Planning Commission - 06/27/2011 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY,JUNE 27, 2011 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Matt Fyten, John Kirk, Katie Lechelt, Jacob Lee,
Jerry Pitzrick, Kevin Schultz, Jon Stoltz, Travis
Wuttke
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael Franzen, City Planner
Rod Rue, City Engineer
Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Julie Krull, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Stoltz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Kirk, Pitzrick and Wuttke were
absent.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Lechelt, seconded by Schultz, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
III. MINUTES
A. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 13, 2011
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Lee, to approve the minutes. Motion carried
5-0.
IV. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
V. PUBLIC MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. VARIANCE#2011-02 by Eugene Dietz
Location: 9196 Belvedere Drive
Request for:
• A front yard setback variance from 30 feet to 21 feet for a 15 x 12 foot deck
and stairway
Eugene Dietz presented the proposal. He stated they have a twin home at the
corner of Belvedere Drive and Frondell Court. The twin home is surrounded by
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
June 27, 2011
Page 2
streets on three sides. They want to add the deck to the existing three-season
porch. The deck would protrude into the setback. Mature pine trees would screen
the deck from Frondell Court. He stated they would also like to add a stairwell
for access to the yard. This would be a 9 foot variance.
Stoltz asked Franzen to review the staff report. Franzen stated the variance meets
the test for practical difficulties and staff recommendation is for approval.
Stoltz opened the meeting up for public input. There was no input.
Schultz stated he does not have a problem with this variance request.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Lechelt, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 5-0.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Fyten, to recommend approval of Final Order
2011-02 based on plans stamped dated May 10, 2011 and the staff report dated
June 24, 2011. Motion carried 5-0.
B. VARIANCE#2011-04 by Beth and Greg Halvorson
Location: 9536 Lakeland Terrace
Request to:
• A shoreland setback variance from 100 feet to 75 feet for the construction of a
third stall garage.
• A side yard setback variance from 15 feet to 12 feet for the construction of a
third stall garage.
Beth Halvorson presented the proposal. She stated they would like to build a
third stall garage for storage. They live in an odd shaped lot and that is the reason
for the variance request. There is only 22 square feet of basement and they would
like more storage space. She also pointed out the garage door would match the
existing garage doors. They would also be replacing their driveway, as it is
crumbling.
Stoltz asked Franzen to review the staff report. Franzen stated the variance meets
the test for the practical difficulty test and staff recommendation is for approval.
Stoltz opened the meeting up for public input. There was no input.
Lee asked if the third stall would be attached to the others. Greg Halvorson stated
it would be attached,but it is off to one side and slightly forward. He said they
would not be using it as a garage,but as a storage area.
MOTION by Fyten, seconded by Lee, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 5-0.
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June 27, 2011
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MOTION by Fyten, seconded by Lee, to recommend approval of Final Order
2011-04 based on plans stamped dated June 13, 2011 and the staff report dated
June 24, 2011. Motion carried 5-0.
C. METROPOLITAN FORD 2011 by Thomas Grossman Family L.P.
Location: 12475 Plaza Drive
Request for:
• Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 16.2 acres
• Planned Unit Development District Review on 16.2 acres
• Zoning District Amendment within the Commercial Regional Service Zoning
District on 16.2 acres
• Site Plan Review on 16.2 acres
• Preliminary Plat on 16.2 acres
Steve Irwin, architect on the project,presented the proposal. He stated they
would like to develop the south parcel of their land. He utilized the overhead
projector to show where the property is located and what they are proposing to do.
He pointed out there is only one development area on this site. He stated the
building will have pre-case panels. They will also be re-skinning the show room
areas of the building. In addition, they are proposing a car wash on the service
building.
They are requesting two PUD waivers. The first one is for a 0-foot setback to
parking from the common lot line. A cross-access easement is required for the
shared driveway. The second PUD waiver is for increased outdoor storage. Mr.
Irwin pointed out there are time constraints to this project and they do not want to
see it continued.
Stoltz asked Franzen to review the staff report. The only item identified in the
staff report for discussion by the Commission would be architectural
compatibility. In particular, painting the existing brick white. Earlier today, the
project proponent, Herb Margolis, indicated they are withdrawing the request to
paint the Suburban Chevrolet building white. Stoltz asked the project proponent
if that was the case. Mr. Irwin stated they are not going to paint the Suburban
Chevrolet brick white.
Stoltz opened the meeting up for public input. There was no input.
Lechelt asked Franzen if the current Metropolitan Ford building would be vacated
and if there was anyone else looking at the property. Franzen stated the building
would be vacated and pointed out there was some interest in the property. It is
zoned commercial.
Stoltz asked Mr. Irwin when they would like to start the project. Mr. Irwin said
late summer is when they would like to break ground.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Lechelt, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 5-0.
