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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 02-15 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 FEBRUARY 15, 2001 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:34 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Sean Rahn, Rex Newman, Graydon Boeck, and Stephen Erdmann. Commissioners Dianne Reem and John Whitehead were absent and excused. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Nancy Czajkowski. APPROVAL OF MINUTES B JANAURY 11, 2001 There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2001 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. TIME CAPSULE Chair Willson explained he attended the time capsule ceremony. He thanked Mr. Warren and his staff for their time and effort in preparing the Planning Commission's information for the time capsule. They included a list of the Commission's duties and its current roster. They joined the other commissions in the selection of information. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Willson explained the Planning Commission's role as an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is 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 2001 -002 (HARRY S JOHNSON COMPANY, INC. ( FOR MEDTRONIC, INC.) Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2001 -002, a request from Thomas Hodroff on behalf of Harry S. Johnson Company, Inc. to seek Preliminary Plat approval to combine three contiguous parcels of land owned by Medtronic, Inc. at 6700 thru 6800 Shingle Creek Parkway into a single parcel of land approximately 19 acres in area. Mr. Warren stated he would like to present both applications together. The Commissioners concurred. 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 1/25/01 for Application No. 2001 -002 attached.) The proposed plan is to combine three parcels 2 -15 -01 Page 1 to create a two building campus for Medtronic in this area. Tract B is 477,595 sq. ft. in area and contains a 168,239 sq. ft. office /industrial building (6800 Shingle Creek Parkway). Tract C is 196,096 sq. ft. in area and contains a parking lot serving the Medtronic Promeon facility. Tract D is 156,967 sq. ft. in area and contains the 78,133 sq. ft. Medtronic Promeon building (6700 Shingle Creek Parkway). Section 35 -540 of the zoning ordinance requires multiple parcels of land to be combined through platting or Registered Land Survey when they are contiguous, under common ownership and serve a single development. Staff recommends approval subject to two conditions. Commissioner Boeck asked why the city does not have a utility easement on the easterly line on Tract D. He stated the adjacent building is close to that property line. He noted there may be a need in case of additional service to north. He suggested at least a 10 foot easement along the easterly line. He stated there is a electrical transmission line on the survey and a telephone box. He noted this is the best time to get one if it is ever needed. Mr. Warren responded he does not see a problem with that on the final plat. He stated they generally require five or ten foot easement along a property line. Commissioner Boeck stated he did not think it would interfere with the plan and that he would add another condition requiring a five -foot easement on the easterly side of the existing Tract D. APPLICATION NO. 2001 -003 (ARCHITECTURAL ALLIANCE (FOR MEDTRONIC, INC.) Mr. Warren then presented Application No. 2001 -003, a request from Architectural Alliance on behalf of Medtronic, Inc. to seek Site and Building Plan approval to construct a 9,974 sq. ft. addition to the speculative industrial building located at 6800 Shingle Creek Parkway. He reviewed the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of the property and the proposal. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 2/15/01 for Application No. 2001 -003 attached.) The proposed plan is to construct a 9,974 sq. ft. addition which would be located within the loading dock area of the building. The purpose of the addition is to house mechanical equipment needed to support a Medtronic manufacturing function that will be located in the northeast corner of the building. The addition will be built in an area that currently is a paved portion of the service court or loading area for the building. It will be built to match the exterior of the existing building, which is a painted concrete block. Staff recommends approval subject to six conditions. Commissioner Boeck asked why there would be two principal buildings on one parcel and if there is an ordinance that addresses this issue. Mr. Warren responded it is allowed under the city's ordinances. He stated it could not be done in a residential area, but is allowed in Commercial or Industrial zones. Commissioner Boeck asked if there would be any additional impervious surfaces with the expansion. Mr. Warren responded no since the area is already blacktopped. 2 -15 -01 Page 2 The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION 2001 -002 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -002, at 8:16 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments from the public. Mr. Thomas Hodroff, a representative of the Harry S. Johnson Surveying Company, stated he is presenting the preliminary plat. Commissioner Boeck stated it seems to him there is a good possibility that Medtronic is going to get rid of both of these buildings and move out of the area. He noted experience indicates when there are two major buildings on one parcel, there are problems with the legal descriptions, financing, and in disposal of the property. He asked if there would be a problem having a lot 1 and lot 2 of the Medtronic building addition. He stated then each building could stand on its own and a future buyer does not have to try to describe them. Mr. Hodroff responded it seems always to be better to have one large lot and always request a lot split later if needed. He stated Medtronic may want to build a walkway in the future that would cross the lot line. He added if they expand the facility, they may need the additional parking from the lower lot. He stated the middle parking lot would be able to handle parking from both the north and south buildings. Commissioner Newman asked if section 35 -540 requires this combination of parcels anyway. Mr. Warren responded it does in theory but would not necessarily require a platting by Medtronic when it acquired the northern building. He stated Medtronic needs to do this for some of their expansion plans in the future. He noted his understanding is that even with the main corporate campus in Fridley, this Promeon facility would still continue. He added he does not think it is a matter of expanding only for the short term. Commissioner Boeck asked if Mr. Hodroff recommended that they come back before the Planning Commission for a lot split in the event the buildings are sold separately. Mr. Hodroff responded in the affirmative. He stated it gives Medtronic more flexibility. He noted it is usually easier to split a lot than to combine lots. Commissioner Boeck stated he thought a lot split is confined to parcels of lesser valuation. He asked about a possible additional ten -foot easement. Mr. Hodroff responded he could not address it without speaking to Medtronic. He stated it had been discussed with the City Engineer previously. He noted the Engineer had recommended not requiring easements that are not going to be used right away. He thanked Mr. Warren for his assistance. Mr. Peter Vesterholt, Architectural Alliance, introduced himself and Mr. Don Wolf, Medtronic Facilities Manager. 2 -15 -01 Page 3 Mr. Wolf stated the site in Fridley is the corporate headquarters. He noted this site provides components for Medtronic facilities around the world. He added this is part of a project that invests a lot of money in this site for sophisticated manufacturing. He stated Medtronic purchased the building since they are definitely going to be at this site. He noted at a recent meeting he was told that Medtronic is in need of space in excess of 200,000 square feet. He added they are also looking at a neighboring building to possibly meet their space needs. Commissioner Newman asked about the use of lithium. Mr. Wolf responded that a task force of engineers has looked at this issue. He stated it resulted in changes in how they use lithium. He noted that now it is delivered in small pouches. He added moisture destroys it so they only open enough for one day of manufacturing. Mr. Warren stated there has been lithium on this site for over 25 years. He noted the Fire Department is very aware of the byproducts of lithium and where it is stored on the site. He stated it is stored in smaller quantities than it used to be stored. He noted he is not aware of any major problems or accidents in the 25 years that they have used it. Mr. Wolf stated they have a very active emergency response team. He noted the Fire Chief brings firefighters over once or twice a year to tour the facility and know how it is being handled and where it would be stored. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -002. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, to close the public hearing on Application 2001 -002, at 8:31 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Erdmann stated there was a requirement in 1979 to file the final plat. He asked if it would be a good idea to add a similar condition at this time to one of these applications. Mr. Warren responded does not feel the need to hold up a building permit on the addition for the filing of the plat. He stated they could go ahead with it regardless of the platting since all requirements have been met. He noted the plat was put together, the utility was moved, and a final plat was released to Medtronic to file in 1979. He added it is not known why it was not filed. He stated he thinks they would make a good faith effort to file it. He stated he has assurances from Mr. Wolf and others from Medtronic that the current plat will be filed in a timely manner. Chair Willson stated he recommends that a letter with a copy of the filing be sent to the city when it is completed. 2 -15 -01 Page 4 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. 2001-002 (HARRY S. JOHNSON COMPANY, INC. (FOR MEDTRONIC, INC.) There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to recommend to the Council that it approve Application No. 2001 -002, submitted by Harry S. Johnson Company, Inc. (for Medtronic, Inc.) for Preliminary Plat approval to combine three contiguous parcels of land owned by Medtronic, Inc. at 6700 thru 6800 Shingle Creek Parkway into a single parcel of land approximately 19 acres in area, subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinance. 3. The plans shall be modified to show a ten -foot drainage and utility easement along the easterly line of the existing Tract D. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, and Rahn. The motion passed. The Council will consider the recommendation at its February 26, 2001 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. DISCUSSION ON APPLICATION NO. 2001 -03 Commissioner Newman stated he does not see the landscaping as an issue, especially if they have to destroy the current landscaping to make changes. He noted it could spoil what they have already done. Commissioner Rahn asked if there was going to be a trailer ramp or loading facility into the addition. Mr. Vesterholt responded the addition would just house equipment. He stated the other existing loading facilities of Medtronic would be utilized. 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. 2001 -003 (ARCHITEC ALLIANCE FOR MEDTRONIC, INC.) There was a motion by Commissioner Erdmann, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to recommend to the Council that it approve Application No. 2001 -003, submitted by Architectural Alliance (for Medtronic, Inc.) for site and building plan approval to construct a 9,974 sq. ft. 2 -15 -01 Page 5 addition to the speculative industrial building located at 6800 Shingle Creek Parkway, 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 and drainage plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits. 3. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop or on ground mechanic equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 4. The building's fire extinguishing system and detection system shall be approved by the Building Official and Fire Chief and shall be monitored in accordance with chapter 5 of the City Ordinances. 5. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery, which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 6. The applicant shall submit an as built survey of the property, improvements and utility service lines. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, and Rahn. The motion passed. The Council will consider the recommendation at its February 26, 2001 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 stated he had discussed with the Park and Recreation Director concerning the expansion for remodeling of the City Hall /Community Center. He noted he wanted to review the plans with the Commission to see if the Commissioners feel that there needs to be a formal filing of a final site plan. He added since the Police Department no longer occupies the lower level of City Hall, staff is looking at remodeling. He stated there are issues with handicap accessibility and the restroom facility, which does not meet current requirements. He noted there would be no major expansions with respect to the complex, but there are some minor issues that he would review with them. He described the footprint of the existing City Hall. He added it is not fully handicapped accessible. He described the plans to modify the lower level of City Hall. He stated they are looking at an additional expansion where the garage currently is and putting in a new entrance that could access the lower level and upper level of City Hall. He noted they would add an elevator to access this level. He added it would be a two story elevated entrance. He stated the Park and Recreation 2 -15 -01 Page 6 offices would be located in the lower level of the Community Center. He noted they are looking at game rooms, etc. in the upper level where the offices are currently. He added more changes would be taking place in the interior and it has not been finalized. Commissioner Boeck asked about access between the two levels. Mr. Warren responded there would be an elevator access in the northeast corner. He stated the other elevator would remain. He asked if the Commission wanted a formal submission of a plan. He stated they have not required much in the way of formal approval for minor expansions. He noted that as he received more detail on the interior remodeling he would be happy to bring it to the Commission. Chair Willson stated they have an interest in it, but it does not have to be a formal process. Mr. Warren stated that in terms of parking what they have goes well beyond what is required. He noted especially with 40+ less employees once the Police Department moved out Commissioner Rahn asked if there would be any opportunity for public testimony on it. Mr. Warren responded he did not know what the City Council plans to do. He stated there would be some concern by the public on what is to be done. He noted there were bond issues on the Police and Fire facilities. He added when they looked at a possible expansion in the plaza area there were problems in that area. He stated these buildings are sitting on the best soil on the site. He noted there is a lot of peat and the rest of the soil is basically muck. Commissioner Rahn stated that there needs to be an opportunity for public to comment. Chair Willson stated they would come before the City Council. Commissioner Rahn stated it should be a discussion item on the Planning Commission's agenda. Commissioner Newman stated the parking area could use some sprucing up. Mr. Warren stated there are no floor plans since it has'not gone before the City Council. He noted the City Council would get public comments. He added there would be budgetary concerns, but he does not think they are looking at a bond issue. Commissioner Boeck stated it seems like a mute point for the Planning Commission. Mr. Warren stated he would be happy to continue to give updates in more detail when it is finalized. Commissioner Boeck stated the City Council would have to approve it before the Planning Commission due to budgetary concerns. Mr. Warren stated there is an application for the March 15`''regular session, but it is unlikely that there would be a meeting in two weeks. 2 -15 -01 Page 7 There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Nancy Czajkowski TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 2 -15 -01 Page 8