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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMinutes-20060731City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 1 of 10 Hastings Planning Commission July 31, 2006 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Chairman Twedt called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 1.Roll Call Commissioners Present: Peine, Zeyen, Truax, Twedt, McInnis, Hiedeman Staff Present: Planning Director John Hinzman, Associate Planner Kari Barker, Planning Intern Larry Phillips 2. Approve July 17, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Commissioner Mclnnis stated corrections were needed to his statements regarding temporary auto sales. Motion by Commissioner Truax to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2006 Planning Commission meeting. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. OTHER ACTIONS 3. Regina Hospital – Site Plan #2006-36 – Hospital Addition. Associate Planner Barker presented Staff Report. Jewel Pickert, 507 Whispering Lane apt. 301, came before the Commission and asked why there is a need for an expansion and who would be funding the expansion. Director Hinzman stated that site plan approval is needed for any expansion project; funding sources for the project are not considered as part of City review. st Mark Prettyman, 130 1 Pl, came before the Commission and brought up four points. 1) Regina’s policy of non-smoking on their campus so smokers smoke where residents that live near Regina would see them. 2) The speeds around the proposed new entrances. 3) The site plan with Regina with the assumption that the YMCA will also be coming in. 4) The unpleasing view of the power lines and poles the residents near Regina will have to see. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 2 of 10 Eugene Fuchs, 1329 Jackson Drive, came before the Commission and asked how the property value of Regina’s neighbors will be affected by this expansion. st Rose Tappella, 120 1 Pl, came before the Commission and expressed concern with the view of the power lines that will surround Regina. She hopes that the power lines will run inside of the Regina property. She wants more landscaping to buffer the neighbor’s view of Regina. Brad Krump, BWBR Architects, came before the Commission and gave a presentation on Regina’s expansion. Regina is reaching maximum potential and in order to accommodate for the future, an expansion needs to happen. st Mark Prettyman, 130 1 Pl, asked if the power lines were the main transmission line. Commissioner Truax asked is the transmission line can be buried. Mr. Krumpsaid that a transmission line could not be buried. Commissioner Truax stated that it is a wonderful thing to have a medical center but had concerns about parking. Truax pointed out that there was excess parking and felt there was too much parking; the excess parking was taking up green space. Chairman Twedt asked if there was designated staff parking and a smoking area. Regina must understand that it would be a hardship to the neighbors to not allow smoking on the property because than it would push the smokers out into view of the neighboring residence. Mark Wilson, Regina Hospital,said that there were no current plans for a smoking spot but Regina could accommodate a place for staff parking. Commissioner Zeyen asked in regards to recommendation #2 if there would be a dead end sidewalk. Assistant Planner Barker stated that there would be potential for future linkage. Commissioner Mclnnis asked if there should be pedestrian crossing and sidewalk at the main entrances as well as striping. He was also concerned with the landscaping at the site and that it would remain consistent with City plans, as the City has been using Maple Ash trees and the landscaping plan for Regina called for evergreens. Commissioner Mclnnis was also concerned with the speed limit around Nininger Road and Pleasant Drive; he felt it maybe too high. Chairman Twedt felt that the helipad was not in a good location. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 3 of 10 Mr. Krump said that it would be preferable to have the helipad off site. Chairman Twedt pointed out that from discussion of the Commission and audience; there was not much support for the power lines running around the perimeter. Commissioner Peine brought to the Commissions attention that he was previously an intern with BWBR but his knowledge on the Regina expansion was limited to what the Commission had before it tonight. Dr. Piper Bigelow from Regina Clinic came before the Commission. She stated that people at the hospital are trying to do their best to make things flow smoothly. She feels that if they are not able to expand the community will look back at it as a big mistake. Commissioner Mclnnis suggested putting the power lines through the property instead of around it. Mr. Krumpinformed the Commission that they wanted to stay flexible with the location of the power lines and the plans. Commissioner Zeyen stated that in order for the Regina Medical Center to expand the community must “give” and “take” and the view of the power lines would be a “give.” Commissioner Peine suggested that BWBR should address what the site will look like from a block away. He continued by stating there should be a better way to deal with the power lines. Mr. Krump said that he has been working with Excel energy for 10 months to find alternates for the power lines but will continue to explore more possibilities. Commissioner Mclnnis motioned to approve the Site Plan with these additional recommendations: 1) Crosswalk striping, signage, and hazard lights should be placed at the western entrance to Pleasant Drive. 2) A slower speed limit on Nininger Road, Pleasant Drive, and West First Street. 3) A more consistent landscape plan and trees should be clumped around the power line poles to 4) To remove the four power lines poles and to run the power lines though Regina’s property instead of around it. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 4 of 10 Commissioner Zeyen made a friendly amendment to not eliminate the four power line poles, but rather to send the issue back to City Staff to find the best location for the power line poles. Commissioner Mclnnis accepted the friendly amendment as long as all possibilities can be reviewed. Commissioner Zeyen seconded. Commissioner Truax made a friendly amendment to make phase two and phase four proof of parking. Commissioner McInnis stated that phase two and four should be completed as the ground breaking for the YMCA begins. Without parking there would result in a burden on neighboring residence for parking. Director Hinzman clarified the extra recommendations, following the existing 19 recommendations: 20) Stripping running north and south at the main entrance on Pleasant Drive as well as st stripping on the 1 Street entrance for pedestrian crossing. 21) A slower speed limit on Nininger Road, Pleasant Drive, and West First Street. 22) A more consistent landscape plan and to hide power line poles better with tree clumpings. 23) Remove the four power line poles and reroute them at the best location. 24) Work to change parking at phase two and four with the partnership with the YMCA. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Mclnnis motion and Commissioner Zeyen seconded approval of the site plan which will be subject to the follow recommendations: 1) Conformance with the plans submitted with the Planning Commission Report presented July 31, 2006. 2) A sidewalk must be placed along West First Street to connect Nininger Road to Pleasant Drive. 3) Overhead electrical power lines must not be relocated onto city right-of-way. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 5 of 10 4) All parking and drive aisle areas shall be constructed to City standards including bituminous surfacing and concrete curb and gutter. 5) All disturbed areas on this property shall be stabilized with rooting vegetative cover to eliminate erosion problems. 6) The disturbed areas of the site shall be maintained to the requirements of the City’s property maintenance ordinance. 7) Final approval of the development grading and utility plans by the City of Hastings. The applicant shall be liable for any costs involved in consultant review of the plans. 8) Monument signs shall be architecturally consistent with the buildings on site and incorporate similar materials into their construction. 9) Lighting must incorporate cut-off shields and be directed onto parking lot areas. 10) Submission of an electronic copy of all plan sets (TIF, PDF, or similar format) prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy. 11) Approval is subject to a one year Sunset Clause; if significant progress is not made towards construction of the proposal within one year of City Council approval, the approval is null and void. 12) All landscaping and plantings shall be irrigated. 13) Work may not commence on the Construction Phase without arranging with the City for an appropriate Letter of Credit and escrow deposit and holding a Preconstruction meeting. 14) A joint parking and access easement shall be recorded against all properties within the three additions of Regina Memorial Medical Center. 15) All waste refuse facilities shall be located in one enclosed building matching the primary building. Outside dumpsters are prohibited. 16) Fencing, walls, and landscaping must not encroach into the 25 feet site triangle area. 17) Lighting illumination shall be at least 2 feet candle at drive entrances and no more that 0.5 feet candle elsewhere along the perimeter of the property. 18) All landscaping shall be irrigated or low maintenance. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 6 of 10 19) A tree inventory will be taken of the trees to be removed from the site by the City Council meeting on August 7, 2006. 20) Stripping running north and south at the main entrance on Pleasant Drive as well as st stripping on the 1 Street entrance for pedestrian crossing. 21) A slower speed limit on Nininger Road, Pleasant Drive, and West First Street. 22) A more consistent landscape plan and to hide power line poles better. 23) Remove the four power line poles and reroute them at the best location. 24) Work to change parking at phase two and four with the partnership with the YMCA. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. 4. Mark Gerry – Site Plan #2006-35 – Construction of a new Dairy Queen – 1205 vermillion Street. Planning Intern Phillips presented Staff Report. Planning Intern Phillips made a modification to recommendation #11 so that a trash and recycling enclosure does not require a roof. Commissioner Truax questioned the close proximity of the drive thru on the north side of the proposed building to the house that is located just north of the property. Truax also questioned the location of the new monument sign. Director Hinzman stated that there is a garage between the house and the drive thru to give some buffering. Mark Gerry from Dairy Queen said the sign will be located at the same place as the old sign. Commissioner Hiedeman brought up the issue of noise from the drive thru. Gerry stated that he had spoke with the neighbor to the north of Dairy Queen and the neighbor was actually in favor of the location of the drive thru because it will prevent people from loitering on the north side of the Dairy Queen property. Commissioner Peine asked if the menu would be expanded. Gerry replied that it has expanded slightly but will be able more efficiently serve customers and that the actually number of customers will probably not increase. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 7 of 10 Chairman Twedt asked how this falls into the Vermillion Street Corridor project. Director Hinzman said the Vermillion Street Corridor is still being discussed. Commissioner Peine pointed out that doing a good job on the patio on the west side of the proposed Dairy Queen building would be a great step towards the Vermillion Street Project. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Mclnnis motioned to approve and Commissioner Peine seconded the approval of the Site Plan which will be subject to the following recommendations: 1) Conformance with the plans submitted with the Planning Commission Staff Report dated July 31, 2006. 2) Building permit issuance will be contingent upon presentation and approval of civil plans including drainage, utilities, and elevations. Approval of civil plans will be made by the Public Works Director. The applicant shall reimburse the City for any fees incurred due to development. The owner assumes all risks associated with the grading and utility placement prior to formal approvals. 3) Any uncompleted site work (including landscaping) must be escrowed for prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 4) Submission of an electronic copy of all plan sets (TIF, PDF, or similar format) prior to recording of the Final Site Plan. 5) All disturbed areas on this property shall be stabilized with rooting vegetative cover to eliminate erosion problems. 6) A landscape surety for providing, installing and warranting typical landscaping and screening materials must be submitted in the amount of 125 percent of the value of the proposed landscaping prior to certificate of occupancy. The surety will be released within one year from planting upon inspection by the City to ensure the health of the plantings. 7) Fence and patio is subject to review by the Planning Department. 8) Any fencing and walls must not encroach into the 25 foot site triangle requirement at street intersections. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 8 of 10 9) Trash and recycling enclosure materials and colors shall be consistent with the main office building. 10) The trash and recycling enclosure must be fully enclosed on all four sides. 12) All parking areas must be constructed of bituminous surfacing and concrete curb and gutter. 13) Illumination levels are limited to 0.5 foot candles at the property line and two foot candles at the entrances as required in the Zoning Code. 15) Approval is subject to a one year Sunset Clause; if significant progress is not made towards construction of the proposal within one year of City Council approval, the approval is null and void. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 5, Nays 0, Abstentions 1. Motion passed. Commissioner Zeyen abstained from voting due to business relations with Mark Gerry. 5. OTHER BUSINESS A. Signage Requirements Planning Director Hinzman informed the Commission that sign permits are approved or disapproved administratively. Commissioner Mclnnis asked to clarify the 60 day limit of the sign ordinance. Director Hinzman clarified that it is 60 days per calendar year. When a sign is put up the clock starts until those 60 days is expired. Commissioner Mclnnis asked what the penalty of exceeding those 60 days would be. Director Hinzman said that the person with the sign will receive a letter and if there is no response it can be turned over to the City Attorney. Commissioner Twedt asked who monitors the sings. Director Hinzman responded that it is monitored by complaint bases. Commissioner Truax pointed out that in the ordinance the blinking of illuminated signs is addressed. He gives examples of Walgreen’s, M&H, and Carbone's. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 9 of 10 Director Hinzman clarified if the Commission was referring to LED interchangeable sings. Commissioner Mclnnis requested that he would like to see the sign applications for illuminated lights go through the Planning Commission and the City Council before they can be approved. Chairman Twedt asked if it would be appropriate for City Council to discuss this. Director Hinzman stated the Commission may wish to make a motion asking the City Council to consider changes. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Zeyen motioned to have City Council discuss the issue of illuminated signs going through Planning Commission and City Council before they are approved. Commissioner McInnis seconded. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. B. Trail Crossings Commissioner McInnis voiced concerns with safety crossings at various intersections around the City and felt many of these intersections were not fit for roller bladers, bikers, and pedestrians. McInnis stated that stripping crossings would get drivers attention and make them slow down. Director Hinzman said he had spoke with Tom Montgomery, Public Works Director, who said that Dakota County is not in favor of stripping their County Roads but may consider signage of roads. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Mclnnis moved to recommend to City Council that we have improved stripping at unsafe intersections or at the minimum implement safety signage with the possibility blinking amber lights. Commissioner Peine seconded. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. C. Vermillion Street Corridor Meeting City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – July 31, 2006 Page 10 of 10 Director Hinzman informed the Commission that the next Vermillion Street Corridor meeting would be Tuesday August 15, 2006. The concepts that were presented at the th June meeting will be expanded upon at the August 15 meeting. The final plan for the Vermillion Street Corridor will be presented at the fall of this year. Commissioner Zeyen felt the plan for the Vermillion Street Corridor should be brought in front of the Planning Commission so the public will get the chance to be aware of the project. Planning Director Hinzman said that when the plan is put together the City will get the public reaction. D. 2030 Comprehensive Plan Director Hinzman informed the Commission that Metropolitan Council wants the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan by 2008. Most of the work will be done in 2007 and some in 2006. 6. Adjourn Commissioner Zeyen moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Hiedeman seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Larry Phillips Planning Intern