Planning Commission - 04/27/1992 EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992 7: 30 - P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7600 Executive Drive
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Ken Clinton, Jim Hawkins,
Katherine Kardell, Karen Norman, Doug
Sandstad, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael Franzen, Senior Planner; Don
Uram, Planner; Joanie Reeves, Recording
Secretary
ROLL CALL: Bauer was late.
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Clinton moved, seconded by Wissner to approve the Agenda
as published. Motion carried 6-0-0.
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
Reportg g will be made re ardin the status of the land
behind Flagship. Received copies of the information and
current status of activities in that area are in your
packets.
III. MINUTES
MOTION:
Correction to the minutes from 4/13/92 . Wissner noted on
page 4, paragraph 4, the words should be "single largest"
instead of "second largest". Hawkins noted page 4,
paragraph 5 "late" should be substituted by "following-
the proponents address" .
Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton to approve changes to
the minutes. Motion carried 5-0-1, Kardell abstained.
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. GE CAPITAL PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITY by G.E. Capital
Fleet Services, Inc. Request for Site Plan Review on
19.2 acres and Zoning District Amendment within the
Office Zoning District on 19 . 2 acres with a Shoreland
setback variance to be reviewed by the Board of
Adjustments and Appeals- for a recreation facility.
Location: 3 Capital Drive.
Uram introduced Judy Brinkhaus, Katherine Spargo, G.E.
Capital., Steve Hun, the architect on the project.
Brinkhouse, proponent, gave a brief presentation
requesting the approval of an outdoor fitness facility on
their property at 1 Capital Drive in Eden Prairie. G.E.
Capital wishes to add this facility to enhance the
environment and health and fitness for all G.E. Capital
employees.
There is an existing fitness facility located in Building
1. The outdoor facility will be located near the
building so that toe Staff can manage and maintain the
facilities. Area is secluded and not seen by passing
traffic or neighborhood. In this regard, security of
facility would be much better. The drawback of
developing in this location is that a shoreland setback
variance is necessary. Other alternatives were explored,
but the proposed location seems to be the best
alternative.
G.E. Capital is also very interested and concerned about
environmental impacts. It was this concern that prompted
G.E. to agree to plant the open meadow area with natural
prairie grasses to enhance the area for the existing
wildlife.
G.E. Capital presented a model and site plan.
Uram indicated that the staff had spent quite a bit of
time with G.E. Capital examining the. proposed site plan
and the impact it would have on the environment. There
will be limited daytime use and it will not be lighted.
G.E. Is proposal is to construct two tennis courts, a half
court basketball facility and golf tee boxes in the level
area that they have been mowing for the past several
years. In order to 'mitigate the request for a Shoreland
setback variance, G.E. is proposing to return
approximately 1 1/2 acres into prairie grasses and
wildflowers. This is desirable compared to what is
currently existing. .
Norman requested that the driving range be pointed out
and indicate where the balls would be going.
Marijean Carr, 8100 Ensign Road, spoke and stated that
she has been an Anderson Lakes property owner for 20
years. She indicated that there were environmentalists,
non-game wildlife people and just plain caring people
living here who are disturbed by the proposed events of
the newcomers taking over the safety, beauty and peace of
Anderson Lakes.
She asked that the Commission deny the variance asked for
by G.E. Capital for building a sports facility about 60
ft. or less from our lakeshore. Carr recommended these
recreational facilities be built somewhere else on the
property.
Carr questioned the fact . that G.E. Capital land is
registered as Gelco Corporation and is registered in
Chicago. The precedent will possibly be established for
all corporations to build on classified meadow land if
this variance is granted. Just last year, G.E. Capital
was granted permission to move our geese.
Hawkins suggested a copy of the letter to be given to the
recording secretary for record.
Clinton reiterated Carr's statement that G.E. , removed
Canadian geese. Have you seen a change this year? Carr
indicated they are watchful of wildlife and only 4 geese
out of a population of 30 - 50 have been present in the
area. Carr was concerned this new proposal would bring
about another change in the area.
Wissner questioned Carr about impact of removing existing
trail and the return to prairie grass. Carr mentioned
she had done a study into natural grasses but is not
prepared to answer the question.
Wissner mentioned she had
walked onto the sidewalk. She
felt moving the sidewalk was a good thing since it was
designated meadow land.
Hawkins reiterated Carr's statement that the City Council
granted G.E. Capital permission to remove the geese last
year. Who granted that permission. Carr indicated that
it' was the Park and Recreation that granted that
permission. Hawkins questioned how this was done. Carr
indicated that they were trapped.
Hawkins asked why G.E. Capital requested the geese to be
removed. Carr indicated that they were dirtying up the
sidewalk. Sandstad asked the staff if they will continue
to remove the geese. Uram said he couldn't respond
because this type of decision was made by the City
Council.
Brinkhaus asked to speak to some of the issues.
Brinkhaus said G.E. Capital had asked the Council to
remove approximately eight pairs of geese, not most of
them. They don't object to geese but the numbers have
swollen to increasingly unmanageable numbers and that
this caused problems. Brinkhouse mentioned that the deer
population has doubled and part of the reason was that
Bloomington had gotten rid of a lot of their deer. She
also mentioned the variance request would place the
fitness center within 130 feet of Anderson Lakes rather
than 60 feet. Gelco Corporation is their legal name and
they are doing business as G. E. Capital. The City must
understand that we build business, pay taxes and we only
ask that we have a reasonable way to conduct business.
The reason the facility is planned to be built on the
east side of the lot is to limit the opportunity for
property damage.
Carr responded that she had talked to John Parker from
the DNR and other wildlife people and it was their
recommendation that G.E. Capital put up magnetic tape
instead of a fence. It must, however, be maintained so
.that it works.
Sandstad mentioned that would help only when the geese
walk and not fly. He also questioned Karen Schik,
environmental consultant from Enviroscience about the
prairie restoration and what exactly would be done to
restore this to natural prairie.
Schik illustrated on the map that 1.5 acres of meadow
would be converted to prairie grass. That process would
involve using a herbicide to take out the vegetation and
replanted with prairie grasses and prairie wildflowers.
Maintenance, once the prairie is established would
require either burning or mowing of the prairie.
Preferred method is burning.
Hawkins asked if that must that be done annually. Schik
said it must be done for at least the first three or four
years. Norman questioned if the prairie grasses will
come up to the fencing to the tennis courts.
Schik said shrubs would be placed around the facility and
would act as a barrier or shield to wildlife. The
prairie grass would come close to the shrubs. Hawkins
asked about chemical drainage off the court surfaces.
Schik indicated there would be some leeching of compounds
from the asphalt including a small amount of chemicals
and they would filter through the grass toward the lake.
Hawkins asked if there was some way to trap those leeched
chemicals. Schik said it would be possible although it
was not part of 'the plan. Hawkins asked how significant
the chemicals were. Uram responded by indicating that
the engineering staff had reviewed the plan and indicated
that there would 'be approximate 1 cfs runoff from the
project. Depending upon how the site is graded, the
runoff would never reach the lake.
Clinton questioned how long the process would take from
the time it was sprayed with herbicide until you plant.
Schik replied that it would take two weeks. Clinton
asked if the existing wildlife would be disturbed. Schik
indicated there was not much wildlife there because it is
being mowed and what was there will come back. Hawkins
was concerned that the deer would graze on grass that
contained herbicide. The response was ,that the grass
will die fairly quickly, thus eliminating danger to the
deer since they will not be exposed to it very long.
Kardell asked if the construction will occur this season.
Schik indicated that planting was better in the spring so
it would probably take place next year. Norman asked
Brinkhaus about G.E. 's reason for putting the facility on
the east side. Brinkhaus indicated that the existing
fitness center staff needs to maintain, and monitor the
facility and that distance from the existing recreational
area is a concern.
Sandstad questioned the concern of vandalism with a 10
foot fence around the site. Brinkhaus said the fence
could be cut or climbed.
Clinton asked if this facility was really necessary
because it is close to other fitness centers such as
Flagship where your employees can participate in.
Brinkhaus indicated that this would require a fee, and
time away from the building. They are interested in
maintaining highly qualified, highly productive, healthy
employees. The idea is to keep working as much as
possible. Fifty percent of the employees belong to the
fitness center now, which is extremely high.
Hawkins asked if they had looked at the budget figures to
develop and maintain the prairie area over the next .
several years. Brinkhaus indicated G.E. is committed to
the project.
Hawkins asked what the City does to follow up on
commitments like this. Uram mentioned that the City
would monitor the burning and the requirements of the
Developer's Agreement if the project is approved.
Sandstad mentioned that he was concerned about the 200
foot setback requirement not being met and wondered if
the facility could be relocated.
Brinkhaus indicated they had considered other loctions
but none of which were considered acceptable.
Norman expressed a concern of how sound echoes across the
lake, particularly from hitting tennis balls. Would this
bother the neighbors in a natural setting like this?
Uram discussed the effect of I-494 noise and indicated,
that this will probably worse than any noise created by
hitting tennis balls. Uram summarized that G.E.
Capital'sagreement to do the prairie grass installation
is mitigation for the variance and that the prairie grass
is desirable from a wildlife standpoint.
Sandstad indicated he had not consulted with staff in
asking but stated that he is interested in wildlife
photography and has been in parking lot on weekends
taking pictures. Sandstad wondered if G.E. would be
interested in building an elevated platform that would
give people a place to observe the lake. Brinkhaus
stated liability is a concern.
Hawkins questioned how many employees were located at
that facility. Brinkhaus indicated, 800 regular and 100
temporary. Permanent employees belong to fitness center.
Hawkins asked if this was offered to all employees and
not based on rank. Brinkhaus said it was based on any,
full time employee paying $5. 00 per month and meeting
health requirements. This is not an executive perk.
MOTION 1:
Hawkins moved the public hearing be closed. Seconded by
Clinton. Bauer will be abstaining from voting. Motion
carried 6-1.
MOTION 2:
Hawkins moved to recommend to the City Council that they
approve the request by G.E. Capital Fleet Services, Inc.
request for Site Plan Review on 19.2 acres and Zoning
District Amendment within the Office Zoning District on
19.2 acres with a Shoreland setback variance to be
reviewed by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a
recreation facility based on plans dated 4/16/92 and
subject to the recommendation of the staff report dated
4/24/92. Seconded by Clinton.
Norman stated for the record that they would have
preferred another spot but she would defer to the wisdom
that the City has sought out all possible locations.
Hawkins shared Norman's concerns.
Hawkins also stated that he was concerned about possible
runoff into Anderson Lakes.
Hawkins would add a fourth recommendation that necessary
features be developed in connection with the impervious
site to prevent the direct runoff of concentrated water
from the paved surface area toward the lake. Amended
motion seconded by Clinton.
Sandstad, voting on that amended motion, carried 6-1.
Motion 2 is passed.
MOTION 3:
Hawkins moved to recommend to the City Council approval
for a request from G.E. Capital Fleet Services for a site
plan review on 19.2 acres based on plans dated 4/16/92
and subject to the recommendation of the staff report
dated 4/24/92 with the additional four conditions that
necessary features be developed so asrto prevent direct
or channeled runoff from the impervious surfaces toward
the marsh lake area. Moved and seconded, any discussion.
Motion carried 6-0-1. Necessary features to be worked on
between staff and architect.
B. THOMAS REZONING by Russ Thomas. Request for Zoning
District Change from RM-6.5 to R1-13.5 on 0.41 acres.
Uram reported that , Mr. Thomas owns a lot at the
intersection of Franlo and Grier Lane. zoned RM-6.5. He
is proposing a rezoning to R1-13 .5 to allow for the
construction of a single family home. This is consistent
with adjacent properties and staff recommends approval.
Bauer indicated that he is familiar with parcel and would
like owner to briefly address with the Commission the
soil concerns and correction that has occurred over the
past 1 1/2 years.
Thomas indicated that last year the soil was corrected
and Twin City Testing reported the site was buildable.
Bauer questioned how Thomas would handle the runoff from
the steep slope during construction. Thomas plans to
meet with contractors to determine the best solution.
Sandstad asked what erosion control measure we use on
these sites. Uram indicated that hay bales can be used.
Another recommendation would be that they sod or seed as
soon as construction completed.
Norman moved to close public hearing, seconded by
Wissner. Motion carried.
A question was asked if the construction could begin
after the second meeting. Uram recommended that the 1st
and 2nd reading be held at the May 19 City Council
meeting.
MOTION 1:
Bauer moved to recommend the City Council approval of the
request of Russ Thomas for Zoning District Change from
RM-6.5 to R1-13 .5 on 0.41 acres based on plans dated
March 27, 1992 based on the recommendation of the staff
report of April 24, 1992 discussed herein Kardell
seconded. Two things to be added were the hay bales and
the restoration of slopes. Motion carried 7 0.
C. EDEN PRAIRIE FORD PARKING EXPANSION by Denwal Management.
Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to
C-Reg-Ser on 1.5 acres and Site Plan Review on 9.71
acres.
Don Brauer made a brief presentation of the parking lot
expansion. He added that Ford will ask for permission
from City Council to permit site work and grading prior
to any second reading and that Developer's Agreement be
a simple amendment to the one that is approved.
Sandstad questioned if the lighting standard, style,
height and illumination is similar to the appoved plan.
