HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 09-14 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF
HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 14, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Graydon Boeck, Stephen Erdmann, Rex Newman, Sean Rahn
(arrived at 7:40 p.m.) and Dianne Reem. Commissioner John Whitehead was absent and excused. Also
present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and
Planning Commission Recording Secretary Heidi Guenther.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 10, 2000
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, to approve the
minutes of the August 10, 2000 meeting as submitted. The motion passed (Chair Willson and
Commissioner Newman abstained because they were not at that meeting).
CHAIR'S EXPLANATION
Chair Willson explained the Planning Commission's role as an advisory body. One of the Commission's
functions was to hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes
recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters.
APPLICATION NO. 2000 -021 - (RYAN COMPANIES US, INC.)
Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2000 -021, a request to seek Site and Building Plan approval for
a 110,700 sq. ft. industrial building at the northwest corner of Azelia and Lakebreeze Avenues North
(4830 Azelia Avenue North).
Mr. Warren presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of the
property and the proposal. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 09/14/00 for Application
No. 2000 -021 attached.) He explained that the applicant, Ryan Companies US, Inc., on behalf of Twin
Lakes II, LLC (Paul Hyde) was seeking site and building plan approval for the second phase of the
redevelopment of the old Joslyn Pole Yard site which has been declared a federal "super fund site" and
has been undergoing a clean up of the property to an industrial standard. The property in question is
zoned I -2 (General Industry) and is the proposed Lot 1, Block 1, Joslyn 2nd Addition, which received
preliminary plat approval by the City Council on August 14, 2000, under Planning Commission
Application No. 2000 -018. Mr. Warren advised of the property location and surrounding uses.
Mr. Warren indicated the applicant proposes in this second phase of the redevelopment to construct a
110,700 sq. ft. speculative office /industrial building on this eight acre site. The proposed use is a
permitted use in this I -2 zoning district. The site under consideration is a portion of the Joslyn property
and the old Davies Water Company property that are being combined under the above mentioned plat.
Mr. Warren presented staff's analysis of the request, noting that all together the plans appear to be in
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order, however, there are some minor modifications that need to be made such as the grading plan
corresponding with the proposed berming to be provided in the green strip areas along Azelia Avenue and
Lakebreeze Avenue. Staff recommends approval subject to 16 conditions.
Commissioner Boeck questioned Phase III of this site. He suggested that action on Phase II be considered
without taking Phase III into consideration. Commissioner Boeck indicated he would not like to see the
Commission or Council bound to approving Phase III by approving Phase II.
Mr. Warren reiterated that in no way was the applicant receiving approval of Phase III through Phase II
approval. He stated the retention pond was being built to withstand drainage from both phases but again
that Phase III approval would not be warranted without application.
Commissioner Rahn asked for the location of the retention pond. Mr. Warren indicated the retention pond
was located on Lot 2 of the Joslyn Addition. He explained the retention pond would work with the
possible Azelia Avenue extension. Mr. Warren indicated the pond would service Phase II and III of this
subdivision as Wickes Distribution Center has its own retention pond.
Commissioner Reem asked if the lighting proposed in the plan was stated within the conditions. Mr.
Warren indicated a condition could be added with regard to the lighting standards within the City
Ordinance. He indicated the developer would be bound by the conditions listed and all City Ordinances
not listed within the conditions.
Commissioner Reem asked if the berming issue needed further discussion or if the condition suggested by
staff was sufficient. Mr. Warren stated he felt the 4 % feet measure from the elevation of the parking lot
would be sufficient, as this has been the standard in past developments abutting multi - residential zoned
properties.
Paul Hyde, Golden Valley, Minnesota, stated he was the developer of the property and would be willing
to discuss any questions or concerns with the Commission.
Chair Willson stated the berming along Azelia Avenue was a concern at this time that needed
clarification. Mr. Hyde indicated berming would be placed along Azelia Avenue in the hopes of saving
several mature trees. He added that earlier today, the watershed approved their permit for the retention
pond and berming.
Commissioner Reem asked if the developer has been in contact with MnDOT regarding the Azelia
Avenue extension. Mr. Hyde stated he has been in contact with MnDOT to discuss this item and will
continue to share communications with MnDOT as the development proceeds. He indicated the proposed
building does not interfere with the proposed right -of -way easement at this time and therefore could
proceed without MnDOT approval. Mr. Hyde indicated a solution should be known by this fall for how
access to the France /T.H. 100 interchange will be provided.
Commissioner Boeck questioned if the Davies Water Company building was removed. Mr. Hyde
indicated the building has been removed to make room for the proposed development.
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Commissioner Erdmann inquired if the developer knew information on the grading of the nearby railroad
site. Mr. Hyde stated by changing the grading of the approach to Highway 100 the drainage surrounding
would be changed dramatically and indicated this would affect the Joslyn site as well.
Diane Niesen, 5107 East Twin Lake Boulevard, questioned the roadway grading and wetland testing of
this area. She indicated Wickes' retention pond may not be effective and asked if the proposed retention
pond would be effective.
Commissioner Boeck noted the retention pond at Wickes was serving its purpose at this time. He
indicated the contaminant removal property of this pond was highly effective and was protecting Twin
Lakes.
Chair Willson added that the MPCA has approved the proposal from the applicant and does not have issue
with the retention pond or concern with future contamination.
Mr. Warren stated all runoff at the Wickes property was landing on three feet of clean fill and was running
into a detention pond to the north of the site. He explained that from the retention pond the water flowed
into a wetland area for filtration before it enters the Twin Lakes. Mr. Warren indicated the MPCA was
comfortable with this case and added that this issue should not be confused with the past clean up efforts
at this site. The only area of the Joslyn site not yet delisted is Outlot A which is west of the Wickes site
and not subject to development.
Ms. Niesen asked how the footings would be placed on this site with the high water table level on this
site. Paul Johnson, Ryan Companies, indicated the footing would be placed four feet in the ground and
the nearest aquifer was 12 feet below the surface. He stated the retention pond was designed to hold a 100
year rain and indicated the development of the site would act as an "umbrella" and improve the soil over
time. Mac Hyde noted this site has been delisted and was now ready for development as approved by the
MPCA.
The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners
interposed no objections to approval of the Application.
ACTION TO APPROVE OF APPLICATION NO 2000 -021 B (RYAN COMPANIES US. INC.)
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to recommend to the
Council that it approve Application No. 2000 -021, submitted by Ryan Companies US, Inc. for Site and
Building Plan approval for a 110,700 sq. ft. industrial building at the northwest corner of Azelia and
Lakebreeze Avenues North (4830 Azelia Avenue North), subject to the following conditions:
1. The building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to
applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits.
2. Grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer
prior to the issuance of permits.
3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee in an amount to be
determined based on cost estimates shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits to
assurance completion of site improvements.
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4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop or on ground mechanical equipment shall be
appropriately screened from view.
5. The buildings are to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA
standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5
of the City Ordinances.
6. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site
maintenance.
7. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City
Ordinances.
8. B -612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas with the
exception of where surmountable curb is provided for handicapped accessibility.
9. The applicant shall submit an as -built survey of the property, improvements and utility
service lines prior to release of the performance guarantee.
10. The property owner shall enter into an easement and agreement for maintenance and
inspection of utility and storm drainage systems prior to the issuance of permits.
11. The applicant shall provide appropriate erosion and sediment control devices on the site
during construction as approved by the City Engineering department.
12. Storm water drainage systems and the detention pond shall be approved by the Shingle Creek
Management Commission prior to the issuance of permits.
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13. All work performed and materials used for construction of utilities shall conform to the City
of Brooklyn Center current standard specifications and details.
14. The plans shall be modified prior to the issuance of permits to indicate the nature and extent
of berming to be provided in the green strip areas along Azelia and Lakebreeze Avenues.
The rise of said berming shall be at least 4 '/z ft. measured from the elevation of the parking
lot.
15. There shall be no dead storage of trailers on the site. Said vehicles are to be parked or stored
at loading dock areas only.
16. The plat approved under Planning Commission Application No. 2000 -018 shall receive final
approval by the City Council and be filed with Hennepin County prior to the issuance of
building permits.
17. Approval of this application comprehends only Phase II of this overall redevelopment plan.
Phase III is subject to a subsequent Site and Building Plan application.
18. The lighting plan shall comply in all respects with Section 35 -712 of the City Ordinances.
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Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, Rahn, and Reem.
The motion passed.
The Council will consider the recommendation at its September 25, 2000 meeting. The applicant must be
present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Planning Commission will require that the
application be returned to the Commission for reconsideration.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Warren indicated he had a proposed Ordinance Amendment for building setbacks along major
thoroughfares which the Commission had requested to be prepared. He stated the Commission is asked to
review the Ordinance and make a recommendation to the Council on the table of minimum district
requirements. Mr. Warren reviewed the major thoroughfares within the City that would be effected and
recommended approval of the Ordinance as submitted.
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, to recommend approval
of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 of the City Ordinances regarding Building Setbacks along Major
Thoroughfares.
Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, Rahn, and Reem.
The motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to adjourn the Planning
Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
hair -
Recorded and transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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