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Planning Commission - 01/28/2019 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY,JANUARY 28, 2019 7:00 PM—CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: John Kirk, Charles Weber, Ann Higgins, Andrew Pieper, Ed Farr, Michael DeSanctis, Christopher Villarreal, Carole Mette CITY STAFF: Julie Klima, City Planner; Matthew Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager; Rod Rue, City Engineer; Kristin Harley, Recording Secretary A. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Chair Pieper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Absent were commission members Kirk and Weber. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Villareal moved, seconded by DeSanctis to approve the agenda. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. D. MINUTES MOTION: DeSanctis moved, seconded by Higgins to approve the minutes of December 10, 2018 with the correct spellings of Xcel Energy and kV (kilovolt). MOTION CARRIED 6-0. E. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS F. PUBLIC MEETINGS G. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. STABLE PATH Location: 9560 Stable Path Request for: 0 Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 5.9 acres PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 2 • Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 5.9 acres • Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 5.9 acres • Preliminary Plat of one lot into seventeen lots and seven outlots on 5.9 acres Steve Schwieters, owner of Wooddale Builders,presented the application. 17 60- foot-wide lots were planned, marketed to "empty-nesters," probably age 50 and older. This audience was surveyed before the application, and housing for them was needed in Eden Prairie. The houses would be slab-on-grade to accommodate the flat property. Foundations could be put in if the owners wished. Pricing would be $550,000 to $625,000.00. The houses would be 2,100 square feet on each floor, with two bedrooms on the first floor, a study, and options for four-season or covered screen porches. Wooddale Builders was a customer builder and could accommodate the new owners. He displayed an illustration of the side-load garage design completed in Bloomington. This architecture was favored,but Wooddale also offered a quality front-loading garage design. It was possible to add a basement. Neighborhood meetings held by the developer showed a consensus on vacating the existing right-of-way north of the project area. The back lots were bisected by a utility easement which left an approximate 10-foot area between the proposed development and the existing homeowners' properties in Cole Court. The trees were scarce along that property line, so the majority of the trees would be planted there and the 10-foot section deeded to the existing homeowners to the north (Cole Court). Farr asked if the outlots were required due to the gas line, or if they could not simply be an extension of the project's back lots. Schwieters corrected himself to say Wooddale was creating the outlots to turn them over to the property owners to the north. It was impossible to plant trees in the gas line easement. There would also be boulevard trees,but the majority of the trees would be planted in the outlots, and this was suggested by a number of the existing homeowners. DeSanctis asked if the row of pine trees in north end were in the easement, north or south of gas line. Schwieters replied they were northeast and were already on private property. None were on the Stable Path development. DeSanctis asked what kind of tornado shelter would be offered in slab on grade properties. Schwieters replied that question had come up. In other slab-on-grade developments built by Wooddale Builders, the bathtub was the safest place in a severe storm. Mette asked for and received confirmation this would be a homeowners association offering lawn maintenance and snow removal, rather than a single- family development. Mette asked if there would be an array of designs for homeowners to choose from, as she wished to avoid a"cookie-cutter" development in Eden Prairie with all houses looking the same. Schwieters replied homeowners would have four different elevations to choose from. All would be PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 3 four-sided architecture with no false fronts. He displayed black and white drawings of the elevations. Final products and materials had not yet been determined. Villarreal asked for the location of the new electric lines. Schwieters replied the new electric lines would be all underground, and the panels would be attached to the garages. DeSanctis asked if there would be a provision for pedestrian access allowing cyclists and pedestrians. Schwieters replied there would be a sidewalk on the south side of Dell Drive, connecting to the sidewalk along Stable Path. There was a trail out of the park and alongside Stable Path, and from Dell Road into the park. Klima gave the staff report. The development called for the creation of 17 lots and 7 outlots, 6 being created to be deeded to the Cole Court owners. The development requested waivers for front and side setbacks, and minimum lot size and width. The project proposed to include an east/west road extension of Dell Drive to Stable Path. Villa style homes would offer single level living. The lots ranged in size from 8,301 square feet to 13,187 square feet with the smaller lots proposed on the south side of the proposed street. Due to the presence of a utility easement on the north side of the property, the larger lots were proposed on the north side of the proposed street. The tree replacement requirements were being met by this development. The right-of-way would be vacated as supported by neighboring property owners, and Dell Drive extended through the development. Staff recommended approval of the application subject to the conditions in the staff report. DeSanctis asked if the future projected improvements of the south end of Dell Road as it traverses the bluff. Rue replied the project would begin perhaps in five years. Villarreal asked if there were any requirements to notify customers of the high-pressure gas line in the back lots. Klima replied there was not,but it could be included in the development agreement and would also show on all individual surveys. There were no requirements for the development to require educational materials,but this could be built into the agreement. Mette asked for next steps to approve architecture styles and prevent repetition. Klima replied this would be addressed through the building permit process and the homeowners' association. The zoning code did not address single-family home architectural styles, but staff could