Planning Commission - 12/12/1994 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
December 12, 1994
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote,
Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner
Donald R. Uram, Planner
Elinda Bahley, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Acting Chair Tim Bauer. Absent
was Katherine Kardell; all other members present.
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Schlampp, to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 6-0-0.
III. MINUTES
Franzen stated that due to himself being ill, he was unable to review the Minutes of
the November 28, 1994 meeting. These Minutes will be revised and submitted for
approval for the January 9, 1995 meeting.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PIONEER RIDGE 2ND ADDITION by R. H. Development. Request for Rezoning
from Rural to R1-13.5 and Preliminary Plat of 12.13 acres into 25 lots, one outlot
and road right-of-way. Location: County Road 4 and Pioneer Trail.
Franzen stated that this project has been on the agenda for 3 months. The developer
and Hennepin County are in agreement about road improvements, but the developer
has not revised the plat. Rather than continue on with the process, Staff has advised
the developer to withdraw the project and resubmit it in January.
i l
MOTION 1: Clinton moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing and
return the plans to the developer. Motion carried 6-0-0.
B. BROICH ADDITION by Robert and Jean Broich. Request for Preliminary Plat of
3.21 acres into 2 lots. Location: 9041 Sunrise Circle.
Franzen stated that this is a piece of property that's zoned R1-22. Typically, simple
subdivisions are reviewed administratively, but since there has been a lot of history on
this property with regard to access and subdivision of adjacent land, Staff felt that a
Public Hearing was necessary.
Franzen introduced Robert and Jean Broich to the Planning Commission.
Robert and Jean Broich, 15431 Village Woods Road, stated that they would like to
divide the property into two lots and build a house there. They want to put a
driveway in off Mitchell Road that will come up behind their house and enter into the
garage. They have lived in Eden Prairie for 14 years and have been looking for a big
lot for a long time. They hope very much that this plan takes place.
Foote expressed concern of where the driveway on Mitchell Road is going to go.
Franzen replied that Staff started to look at the road access into this area back in 1988
while planning Mitchell Road. Road access was visited again in 1992 when a
. sewer/water improvement project was planned for the area. An agreement with
adjoining land owners on road locations could not be reached, so a decision was made
to put the utilities on the Broich site. The location of the utilities and the
accompanied easement would not preclude a road from occurring over the easement,
but would result in a plan which did not maximize development potential. A road to
the east is still possible, but steep slopes would make it costly and an inefficient
lotting pattern would result.
Access to the Broich parcel is by driveway access to Mitchell Road. This has been
approved by the City Engineer because it meets site vision distance. If a future road
is not possible, the City Engineer has indicated that a second driveway access to allow
further subdivision is also acceptable based on site vision distance.
The only conditions of approval on this are standard cash park fees and the sewer and
water connection charge.
Sandstad stated that the plan looks routine and has no problem with it.
Wissner stated that since there are no objections from the neighbors about future
development, she has no problem with the plan.
• 2
MOTION 1: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Robert and Jean Broich for Preliminary Plat of 3.21 acres
into 2 lots based on plans dated December 5, 1994, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 9, 1994.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
C. CEDAR HILLS REGISTERED LAND SURVEY by Lynn L. Charlson. Request
for Preliminary Plat of 196.27 acres into 4 tracts. Location: Spring Road.
Franzen stated that Lynn Charlson is the legal owner of the property, and that Brett
and Tracy Hope are here to speak on behalf of Mr. Charlson with regards to the
request. The purpose of doing this subdivision is to allow for the property to be sold
for the City. This is one of the choice sites the City has determined to be preserved
as part of an extensive study done by a number of volunteers over the last couple of
years.
Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Planning Commission. There are
variances for some small parcels, but these combined lots will be with adjacent
property. Staff was asking for a written acknowledgement from the landowner
regarding the issue of the billboard removal. Staff just received a letter this evening
• addressed to Bob Lambert about the removal of the signs. This is their official
response to the City.
Brett and Tracy Hope, 14700 Flying Cloud Drive, stated that he read the Staff
Report. He agrees fully with everything but with the subdivision of the billboard.
He does not agree on the removal of such billboard. It came to him on Friday that
the Staff Report indicated that the removal would be contingent upon approval for the
plat. That's the first time it came up and it did not come up in negotiations. It is not
a part of that property. It did not come up during the purchase agreement or the
options. He does not feel it should be a part of the plat approval.
Schlampp asked why is it costly to remove the billboard. Hope replied that they are
an asset to any property and that's why it would be costly.
Clinton asked if the billboard is on the property. Hope replied that it's not on the
property in question.
Sandstad stated that the two billboards, which are subject to the Staff Report, are not
on the property that is proposed.
