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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 07-17 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 SPECIAL MEETING CITY HALL JULY 17, 1975 Call to Order: The Planning Commission met in special session and was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Carl Gross. oll Call : Chairman Gross, Commissioners Foreman, Scott, Engdahl , Pierce, Horan, and Jacobson. Also present were Director of Public Works James Merila and Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by 7-10-75 Commissioner Engdahl to approve the minutes of the July 10, 1975 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Application Nor 75021 Following the Chairman's explanation, the main item (Rauenhorst Corp. ) of business was introduced by the Secretary as con- sideration of Application No. 75021 , submitted by the Rauenhorst Corporation. He explained that the appli- cant was seeking site and building plan approval for a speculative industrial building to be located on the site southerly of Shingle Creek Parkway and the City Maintenance Garage, and easterly of the Shingle Creek greenstip. He stated the first phase of the two-phase project on the approximately 15-acre site consisted of a 122,400 sq. ft, building and that the proposed tenant was the Metropolitan Transit Commission, which intended to establish a northwest area bus service facility. The Secretary then reviewed the site and building plans noting particularly the landscaping and berming treatment was well as portions of the curb and gutter installation which the applicant proposed as temporary bituminous until such time as Phase Two were developed. He noted also that approximately 25 parking spaces would be deferred under the proposal until such time that the actual need was determined. He stated that sufficient land area was available for the required parking. The Secretary also stated that the City was discussing with the applicant and the proposed tenant, the timing and need for the installation of a entrance-way at the west side of the project, since only a single drive- way was proposed at this time due to the current termi- nation of Shingle Creek Parkway at the mid-point of the site. The Secretary described the substantial earth-berm to be constructed on the westerly portion of the site so to provide adequate aesthetic buffering and noise abatement protection to the Shingle Creek greenstrip. An extensive discussion ensued and Commissioner Engdahl inquired as to whether any roof top equipment was pro- posed. The Secretary responded that the plans do not indicate any such equipment and further noted that no mechanical plans had been submitted. He stated that consistent with established City Policy, such equip- ment would be screened so to be compatible with the building. A brief discussion ensued as to Commissioner Horan' s question regarding the type of roof construction. -1- 7/17/75 The Director of Public Works reviewed in detail the design and construction of the earth berm on the west side of the site and noted that members of the staff had conducted a field study on the morning of July 15, utilizing an M.T.C. bus for purposes of analyzing appropriate noise abatement design. He stated that the berm physically provided adequate screening and noise buffering from the greenstrip and points west. He stated that further analysis of the landscape treatment along the berm, and particularly on the extension to the south, indicated the need for addi- tional shrubbery on the slope line. He stated that the south portion of the berm did not contain any specified landscaping. He noted that the landscape treatment in the front of the building was sub- stantial and was consistent with landscaping of other industrial sites in the B.C.I.P. Chairman Gross then recognized Mr. Les Blum, repre- senting the Rauenhorst Corporation, who presented additional graphics as to the site layout. A brief discussion ensued as to the need for a west drive- way opening, and as to the future need for a bridge across Shingle Creek. The Director of Public Works responded that extension of Shingle Creek Parkway and construction of the bridge would be a function of whether traffic and the needs for access of the Industrial Park warranted such improvement£ He noted that some analysis had been given the future de- sirability of a joint-driveway between the proposed site and the one to the east,. Commissioner Horan stated concern as to the number of hydrants on the site, particularly on the south side of the building. The Director of Public Works responded that the provisions for hydrants was considered adequate, in light of the fact that the building contained an automatic fire extinguishing system; but that the need for additional hydrants to the south of the building would be subject to close scrutiny when Phase Two plans were presented in the future. In response to questions by Commissioner Pierce, the Director of Public Works reviewed the grading and drainage plans for the building and the site. Chairman Gross left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Chairman Gross Left Table Commissioner Foreman stated his concern as to the use of temporary bituminous curb at the southerly radius of the east and west driveways. The Secretary explained that temporary bituminous curbing appeared to be in order since, when Phase Two would be con- structed, those driveways would be extended to serve the additional building. He noted that consistent with past Planning Commission and Council approvals, the duration of the temporary bituminous curb and gutter should be specified in the approval . Com- missioner Engdahl suggested that perhaps the concrete B-612 curb and gutter could be run straight to a point even with the building line and that temporary bi- tuminous curb could be run at a right angle to connect with the building. Both he and Commissioner Foreman stated that this would be preferable since their con- cern related to bus turns and potential damage to the bituminous curb. During further discussion Commissioner Foreman stated he was particularly concerned that the landscape -2- 7/17/75 treatment on the west berm was relatively light, in relation to the mass of the berm, and noted specifically that the southerly portion of the berm was without any indicated landscaping. He stated the number and extent of plantings should be increased in that area and an extensive dis- cussion ensued, Commissioner Horan and Commissioner Scott agreed that landscaping was definitely in order along the entire berm, in consideration of the im- pact on the Shingle Creek corridor, It was the consensus of the Commission that addi- tional landscaping along the west berm, particularly at the southerly extension, should be specified as follows: installation of 15 additional Laurel-Willow trees spaced along the west side of the berm in a comparable fashion with those on the northerly portion; installation of 10 Russian Olive trees at approximate 60-foot intervals about five feet from the top of the berm; and the interspersing of Tartarian Honeysuckle plantings as fillers throughout the west side of the berm. Mr, Blum indicated he