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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 06-14 PCMMINUTES 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 JUNE 14, 2018 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, and Susan Tade were present. Commissioner Abraham Rizvi were absent. Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 3. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING AGENDA — JUNE 14, 2018 There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve the agenda for the June 14, 2018 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4a) APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 31, 2018 REGULAR SESSION MEETING There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve the May 31, 2018 Regular Session Meeting Minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 4b) APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 31, 2018 WORK SESSION MEETING There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to approve the May 31, 2018 Work Session Meeting Minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 5. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Christensen 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. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -1- 6. PLANNING APPLICATION ITEMS 6a) APPLICATION NO. 2018-009 NEAL THAO (NOBLE ACADEMY) ADDRESS: 6201 NOBLE AVENUE NORTH (PID: 33-119-21-44-0003) Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2018-009, consideration of a revised plan to construct a one-way, bus -only driveway to 63rd Avenue North, rather than Noble Avenue North, located at 6201 Noble Avenue N. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 06-14-2018 for Application No. 2018-009.) Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh introduced the item, reviewed the background, and presented the request. She noted that at the meeting on April 12, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a site plan for the expansion of an existing parking lot, construction of a bus -only driveway, and other associated site improvements. On April 23, 2018, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2018-94. Ms. McIntosh explained that the applicant has since decided they didn't want buses to exit on Noble Avenue N. but instead have the buses go north to 63rd Avenue Norah. They are requesting approval of a revised plan to construct a one-way, bus -only driveway to 63rd Avenue North, rather than Noble Avenue North. The approved plan to expand the parking area would not change. Ms. McIntosh stated this property has been used as a school since 1965, will be a K-8 school, and open this fall. She described the two access points off Noble Avenue North that will remain and explained that when approved in April, they proposed the buses go east and exit on Noble through three curb cuts. Since then, the school decided they want the buses to go north and exit on 63rd Avenue. This was decided to increase safety of students. Ms. McIntosh stated the site will have 41 parking spaces and 12 bus spaces so there are no changes to the parking area since the April consideration. Assuming 530 students, at maximum, and 100% of the students are bused to the school, the school will need a minimum of 8-10 bus spaces to drop off and pick up students. Ms. McIntosh stated lighting requirements will be met and additional light poles will be placed along the bus driveway. The trash enclosure is to the west of the school and not changing since approved in April. With landscaping, a planting schedule was not provided and the City has no specific requirements on landscaping types and species. However, screening along Nobel Avenue, the bus driveway, and expanded parking was requested and approved in April. Ms. McIntosh referenced the City Engineer's review comments as contained in a memorandum dated June 11, 2018. She pointed out a Flood Zone A to the south of the property and explained that parking areas are allowed in that type of flood plain. Ms. McIntosh stated the use will be required to meet the 2015 Minnesota Fire Code and under the revised proposal, the minimum 20 -foot wide fire access will be met. Ms. McIntosh stated Planning staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application No. 2018-009, revised site plan to construct a one-way, bus -only driveway to 63rd Avenue North, rather than Noble Avenue PC Minutes 06-14-18 -2- North, with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar in the Resolution. Under the conditions, if there aren't specific sections to address the bus drive lane, all approvals from April remain enforce. Chair Christensen asked if the Applicant wished to step forward and make a statement or add anything to the staff presentation. Chair Christensen asked about lighting. Ms. McIntosh used a site plan to point out the existing cobrahead light by the church and stated the school will add additional light poles along the bus drive lane that will met City specs for LED, flat lens, with shields. Commissioner Tade asked whether this lighting plan was proposed in April. Ms. McIntosh stated it did not since it was not proposed in that area. Commissioner MacMillan asked how many travel lanes are on 63rd Avenue. Ms. McIntosh stated there are two lanes in each direction and the bus drive lane would align with Orchard to the north. Chair Christensen asked about the City Engineer's comments on egress to 63rd Avenue N., noting a curb cut is not shown. Ms. McIntosh displayed the circulation plans, noting how the bus drive lane aligns with Orchard to the north. She also displayed plans depicting the turning radius for the bus, as well as left and right turning movements onto 63rd Avenue N. She explained the current circulation pattern will remain now that the bus lane has been relocated. Commissioner Koenig asked if the reason for the revision is to increase safety. Ms. McIntosh answered in the affirmative and explained how students were picked up in the past. Kari Dahlin, 6208 Perry Avenue N., stated she is a resident and able to answer that question. Chair Christensen gave Ms. Dahlin the floor to respond. Ms. Dahlin described the location of her house, which was built by her father. She stated she grew up in this house and attended to Orchard Lane for 8 years. Ms. Dahlin stated she just learned about the bus lane yesterday and understands the purported rational for the new location is that Nompeng Academy will have more students than Odyssey Academy. She noted this school was built as a neighborhood walking school, not a busing school, but since there will be more students, the school will need more buses. Ms. Dahlin stated she has now heard of a purported safety concern, which she would like to address. She noted that from 1982 to 1986, every classroom was full and robust. Chair Christensen asked Ms. Dahlin to answer the question about how buses used to be routed. Ms. Dahlin stated the buses came in from Nobel Avenue, pulled up to the school, pulled back out to Noble, then turned left and returned to 63rd Avenue. Ms. McIntosh stated Odyssey Academy used this site for 19 years and before that it was Orchard Lane. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -3- Commissioner Koenig asked if growth is anticipated to be larger. Ms. McIntosh stated she does not know the occupancy but it cannot exceed the Building Code. She explained there is no parking requirement for school uses as it is typically interpreted to go off the number of teachers and staff, not parents. Chair Christensen stated he remembers there being a lack of parking during school events. Ms. McIntosh reviewed areas of the site plan that are staying the same as approved in April and the change in the direction of the bus lane to go straight out to 63rd Avenue N. instead of turning east and exiting on Noble Avenue. She clarified there is no net change in the number of parking spaces since approved in April. Commissioner Koenig stated in theory, it was discussed not using 63rd Avenue N. because of the heavy traffic but the buses end up on 63rd Avenue anyway even if exiting onto Noble Avenue. Chair Christensen asked if there is need for a new traffic study on 63rd Avenue N. Ms. McIntosh stated the buses would route to 63rd Avenue N. either way as Noble dead ends to the south. Jeff Prasch, Lot Surveys, stated the main concern is safety of children dropped off by parents at the front of the school. He noted the April recommendation was to reverse traffic circulation in the current loading zone. That meant the students had to exit the passenger side and walk in front of the cars to get to the school entrance. The school is concerned about student safety and are now requesting that buses exit on 63rd Avenue instead so the traffic circulation in the current loading zone can remain. Chair Christensen asked if the buses would turn around and exit the other way. Mr. Prasch stated they would not. A gate will be installed and a Do No Enter sign posted as that is for buses only and a one-way exit. Ms. McIntosh stated that information is contained in an exhibit and if not used for morning drop off or afternoon pickup, the gates would be closed. Chair Christensen asked about the signage. Mr. Prasch stated it will be a Do Not Enter sign. Chair Christensen asked about the other entrance on the same side of 63rd Avenue N. Mr. Prasch stated the entrance on the south side is for the church, noting the bus drive lane does not go against the residential properties. It goes against the church property. He estimated the distances between entrances, noting the ordinance requires entrances to be 50 feet from each other. Ms. McIntosh clarified that is for commercial uses and in this case, the access will be 25 feet from the church, about 90 feet from the rear residential properties on Noble Avenue, and a greater distance from Perry Avenue N. Sandy Klemond, 6124 Perry Avenue, asked if the bus lane is behind the homes on Perry Avenue. Ms. McIntosh estimated it will be several hundred feet from those property lines. Chair Christensen asked if there is screening along the church property line. Ms. McIntosh stated there is currently no fence or screening. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -4- OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2018-009 Chair Christensen stated he wants to be respectful of the residents in attendance even though tonight is not a public hearing. Ms. McIntosh explained it would be public comment as a public hearing was not published for tonight. Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter and called for comments from the public. Sandy Klemond, 5124 Perry Avenue N., stated she is the last house next to the parking lot, which she is not pleased about. She stated they are working on the site today and it does not look like the plans just presented because they have placed large boulders in a circle on the far side of the basketball court. Ms. McIntosh stated that is for the dry pond and landscaping. Ms. Klemond stated it looks like it's on the parking lot. Ms. McIntosh used a site plan to point out the location of the dry pond. Ms. Klemond stated that is next to her property. Ms. Klemond stated she objects to the 13 light poles with LED lights, noting the buses will be there during the day when lighting is not needed. Chair Christensen stated the school year is during many fall and winter months when it gets darker earlier in the day. Ms. Klemond stated the original Perry Avenue homeowners have been there since 1974, this site has operated as a school since 1965, and those new lights have not been needed. Regarding the lighting, Ms. McIntosh stated the existing lights will be updated and the only new light poles are several to light the bus drive lane. Ms. Klemond stated the school came to them and asked for permission to put up a lit advertising sign on Perry Avenue but with this request, residents didn't know about it until last night. Ms. McIntosh explained this is a site plan approval, which does not require public notice. She noted the sign on Noble Avenue required a Special Use Permit, which does require mailed public notice. Ms. Klemond stated she thinks the lighting and bus drive lane behind her house will negatively impact her home values. Commissioner Koenig asked what is her principal concern, light or additional traffic. Ms. Klemond stated all of the above because last year, the school parked all of the buses behind her house and there was constant backup beeping, which drove them crazy. Now the buses will go down a road behind their house and the parking lot is being expanded. In addition, she feels what is occurring on the site today is not what is being shown at the meeting. Ms. Klemond stated during the repaving on Noble, buses came down Perry Avenue and dropped off students at the sidewalk. Teachers also parked on Perry Avenue in front of their house. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -5- Ms. McIntosh stated that may show the school site needs additional parking. Ms. Klemond stated that occurred while the paving project was going on. She noted the pathway from Perry Avenue to the school has now been torn up but it was used by students, walkers, and bicyclists. Ms. McIntosh stated that sidewalk used to be at an angle and will be re -installed to align with the edge of the parking lot and generally in the same location. Ms. Klemond asked where the parking lot will be. Ms. McIntosh used a diagram to show where the parking lot will extend a little more and the dry pond for stolmwater management will be located. Ms. Klemond stated when there is a heavy rain, it settles in the area behind their house but the boulder circle is located in their back yard. Ed Stec, JB Vang, stated they took out the playground equipment and that area will be a community garden for the students. Ms. McIntosh stated that may be what the ring of boulders is for. Ms. McIntosh used a site plan to point out an area of the existing parking lot that will now be striped to create additional parking. She explained those areas were approved in April and the consideration tonight is the area highlighted in green on the slide being displayed. The light poles to the south are exiting and will be replaced with new fixtures. She stated the City requires lights to be flat lens and downcast. Mr. Prasch stated the light posts will be on the east side behind the sidewalk. They had conducted a lighting plan of lumens on the property lines to assure they meet the City's requirements. Ms. McIntosh stated when against residential property there can be no more than 3 -foot candles at the property line. With this lighting plan, there will be .45 -foot candles on the entire site and less than 1 -foot candle at the property line. Ginny... should this he 4 -5 -foot candles? Ms. Klemond stated her impression that the Planning Commission has already made their decision regardless of the neighbor's comments. Jerry Dahlin, 6208 Perry Avenue N., asked where the buses will be parked during the school day. Ms. McIntosh stated they will not be parked on the school property during the day. Chair Christensen stated the new plan will also limit the need for the buses to back up. Mr. Dahlin asked if the light posts can be located on the west side instead of the east side. Ms. McIntosh explained that would place the lights closer to residential homes. Mr. Dahlin mentioned the slope of the property that engineering plans will need to address. Mr. Prasch stated the light poles would have to be much taller to install them in the bioinfiltration basin. He noted there will be a retaining wall on the west side of the bus drive lane. Ms. Klemond asked what building material will be used for the retaining wall. Mr. Prasch stated it will be about three feet high and constructed of modular retaining block. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -6- Chair Christensen asked if that height requires a fence. Ms. McIntosh stated it does not. Mr. Dahlin asked if the wall will be nice to look at. Mr. Prasch stated he does not know what color it will be. Ms. McIntosh stated the City assures those types of structures are complimentary to the building. Commissioner Tade noted buses will not be parked at the school during the evening. Ms. McIntosh confirmed they will not be and stated a condition can be added to this consideration to assure they are not parked on the site in the evening. Chair Christensen noted buses may be at the site during the day if an event is planned. Ms. McIntosh commented on the need for emergency vehicle access that will be addressed. Ms. Dahlin asked if the bus bays are actual structures. Ms. McIntosh stated they are not, it is just open parking in the lot. Mr. Dahlin asked if they will see 8-12 buses out of their back yard. Chair Christensen stated it is just during drop off and pick up. Ms. Dahlin asked what ordinance is being cited to justify the purported safety consideration. Ms. McIntosh explained it is not an ordinance requirement for the school to not have children cross in front of traffic when dropped off. That is a school concern for the safety of their students. Chair Christensen explained when he referenced ordinances had changed, it did not relate to a safety concern. The safety consideration is more based on the school's desire than the City's position or ordinances with regard to this review. Ms. Dahlin stated then there is no specific ordinance relating to the safety of students. Ms. McIntosh stated children crossing a parking lot and exiting from the passenger door is a school concern. She explained that in April, when bus access was approved to Noble, the school was told they would have to reverse the circulation pattern where students are dropped off. That meant students would have to cross in front of traffic. With the current circulation, the student can exit the car directly onto the sidewalk. At the request of Ms. Dahlin, Chair Christensen again explained how students exited vehicles in the original site plan, and impact of reversing the direction of traffic circulation. Ms. Dahlin asked if the public was given the opportunity to provide input in April. Ms. McIntosh stated it was a site plan consideration so a public hearing is not required. Ms. Dahlin stated when she attended Orchard Lane, 100% of the students were bused and the school was at capacity. She stated she is beside herself that this occurred without the opportunity for public comment or input. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -7- Commissioner Schonning recalled a past discussion during the church's sign application about vandalism occurring to cars parked at Odyssey Academy and they had requested additional lighting to stop that from occurring. He noted Odyssey Academy closed so now this property can either be used for this school or it will be vacant and abandoned. He explained the Planning Commission can only require so much depending on the City's ordinances. Commissioner Schonning referred to the Millennium Academy application, noting it is a similar school, demographic, 100% bused, and they needed 12 parking spots. With that application, the Planning Commission had received the same type of resident comments so staff worked with Millennium Academy to assure the timing of student pick up and drop off was cued so the buses could exit quickly. Commissioner Schonning stated now there are no concerns. Ms. Dahlin asked if the parking lot lights can go off by 6 p.m. during winter months or do residents have to be subjected to light. Ms. McIntosh stated she knows the DMS signage is on a timer at 9 p.m. Chair Christensen stated the sign ordinance requires it go down to a lower lumen level but maybe not shut off. He asked if there is ability to put the parking lot lights on a timer, noting that is a consideration of the neighborhood he would support forwarding to the applicant. Mr. Prasch stated the existing lighting is left on and asked if this is just for the 5-6 lights on the bus drive lane. Chair Christensen stated he is concerned about someone stepping off the 3 -foot wall if there is not adequate lighting. Mr. Stec noted there are light packs on the buildings so there is some light but the drive lane lights could be on a dimmer or timer or shut off. He stated he will bring that option to Superintendent Thao. Mr. Dahlin stated that would be appreciated. Ms. Dahlin asked how they can stay informed. Ms. McIntosh stated she will be the main contact. Chair Christensen stated residents can also call the school. Ms. McIntosh recommended Superintendent Thao be contacted directly. Commissioner Koenig noted Ms. Klemond had made a comment that this was a done deal but he hopes residents feel that their concerns have been heard and addressed. He noted they are decade long residents but they also understand the needs of the school. Commissioner Koenig stated the parking lot lights will be addressed, the retaining wall is adequately buttressed, and the boulders are part of a garden for students and not against her property line. He stated their concerns are important to hear, they have been heard, and he thinks the applicant will take them into consideration. Mr. Dahlin stated it has been worthwhile for them to attend tonight and he appreciates that their concerns have been heard. PC Minutes 06-14-18 -8- Ms. Klemond asked when this construction will be finished. Ms. McIntosh stated by this fall before they open school. Mr. Stec confirmed that construction will be finished by September 1st Ms. McIntosh stated construction activity cannot begin prior to 7 a.m. Chair Christensen thanked residents for attending tonight and providing input. Chair Christensen called for questions and comments from Commissioners. Commissioner Tade asked whether conditions should be added to require the parking lot light timers and restricting buses from parking overnight. Ms. McIntosh stated a restriction on overnight parking could be added but she does not know about the cost for light timers so that could be sorted out by the school but she could talk with them about it. Chair Christensen asked if the retaining wall materials should be identified in the conditions. Mr. Stec stated they will use decorative faced rock. Commissioner Koenig supported adding a restriction against overnight parking and to assure the buses on site are only what is needed to meet the current need. Mr. Stec stated the school uses a contract bus service and there are no facilities on the school site to plug them in. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2018-009 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2018-009 SUBMITTED BY NEAL THAO (NOBLE ACADEMY) There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-009, as amended to add a restriction to not allow overnight parking, to allow buses on site only to meet the current need for drop off, pick up, and other related school events. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney, and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its June 25, 2018 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. Ms. Klemond asked about the commercial vehicle that is currently parking at the school overnight. Ms. McIntosh recommended she call the City's Code Enforcement Officer to address that violation. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS PC Minutes 06-14-18 -9- 7a) EARLE BROWN DAYS FESTIVAL (JUNE 21-23,2018) Ms. McIntosh announced that the Earle Brown Days Festival will be held June 21-21, 2018. She described the events scheduled, organization and city booths, and encouraged all to attend. There were no other Discussion Items. 8. OTHER BUSINESS - None 9. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. -'1 r Ginny clntos , Secretary PC Minutes 06-14-18 -10- Randall Christensen, Chair