• 3
Franzen stated that the billboards are closer to Highway 169. Staff is asking that a
condition of the approval of the project is that the billboard would be removed as part
of the plat approval.
Sandstad stated that because it's off-site, how can the City acquire something on a
property other than the property in question.
Franzen replied that billboard removal issue has been studied by the City Council and
the direction is to remove billboards when property is subdivided or rezoned. The
last time this was done was for the Century Bank building off Highway 169. The
billboard was taken down as a condition of the platting of the project. He said the
City is spending millions of dollars to have an area preserved and the existing
billboards although off-site have a visual impact on the property the City wants to
purchase.
Hope stated that he thinks it would be best if it was brought up during negotiations.
He said their 10 year lease will be up in 1995 and would like to go on an annual lease
basis so it could be reviewed when that property comes up for review for their
development.
Gar x Smith, representing the Airport Commission, stated that if the sole purpose
of this land survey is to parcel out small parcels for incorporation into other parcels,
then the Airport Commission has no objections. He is concerned about whether there
• is going to be a larger platting of the remaining tracts.
Kathleen Petron, 9782 Spring Road, asked for clarification in terms of how this
proposed platting relates to what MAC might be doing with runway 9 right.
Petron is concerned about what the connection is because she heard that if 9 right is
extended, then her property would be one of those condemned and taken over because
it has to become airport property.
Schlampp stated that they have no way of knowing whether MAC is ever going to
extend it or not. This appears to be a critical issue and doesn't have to be done at
this meeting. He suggested a continuance until the next meeting.
Sandstad noted the large cooperation the City has had from Mr. Hope and Mr.
Charlson on the long effort that the City participated in. He said he is not in favor of
billboards.
MOTION 1: Clinton moved, seconded by Schlampp, to continue to the January 9,
1995 meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0.
• 4
D. CHALLENGE PRINTING by Challenge Printing. Request for Zoning District
• Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 2 acres, Zoning District Amendment within the I-2
Park District on 4.52 acres, Site Plan Review on 6.52 acres, and Preliminary Plat of
6.52 acres into 1 lot. Location: 7540 Golden Triangle Drive.
Franzen stated that the City reviewed Challenge Printing a couple of years ago for a
two-phase plan. Due to the company's rapid growth, the 2nd Phase is redesigned
with additional square footage, and increased the height of the building. Additional
property to the west was acquired so the plan could meet the base area ratio
requirement. They are asking for a site approval rezoning on property to the west.
Dave Bangasser, representing Challenge Printing, reviewed his project with the
Planning Commission. He stated that this plan is pretty much identical as to what
was originally approved by the Council in 1993 with regard to the building footprints
and the primary parking areas. The only difference with this plan versus the plan
originally conceived, is they have pursued a mezzanine plan as a result of the
company's growth. Ideally they would like to have all this square footage on the first
floor, but this particular site is rather narrow with the wetlands to the west. The two
acres that Challenge Printing recently purchased, in order to do this addition, is
largely unusable land. It's a slope down to the wetlands area. They would like to be
able to expand to the west, but it is more efficient to add footage in the mezzanine
space.
Franzen stated that Staff is recommending approval of this project subject to the
conditions listed on pages 4 and 5 of the Staff Report.
Wissner asked where the variance from 50 feet to 25 feet means. Franzen replied
along Golden Triangle Drive.
Bangasser responded that the variance request is solely because of the curve on
Golden Triangle Drive. He said that they intend to do a lot of extensive landscaping
on this site.
Clinton stated that there is about the 4 foot change on grading as a result of a parking
area. He asked what the plan would be if they needed additional parking. Bangasser
replied that they would regrade it at that time and construct retaining walls.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Challenge Printing for Zoning District Change from Rural
to I-2 Park on 2 acres based on plans dated December 8, 1994, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 9, 1994.Motion carried 6-0-0.
• 5
MOTION 3: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council
iapproval of the request of Challenge Printing for Zoning District Amendment within
the I-2 Park District on 4.52 acres based on plans dated December 8, 1994, and
subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 9, 1994.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 4: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Challenge Printing for Site Plan Review on 6.52 acres
based on plans dated December 8, 1994, and subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report dated December 9, 1994. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 5: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Challenge Printing for Preliminary Plat of 6.52 acres based
on plans dated December 8, 1994, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated December 9, 1994. Motion carried 6-0-0.
E. METRO PRINTING by Metro Printing, Inc. Request for Planned Unit
Development Amendment on 20.15 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review
on 7.675 acres, Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 7.675
acres, Zoning District Change from Community Commercial to I-2 Zoning District on
7.675 acres, Site Plan Review on 7.675 acres and Preliminary Plat of 20.15 acres into
two lots. Location: Equitable Drive and Valley View Road.
