Planning Commission - 10/15/1974 AGENDA
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
Tuesday, October 15, 1974
7:00 PM City Hall
PM Invocation — Pledge of Allegiance — Roll Call
I. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17, 1974 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
7:00 IT. SPECIAL PRESENTATION.
A. Dr. Ben Bofenkamp and John R ichter will present information concerning the
impact of noise on the human body and specific information concerning_. Flying
Cloud Airport noise levels and its influence upon the community's development.
The speakers will be available for questions and discussion following their
presentation.
8:05 1II. MEMBERS REPORTS.
A. Chairperson Schee
1 . Policy for developer/commission member contacts
2• Next Meettng October 29, 1974
B. Other Members
8:15 IV. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Holiday Station Stores Inc. , request rezoning from Rural to C-Hwy for the existing
DX service station in the southwest quadrant of T. H. 5 and Co. Rd. 4.
Report of staff and City attorney.
Action: approve the rezoning request, deny, or continue
8:4� B. Mint-Sector Plan for about 550 acres surrounding the intersection of Co. Rd. 4
and T. H. 5. The City Council referred the study outline to the Commission for
consideration and recommendation.
Action: make a recommendation to the City Council approving or modifying the
preliminary study outline dated 9-26-74 .
V. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS.
9:00 A. New Testament Church, request PUD approval and rezoning from Rural to PUB
District for construction of a multi-purpose church structure, future housing and
recreation space in the MCA Planned Unit Development. The site is located
south of Valley View Road and West of 494. Presentation by church representatives
and discussion of concept.
Action: motion recommending approval, denial, or continuance for the
construction of the New Testament Church
PUBLIC HEARINGS.
9:30 B. Grossman Corporation request a zoning text change to allow "automotive
dealership and related automotive services to be built . " The approximate
20 acre site is located south and west of Valley View Road and north of the
212/169 - 494 interchange on the Wheaton property. The site is currently
zoned C-Reg.
Action: motion referring the proposal to the staff for review and recommendation
and continue until the October 29, 1974 Planning Commission meeiing.
10:00 C. Cedar Forest 2nd Add , C.E. Coulter & Asso.Inc.,requests "hearing by Planning
,o Commission on preliminary plat of Cedar Forest 2nd Addition " The 34 half acre
lot plat is located in southwestern Eden Prairie east of existing Cedar Forest
Ist Addition and north of Riley Creek.
Agenda--Eden Prairie Planning Commission October 15, 1974
page 2
C. Continued - -
Action: motion approving the proposed plat by C.E. Coulter & Asso.Inc . for
34 ;single family lots or denial of the request since the property is not zoned
to accomodate lots less than 5 acres unless a specific variance from the
Rural District requirements of Ordinance 135 is granted. , or continue.
l 0:35 VI. PLANNER'S REPORT
,L. Community based family care homes
2 . MCA development ordinance
3. Comprehensive Guide Plan review
11.00 VII. ADTOURNMENT.
MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
• October 15,1974 , Tuesday 7.30 PM City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT Schee, Sorensen, Lane, Meyers, Fosnocht, Brown
MEMBERS ABSENT Lynch
STAFF PRESENT Dick Putnam , Director of Planning
I. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17,1974 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
P. 1 , last P, should read- . . . to have Homart use something similar to the
Eden Prairie logo.
P. 3, 3rd to last P, should read- 0-2 0 year flood plain compared to the 2 0-100 . .
P. 5 , 10 P, spelling of suggested
Sorensen moved, Lane seconded, to approve the minutes as published and corrected.
The motion carried with 5 ayes and 1 abstain ( Brown ) .
II. SPECIAL PRESENTATION.
A. Dr. Ben Bofenkamp and John Richter will present information concerning the
impact of noise on the human body and specific information concerning Flying
Cloud Airport noise levels and its influence upon the community's development.