help draft language. Discussion followed on possible language to include in a motion to address architectural styles. Farr stated there appeared to be the ability to achieve the required front yard setback, and asked if this had been considered. Klima replied this had been examined, and backyards were preferred by homeowners for improvements (fire pits, etc.), so the front yard setback waiver was favored. Farr stated the loss of heritage trees on the site increased the requirement for replanting, and lamented most of the trees would be placed in the proposed outlot. He asked if there was a PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 4 precedent for this. Bourne replied planting trees and/or building a stormwater pond on an outlot was not unprecedented. There was no minimum per lot or per type of tree; ability of the trees to survive was the paramount consideration. Klima added the city would receive a security for the landscaping and would hold it for one year or two growing seasons. It would be the developers' responsibility through this warranty period to ensure the trees are thriving. Mette asked if the existing home merited examination from the Heritage Preservation Commission. She noted this could be the last of the small farms in Eden Prairie and she had mixed feelings about losing it. Klima replied the existing home was not a historic property and there were still other active farms in Eden Prairie. Pieper asked if this was the last small farm in Eden Prairie. Klima replied it depended on definition, but the Marshall farm on Dell Road still existed, as well as the Siever Peterson property and others. Farr if there was a reason the southeast corner next to lot 8 would be a triangulated right-of-way instead of being turned back into private property. Rue replied private and public utilities ran through there and the City would still own it. Farr asked Schwieters to detail the prototypes offered for this development. Schwieters replied this was probably the 26t" townhome development done by Wooddale, and was considered a high-end custom builder. The materials used would be the same,but the architecture would be different. The front porches and columns would show variety, and they would push for the side-loading garages. He offered to bring samples at a later date. Farr expressed approval of the drawings that were shown. Schwieters added the front setback allowed some trees to be planted in the backyards. The existing evergreens to the north would stay. Farr replied trees were important for shading as well as screening. He urged Schwieters to look at and consider saving trees 5, 27, and 28, and thanked Schwieters for retaining a heritage tree along a retaining wall. Farr urged pushing back the setback. Schwieters replied the desired three-car side-load garages required the setback waiver. Two-car front-loaded garages were depicted on the architectural plans which were preliminary. Villarreal noted the gas line would be liquid petroleum and asked what discussions had occurred with Magellan regarding a disaster plan in the case of a leak. Bob Molstad of Sathre-Bergquist, Inc. replied there was an application pending to Magellan and was waiting for a response. Villarreal asked if homeowners would see a physical marker for the line. Molstad replied there was one;he would discuss this when Magellan had its site visit. Residents would be notified however that a pipeline ran through it. Higgins asked how long the pipeline had been there. Rue replied it had been in existence at least 30,perhaps 40 years; it started in Carver County and ended at the airport. Mette noted the easement dated to 1954. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 5 MOTION: Farr moved, seconded by Higgins to close the public hearing. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Mette stated she had no issues with the setbacks, and was a proponent of higher density housing and "urban" designs. She urged language that generally required using a variety of architectural styles and utilizing staff to craft specific language for this and future developments. DeSanctis asked for and received confirmation the City code allowed solar panels on roofs. Farr compliemented the development and echoed Mette's suggestion for architectural guidance. He urged a smaller setback but was satisfied with what he saw. DeSanctis asked if a community garden was possible in the triangular plot. Rue replied he did not know; city staff would discuss it. Villarreal concurred on the setback variance allowing more flexibility in the development and echoed Mette's concern regarding architectural variety. He also expressed concern the City was losing open space. This was a general concern, not necessarily attached to this development. Higgins agreed variety on setback would be preferable but was not critical in her opinion. She noted there was still a lot of open space in that neighborhood even with this development. Klima offered to research previous development agreements to draft specific language on architectural variety. MOTION: Farr moved, seconded by Mette to recommend approval of the planned unit concept review on 5.9 acres,planned unit development district review with waivers on 5.9 acres, zoning district change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 5.9 acres,preliminary plat of one lot into 17 lots and seven outlots on 5.9 acres, based on staff report dated January 24, 2019 and plans stamp dated January 22, 2019 with the additional condition that Planning Commission recommends to staff to draft an architectural variation condition or language going forward about this and future developments. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. B. GROUND STORAGE WATER RESERVOIR & PUMP STATION Location: Northwest of Hwy 212, southeast of Minnesota River Bluff LRT Regional Trail and northeast of Eden Prairie Road Request for: • Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 6.55 acres • Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 6.55 acres • Zoning District Change to Public on 6.55 acres • Site Plan Review on 6.55 acres Rick Wahlen, Eden Prairie Manager of Utility Operations, introduced Jason Jensen, water resources and facility engineer for Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, and detailed the application. In a PowerPoint he displayed the site and explained the need for the reservoir due to population growth and public fire protection. Wahlen detailed the timeline, showing construction complete in August 2020. He detailed the site selection process: it PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 6 needed to be close to water mains, was inexpensive, and easily acquired. The City purchased the property but MnDOT retained ownership of the stormwater ponds. It was located close to a bike trail and the former Historic Washburn Depot site, which drove the design and facilitated a historic educational element. Most of the tank would be invisible to the public and the planned berm to the south between the facility and the highway would help provide screening, as would the existing trees. Stormwater would be captured on site as well. Wahlen displayed elevations showing the depot-like style mimicking the original facility with an interpretive sign which. The plan was to consult with the Historic Preservation Commission to add other educational and interpretive features. The existing trees would remain and those and the steep berm would help screen the facility. The proposal included three waivers for architectural materials and building appearance, for a higher fence, and for the colors used, which would also mimic the original Depot. DeSanctis asked if analysis was done on the possible effect of the water table and adjacent ponds or wetlands, considering this was a concern of the surrounding neighborhood when Highway 212 was built. Wahlen replied the reservoir would be constructed at a higher elevation than the water table. Jensen added the bottom of the water tank would be higher than the highway. DeSanctis also asked what impact this development would have on the subterranean channels between Mitchell and Red Rock Lakes. Wahlen replied the site of the tank would be on an old spoil pile and its construction required a number of geotechnical borings to determine if there was a sufficient foundation. These borings revealed unconsolidated till, no consistent soil bed, nor any water-bearing veins. The bottom of the stormwater basins would approach the sand veins found and let water into them. Jensen added there was 30 feet of fill found. Robert Ellis, Public Works Director, stated the two lakes were connected by a series of pipes,ponds and channels, but the proposed development came nowhere near that chain, so there would be no impact on the water flow. The interconnection would be south and west underneath Highway 212. Higgins commended the depot-style design and added the commissioners on the Heritage Preservation Commission, with whom she spoke as a former member, were enthusiastic to collaborate on this development. She suggested looking at an original Eden Prairie sign in the possession of the Eden Prairie Historic Society, in its museum. She offered assistance with the interpretive sign. Villarreal asked for the fuel source and the duration for the generator. Wahlen replied two pumps would be operated on a propane-powered generator, rather than running all pumps at the same time on one huge generator. The facility would switch over to generator power whenever Xcel Energy needed to conserve electrical usage. Villarreal urged the use of solar power, if possible, on the roof of the pumping station. DeSanctis asked if the LED lighting could be adapted for solar. Wahlen agreed to explore using solar on the property. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 7 Farr commended the project and the "historical romance" of the depot design and the educational piece for younger Eden Prairie residents who would not remember the Depot. He asked why the paved area had grown. Wahlen replied service vehicles would require the minimum shown by the teardrop-shaped paved area. Farr urged use of a prairie grass stencil was possible on the tank. Wahlen replied the intent was to disguise the water tank with the use of earth tone colors. Also, the design of the tank within the hill resulted in a variable height; however, it was possible to include such a stencil. Farr asked if an acoustical shroud would be included, and Wahlen replied there would; a similar shroud was used on the facility above Baker Road. Farr noted there was a high-value black walnut grove of trees along the regional trail and near the storm water pond, and asked if the development could be tweaked to save them. Wahlen replied he had discussed the trees with Jensen. Some of the land was owned by the Hennepin County Regional Authority, and they were working together to save as many trees as possible and/or replant them. The area was rough with many scrub trees, and with some trees so close together they shade each other and prevent growth of a forest understory. Farr suggested including the story of the black walnut in the interpretive/educational piece. Jensen replied Three Rivers wished to have sight distance along the trees for safety, which was another consideration. Pieper asked how much the depot-style design would affect the project budget. Wahlen replied the materials of the depot style were similar to those used without it. The greatest cost differential due to architecture would come from the ornate fence. He did not have a cost estimate for the light panel. He did not foresee a prohibitive budget increase due to this design. Klima presented the staff report. The zoning would be changed to public, and this would be guided by the 2040 Aspire Plan. Several waivers were being requested, including the addition of the height of the fence waiver; staff would work on the applicant on this. Staff recommended approval Farr asked if there was guidance as to sharp fence barbs at the top, and Klima replied only the height was subject to code. The style would vary depending on which part of it was visible to the public. MOTION: Higgins moved, seconded by DeSanctis to close the public hearing. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Mette commended the train depot design. Pieper agreed. DeSanctis added if a small tag or ground-level sign could be used. Higgins replied one of the views showed a standard interpretive sign used in other areas of Eden Prairie. Villarreal urged adding more educational and outreach elements at the site and along the trail in the future. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 28, 2019 Page 8 MOTION: Farr moved, seconded by DeSanctis to recommend approval of the planned unit development concept review on 6.55 acres, planned united development district review with waivers on 6.55 acres, zoning district change to public on 6.55 acres, and site plan review on 6.55 acres based on staff report dated January 24, 2019 and plans stamp dated January 23, 2019. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. H. PLANNERS' REPORT Klima invited to the Commissioners to the February 19, 2019 City Council Workshop. She stated she would follow up with an email. I. MEMBERS' REPORTS J. CONTINUING BUSINESS K. NEW BUSINESS L. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Higgins moved, seconded by Villarreal to adjourn the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Chair Pieper adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.