PL 11/17/1999 - 30978n
CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Savage called the November 17, 1999, Planning Commission meeting to
order at 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Diane Savage, Dave Kondrick, Brad Sielaff, Leroy Oquist,
Dean Saba
Members Absent: Connie Modig, Larry Kuechle.
Others Present: Barbara Dacy, Community Development Director
Paul Bolin, Planner
Doyle D. Mullin, Springbrook Nature Center Director
Siah St. Clair, Springbrook Nature Center DNR Director
Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Gordier
Gary Wellner, 5361 6�' Street N.E.
^ James Driessen, 7000 Central Avenue, Medtronic
Annette Mitchell, 1225 Regis Lane
Malcolm Mitchell, 1225 Regis Lane
APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 3. 1999. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to approve the November 3, 1999
Planning Commission meeting minutes as presented.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF A VACATION. SAV #99-07. BY
MEDTRONIC INC.. TO VACATE DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS TO
CLEAR THE TITLE OF LAND FOR REPLATTING. GENERALLY LOCATED IN
THE VICINITY ALONG CARRIE LANE AND THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF
THE MEDTRONIC CAMPUS:
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to open the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
� THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:35 P.M.
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PLANNING COMMI5SION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 2
Ms. Dacy, Community Development Director, stated that the original Carrie Lane right-
� of -way was vacated by the City Council in May 1999. One of the stipulations of the
approval was the relocation of Carrie Lane to connect Quincy and Jackson Streets.
During that process, Medtronic simultaneously closed on the seven homes to effectuate
the relocation of Carrie Lane. After the City conveyed the property for Phase 1 to
Medtronic, it was brought to the City's attention by the title company that there were
several old easements along those lot lines of the seven homes that were acquired.
Ms. Dacy stated the purpose of this vacation request is to vacate the drainage and utility
easements. There are three easement locations across Block 5 and Block 6, and there
is the sanitary sewer easement that is proposed to be vacated. The sewer easement is
in the northeast comer of the site at the Highway 65 intersection that is proposed to be
vacated as well.
Ms. Dacy stated that this application vacates the old easement, and new easements are
to be recorded on the plat that would match and overlay the utility construction. Staff is
recommending approval to the City Council subject to the following stipulations:
1. Medtronic shall dedicate a 20-foot easement in a north/south alignment across
Outlet C between Quincy Street and Medtronic Parkway and Jackson Street and
Medtronic Parkway.
2. Medtronic shall dedicate an easement in the northeast part of the site over the
newly created utility lines.
�
Mr. James Driessen, of Medtronic, stated that Ms. Dacy's presentation was very
straightForward. He stated that there are no problems with the two stipulations.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Sielaff, to close the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:41 P.M.
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Saba, to approve vacation, SAV #99-07, with
the following stipulations:
1. Medtronic shall dedicate a 20-foot easement in a north/south alignment across
Outlet C between Quincy Street and Medtronic Parkway and Jackson Street and
Medtronic Parkway.
2. Medtronic shall dedicate an easement in the northeast part of the site over the
newly created utility lines.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Savage stated that this request will go to the City Council on December 13, 1999.
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PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETIl�TG, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 3
2. PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF A LOT SPLIT. LS #99-04. BY GARY
^ WELLNER TO DIVIDE THE PROPERTY IN HALF LEAVING ONE BUILDING
SITE PER BUILDING. GENERALLY LOCATED AT 5361 6T STREET N.E.:
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Sielaff, to open the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:42 P.M.
Mr. Bolin, Planner, stated that Gary Wellner, the petitioner, is seeking a lot split to divide
the property that currently contains two duplex buildings into finro separate parcels with
each parcel containing its own duplex unit. The Appeals Commission recorr�mended
approval of a variance to correct an existing nonconformity conceming the side yard
setback. The petitioner would like to split the lot down the middle with each lot being 80
feet across. The property is zoned R-2, as are all of the surrounding properties to the
north and west and south. There is R-1 behind this property. City Code does require a
minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet. Both of these lots, once split, would be over
10,800 square feet. The existing nonconforming side yard setback is on Parcel 2. The
side yard does require a ten foot setback for living area, and the petitioner currently has
slightly under eight feet. Staff recommends approval of this lot split request with one
stipulation:
1. The approval of the lot split is dependent upon approval of the side yard variance
,� request (VAR #99-30).
Mr. Bolin stated that both items will go to the City Council on December 13. Both lots
will have 80 feet of frontage and the lot depths are 135 feet. Both duplexes will meet all
setback requirements.
Mr. Oquist asked for further clarification on the variance request.
