Minutes

New Brighton Planning Commission

Regular Meeting - January 16, 2001

7:30 p.m.

Call to Order

Larry Baker, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call

Present:	Larry Baker, Jim O'Brien, David Schmitz, Jeff Schopf, Paul Zisla

Absent:	Norm Schiferl

Also Present:	Mark Andrle, Community Development Specialist

Char Samuelson, City Council Liaison

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Schopf, seconded by O'Brien, to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. 5 Ayes - 0 Nays. Motion Carried.

Report on Council Actions

Samuelson announced the recent appointment of Tom O'Keefe to the Planning Commission.

Agenda Review

Schopf added to the agenda the appointment of Vice-Chair. The agenda was adopted as written.

Motion by O'Brien, seconded by Schmitz, to ADOPT THE 2001 RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION. 5 Ayes - 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

Public Hearings

Community Development Specialist Mark Andrle presented a site plan review and special use permit to construct an addition to Highview Middle School, and expand/reconfigure the parking lot. The addition consists of a new entryway, classrooms, gym, media center and expanded cafeteria. The existing parking lot will be reconfigured to include a drop-off area in the front of the building. This reconfiguration would create a safe area for parents to drop off and pick up children. The applicant made changes to original plans by widening the west drive isle by 7 ft. to better accommodate traffic while buses are in the parking lot. The Engineering Department feels that drainage mechanisms will correctly handle the additional hard surface.

The project's architect, Armstrong Torseth Skold & Rydeen (ATS&R), held a neighborhood meeting to present the revised plans and answer questions. The majority of the resident concerns related to site drainage and the possibility of the holding ponds increasing water table levels.

Baker noted a concern previously stated by residents regarding buses blocking the parking lot entrance. Andrle said the widening of the west drive isle would provide better circulation of vehicles, and signage would state the need for parents to park in the visitors lot when buses are unloading. Todd Wickman, ATS&R, said the site plan accommodates separation of cars and buses which was the primary safety goal, and inclusion of a center curbcut across from an existing curbcut.

Baker said it appears the size of the holding pond had been reduced. Wickman said the holding pond was modified to accommodate overland water flow and provide underground drainage storage.

Leonard Crum, 833 23rd Ave. NW, noted concern of the retention ponds on the north side and additional drainage problems. Wickman said the current plan eliminates the infiltration basin adjacent to the homes along 23rd Ave.

Baker noted a resident concern of drainage runoff traveling down 23rd Ave. Wickman said this problem was addressed by the street reconstruction project which added a storm water drain pipe adjacent to the northerly east property line. Baker believes this problem presently remains. Crum said the majority of the problems had been resolved, but during time of heavy rains drainage travels down 23rd Ave. Wickman said the main concern is that the project does not aggravate the problem.

Bob Gephardt, 725 Silver Lk. Rd., said the view from his backyard will change from a baseball field to a parking lot, and believes the new parking configuration will create additional traffic congestion.

Elaine Pelsman, ATS&R, explained that the reconfiguration will improve the circulation and aesthetics of the parking lot, and provide separation of the bus and vehicle traffic.

Katie Gephardt, 725 Silver Lk. Rd., believes this arrangement will intensify difficulties accessing their driveway, decrease property values, and increase drainage collection in the ballfields. Pelsman said the proposal does not increase the number of parking stalls, but would improve current drainage problems.

Leonard Linton, Clark Engineering, explained that the current drainage system involves the 7th St. catch basins and open field drains. After consultation with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), the plans show a series of infiltration basins with storm sewer outlets which retain runoff up to 72 hours and an outlet pipe which directs drainage to an underground storage chamber. The underground storage chamber will have the equivalent of an above ground holding pond. This plan meets the requirements of the RCWD.

O'Brien asked if the Gephardt's sump pump runs year around. Gephardt confirmed that in unique circumstances the sump pump will operate. O'Brien added that the soil boring did not show a significantly high water table. Wickman reiterated that the project would not aggravate a situation, however, clay soils tend to prolong drainage.

Gephardt asked if the City or School District have methods to determine ramifications of a project to adjacent residential properties. Zisla said the staff comments in the report state "that the special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood".

Margaret Noyd, 2260 7th St., explained that continual improvements to the school property have created drainage in their backyard and fear additional problems with this current proposal. Wickman explained that one easy resolution to remediating the drainage problem would be to install additional fill in the backyard and replace landscaping. Zisla asked if a condition of approval could be added which refers to an easement relating to the remediation. Noyd acknowledged that an easement would be acceptable.

Noyd asked if the proposal allows for entrance of emergency equipment. Community Development Director Kevin Locke noted that the Public Safety Department has reviewed the plans and are satisfied.

Zisla asked if the conditions around the north side of the pond could worsen. Wickman said the drainage would be directed into the infiltration system. Zisla confirmed that the situation would not get worse and may improve.

Baker noted there is much drainage traveling to the smaller pond in the baseball field area. Linton said the volume of the pond is larger than the flow, and the drainage will need time to soak into the ground.

Wickman confirmed that the borings found no ground water at the 25 foot depth, and it is felt the water table may be significantly deeper. One solution would be to install a drain filtering system under the pond which would connect up to the piping system running to the north.

Linton believes the RCWD prohibits under drains within a infiltration basin. One alternative would be installation of permanent wet pond which may introduce more water into the ground table. Locke verified that the City Engineer has reviewed the latest drainage calculations

Pelsman said the goal is to correct any problems which could arise from this project, and assist to alleviate past problems Other than performing underground analysis, this approach would improve the current situation. Also noted was that the requirements for public safety access and fire lanes become less restrictive with a fully sprinkled building. ATS&R was not asked to provide another fire access.

Baker raised the issue that the Commission has not been provided updated drawings containing landscaping and grading changes, and questioned if the item should be delayed until their review. Zisla added that Council review will occur next week, and suggested provision of updated plans added as a condition of approval. Wickman noted willingness to meet with the City Engineer and RCWD to clarify and resolve drainage issues. Zisla noted the difficulties involved in moving a project forward when initial questions are unanswered.

Locke confirmed that the changes proposed by the Commission involve relocating the north filtration pond farther to the west and south away from the neighbors on 23rd Ave.; and provision of grading and landscape plans for the property at 2260 7th St. The Commissioners reiterated the need for closure and identification of a system to ensure that water not mitigate toward the east into the homes.

Baker agreed it would be beneficial for the City Engineer to work with the applicant to consider reliable methods ensuring the project would create no offsite drainage issues.

Motion by Zisla, seconded by O'Brien, to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. 5 Ayes - 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

Motion by Zisla, seconded by O'Brien, to waive the reading and adopt the attached resolution recommending approval of LP00-13 and SP00-17, subject to the following conditions:

1.	Perimeter curbing must be installed around the off-street parking area.

2.	All off-street parking and drive areas be paved with bituminous surface.

3.	All off Street parking stalls shall be marked with white or yellow painted lines not less than four (4) inches wide.

4.	Provision of a bond or letter of credit in the amount equal to 100% of the cost to install landscaping, curbing and paving to ensure that these items are installed per approved plans.

5.	That an easement with the neighbor at 2260 7th Street NW be established to allow for additional grading of the property to prevent flooding and that all tress and shrubs removed from the property be replaced.

6.	That a revised grading and drainage plan, acceptable to the City Engineer and RCWD be submitted showing the reconfiguration and modification of the storm water infiltration pond at the north end of the property. The revised plans shall be prepared with input from the 23rd Avenue residents north of the Highview School.

7.	That a revised landscape plan that responds to neighbor's concerns about the trees located along the southeast corner of the Middle School property be submitted.

8.	That all air conditioning units and mechanical equipment be screened from the public right of way and that the sound from the equipment be controlled.

5 Ayes - 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

General Business

Samuelson explained that several months ago the Council approved a special use permit to allow a permanent cosmetic business within an existing salon. Recently, another application has been received wishing the same use. Samuelson questioned if the Commission would entertain consideration of the allowing a permanent cosmetic business as a permitted accessory use in a B-2 District.

Motion by Baker, seconded by Zisla, to RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT THE ZONING ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO ALLOW PERMANENT COSMETIC BUSINESS AS A PERMITTED ACCESSORY USE IN A B-2 DISTRICT. 5 Ayes - 0 Nay, Motion Carried.

Motion by Zisla, seconded by Schiferl, to APPOINT JIM O'BRIEN AS PLANNING COMMISSION VICE CHAIR. 5 Ayes - 0 Nay, Motion Carried.

Announcements and Updates - none

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

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Mark Andrle, Community Development Specialist