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June 27, 2011
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MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Lechelt, to recommend approval of the
Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 16.2 acres; Planned Unit
Development District Review on 16.2 acres; Zoning District Amendment within
the Commercial Regional Service Zoning District on 16.2 acres; Site Plan Review
on 16.2 acres; and Preliminary Plat on 16.2 acres into 2 lots,based on plans
stamped dated June 7, 2011 and the staff report dated June 24, 2011. Motion
carried 5-0.
D. UNITED HEALTH GROUP GUIDE PLAN CHANGE by United Health Group
Location: Hwy 62 and Shady Oak Road
Request for:
• Guide Plan Change from High Density Residential to Office on 19 acres;
Neighborhood Commercial to Office on 4.5 acres; and Regional Commercial
to Office on 4.2 acres
Lee stated he has a conflict of interest and cannot participate in this discussion
because he works for United Health.
Dennis Spalla, Senior Director in charge Development at the United Health Group
Real Estate Division presented the proposal. He stated this project consists of a
1.4 plus million square feet of offices. They will be making significant
investments to the infrastructure.
Miles Lindberg, from Westwood Engineering, utilized the overhead projector to
show where the property is located. He stated the site has a fair amount of
wetlands and pointed out this property would be the gateway to Eden Prairie. It is
one of the best locations for an all office location. He stated the master plan is
based on accommodating many site plans to accommodate employees. There has
been a lot of effort going into preserving the wetland. Storm water run-off is
reduced as well as site disturbances.
Stoltz asked Franzen to review the staff report. Franzen stated staff recommends
approval based on pages 4 and 5 of the staff report.
Stoltz opened the meeting up for public input.
Keith Tschohl, of 6536 Regency Lane, is President of Regency Pare
Condominium Association, which is located south of this site. He stated their
Association is basically in favor of the project but they are concerned with the
traffic going in and out on City West Parkway. He asked if this has been taken
into account. Rue stated they are currently reviewing a traffic study and stated
there are conditions being considered; such as widening CSAH 61 (Shady Oak
Road). He stated they will be discussing this in more depth in the future.
Stoltz asked if the developer would be taking full responsibility for any traffic
projects associated with this request. Rue stated there are some things they will
be taking full responsibility for and there will be some things where they will
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June 27, 2011
Page 5
have partial responsibility. Stoltz asked Mr. Spalla if he agrees with what Rue
just said. Mr. Spalla stated they do agree and stated they want to be good
neighbors and part of the community and would be happy to consider all
alternatives and have been working together with the City.
Lechelt asked if the City would be looking for financial assistance from the State
or Hennepin County for alterations. Rue stated the improvements are not in the
five year County plan and the City might have to front money until the County
can pay it back. The same would be true for MNDOT. Rue stated there is a need
for improvements at the interchange. Lechelt asked if the City has a concern with
approving this before the traffic study is completely done. Rue stated the draft
study is done, it will be looked at again when they apply for rezoning, and he does
not have a problem the guide plan change.
Lechelt asked what the height of the parking garages are going to be. Mr. Spalla
said they can address that later as it is not what is brought up for approval tonight,
but if the Commission would like, he stated he would give a brief overview. They
will be building on the west part of the property first and then moving towards the
east. Phase 3 of the project will have a 7 floor parking garage that will be tucked
inside the hill for a screening affect.
Lechelt asked what the timing of the project would be. Mr. Spalla stated Phase 1
would be late 2013; Phase 2 would be 2015; Phase 3 would be late 2016 or early
2017.
Schultz pointed out this a land use amendment and there will be more discussion
and/or potential changes to the plan shown this evening when they apply for
rezoning and site plan review. He stated United Health is a good organization and
he is excited about the project and this will be great project for Eden Prairie.
Fyten asked what percent of the 6600 jobs will be new jobs. Mr. Spalla said they
are reorganizing new functions and they are also growing internally. They will
also be reducing their operating costs and creating better buildings. They are
creating more efficient office standards for their employees.
Stoltz asked Franzen if he wanted to add anything. Franzen stated this is a
discussion of a change and land use and there will be an opportunity to review
plans later this year for site development.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Lechelt, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 4-0. Lee abstained.
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Fyten, to recommend approval of the Guide
Plan Change from High Density Residential to Office on 19 acres; Neighborhood
Commercial to Office on 4.5 acres; and Regional Commercial to Office on 4.2
acres based on plans stamped dated June 22, 2011 and the staff report dated June
24, 2011. Motion carried 4-0. Lee abstained.
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
June 27, 2011
Page 6
VII. PLANNERS' REPORT
Franzen stated there will be three items on the agenda for the July 11 Planning
Commission Meeting.
VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT
IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Schultz, seconded by Lechelt, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried
5-0.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.