Mr. Bolin stated that it was to reduce the side yard setback. The legal distance is from
10 feet down to 8 feet. The variance is needed only on one side.
Mr. Gary Wellner stated that he does not have any problem with the stipulation.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Sielaff, to close the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:49 P.M.
MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to approve the Lot Split, #99-04 with
the following stipulation:
1. The approval of the lot split is dependent upon approval of the side yard variance
;�
request (VAR #99-30).
:
PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 4
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
,� THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
n
3. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 14. 1999. HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Saba, to receive the minutes of the October
14, 1999, Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 19. 1999, ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Sielaff, seconded by Mr. Saba, to receive the minutes of the October
19, 1999, Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 4. 1999, PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to receive the minutes of the
October 4, 1999, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 13. 1999 APPEALS
COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Saba, seconded by IVIr. Kondrick, to receive the minutes of the October
13, 1999, Appeals Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OTHER BUSINESS:
7. NATURE CENTER DISCUSSION:
Mr. Doyle D. Mullin, President of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board of
Directors, stated that he would like to acknowledge Siah St. Clair and Missy Daniels for
^ their hard work in preparing the Nature Center information. Siah St. Clair and Missy
Daniels are City staff who are also both on the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation.
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PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 5
Mr. Mullin stated that this presentation would be about the Nature Center and, more
n specifically, about a project undertaken some months ago to develop a master plan for
the area surrounding the building and the entrance to the Nature Center. They are
currently calling this work Project #2025 and the motto is `Timeless Nature Working".
The project is listed as one of the year's 2000 goals for the Recreation and Natural
Resources Center. The Nature Center has been in operation for fully half of the City of
Fridley's 50 years.
Mr. Mullin stated that he has spent countless hours talking with Siah St. Clair about the
innovative programming he has done and the impact on his staff and participants in
those programs. Mr. St. Clair has talked about the respect that other naturalists and
center directors have for this facility, and he believes that it is important that everybody
understands and appreciates what a gem the City has in the Springbrook Nature
Center.
Mr. Mullin stated that Springbrook Nature Center is an amenity which brings honor and
recognition to Fridley. Every citizen should be very proud of it. For example, three
years ago in the reader survey, Springbrook Nature Center was voted the favorite park
in the State by readers in the Minnesota Parent magazine. Two years ago, Springbrook
Nature Center was listed as one of the 13 hot spots for watching wildlife in the Twin
Cities and was featured on the cover of the DNR's magazine. The Star Tribune wrote
that Springbrook Nature Center was listed as one of the must-see places to take friends
and relatives in the Twin Cities. In an article on Real Estate in the Minnesota St. Paul
�—ti magazine, Springbrook Nature Center was listed as the primary reason to purchase a
home in Fridley. Recently, a Springbrook Youth Worker and the Springbrook Youth
Supervisor in 1998 received the Govemor's award for Outstanding Youth Supervisor of
the Year.
Mr. Mullin stated that Springbrook Nature Center does have a very high community
usage and approval. In the City of Fridley, nine percent (9%) of the people that
responded to a survey responded that they went to the Springbrook Nature Center in
the last year. The average use per person was once a month. Eighty-three percent
(83%) of the residents stated that they approved of the continuous use of the Nature
Center. In the vision meetings that were part of the Comprehensive Plan process,
participants named Springbrook Nature Center as their favorite place to visit in the City
more than any other place. Usage is now approaching 200,000 visitations per year.
Attendance to the City-wide fall and spring festivals is so large, it gets to be nearly
unmanageable with the current facilities and staff. The Halloween celebration this year
hosted over 1,500 people.
Mr. Mullin stated that the Nature Center is being used to meet the health, wellness,
spiritual, and psychological needs of individuals and groups within the community. This
is something they had not anticipated and they are only recently becoming aware of it.
For example, there is a wellness walk program with the Cardiovascular Unit at Mercy
Hospital. They are working on a visualization program with the Cancer Unit at Unity
� Hospital for patients and their families. Churches hold services at the park. Recently,
Rotary Intemational held a meeting there simply to be in a natural environment.
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PLANNING COA�INNIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 6
Employees from nearby businesses use the park for walking and recreation and stress
,� reduction.
Mr. Mullin stated that several months ago, they gave a party for Siah St. Clair
celebrating his 20 years of programming at Springbrook. During the party, they heard
many stories about the impact of the Nature Center psychologically and spiritually.
Young people who were part of the volunteer program reported how the time they spent
there kept them out of trouble and how it guided many of them into careers relating to a
natural environment. A report by the Dallas Police Department stated that every $1.00
spent on youth recreation programs saved them $3.00 spent on Police personnel
dealing with problem children. The volunteer program had a similar effect in Fridley.