understood the concerns of the Commission and had noted the types of plantings desired. Recess: The meeting recessed at 8:35 p,m- and resumed at 8:45 p.m_ Chairman Pro tem Foreman recognized Mr. Bill Graham representing the Metropolitan Transit Commission, who proceeded to review the M.T.C. "s perspective of the proposed site and building, He discussed the general capital facilities planning undertaken by the M,T.C. in recent years and dis- cussed the concerns the Transit Commission had re- garding a site search for a north area service facility. Mr, Graham also discussed the building layout and in- ternal functions of the service facility, both in the first phase and the possible second phase. He stated the maximum capacity of the first phase building would be for approximately 180 buses , but that pro- jections into 1976 indicated that not more than 150 buses would be stored in service there. He stated the practical range was 125 to 130 buses. Mr. Graham also briefly discussed the design of a proposed similar facility in Bloomington, and noted the comparability of those plans with the ultimate possible plans for this site. With respect to acquisition of this site, Mr. Graham explained that the Transit Commission had entered into a lease-purchase agreement with Rauenhorst Corporation, and noted the option for purchasing the building and site in three years. Mr. Graham then distributed a number of graphic materials, showing the proposed bus movement patterns and volume generated by the first phase facility, both before and after the general upgrading and mod- ification of the freeway and eventual extension of Shingle Creek Parkway. R brief discussion ensued regarding the possible intensity of bus traffic at certain times along residential streets. During further discussion, Commissioner Horan inquired as to the environmental impact of such a facility, particularly in terms of air quality. Mr. Graham re- sponed that the amount of exhaust pollution generated by buses had been extensively studied, and one of the -3- 7/17/75 more commonly publicized results was that the average pollution of two automobiles with V-8 engines was about twice that of one bus. He stated the basic image problem with buses was due to the diesel engines, which can produce an odor. The Secretary commented that the field study earlier in the week indicated that the exhaust from the particu- lar bus generated very little objectionable fumes. The Director of Public Works commented, however, that there were still a number of buses in the fleet which were older and which, perhaps, would generate a higher level of odor and fumes. Commissioner Engdahl inquired as to the amount of office and administrative use of the building, and Mr. Graham responded that there would be about eight administrative people in addition to approxi- mately twenty-five to thirty-five mechanics in addition to drivers, Commissioner Engdahl left the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Commissioner Engdahl left table Further discussion ensued as to the storage of liquid fuels and it was recommended that any liquid fuel storage should be limited to the easterly portion of the site such as under the paved driving or parking areas, Commissioner Pierce stated that with respect to the proposed drainage culvert, running under the west berm, a settling basin design should be de- veloped with the City Engineer. In response to a question by Commissioner Horan regarding the zoning ordinance classification of the proposed M.T.C. use, the Secretary responded that the use was deemed a unique public service facility similar in nature to other uses in the District. He explained that Council approval of the specific use would comprehend the special characteristics and concerns and would constitute determination that it was permitted. He noted also that the use was subject to the special re- quirements of the I-1 District, Following further discussion there was a motion by Commissioner Scott seconded by Commissioner Pierce to recommend approval of Planning Commission Application No. 75021 submitted by Rauenhorst Corporation subject to the following conditions: 1 . Building plans are subject to review by the Building official with respect to applicable codes, prior to the issuance of permits. 2. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are subject to review by the City Engineer, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A performance agreement and financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted to assure completion of approved site improvements, 4. All roof top mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened so to be aesthetically compatible with the structure. 5. Installation of certain parking stalls as indicated on the approved site and building -4- 7/17%75 plans may be deferred until deemed necessary by the City Council , providing such deferred areas are developed, landscaped, and main- tained in accordance with the approved site plans and ordinance requirements., 6o The subject parcel shall be subdivided accord- ing to the requirements of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances by either platting or registered land survey, 7, Required installation of permanent B-612 type curb and gutter at the southerly end of the east and west internal driveways may be de- ferred for three years, pending the develop- ment of the southerly portion of the parcel subject to the following conditions: a, Notwithstanding the above condition, the City may require the installation of permanent B-612 curb and gutter at any earlier time that may be necessary, be During the interim period, temporary bituminous curb and gutter will be in- stalled at the southerly end of the east and west internal driveways as indicated on the approved plans. c. If, during this period of time, the adjacent area should develop with a plan that would not require curb and gutter and the City approved that plan, the City could waive the curb requirements in these areas., With respect to the drainage culvert, extending under the west berm, a discharge point settling basin design shall be sub- mitted and approved by the City Engineer. 8. Any above ground or below grade storage of liquid fuels or chemicals, shall be restricted to the easterly one-third of the site. 9 Outside storage and maintenance of equipment is expressly prohibited. 10, With respect to the landscape treatment of the west berm, and particularly the southerly portion for which no landscaping was indicated, the following revisions shall be made to the submitted plan, prior to City Council review: a. Fifteen additional Laurel Willow plantings shall be provided at an interval similar to that for the northerly part of the berm. b, Ten Russian Olive trees at 60-foot in- tervals shall be planted approximately 5 feet from the top of the berm. c. Tartarian Honeysuckle plantings shall be interspersed throughout the berm area. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Jacobson seconded by Commissioner Scott to adjourn the special meeting. The motion passed unanimously, The Planning Com- mission meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Chairman -5- 7/17/75