Dr. Bofenkamp .introduced Mr. John Richter ( an active member of the Minneapolis
Aircraft Sound Abatement Committee) , and Mary `West from the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency . Dr. Bofenkamp , who has been taking noise level
• measurements since 1971 , stated that the human ear is the_-- most sensitive
special sense we possess and that long exposure to 85 decibels, or short
exposure to 100-120 decibels ,can cause permanent hearing loss.
Mr. Sorensen asked what would be considered an extended exposure. Dr.
Bofenkamp gave an example of 1 hour or more a day for a month.
Dr. Bofenkamp reported that in 1970 6 million people suffered hearing problems
as a result of noise at work. He cited some examples of the non-auditory effects
of noise as; speech interference ( because a person must speak 6 decibels over
the background sound in order to be heard and such shouting can cause a
sore throat and vocal nodules ), disturbance of sleep, interference of privacy
and rest,and changes 'in a persons blood pressure.
His study in Eden Prairie centered .inside a radius of 1-2 miles of the Airport.
He stated - training' airplanes produce between 65-85 decibels of noise,
which reduces down to 45 decibels at the 2 mile radiusfand 20-25 % of the City
is exposed to a level of 60-65 decibels of - . noise. Methods of controlling
sound would be,improvement of aircraft hardware, change in method of operation,
or control of land use surrounding the airport.
Mr. John Richter gave a brief background of ' MAC and said that since no
newairports have been built in the last 20 years increased. congestion has
occured at the existing airports. He felt that Eden Prairie is-, in a good position
to deal with noise and said special care should be taken in zoning property
surrounding the airport.
F
Planning Commission Minutes -2- Oct. 15,1974
Mr. Don Peterson, of Eden Land Corporation,felt the problem of airport noise •
was being blown out of proportion and said he lives 5 blocks from Fleming .
Field and is not annoyed by noise. Mr. Richter responded that the issue is
what might happen in another 10 years if the City does not plan now.
Mr. Al Lange, a commercial pilot at Flying Cloud, stated that the airport
houses about 15 businesses and suggested the airport, City, and Dr,-
Bofenkamp work together on the airport's planning. He complained that
loud freeway noise from traffic on 494 and the Crosstown awaken him and
his wife and asked that such noise pollution be studied.
Mary West , from the PCA, stated that their agency is interested in Flying
Cloud Airport and asked that they be contacted if they could be of any help.
Mrs. Schee thanked the speakers and the audience for attending the informational
presentation.
III. MEMBERS.REPORTS_.
A. Chairwoman Schee
1 . Policy for developer/commission member contacts .
Schee asked for the members feelings on tlr- issue. Sorensen said he
personally feels uncomfortable in any meeting* unless it is open to the
public and that all presentations to the commission should be the same
as presented to the public. He thought . the commission should take a .
formal position that contacts be through the staff and at open meetings.
Lane endorsed Sorensen's feeling and seconded it. Brown did not
feel such a position required a motion. Schee suggested that their feelings
be a directive to the planner and reflected in the minutes. She. added
that personal ethics govern when the members are contacted individually.
2 . Next Meeting October 29,1974.
The planner stated he had a conflict with the-October 29th meeting date
due to a previous commitment.
Chairperson Schee set the next Planning Commission meeting for Monday,
October 28,1974, 7:30 PM, in the City Hall.
B. Other Members.
1. Sorensen reported that the Planning & Zoning Seminar at Normandale j. C.
was postponed for 2 weeks.
IV. REPORTS AND RECOMI4ENDATIONS
A. Holiday Station Stores Inc, , request rezoning from Rural to C-Hwy for the
existing DX service station in the southwest quadrant of T.H. 5 and Co. Rd. 4.