Recently they leamed that the Coon Rapids Medical Center sponsors an annual walk in
Springbrook for people who have suffered a fetal loss to heal that tragic experience.
The Minnesota Cochlea Implant Club has recently asked to conduct a walk for its
members to identify and discuss sounds they have never before heard.
Mr. Mullin stated that the Nature Center should be all it can be to meet the needs and
demands being placed on it. The City Manager observed that he would like to see more
done to the Nature Center to bring recognition to Fridley. More requests are being
made by the citizens to have memorial services and weddings in the park. When their
requests are rejected, they go ahead anyway. These requests are rejected only
because of lack of staff at the facility. The success of social events since the Wine
Usage permit has demonstrated its value for that type of community celebration.
,.-� Requests are being made by local organizations for a conference center for day
meetings in the pleasant natural surroundings of the Nature Center.
Mr. Mullin stated that the reduction of the natural environment around the Nature Center
is causing the increasing numbers of visitations. The recognition of non-native species
of plants are invading the Nature Center and threatening, in time, to destroy all of the
native species. Currently, they are part of a$250,000 program to eradicate certain non-
native plants. This is a recognition of how serious specialists in this field of study
believe this problem could be. The recognition of water draining from upstream
communities is causing massive destruction of water plants, siltation, and destruction of
nesting pattems of the birds in the park. They are currently part of a study to determine
the extent and the consequences of this water flow problem. Corrective action will
surely be needed in the future.
Mr. Mullin stated a committee has been formed to deal with these issues. They invited
City Council members, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission,
Foundation members, City employees, and residents of the larger community who might
have an interest. Twenty people attended the first meeting. These included City
employees, marketing people, health care managers, fitness experts, master gardeners,
graduate students in landscape architecture, architects, business people, etc. The only
boundary set for the meeting was that they consider the seven acres surrounding the
entrance and the history center in dealing with their issues. Their intention is to make
,� the entrance area attractive for these uses, thus reducing the use of the parks interior,
' reserving it for wildlife and the observation of wildlife. The first effort was to review and
rewrite the vision statement for the entrance project. The vision statement is as follows:
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PLANNING CONIlVIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 7
"To be an inviting passage into and out of timeless nature. Of sharing a perfe�t place
,� for people, a place of celebrations of life, a retreat to nurture self, a living statement of
the power of nature to nurture the human spirit, a place to reflect on the integrity of
nature and the natural processes, and a place to leam about nature and the natural
processes."
Mr. Mullin stated that they rewrote the mission statement as follows: `The mission of
the Springbrook Nature Center is to preserve the integrity of, and enable access to the
natural resource base, in order to; (1) provide opportunities for the community to enjoy
Springbrook Nature Center and to leam about broad environmental concepts and
values,( 2) provide opportunities for nurturing the human spirit."
Mr. Mullin stated this mission will be accomplished by fulfilling their objectives and
design specifications for the project that professionals could use as a basis for an
abstract design. They did this by systematically considering each of the vision
statements and asking a few questions. The ideas were then synthesized into eight
general principals and 20 specific principals.
Mr. Mullin stated that the current goals include:
1. Developing a plan to the point where the concept is clear, the phases are
identified, and the rough spots are eliminated
2. Identifying the sources of revenue for the plan
,—.� 3. Identifying the relationships with all other programs which currently are affecting
the Nature Center or will in the near future, and communicating this information
to City govemment, potential funding sources, and the public.
Mr. Mullin stated they have now divided into subcommittees to accomplish the goals.
One is the Design Committee to carry out the design. Some of this work has been done
by the graduate students that were on the committee as part of their graduate project to
meet their graduate requirements. The timing was premature and some of the work
was less penetrating. The Design Committee strongly endorses the bulk of their work,
which included an inventory of the IVature Center's ecosystems and a master plan for
the restoratlon and management. The second part of their work included some specific
design ideas for the entry area. They suggested a well-defined portal through which the
public would pass creating a definite sense of having entered a special place,
developing the parking area to strengthen that sense and instill a sense of invitation.
Mr. Mullin stated that upon arrival to the building, there would be a station for groups
that are disembarking their vehicles prior to entering the grounds. Plans for the grounds
include an area between the parking lot and the building to draw the visitors in while
being sufficiently open to create the sense and the reality of being secure. A series of
rings of various size and designs are used to facilitate the needs of groups as small as
one or finro people, and as large as 60 people for ceremonies and other needs to gather.
A building expansion which would be independent of the foundation of the current
� structure would wrap around it with the spaces connected to accommodate the needs
expressed by organization in the area for day conferences.
