Planning Commission - 11/26/2007 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2007 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: John Kirk, Vicki Koenig, Jerry Pitzrick,
Frank Powell, Peter Rocheford,
Fred Seymour, Ray Stoelting, Jon Stoltz,
Kevin Schultz
STAFF MEMBERS: Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Al Gray, City Engineer
Michael Franzen, City Planner
Julie Krull, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Stoelting called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Absent: Koenig and Stoltz.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Schultz, to approve the agenda. Motion carried
7-0.
III. MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 2007
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Powell, to approve the minutes. Motion carried
4-0. Kirk, Rocheford, and Stoelting abstained.
Stoelting recognized Jorgen Hatchett, a student who will be attending the next few
Planning Commission meetings.
IV. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
V. PUBLIC MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. TOWN CENTER ORDINANCE
This is the final form of the draft ordinance the Commission reviewed earlier this
year. The Staff recommends approval.
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November 26, 2007
Page 2
Greg Ingraham, of HKGi, presented the proposal. He pointed out the items in the
Public Hearing are two-fold; the Town Center Design Guideline and the Town
Center Zoning District ordinance. Mr. Ingraham gave some history on the
project. He also pointed out the Guideline uses three sub-districts; mixed-use,
residential and commercial to reflect the different land uses, intensities and
character which the MCA study established within the Town Center. The basic
premises behind the three sub-districts are: require vertical mixed-use (residential
and retail) development in the core Town Center mixed-use area; concentrate
residential development close to Lake Idlewild and the mixed-use area; locate
commercial development in the area between the mixed-use core and TH 212.
The guidelines also include recommendation for sustainable development,
creation of gateways and outdoor gathering spaces and plazas per the direction
from the Planning Commission and the City Council. Mr. Ingraham also pointed
out the Town Center Zoning District ordinance follows the Eden Prairie Zoning
Code format, but includes some key differences. It requires new development in
the Town Center area to be denser than other zoning areas in the City. It has
pedestrian/street-oriented building placement standards, which require buildings
to be built close to the sidewalk or streetscape area and to have a lot of glass and
openness at the street level and to have entrance doors facing streets and public
open spaces. It requires the buildings to be designed with articulated facades and
height step-backs to add visual interest and moderate the intensity of taller
structures. Another requirement would be to have vertical mixed-use buildings
with retail at street level in the Town Center mixed-use core area. It also requires
structured parking in the mixed-use district and limits the location of on-site
surface parking in other districts and it uses slightly lower parking requirements
than any other area in the City to account for an environment of shared parking,
transit access and a mix of uses which promotes walkable access. Mr. Ingraham
stated the Town Center Zoning District is intended to be regulatory, and when
creating new development in the Town Center area they will conform to the Town
Center Design Guidelines.
Stoelting asked Franzen for his opinion in regards to the Town Center Ordinance.
Franzen said the Commission Members should look at the Design Guidelines and
the Town Center Ordinance after Windsor Plaza and Presbyterian Homes are
built. If the projects are not up to expectations then the guidelines may require
some adjustments. Franzen pointed out the Design Guideline is to address how
things are going to look and the Ordinance pertains to how much can be built.
Stoelting opened the meeting up for public input. There was no input.
Pitzrick stated he had some concerns with durability of structures in the mixed-
use areas. In regard to 4-5 story buildings,he pointed out they can still be made
of wood. Any thing above would have to be concrete, which concerns him. He
pointed out he would change the height of the building or talk about durable
structures in relation to buildings.
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
November 26, 2007
Page 3
Stoelting clarified with Franzen if we are going to talk strictly about the
Ordinance first and then the Guidelines during the Planner's Report or if we
would be addressing both of the issues at this time. Franzen stated because the
Ordinance is also dependant on the guidelines both could be discussed at this
time.
Stoelting asked where in the guidelines it talks about Pitzrick's issue. Pitzrick
said it was not listed in the guidelines but he would like to address the issue.
Stoelting clarified if it would be just in the mixed-use area. Pitzrick confirmed it
would be just in the mixed-use area.
Bill Baxley, of BKV Group, said in discussing the structural materials, the
buildings can be made of wood up to 5 stories. He pointed out what also
contributes to longevity is what the building is clad with. Pitzrick said he
disagrees with that statement and believes concrete would be more durable than
wood. Mr. Baxley said the Commission can dictate what material should be used
but normally this is something that does not happen. Usually the Commission
will just set the guidelines. Pitzrick said he can go with what the architect would
like to do,but he feels the structure of the building would not be as long term as
he would like. He pointed out a way to overcome this would be to change the
ordinance to put buildings over 5 stories. Mr. Baxley said that would create
another issue and would be financially enormous. They could not just do 6 story
buildings,because of the financial impact, they would have to do 10 story
buildings.
Pitzrick stated in regard to the residential area, there is a business already located
in the neighborhood which creates a lot of jobs in the area. He asked how we can
keep the business in the area without having them relocate. He suggested when
they would renovate their facilities they place the parking underground. Powell
piggybacked on Pitzrick's thoughts on the wood structure of the buildings. He
said he can envision the buildings being constructed of brick or concrete and
wonders why the guidelines do not address this issue. He pointed out he is not
fond of having wood clad materials on the buildings. He would like to only see 5-
10% exterior wood on the building. Powell also stated in looking through the
guidelines, he did not see the definition of useable outdoor space and would like
to know how we can make sure this happens. Franzen said the circumstances
would have to be looked at individually. They would have to look at where the
open space is going to be located and decide from there as to its size and location.
Franzen also pointed out with design guidelines, the Commission has more of an
opportunity to influence open space.
Powell said he understands how quality of open space supersedes how much land
is used for open space but is concerned the open space, or amount there of, could
change in the future.
Kirk asked what the process would entail to change the guidelines. Franzen stated
it would be a normal review with the Commission with a staff and Commission
recommendation sent to the council. It would be a 60-90 day process. He stated
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
November 26, 2007
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the guidelines should be flexible and future Commission Members should be able
to make adjustments if needed.
Rocheford said guidelines are only as good as the Commission Members who
approve them. He pointed out the Commission Members should not make the
guidelines too tight and restrictive, and they should be kept open to all type of
construction and each construction project should be looked at individually.
Pitzrick commented he would like to see the guidelines modified.
Seymour said he believes the Ordinance was well written and to go forward with
approving it. Schultz agreed with Rocheford and Seymour. Stoelting said he
believes the guidelines and the Ordinance are both well-written.
MOTION by Rocheford, seconded by Schultz, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION by Rocheford, seconded by Kirk, to recommend approval of the Town
Center Ordinance. Stoelting asked if there was any discussion to the motion.
Pitzrick said on page 17 of the guidelines, it addresses power lines,but on page 5,
it does not address the spacing if the power lines were to remain. He stated
previously when they discussed power lines on the new main street the power
lines were to be to the east of the project and he questioned why they were not
there now. Stoelting clarified the motion was for approval of the Ordinance and
not the guidelines and we should be addressing the Ordinance. Motion carried
7-0.
VII. PLANNERS' REPORT
A. TOWN CENTER DESIGN GUIDELINES
Mr. Ingraham stated the sections represent relationships and are diagrammatic.
He also pointed out there are different alternatives to the power line corridors
which could be taken into consideration.
Janet Jeremiah, Development Director,pointed out at the end of December the
streetscape planning elements will be addressed. The streetscapes will show
alternative elevations and how they can work with the power lines.
Pitzrick said he was glad the study was done on power lines because the
information will be needed for future reference. He also said he would like to see
the diagram on page 5 show the power line does not exist there or else to put it in.
Mr. Ingraham said this diagram does not show anything in the background and
that is why the power line is not shown.
MOTION by Rocheford, seconded by Schultz, to recommend approval of the
Town Center Guidelines. Motion carried 6-0; Pitzrick abstained.
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November 26, 2007
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B. ACTIVE COMMUNITY PLANNING
Monique Mackenzie made the presentation on Chapter 10 of the Guide Plan
Update. This chapter includes a goal and policies to improve health relating to
the following Active Community Planning topics:
1. Air quality
• Tree planting
• Land use buffers
2. Water quality
• Infiltration filtering
• Volume management/erosion control
• Best management practices
3. Pathways and accessibility
• Moving around within redevelopment sites
• Moving between nearby destinations
• Access to city-wide trail and sidewalk systems
4. Open space locations
• Provide residential areas with open space (including Town Center)
• Preservation of permanent open space on slopes of creek valleys and
other wetlands
• Connect existing areas as needed
5. Destinations and land use mix (Access to bus stops and LRT stations)
• Compact multiple use mix; more destinations and attractions within
walking distance of each other.
• Higher density development patterns
• Common open space such as plazas and boulevards
6. Physical safety and mobility
• Maintenance and upkeep
• Lighting in high density area
• Universal design (usable by persons of limited mobility or ability)
principles needed.
The goal for health is "Promote planning and design which improves physical and
mental health in the community."
Workshop Findinlzs
1. Integrated into revised Comp Plan document
2. Focus on pedestrian experience, safety and environmental conditions
resulted in increased attention to mobility, destinations and land use mix
and air/water quality.
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
November 26, 2007
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Public Realm Checklist used at the workshop
The checklist focuses on the following areas of interest:
1. Pathways
2. Open Space
3. Environmental Factors
4. Destinations
5. Activity
6. Safety
Active Community Planning Site Planning Handbook Preview
1. Topics addressed will refer to six policy areas referenced in Chapter 10.
2. Guidance and checklist items will describe the City's expectations for
project development throughout the City.
This guide will tell developers, consultants, and property owners what items need
to be included in development plans to promote health. This document will be
brought to the Planning Commission on December 10"'.
Powell said he does not see an indoor recreation addressed and feels it should be
part of the guide plan.
Pitzrick said we should define trails and sidewalks by use and not just blacktop
and concrete.
Rocheford had two items he wanted to address. The first is the numbering on the
Chapter 10 Guide Plan under Goals and Air Quality is incorrect and secondly, in
regards to land use buffers in air quality, in items 1, 2, and 3 there is no mention
of it. Ms. MacKenzie said it was discussed in the workshop but agreed with
Rocheford it was not addressed in items 1, 2, and 3.
C. SALE OF CITY PROPERTY TO PRESBYTERIAN HOMES
The City entered into a purchase agreement with Presbyterian Homes to sell a 4.8
acres owned by the City and located along Columbine Road between Broadmore
Apartments and Lifetime Fitness for a price of$3,000,000. Before the sale can
close the Planning Commission must find the sale of the property in compliance
with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Dave Lindahl, Economic Development, said the Planning Commission need to
find the sale of this property in compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Stoelting presented a point of order and stated when Presbyterian Homes came
forward with their proposal they requested a guide plan change, and asked
Franzen if this is correct. Franzen concurred it was correct. Franzen added a
proposed plan must be consistent with the Guide Plan before it can be sold. So if
it is not consistent a Guide Plan Change is needed. Since Commission and
Council approved the change, the plan therefore conformed to the Guide Plan and
then the property can be sold.
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
November 26, 2007
Page 7
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Rocheford, to move to find the sale of 4.8 acres
of City property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, and Outlot C - Columbine
Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota—to Presbyterian Homes, in compliance
with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried 7-0.
D. JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 18 —STREETSCAPE PLAN TOWN CENTER
This will be a presentation by SRF Consultants on the streetscape plan for the
Town Center.
Franzen said this meeting will be at 5:00 pm in the Heritage Room.
Franzen stated the December loth Meeting will have a plan for United Properties to
update the Rainbow Foods shopping Center. Also the last phase of the Active
Community Planning Handbook will be presented.
VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT
IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Pitzrick, seconded by Seymour, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
7-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.