The planner reported that the DX station had been granted a special use permit
but was omitted from commer cial zoning in the Zoning Ordinance of 1968-69 so
it is now considered to be Rural. He said the property immediately surrounding
the site is zoned Hwy-Com and the area bordering the commercial on the south
and west has lapsed back to residential zoning.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- Oct. 15,1974
i
• He stated that the City attorney and himself concur that the station use
will remain whether it is,z)ned before or after the 4/5 intersection study
is completed.
Schee asked if Worth Oil still had an option on the property. Mr. Steinman
replied their option would be up November 15th of this year.
Meyers agreed with' the planner that the use is going to continue , adding
that she would hesitate rezoning the propertywbI]e the mini-sector study is
underway.
Sorensen falt a rezoning at this time might affect the surrounding -property and
that action should be postponed until the study is complete.
Mr. Steinman believed the station would remain regardless of the City's
action and said that most stations sell goods today other than a utomotive goods.
Motion:
Sorensen moved to continue the hearing until completion of the 4/5 intersection
study.
Meyers suggested that a date be designated so notice would not have to
be re-published.
• Amendment:
Sorensen moved to amend the motion to continue the hearing until the Planning
Commission's first meeting in November. The motion and amendment was
seconded by Schee.
Vote: The motion and amendment carried unanimously.
Mr. Stb.inman asked if he could appear before the Council prior to November
15th when their option terminates.
Schee replied that he could request to be placed on the Council agenda but
he would go without a recommendation from the Planning Commission.
B. Mini-Sector Plan, for about 550 acres surrounding the intersection of Co. Rd. 4
and T.H. 5. The City Council referred the study outline to the commission for
consideration and recommendation.
The planner reported that consultants he has conferred .with stated--the
time and cost ` limits placed on the study would restrict the amount of work
that could be completed.
Schee asked what consultants -c-ould provide that the staff could not.
The planner responded - that consultants could contribute technical expertise ,
new ideas, and more time.
•
Meyers felt the concensus of the Councilfat their last meetingrwas that theyvwre not
in favor of hiring a consultant and felt the study could be accomplished by
the staff.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- Oct. 15,1974
Sorensen asked if funds were available for such a study. The planner responded tl�
$ 3,000.-4,000. is available for the remainder of the year.
Mr. Wally Hustad inquired how the study would be funded if the staff did the
study. The planner said that there are a number of ways of funding the study
which could be worked out between the City and the property owners.
Mrs. Hustad asked how the Redrock Study had been funded. The planner said it
was paid by new developers in a deposit along with their proposal fees.
Sorensen asked if the staff had ample times to do the sudy. The planner stated that
time would have to be made available &that he felt assistance would be needed in
such technical areas as traffic data.
Brown asked if Council approval was needed to appropriate money for the study. The
planner responded that up to $ 1,000.00 could be cleared through the Manager.
Motion:
Sorensen moved, Schee seconded, that the staff report dated 9-26-74 referring
to the land use transportation study of 4 & 5 be recommendedtothe Council
and that the : necessary technical support be obtained from outside sources
both as a time saving adjunct to get . - the report done in time and to allow the
planning staff to devote their time to other proposals before the commission .
in the near future..
Mr. Brown suggested that the motion incMe something on the study's funding.
Amendment
Sorensen amended the motion to include, " and that the cost cfstaff time and
outside consultants be prorated to new development on an acreage basis.
The amendment was acceptable to Schee.
The motion and amendment carried unanimously,
V. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS
A. New Testament Church, request PUD approval and rezoning from Rural to PUB
District for construction of a multi-purpose church structure, future housing,
and recreation space in the MCA Planned Unit Development. The site is
located south of Valley View Road and West of 494. Presentation by church j
representatives and discussion of concept.
i
The planner referred the commission to the staff report and informed them
that a new site plan was submitted after the,report had'been completed.
Pastor Herzog reviewed the background of the church and expressed the church's
desire to now have a place of their own. He stated that the church's purpose • I
is to meet the people's needs and that they feel their site will give them a
good central location.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- Oct. 15,1974
• Mr. Thomas Crosby, representing Mr. . S choenfelder stated that Mr.
Schoenfelder is concerned about the proposal and feels that if the City grants
Grossman's request it will place his property in a situation whereby it would
not conform with the 50 acre minimum for C-Reg zoning because s+tch a use on
on this part of the property would dictate restrictions on Mr. Schoenfelder's property.
Lane asked what type of security would be proposed for the dealership. .
Mr. Greenberg said they muld work-out that item with the staff .
Meyers called attention to the need for the Watershed District to investigate
Grossman' ' plan to excavate 25,000 cu. yds. of peat, and the ' Highway
.Department to review the proposal's use of the culvert under 494 & 5 .
Greenberg replied that they have had favorable discussion with the Highway
Department and will be contacting the Watershed District regarding their plans.
Meyers asked if visual contact by motorists to all new and used cars is vital
to an auto dealership. Greenberg replied that the merchandise requires visual
contact. Mr. Walser agreed and asked where else the cars could be placed.
Mr. Grossman added that in order to spur impulse buying they must display their
wares.
Schee stated that a strong intent contained in the MCA Report is for sensitive
and innovative ideas . She felt that every proposal for the MCA should strive
• for that goal.
Sorensen said thatthe MCA report asks that all proposals be treated in a delicate
and unique manner and that to remove the hills to construct a concrete platform
is not the proper approach to building in the MCA. He stated his personal
reaction to the plan, and use in the MCA,is negative and that it is an inappropriate
use for the site.
Mrs. Elaine Sorensen , 7121 Willow Creek Road, stated that the Planning
Commission, staff , and Council have done an excellent job in providing
innovative --' ideas for Eden Prairie'sdevelopment and the insensitivity of Grossman's
proposal is frightening.
Mr. Tuttle agreed with Mr. Sorensen's statement and felt the lighting would
adversely affect the existing development across the lake. He asked that
the proposal be carefully studied.
Mr. Greenberg stated that irregardless of what use is developed on the ' site
lighting, cars, and people will be generated.
Motion
Schee moved ; Sorensen seconded, to refer the proposal to the staff for review
and recommendation and continue it to their October 28th meeting.
• The motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission Minus -8- Oct. 15,1974
f
C. Cedar Forest 2nd Add. , C. E. Coulter & Asso. Inc. , requests hearing by
Planning Commission on.preliminary plat of Cedar Forest 2nd Addition. The
34 acre half acre lot plat is located in southwestern Eden Prairie east of existing
Cedar Forest Ist Addition and north of Riley Creek.
The planner referred the commission to the planning and engineer staff reports-
which recommended that rezoning be applied for prior to platting.
Mr. Joe Semrad stated that he was unaware that the property had been zoned back
to Rural in 1968 from its previous residential zoning. Hesaid he would be
willing to apply for rezoning.
Mr. Cable, a resident of Cedar Forest Ist, said the residents do not object
to the development but are concerned that it be accomplished in a safe manner.
Motion:
Sorensen moved, Schee seconded , that the item be continued indefinitely
to allow Mr. Semrad to apply for rezoning. The motion carried unanimously.
VI. PLANNER'S REPORT
1 . Community based family care homes.
Currently the planner is working on amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance
as requested by the Human Rights .Commission . ' The Human Rights
Commission will be discussing the care home concept at a dinner meeting
to be held October 30 th at the Eden House. •
2 . MCA Dev4blopment Ordinance.
The planner said he is waiting for the authorization and approval of the
MCA Report.
3 . Comprehensive Guide Plan Review.
He reported that .it would soon be available.
4. Sign Ordinance. ( Added item )
The planner reported : the final draft of the ordinance calls for the Planning
Commission to review signs. He suggested that the commission could delegate
the responsibility.
The commission members agreed to discuss the item at their following
meeting and requested to receive a copy of the final draft.
VII. ADTOURNMENT.
Sorensen moved, Schee seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 12:b5 A.M.
The motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- Oct. 15,1974
• Mr. Medin , who was retained by the church last Winter to design the
church structure , stated that the original site plan was closer to the
eastern boundary. 'Butfollowing discussions with the adjacent landowner,
Mr. Berntsen, the church agreed to move the building to the west
thereby allowing more flexibility for the development of Mr. Bernts.en's
property. He said they will be retaining the existing house and garage
on the property, the barn will be removed after it. is used • for storage
of. construction materials, and they will be working with the staff to
develop a safe road entrance.
r
Mrs. Meyers asked if the church still planned to build some future
housing themselves. Mr. Medin said 'they would be willing to work
with the City and Mr. Bernts.en in the flexible use of the property and that
their intent is not to make money on housing.
Mr. Sorensen asked if the church would be applying to exempt the property
from the tax rolls if it is rezoned to PUB; and suggested tra.t since a portion
of the property may be developed in the future that only the part used for
the church be taken off the tax rolls. Mr. Herzog replied ' it would be
possible, but an important factor would be how far into the future development
of the remaining property is. Mr. Fosnocht personally saw no reason to pressure
the church one way or the other on the issue and suggested the church property
• be treated as other church, properties fbr tax purposes.
Mr. Sorensen questioned if the congregation intended to pay thbir share of the
Ring Road assessment. Mrs. Meyers replied that the present policy is that
property currently owned by churches would be exempt until rezoning to another
category is made. Meyers suggested the property seen tonight could be rezoned
and concept approval given to the entire site, thereby requiring future
proposals to be brought back to the City . Mr. Sorensen did not feel that
PUD- PUB zoning should be committed to the entire site.
Pastor Herzog said that the reason they originally included housing was
because they felt it was required on the site, but they could forget
it and explore other alternatives with the City.
Meyers suggested that perhaps 1 safe access could be developed
and the 2 proposed accesses which are considered dangerous by the staff
be eliminated. The planner felt that swh an access: may require the
up-gading of Valley View Road. Pastor Herzog suggested, that
Earl Dirve be upgraded and used as an entrance.
Meyers asked if the revised plan required more grading. Medin said that 1
the revised plan would entail taking out more dirt and moving it around.
. Mr. Berntsen, said he approved of the revised plan and would object '
to the original plan. He added that Pastor Herzog has been very
cooperative
f
Planning Commission Minutes -6- Oct. 15,1974
Mr. Peterson, of Eden Land Corporation, stated that the land use seemed C
a very logical one.
i
Motion:
Fosnocht moved, Brown seconded to recommend to the Council approval
of the PUD conc,ep't with the revised site plan submitted that evening E
and development stage approval and rezoning to PUB in accordance with the
recommendations inthe staff report dated 10-11-74.
Amendment
Sorensen moved, Lane seconded, to amend the motion to read after
PUB -- " District except the east 110 feet" in accordance . . .
Vote on Amendment
The amendment carried with 4 ayes and 2 nays ( Fosnocht, Brown ) .
Vote on Motion
The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Fosnocht was absent for the remainder of the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. Grossman Corporation, request a zoning text change to allow "automotive
dealership and related automotive services to be built. " The approximate
30 acre site is located south and west of Valley View Road and north of the
212/169-494 interchange on the Wheaton property. The site is currently zoned
C-Reg.
Mr. Greenberg introduced Jack Walser of Towns Edge Ford, Tom Grossman of
Grossman Chevrolet, Jack Bell their legal counsel and Ray GebJer the project
director from Parker Klein. & Associates. He backgrounded Walser's and -
Grossman's experience and reliability in the car dealership field. He believed
the site was ideally suited for Hwy-Com use as stated in the MCA Report.
Ray Geiger presented slides of the site's location, topography, building plan ,
utility placement, etc. Sorensen asked who owned lot S. Geiger replied the
owner was G. P. Schoenfklder.
0