• Uram introduced Tom Jungles, owner of Metro Printing, and Dave Bangasser, Opus
Corporation, who will be constructing the building.
Tom Jungles, owner of Metro Printing, passed out to the Planning Commission a one
page biography of the company. Metro Printing is a full service printing company
and have been in Eden Prairie for 21 years. Their current location is on Hamilton
Road and they occupy approximately 26,000 square feet in that building. They also
lease about 3,000 square feet next door for warehouse space. Metro Printing employs
approximately 85 people and operates three shifts. Over the last three years it
became obvious that they had to plan for their future because of business growth.
They have spent the last three years looking at land and the priority is to stay in Eden
Prairie. When this piece of property came to their attention, they got excited and
spent a lot of time, energy and money trying to make this parcel work.
Dave Bangasser, Opus Corporation, reviewed his project with the Planning
Commission using visual aids.
Uram stated that office development within the last few years has been virtually non-
existent and as a result this property has remained vacant. Although the office market
is stronger than it has been, new office user's are very selective in the sites that they
are considering. Potential office user's that Staff has talked to are looking at highly
. 6
visible sites such as those along I-494 and U.S. 169. At this point, it is difficult to
determine if this site would ever develop as an office use considering the location and
the adjacent land uses. From a practical standpoint, changing the Guide Plan to allow
for this development will not affect the City's ability to attract office developments to
desirable sites in Eden Prairie nor should it affect future development in this PUD.
Because of the steep slope of the site and the location of the wetlands, there was very
little room to construct a NURP pond. Because of that, Staff asked Bob Lambert,
Director of Parks, whether or not they could approve a NURP pond in the
conservancy area. Included in the packets is a copy of the conservancy easement that
states that construction can occur in that area with the written approval of the City.
Mr. Lambert indicated this is possible.
The plan as proposed meets all the Code requirements. All of the landscaping
occurring on the site is because the height of the building is 24 feet high, and it
requires double landscaping, which they are providing. All the landscaping out on the
berm will be retained and the berm will stay.
Staff is recommending approval of the project subject to the conditions in the Staff
Report.
Bauer asked if the area is going to be sufficient for bigger trucks to be able to turn
around. Bangasser replied that they have taken that into consideration and made it
• big enough for 73 foot trucks.
Bauer asked for a run through on how a 73 foot truck would go in and through the
ramp. Bangasser showed him on the map.
Bauer asked if the loading dock is for one truck at a time or two. Bangasser replied
that there's room for two trucks in that area.
Foote stated there's a significant growth of trees towards Mitchell Road. He asked if
that was on their property. Bangasser replied that it's not.
Sandstad expressed concern about the issue of the NURP pond in the conservency
easement and setting a precedent for other properties that need expansion. He asked
if there was any other way to do this, and how many more of these might the
Commission see.
Uram replied that when Staff originally indicated to Welsh Companies, representatives
for Equitable that they would like them to design the rest of the property with a
combined NURP pond for the development of the entire site. The problem is the
depth of the lot and the location of the conservancy easement.
7
Schlampp expressed concern regarding the Conservancy Act as of January, about
. putting a NURP pond into wetlands. He said there is a similar situation right now in
Bearpath.
Uram stated that his understanding of the Bearpath situation was set back to the
wetlands. All of the work occurring for the construction of the NURP pond is
outside the wetlands and outside the flood plain elevation.
Clinton asked if there is going to be any reference made as to the name of the
company on the building, or a monument outside. Bangasser replied that they haven't
figured that out exactly. At this point in time, they are probably going to do a
monument sign at the main entrance to the office building. They have not addressed
the signage to that level of detail.
Mr. McConkey, representing CH Robinson Company, stated that they own the
building that is being referred to, and they also own the parcel of land next to this lot
with all the trees. His concern is that they are operating in an office zoned area. He
is concerned about property values dropping. He said he has not seen any drawings
of the back side of this building because this will impact their property. When they
look out their office building, the back of this warehouse is what they see, and it's not
going to be a very good site for his building. At the time that they bought the piece
of property, the land at the corner of Valley View Road and Mitchell Road, their
intention was to build an office building there and house their home office.
• Bangasser explained what the back of the building will look like. He said that their
trash area will be screened quite effectively from CH Robinson.
Foote asked how many trucks a day would they expect on the dock. Jungles replied
that they have two delivery trucks themselves, a van and a larger truck. He said they
probably come and go from their facility in the morning, two or three tunes a day.
They have paper companies that come to them on a regular basis, maybe three to four
deliveries a day. Most of the trucks that would come would be local supplier trucks
which are not 18 wheelers.