Brauer responded that Ford modified the lighting to what
they thought had been approved on the auto mall.
However, the plan as proposed is not consistent but
agreed with what the staff report recommended for less
intense lighting.
Kardell questioned the expansion of the dealership before
construction was completed. Brauer indicated it was in
original plan and dealership intended to use all that
space. At that time, it was determined infeasible and
the dealership was made smaller. Ford decided the
dealership can now support additional cars.
Wissner questioned how the parking lot would impact the
City water main? Brauer responded that the City requires
a water main built with special connections and on
footings. Ford will be assessed if the repairs are
necessary.
Hawkins questioned the function of skimmer structure
related to water runoff from the parking lot. Brauer
indicated skimming structure is a dyke instead of coming
from bottom up it comes from the top down. The purpose
is to trap floating hydrocarbons. The skimmer contains
treated wood that extends down below the normal level of
the water.
Sandstad asked if Ford uses salt and do they plow right
away. Brauer responded the only time they use salt is in
case of ice storm.
Franzen provided some background information on prior
approval of the site and city had requirements for
screening of outdoor display signs and lighting. He
indicated the ordinance allows a display 1800 square feet
of unscreened area. For 90% of other vehicles there is
a variance request before the Board of Appeals and
Adjustments. The staff report recommended use of berming
and heavy plant material as a screen with a revised
lighting plan with reduced light levels.
MOTION 1:
Norman moved to close the public hearing, seconded by
Bauer. Motion carried 7-0.
A comment was . made that the backup material was
interesting and helpful.
MOTION 2•
Norman moved to recommend to the City Council approval of
the request by Denwal Management for Zoning District
Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser on 1.5 acres with
variances, based on plans dated 4/24/92 and subject to
recommendation of staff report dated 4/24/92. Seconded
by Bauer. Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION 3:
Norman moved to recommend to the City Council approval of
the request for Zoning District Amendment in the
C-Reg-Service Zoning District .on 8.2 acres based on plans
dated 4/24/92 subject to the recommendations of the staff
report dated 4/29/92 . Seconded by Bauer. Motion Carried
7-0.
MOTION 4:
Norman moved, seconded -by Bauer to recommend approval of
a site plan on 1.5 acres based on plans dated 4-24-92 and
subject to the recommendations of the staff report dated
4-24-92.
Hawkins requested it be noted for the record that it is the
sense of all the members of the planning commission here
tonight that the outdoor storage display guidelines developed
several years ago be maintained in their entirety and it
should be noted that any illumination increases are to related
to outdoor storage area.
V. OLD BUSINESS:
Franzen discussed upcoming agenda for Eden Creek single
family and townhomes on the theater site.
VI. PLANNERS, REPORTS
A. Joint Planning . Commission/City Council Meeting May
19.
There are a number of things can be discussed,
development of wooded areas, development review process
including ordinances and polices, landbanking, -wetlands,
bluff development, etc. The agenda will be sent out .one
and one-half weeks before the City Council Meeting. The
meeting will be social and informal.
B. Status of Wetland Encroachment at Technology Drive
and Prairie Center Drive. Best explanation on the status
was the news article.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Norman moved to adjourn. Clinton seconded.
AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, April27, 1992
7:30 p.m.
COAINUSSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Karen Norman, James
Hawkins, Katherine Kardell, Doug Sandstad, Mary Jane
Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael D. Franzen,
Senior Planner; Donald Uram, Planner; Deb Edlund,
Recording Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance -- Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
H. MEMBERS REPORTS
M. MINUTES
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. ' GE CAPITAL PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITY by G.E. Capital Fleet
Services, Inc. Request for Site Plan Review on 19.2 acres and Zoning District
Amendment within the Office Zoning District on 19.2 acres with a Shoreland
setback variance to be reviewed by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a
recreation facility. Location: 3 Capital Drive.
B. THOMAS REZONING by Russ Thomas. Request for Zoning District Change
from RM-6.5 to R1-13.5 on 0.41 acres. Location: 8600 Grier Lane.
C. EDEN PRAIRIE FORD PARKING EXPANSION by Denwal Management.
Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser on 1.5 acres with
variances, Zoning District Amendment in the C-Reg-Service Zoning District on
8.2 acres and Site Plan Review on 9.71 acres. Location: North of Plaza Drive,
east of Prairie View Center.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. PLANNERS' REPORTS
A. Joint Planning Commission/City Council Meeting May 19.
B. Status of Wetland Encroachment at Technology Drive and Prairie Center Drive.
VII. ADJOURNMENT