. Staff asked if the
Commission would consider additional small items 5-10 minutes each if there are no
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issues. The Commission indicated they would consider additional small items, but if
the meeting runs late, those projects may be continued and directed Staff to inform the
Developers accordingly.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
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AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, July 11, 1994
Imo, 7:00 p.m.
7 COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote,
Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner, Donald R.
Uram, Planner
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Continued from June 27, 1994 meeting:
A. CENTRUM DEVELOPMENT by Centrum Design/Build Corporation. Request for PUD
Concept Review on 23 acres, PUD District Review on 5.6 acres, Zoning District Change from
Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6 acres,Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into 3 lots and
Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres. Location: Singletree Lane Between Bachman's and Brunswick.
B. BEARPATH 4 5 AND 6TH ADDITIONS AKA/CROSSROADS ADDITION by William H.
&Dorothy A. Gilk. PUD District Amendment on 463 acres, Pud Concept Review on 51 acres,
PUD District Review with waivers on 51 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5
on 45.73 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 5.61 acres and Preliminary Plat
of 51 acres into 46 single family lots, 18 multi-family lots and road right-of-way. Location: Dell
Road and Highway 212.
C. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL by International School of Minnesota. Request for Site Plan
Review and Zoning District Amendment in the Public Zoning District on 56 acres. Location:
Crosstown and Beach Road.
D. NORWEST BANK ADDITION by Norwest Bank. Request for Site Plan Review and Zoning
District Amendment on approximately 2 acres for a 2,800 square foot bank addition. Location:
935 Prairie Center Drive.
E. MCDONALDS PLAYLAND ADDITION by McDonalds. Request for PUD Concept
Amendment and PUD District Review on 1.5 acres, Site Plan Review and Zoning District
Amendment on 1.5 acres for a playland addition. Location: Prairie Center Drive and Highway
169.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT