Planning Commission - 03/10/2008 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: John Kirk, Vicki Koenig, Jerry Pitzrick,
Frank Powell, Peter Rocheford,
Kevin Schultz, Fred Seymour, Ray Stoelting,
Jon Stoltz,
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: Rocheford and
Seymour.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Stoltz, seconded by Kirk, to approve the agenda. Motion carried
7-0.
III. MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008
MOTION by Kirk, seconded by Powell, to approve the minutes. Motion carried
4-0. Koenig, Schultz and Stoltz abstained.
IV. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
V. PUBLIC MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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March 10, 2008
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VII. PLANNERS' REPORT
A. Camp Eden Wood
This item is a staff and consultant presentation about a master plan for Camp
Eden Wood that shows additional development of the site in response to
programming needs of Friendship Ventures. Before any construction can happen
public hearings are required for a formal review of a PUD, Zoning, and Site Plan
with the Planning Commission and City Council.
Stoelting asked Franzen to review the staff report. Franzen stated the reason for
tonight's presentation is to show how this project will develop. He stated the
project proponent would have to come back in the future to get site plan approval.
Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director, presented an overview of this
project. He stated they are working with Friendship Ventures on the development
of this site to determine the current and future physical and programmatic needs
for Camp Eden Wood. He pointed out the bonding bill proposal associated with
this project is progressing through the hearing process and a decision should be
made by June 1, 2008. If the funding is not awarded, the plan could still move
forward in a phased approach; and they could possibly use volunteer labor for this
project. The future steps for this project would be to first go before the Heritage
Preservation Commission, then the Parks Commission, and finally before the City
Council.
George Watson, of Brauer and Associates, presented a broad master plan of the
project and some items that still need to be worked on. He pointed out the camp
was acquired from Hennepin County in 1993. One of the requirements of the sale
was that the camp would be used for disabled individuals. There are two
historical buildings on site, the dormitory building, which has had some work
already done to it, and the dining hall, which has not had any work done to it but
needs restoration. There are currently two small garages on site. He also pointed
out that entering and exiting of this site is made difficult by the railroad passing
on Indian Chief Road. He pointed out the marsh is in fairly good shape. The lake
has been lowered significantly, but work is being done to resolve this issue. This
site is served by phone, gas, and municipal water and sewer. He stated in
renovating this site, they would like to maintain the historical value of this piece
of land. Some of the items they are working on would be the realignment of the
center entry road, eliminating dust in the area, and organizing the parking area.
They also need to account for storm water run-off. They also would like to
replant some of the native species in the area with non-native species, as some of
the native species have gotten too thick. They are also considering hard surface
trails, and suggest a new trail site to be created on the north side of the marsh. He
pointed out two of the three new cabins would be in the historical area of the site.
They will need a variance request for the structure developed out of the historical
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March 10, 2008
Page 3
area. They chose this area for the third structure because they did not want to
disturb the mature trees in the area.
Chuck Liddy, principal architect from Miller-Dunwity, stated there is a need for
100 beds on site; 34 are already on site in the newly renovated dormitory site.
They would like to split the remaining units up within the three new cabins. They
envision the appearance of the architectural structure of the buildings to resemble
stone. He pointed out they do not expect huge issues to arise in the future with
this project, and also commented they have significant historical experience
working on these types of buildings.
Mr. Lotthammer wanted to thank everyone for giving them the opportunity to
make the presentation tonight.
Stoelting asked if the variance request would be discussed this evening. Mr.
Watson said they might need a 50 foot variance setback request in the shoreland
area,but that would be a future issue.
Pitzrick asked if there are concerns for access for emergency vehicles. Mr.
Watson said there are some concerns,but they have no further information on the
issue. He said there is room along the railroad right-away that could possibly be
an option. Mr. Liddy said under current code, all the buildings will have to have
sprinklers in them. Mr. Lotthammer said compared to what is out there right now,
this plan would drastically improve the access to the area.
Koenig asked if they are considering using rain gardens in the area. Mr. Watson
said they are looking into using rain gardens.
Kirk said in regards to a paved access, he hoped they would consider a porous
pavement design. Mr. Watson said they are considering it and that it would be
ideal for this site.
Schultz said in regards to the pedestrian boardwalk,he wanted to know what
railings would be on site. Mr. Watson said it is dependant on the elevation in the
area and would have to be explored in further detail.
Stoltz said it looks like the boardwalk only has one access and asked if another
one could be built on the site. Mr. Watson said they do not want people
wondering off the path, so they would have to look into this issue in more detail.
Fox commented when dealing with nature trails, you want to supply access,but
do not want to open it up to others, like bikers, because you want to keep limited
amount of access to the area.
Pitzrick said he understands there is a state fund in the works, and asked how
unforeseen costs will be dealt with. Mr. Lotthammer said this master plan is what
would be delivered based on the monetary plan. If something unforeseen
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March 10, 2008
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happened, they would have to scale the project back. He pointed out there is also
a volunteer labor aspect to this project that would be cost efficient. The key to
state funding is the fact that this project will not just focus on Eden Prairie kids
utilizing this site, but rather kids from all over the state, which should qualify the
project for state funding.
Koenig asked about planning dollars from the government and asked what that
was all about. Mr. Lotthammer said those were dollars from the City to develop
this master plan.
Stoelting asked the Commission if there were any special issues to be addressed.
Powell said it is a wonderful master plan,but is concerned with the funding issue.
He asked if the City benefits from this project. Mr. Lotthammer said in regards to
the funding issue, they will utilize volunteers from Friendship Venture for labor
and contributions. In working with Friendship Venture, they will be preserving
the site at no cost to the City. The benefits would be in the maintenance of the
property. Powell commented if Eden Prairie residents do not receive anything
back, it would be hard to justify the project.
Stoelting asked if this was state or city property. Mr. Lotthammer said the county
turned the property over to Eden Prairie with the caveat that it would be host to
disabled individuals. This property would also be used by community groups
such as the Lions Club, so there would be some public benefit.
Stoelting asked if the Commission Members were comfortable with the plan.
Stoltz asked, in regards to the lease being up in 2014, when would they complete
the project. Mr. Lotthammer said if the funding were to come through right away,
this could all be completed in one to two construction periods. Koenig said she
approves of the master plan. Stoelting said he also approves of the master plan
design,but is concerned with the shoreland setback variance. Schultz, Kirk, and
Pitzrick said they are in support of the project.
B. Wetland Code
Franzen said all the minor items in the packet are the amendments to the code that
Kevin Bigalke, District Administrator for the Watershed District, recommended
to be included in the ordinance revisions relating to the wetlands.
C. April 28, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting
The Boards and Commissions Banquet is scheduled for April 281h and the
Planning Commission meeting for that night needs to be rescheduled. The
alternative dates would be April 21 and April 22. Franzen asked the Commission
Members to email him with the dates they would be available to reschedule the
meeting.
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March 10, 2008
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VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT
Stoelting announced that Jon Stoltz will be taking over as Chair, and John Kirk will
be Vice Chair.
New Commission Members will be Katherine Lecow, who will be serving a 3 year term,
and John Capman, who will be serving a 2 year term. Koenig and Powell will be leaving
the Commission.
IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Kirk seconded by Stoltz, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.