Planning Commission - 08/09/1993 'APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 1993 7:00 PM, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7600 Executive Drive
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Cynthia
Clish, Katherine Kardell, Douglas
Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane
Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Community
Development; Michael D. Franzen, Senior
Planner; Donald Uram, Planner; Jan
Nelson, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
Bauer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Sandstad
arrived at 7:20 PM. Clinton and Gualtieri were absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Kardell moved, seconded by Clish, to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 5-0-0.
III. MINUTES
The Minutes of the July 12, 1993 meeting were tabled due to
an insufficient number of Commissioners present to approve.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Continued from July 26, 1993 meeting:
A. PETER ANDREA TWIN HOMES by Peter Andrea. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 14.89 acres and
Preliminary Plat of 14.89 acres into 30 twin home lots.
Location: Willow Creek Road and Bryant Lake Drive.
Franzen reviewed the three primary issues determined by the
Commissioners at the July 26th meeting to have an impact on
what the ultimate plan for the development of the property
could be: transition to the single family homes to the
west; impact of the site features; and the 8% road grade.
• Gary Harris, representing Peter Andrea, said they have now
completed a detailed inventory of all trees on the property
that are 12" in diameter or greater. A map of the property
Planning commission Meeting 2 August 9, 1993
showing the locations of the trees was distributed in the
packets. Harris stated that, in order to preserve more
trees and to deal with the issue of transition, they have
reduced the density of the project and changed the types of
housing so that the project now includes 6 single-family
houses with 14 twin homes on two cul-de-sacs. Harris stated
that the single family lots have areas that approach the R-
1.44 district to the west. The rearrangement and mix
changes will also allow for moving the entry road a little
to the north, thereby increasing the area for the lots to
the south.
Harris stated that they have identified over 250 trees 12"
or more in diameter on the property and that the revised
project would disturb about 30% of the trees during the
construction phase. A conservancy easement that will be
dedicated as part of the protective covenant was added to
the project in order to prevent mowing and cutting of the
easement area. Harris said that replanting will occur to
the south and west in areas where very few trees exist now.
The road grades are at 8% on the upper cul-de-sac and 3% on
the lower one.
Schlampp asked if the proposed mix was 14 twin homes and
four single family homes. Harris replied that he had
misspoken and that there are 16 twin homes and six single
family homes in the new proposal.
Schlampp asked if they were cutting down the lot sizes for
the twin homes near the wetlands. Harris replied that those
lots will have natural areas as their back yards with 9,000
square feet of usable area per lot.
Franzen said the project as first proposed had units located
very close to a significant number of trees; however, once
the trees were located as a result of the tree inventory, it
was possible to rearrange the project to reduce the tree
loss to 30%. Franzen stated that the Staff analysis of the
house pad size shows that to be realistic. They were not
able to rearrange the project in order to reduce the 8%
grade on the upper cul-de-sac without adding substantially
to the length and curves in the road.
On the issue of transition, Franzen said they try to match
zoning district and lot size or number of units next to an
established neighborhood and Staff believes this plan
provides better transition than the previous one.
Schlampp said he was concerned about problems emergency
vehicles might have with the 8% grade, the curves and the
width of the road on the upper cul-de-sac. He asked if the
28-foot road width is typical. Franzen replied that such a
• width is typical. Schlampp asked if there is anything else
that can be done with the road, such as widening it.
Franzen said it might be possible to position the road to
Planning Commission Meeting 3 August 9, 1993
one side of the right-of-way or the other in order to better
• accommodate emergency vehicles.
Sandstad asked why the right-of-way widths are different
between the two cul-de-sacs. Harris replied that the twin
home lots needed 45 feet of street frontage so the right-of-
way is larger.
Carol Wilkes read a letter to the Commission from Brian
Duoos, 7160 Willow Creek Road, expressing concern about
adding additional vehicles from this project to the current
high levels of traffic in the area. In his letter, a copy
of which is attached to these minutes, Duoos proposed that
the speed limit be reduced to 35 MPH, the density be
decreased by 1/3, the entrance road be moved to the south,
and sidewalks be installed on the west side of the road.
Duoos also expressed concern about the density and
configuration of the project.
Dan Grote, 7061 Willow Creek Road, said he thought the
changes are good; however, he wanted to know what happens to
drainage and water run-off along the border with the Willow
Creek neighborhood, particularly during the construction
phase of the project. Franzen responded that a grading and
drainage plan will be required at the next meeting that will
provide a drainage area map for the property along with
• calculations about the amount of water drainage in each
area. Franzen said some steep-slope projects have required
an actual storm sewer to be put in the rear of the property.
Construction on steep slopes would require a construction
pond that would catch all the dirt flowing towards Bryant
Lake Drive.
Bauer stated they would need a pretty solid construction
plan to protect against erosion and that a detailed plan
would be needed to preserve the wetlands and the neighboring
property.
Kardell asked what the role of the Watershed District will
be in this project. Franzen replied that, after City
Council approval, the Watershed District schedules a review
of the grading project and specifies the type of erosion
control that will be required to prevent sediment from going
onto adjoining properties. The City Engineering Department
will not issue a grading permit until the Watershed District
has signed off on the project.
Elaine Sorensen, 7121 Willow Creek Road, commended the
developer, Staff and Commission members for their efforts on
this project; however, she questioned whether this is the
right project for the very delicate terrain in this area.
Sorenson would like to see a to-scale mock-up before the
Commission or the City Council votes on the project.
Clo May Hayes, 7090 Willow Creek Road, would like to see no
building done on the top of the hill.
Planning Commission Meeting 4 August 9, 1993
Jim Duncan, 11228 Willowood, asked why there are twin units
in the project rather than just single family homes like the
adjoining neighborhood. Harris replied that there is a
marketability issue with single family homes next to a
freeway, and the twin-homes provide transition to the single
family lots. Jim Danavic, representing Peter Andrea, stated
that they are developing for the adult retired person, and
they don't see the sites as being big houses with lots of
kids. Duncan was concerned about the impact on property
values in the adjoining neighborhood.
Sorenson asked if there would be covenants and if there
would be other builders involved in the project. Danavic
replied that any development would have an architectural
review board, and they would look at any proposed house
plans to see how they line up with each other.
Jim McNeill, 7251 Willow Creek Road, would like to have the
builder come in with a total plan on everything so that the
neighbors can provide some feedback on the type and
construction of the buildings.
Schlampp agreed that a buffer is needed along the freeway
and that the problems with the drainage and the grading must
be answered.
Wissner stated she was pleased to see transition and land
use revisions; however, she was concerned about the
possibility that the entrance to the project may now be on a
curve in the road.
Bauer stated that we do need to see some final plans.
Sandstad stated this is closer to a workable project and
that transition from single to double is almost necessary
with a highway like 212/169. The road grades and the
erosion potential are a big concern.
Kardell liked the lower level of density but suggested
taking one unit out of the lower twin home units that back
onto the wetlands to make the lots bigger. Kardell was
concerned about the tree loss and would like to see what we
could be done to further decrease the number of trees lost.
She said the drainage from the top units will be a big
problem and we will need a very carefully-done drainage
plan. Kardell stated that the conservancy easements were an
excellent addition.
Clish had concerns about the tree loss issue as it appeared
to her that some of the tree clumps would be lost during
construction.
• Franzen stated that we would require a statistical
comparison for trees lost to road, pad and construction
damage by categories.
I
Planning Commission Meeting 5 August 9, 1993
Kardell would rather have the top of the hill maintained
than decrease the hill any further in order to reduce the
road grade.
Bauer was in favor of the plan, provided the tree loss is
nailed down and final plans are provided. He stated this is
a delicate area and the residents deserve the Commission's
analysis of the final plans before approval.
Clish would like the traffic engineer to be able to reassure
the neighbors about the traffic issues presented by the
project.
Bauer asked if this project would require the same plan to
minimize tree loss during the construction plan as the
Centex project. Franzen replied that there would be some
applicability in that Centex was building in the "Big Woods"
on small lots. Centex committed to where the dumpsters and
trucks would be located, a restricted grading plan and a
tree loss of 30% or less. Franzen said this project might
not have to go to quite the same lengths, but some of the
practices would make sense.
Bauer wanted some discussion on issue of sidewalks and
sidewalk location at the next meeting.
• MOTION:
Kardell moved, seconded by Clish, to continue the public
hearing to the August 23rd meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0.
B. BOULDER POINTE 5TH ADDITION by Robert H. Mason, Inc.
Request for PUD Concept Review on 150 acres, PUD District
Review on 31.21 acres, Rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on
31.21 acres, Preliminary Plat of 31.21 acres into 30 lots
and one outlot. Location: Boulder Pointe Road and Mitchell
Road.
Sandstad stated that he didn't see the parking lot at
Boulder Pointe Lake Park on the plans. Randy Travalia,
representing Robert H. Mason, Inc. , replied that the parking
lot is on the original plan for the 1st Addition.
Schlampp asked what the total number of lots is. Travalia
replied that there are 30 lots. Schlampp noted that only 18
pads are shown on the plans. Travalia replied that the
grading plan is accurate and that 12 lots are shown without
a pad.
Schlampp noted that lots 1-8 abut the high water mark, and
lots 3,4 and 5 do not meet the lot width at the rear of the
building line. Travalia stated that lots 3,4 and 5 do not
meet the 120-foot requirement at the setback.
Planning Commission Meeting 6 August 9, 1993
Franzen stated that Staff recommends approval per the
recommendations in the last page of the Staff Report of
August 6, 1993 .
There were no comments from the audience.
Sandstad stated he would like to find some way to keep the
traffic to 30 MPH on Staring Lake Parkway.
Kardell saw no major problems with the project.
Wissner asked if there will be other builders in the
project. Travalia replied that this will be the same as
their other additions.
MOTION 1:
Kardell moved, seconded by Schlampp, to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2:
Kardell moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Robert H. Mason,
Inc. for PUD Concept Review on 150 acres based on plans
dated July 29, 1993 and subject to the recommendations of
• the Staff Report dated August 6, 1993 . Motion carried 6-0-
0.
MOTION 3:
Kardell moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Robert H. Mason,
Inc. for PUD District Review on 31.21 acres based on plans
dated July 29, 1993 and subject to the Staff recommendations
of the Staff Report dated August 6, 1993 . Motion carried 6-
0-0.
MOTION 4:
Kardell moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Robert H. Mason,
Inc. for Rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 31.21 acres based
on plans dated July 29, 1993 and subject to the Staff Report
dated August 6, 1993 . Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 5:
Kardell moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Robert H. Mason,
Inc. for Preliminary Plat of 31.21 acres into 30 lots based
on plans dated July 29, 1993 and subject to the Staff Report
dated August 6, 1993. Motion carried 6-0-0.
Planning Commission Meeting 7 August 9, 1993
V. MEMBERS, REPORTS
Sandstad was concerned about the damage that erosion control
and construction delineation methods may cause to shallow
tree roots. Franzen replied that the developer is required
to put up snow fence around a tree located near the grading
limits. Sandstad asked if there would be snow fence around
a conservancy area. Franzen replied that snow fence would
be required around all trees being preserved.
Clish reported that she, Wissner and Kardell met with Dave
Lindahl. They are currently trying to determine the demand
for housing for people who are commuting into Eden Prairie.
The bid they received from Decision Resources was too high
so they intend to identify 12 representative companies in
the community and contact them about surveying employees on
whether they live in Eden Prairie and other questions.
Lindahl will check to see if student help might be available
to design and tabulate the survey. Bauer suggested that
they contact the University to see if they would want to do
this as a project.
Sandstad asked what happened to the idea of a R-5000 lot
size. Clish said they are still working on it and that they
need to determine if there is a demand for that size.
Kardell noted that they want to have a plan in place prior
• to the legislature's decision.
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
There was none.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
There was none.
VIII. PLANNERS, REPORTS
Franzen reported that the City Council passed the Aviation
Center request. Staff will send a letter to MAC and the
local commission about extending sewer and water out there.
Schlampp stated that the hazardous waste issue needs to be
dealt with. Franzen said they are trying to get information
out of the PCA and have been referred to Hennepin County.
Franzen noted that it is important to keep up with changing
bills and legislation on this issue. Currently the City
waits until the appropriate agency sends out information on
the compliance regulations.
Bauer stated his concern about needing sidewalks along the
Wal-Mart development because of the high volume of traffic
in that area. Franzen replied that there is a joint venture
study for the downtown area to put the specs together for
such requirements.
Planning Commission Meeting 8 August 9, 1993
IX. ADJOURNMENT
40 MOTION:
Schlampp moved, seconded by Kardell, to adjourn the meeting
at 9:10 PM. Motion carried 6-0-0.
•
•
AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMNIISSION
Monday, August 9, 1993
7:00 p.m.
COMIVIISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Cynthia Clish,
Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Community Development;
Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner;Donald Uram,
Planner; Deb Edlund, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Continued from July 26, 1993 meeting:
A. PETER ANDREA TWIN HOMES by Peter Andrea. Request for Zoning District
Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 14.89 acres and Preliminary Plat of 14.89 acres
into 30 twin home lots. Location: Willow Creek Road and Bryant Lake Drive.
B. BOULDER POINTE 5TH ADDITION by Robert H. Mason, Inc. Request for
PUD Concept Review on 150 acres, PUD District Review on 31.21 acres,
Rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 31.21 acres, Preliminary Plat of 31.21 acres
into 30 lots and one outlot. Location: Boulder Pointe Road and Mitchell Road.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
I