Uram stated that there are a couple of recommendations that should be added to the
recommendations in the Staff Report. He said they need to include the
recommendation of detailed signage to be submitted prior to the City Council. He
said there is some additional landscaping that is required. They need to take a look at
the trees on the western elevation for screening purposes. He suggested planting
some five inch ash at this point because at some point they are going to be big and
will screen that elevation. They also need to look at screening of the truck dock from
Purgatory Creek. The recommendation would be to revise the landscaping plan to
include plantings prior to City Council.
8
MOTION 1: Schlampp moved, seconded by Clinton, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
Sandstad said he would encourage a little architectural touch up to the rear elevation
of this building since it looks quite bland. He would like to see something done
voluntarily by the developers.
Bauer stated that he is comfortable with the plan as proposed and the Guide Plan
change. He said they need to discuss briefly the issue of office building next to
industrial use. The plan works right in his mind but he would like to see the
Commission add something in the motion to look for some additional architectural
work up on the southwest view. He said the issue of industrial and office would not
kill the project.
Sandstad suggested that item G be amended on the recommendation to upgrade the
architectural treatment to the rear elevations to give more of an office building
appearance like the front elevation.
Bauer said not to use the word upgrade because they don't need to have glass, but
perhaps something additional on the back features.
MOTION 2: Schlampp moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Metro Printing, Inc. for Planned Unit Development
Amendment on 20.15 acres based on plans dated December 7, 1994, and subject to
the recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 9, 1994, item 2, submit
signage detail and revised landscaping with the cooperation of Staff, and G is the
elevation architectural improvement. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 3: Schlampp moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Metro Printing, Inc. for Planned Unit Development
District Review on 7.675 acres based on plans dated December 7, 1994, and subject
to the recommendations of the Staff report dated December 9, 1994.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 4: Schlampp moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Metro Printing, Inc. for Comprehensive Guide
Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 7.675 acres based on plans dated December
71 1994, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 9,
1994 as amended. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 5: Schlampp moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Metro Printing, Inc. for Zoning District Change
from Community Commercial to I-2 on 7.675 acres based on plans dated December
7, 1994, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
. 9
December 9, 1994. Motion carried 6-0-0.
• MOTION 6: Schlampp moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Metro Printing, Inc. for Preliminary Plat of 20.15
acres into 2 lots based on plans dated December 7, 1994, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 9, 1994.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
None.
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
None.
VH. NEW BUSINESS
Clinton questioned the status of the sidewalks on Singletree Lane because he was
driving along Singletree going from Eden Prairie Drive toward Eden Prairie Center.
As he made his turn, there was a woman walking along side of the road facing him
and he thought there were supposed to be some sidewalks.
• Franzen gave an update on the sidewalks and trails at that location.
Bauer asked about the Buca Restaurant situation.
Franzen gave an update on Buca Restaurant. He stated that it is his understanding
that they were close to finalizing the deal. The Buca Company had read in the paper
that Kohl's was granted a variance to have less than 75% brick. Buca wanted to
come back and renegotiate approval to have stucco over the building. Staff explained
to Buca, Kohl was the first part of the mall expansion and the mall had agreed to
100% brick for the next building. So, when combined with Kohl's and the mall
building, they are meeting the 75% brick requirement.
Uram stated that Buca indicated to them that they will be starting construction in a
couple of weeks.
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
None.
• 10
A. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Clinton, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried 6-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
• 11
AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, December 12, 1994
7:00 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Katherine Kardell,
Douglas Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PIONEER RIDGE 2ND ADDITION by R. H. Development. Request for Rezoning from
Rural to R1-13.5 and Preliminary Plat of 12.13 acres into 25 lots, one outlot and road right-of-
way. Location: County Road 4 and Pioneer Trail.
B. BROICH ADDITION by Robert and Jean Broich. Request for Preliminary Plat of 3.21 acres
into 2 lots. Location: 9041 Sunrise Circle.
C. CEDAR HILLS REGISTERED LAND SURVEY by Lynn L. Charlson. Request for
Preliminary Plat of 196.27 acres into 4 tracts. Location: Spring Road.
D. CHALLENGE PRINTING by Challenge Printing. Request for Zoning District Change from
Rural to I-2 Park on 2 acres, Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Park District on 4.52
acres, Site Plan Review on 6.52 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 6.52 acres into 1 lot. Location:
7540 Golden Triangle Drive.
E. METRO PRINTING by Metro Printing, Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development
Amendment on 20.15 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 7.675 acres,
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Industrial on 7.675 acres, Zoning District
Change from Community Commercial to I-2 Zoning District on 7.675 acres, Site Plan Review
on 7.675 acres and Preliminary Plat of 20.15 acres into two lots. Location: Equitable Drive
and Valley View Road.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VHI. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT