Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 01-31 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 STUDY SESSION JANUARY 31 , 1985 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in study session and was called to order by Chairman George Lucht at 7:33 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman George Lucht, Commissioners Nancy.Manson, Lowell Ainas, Mike Nelson and Wallace Bernards. Also present were Director of Planning and Inspection Ronald Warren, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, and Planner Gary Shallcross. Chairman Lucht noted that Commissioner Molly Malecki had called to say that she would be unable to attend the evening's meeting and was excused. He stated he was not sure where Commissioner Sandstrom was. APPROVAL OF MINUTES _ January 17, 1985 Motion by Commissioner Ainas seconded by Commissioner Manson to approve the minutes of the January 17, 1985 Planning Commission meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Manson, Ainas, Nelson and Bernards. Voting against: none. The motion passed. APPLICATION NO. 84036 (City of Brooklyn Park) Following the Chairman's explanation, the Secretary introduced the first item of business, a request by the City of Brooklyn Park for special use permit approval to conduct a ditch dredging project in the flood plain within the Crystal Airport property, south of 62nd Avenue North. The Secretary reviewed the contents of the Planning staff report and referred the Commission's attention to the report of the Director of Public Works which explained the project in greater detail. He pointed out the location of the project on an overhead transparency and reviewed the factors relevant to this application contained in Section 35-2184 of the Zoning Ordinance. He concluded by saying that the staff feel that these factors are met and that the application can be approved. The Director of Public Works then showed the,Planning Commission the location of the entire project on a map of Brooklyn Center and surrounding areas. He pointed out that the ditch dredging project would begin at 63rd Avenue North and continue southeast to a point somewhere in the Environmental Preserve in Crystal north of Bass Lake Road. The Director of Public Works explained that the ditch dredging project would cause more water to arrive at an earlier time downstream and that this would have an effect of raising the flood levels slightly in Twin Lakes and in Ryan Lake. He traced the flow of water from the ditch into Twin Lakes, Ryan Lake, and eventually into Shingle Creek. The Director of Public Works stated that the primary staff concern was regarding the impact on the Twin Lakes area. He stated that staff had initially suggested that a holding pond be built on the airport property to allow better drainage in Brooklyn Park without increasing flood levels downstream. He explained that this option was rejected by the Metropolitan Airports Commission as an unsafe feature at the airport. He stated that the staff then suggested a minimimum ditch with a flatter 1--31--65 i grade from 63rd Avenue North to the Environmental Preserve. Brooklyn Park rejected this option, he stated, because of potential maintenance problems with a backup of silt in the drainage ditch. The Director of Public Works explained that he had asked for a hydrologic analysis of the project and that he had received reports prepared by the U. S. Geological Service and also by Barr Engineering. He explained that the U.S.G.S report concluded that the rise in flood level in Twin Lake would be less than .1 of a foot. He pointed out that the Barr Engineering study was more detailed and concluded that the effect would be a rise of less than .01 of a foot. He stated that the Planning Commission would have to consider this effect and determine whether it was an acceptable increase in flood level. He stated that it was acceptable to him, but that if the increase in the flood level had been closer to .1 of a foot; he would have serious concerns about the project, considering the problems with flooding that have been experienced in the Twin Lake area. Commissioner Bernards asked what time period the 1/8 inch rise would be over. The Director of Public Works explained that a five year flood would raise the level of Twin Lakes by two to three feet. He pointed out that the project would add 1/8 of an inch to this rise in the level of Twin Lakes. He stated that it was, therefore, a fairly insignificant effect on downstream flood levels. The Director of Public Works then pointed out the Environmental Preserve on an aerial photograph and noted the existence of a boardwalk from Brooklyn Center into Crystal. He stated that the project should end north of this boardwalk, but recommended a condition that would require the construction of a pedestrian bridge by the City of Brooklyn Park if the project continues past the location of the boardwalk. Commissioner Bernards asked whether the project would cause problems in the Environmental Preserve. The Director of Public Works explained that the main problem from the ditch dredging project would be siltation if the ditch is too flat. He reviewed with the Commission a centerline profile of the ditch project. In response to a question from Chairman Lucht, the Secretary explained that the spoils from the ditch dredging project would be spread alternately on each side of the bank, but would be contained within the airport property. Chairman Lucht asked the applicant whether he had anything to add. Mr. George Calebaugh, representing the City of BrookIyn Park, stated that he had nothing to add to the report. PUBLIC HEARING (Application No. 84036) Chairman Lucht then opened the meeting for a public hearing and asked whether anyone wished to speak regarding the application. Mr. George Nass of 5313 62nd Avenue North stated that he had lived in the area for some years and pointed out that he has a fence along the side of his property that may have to be raised if the project is done and ground levels are raised. He stated that replacement of the fence should be paid for by the City of Brooklyn Park since they are doing the project. The Director of Public Works explained that the plan for the project calls for lowering the grade, not raising it. He suggested, however, that a condition could be added that,if fences adjacent to the project are adversely affected, the applicant will pay for their replacement. Commissioner Manson asked whether the ditch would be wide enough so that the spoils 1--31-85 -2- will be below the existing grade. The Director of Public Works stated that the grade immediately next to the ditch would have to be raised in order to lower the bottom of the ditch, but that alternating the placement of the spoils should prevent any dyking from occurring. Mr. Walt Walker of 6133 Scott Avenue North asked how deep the ditch would be. The Director of Public Works answered that it would be about two feet deep. Mr. Walker asked when the project would be started and completed. Mr. Calebaugh answered that Brooklyn Park hopes to start the project by March 1 in order to finish while there is still frost in the ground. Mr. Walker explained that the area is a wildlife habitat and that ducks come to nest as early as March and added that he preferred an early completion to the project. Mr. Jack Kelly of 6129 Scott Avenue North asked about a fencing project around the airport. The Secretary answered that it is the staff's understanding that nothing will be done on that fencing project until the ditch project is done. He explained that the fence would have to be kept back behind setback lines if it is higher than four feet and that the fence may not be placed on the northeast side of the ditch anyway. He explained that barbed wire is not prohibited and added that there would be problems with the Flood Plain Ordinance if the airport fence did cross the ditch. Mr. George Nass asked whether there would be notice given before the fence was erected. The Secretary explained that there is no formal mechanism for notifying property owners regarding the erection of the fence. He stated that the airport has the right to put up a fence as much as any property owner. He added, however, that if the City is informed about the project, that it would let residents know. Mr. Walker asked how long the project would take. Mr. Calebaugh stated that it would be about three weeks. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Hearing no further comments, Chairman Lucht called for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion by Commissioner Nelson seconded by Commissioner Manson to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 84036 (Brooklyn Park) Motion by Commissioner Ainas seconded by Commissioner Nelson to recommend approval of Application No. 84036, subject to the following conditions: 1 . If the project results in construction of a ditch crossing under the existing boardwalk which crosses the "Environmental Preserve" area, Brooklyn Park shall construct a pedestrian bridge meeting the approval of the Brooklyn Center Director of Public Works and the Crystal City Engineer at no cost to the City of Brooklyn Center or to the City of Crystal. 2. Upon completion of the project, the City of Brooklyn Park shall submit to the Brooklyn Center Director of Public Works a center line profile along the route of the constructed channel, showing an "as built" profile of the bottom of the ditch after construction. 3. The expiration date for the permit shall be April 1, 1986. 1-31-85 -3- 4. Any damage to existing fences adjacent to the project caused by the ditch dredging project will be repaired at the expense of the City of Brooklyn Park. Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Manson, Ainas, Nelson and Bernards. Voting against: none. The motion passed. There followed a brief discussion of upcoming business items for the February 14, 1985 meeting. Commissioner Manson stated that she would be unable to attend the February 14 meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Nelson seconded by Commissioner Ainas to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:24 p.m. Ch irman 1-31-85 -4-