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PLANNING COIVIMISSION MEETTNG, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 8
Mr. Mullin stated that the second committee is the Communication Committee. They
,� have to tell the story of what they are doing, and to identify sources of funds and secure
those funds.
Mr. Mullin stated they would welcome help and guidance in making this plan for the
seven acre entrance area, and the Nature Center comprehensive plan, part of the
Fridley Comprehensive Plan. The work is being done under the direction and
cooperation with City staff. They will present the plan to the Planning Commission
when it is finished and will be pleased to keep everyone informed on an interim basis if
requested. Siah St. Clair is also available at the Nature Center to discuss any ideas of
how to help meet the needs of Fridley residents.
Ms. Savage asked if the land that was mentioned for the additions was land that was
already owned by the Nature Center.
IVIr. Mullin stated that is correct. It is not really additions, it is development of the
existing land and would likely change in a positive area the area which composes the
parking lot and the building, and space around the building. They hope to make it more
attractive and friendly to the people without impacting anything that goes beyond that
space.
Mr. Mullin stated that the work that the graduate students did included the whole Nature
Center and is quite extensive and detailed. It does highlight the fact that the park
� cannot be left to just stand out there, because it is being destroyed. It mentions things
such as the absence of cattails which are a very important part of the ecosystem.
Ms. Savage stated that the purpose of the Nature Center committee was informational
only. The Planning Commission and City of Fridley would not take action on any issues
until the plan is actually submitted.
Ms. Dacy stated that tonight's meeting is informational only at this time. In the future, it
is up to the Planning Commission and the City Council to decide how detailed the
comprehensive plan should be. The study and analysis and findings could be submitted
as an appendix that could be formerly adopted. The text could refer to a study and a
date, or there could be general policies and goals or strategies. In general, the Nature
Center is a favorite place and the plan will try to achieve connection into the favorite
places.
Mr. Sielaff asked if there would be a commercial component and have meeting rooms
available and if there are revenue-generating options.
IVIr. Mullin stated that Mr. St. Clair's mission is to bring in a certain amount of revenue
each year. When you are working with a facility that is designed to be free, it is difficult
to extract revenue from its operation. By embracing the community and the needs that
they have, and designing a facility with that in mind, they have the idea that they
definitely would be charged for its use. That would increase the revenue for Mr. St.
'� Clair's department. There may be a charge for the use of the facility. It would not be
their intention that this would be free for the City, but rather that the City, and the
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PLANNING COMNIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 9
community-at-large, would help bear the cost while they try to identify where the various
�, sources of revenue would come in. They would like to be brought into the budgeting
process.
Mr. Oquist asked Mr. Mullin if they are thinking of renting the community rooms to local
businesses for their requests.
Mr. Mullin stated that they are thinking of doing that.
Mr. Oquist asked Mr. Mullin if he has had any input from the northerr� communities that
have the drainage into the Nature Center.
Mr. Mullin stated that that is part of the watershed district. Mr. St. Clair has been
working with the City engineers of various communities upstream. They are currently
part of a water quality study to establish the parameters which make up the water
problem. Once the parameter is established for the extent of degradation and how to
define how it would be restored, somebody will have to deal with this problem. The City
Manager has directed them to take those problems into account as they develop their
project.
Mr. Sielaff asked if the water quality portion would be part of the Comprehensive Plan
for Fridley.
,-� Mr. St. Clair stated that it would be part of the Comprehensive Plan. One of the positive
things that resulted from the meetings is the master plan that the graduate students put
together. As they look at redoing the entrance area, they looking at the next 25 years to
ensure how the Nature Center can serve the public in the best way. Part of that is doing
the watershed project. They are working with the neighboring communities to improve
the water quality because it is impossible for the Nature Center to do it alone.
Mr. Sielaff stated that it should be the neighboring communities' comprehensive plan
also.
Mr. Kondrick stated that since so many people use the Nature Center, it is important to
find ways to protect what they have.
Mr. Oquist stated that part of the communication that the committee could look at is that
it is not only Fridley residents but also neighboring communities that have
responsibilities for the Nature Center as well.
Mr. St. Clair stated that it would be really helpful to have City govemment involved in
that process. There is no doubt about the fact that the neighboring cities use the Nature
Center extensively. In a sense of faimess, their participation would be important.
Mr. Sielaff asked Ms. Dacy if the Planning Commission could make a recommendation
^ to include this in part of the Comprehensive Plan.
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PLANNING CONIMISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 10
Ms. Dacy stated that option is in the future. There is more work to be completed, and
� when it is appropriate, it could be presented to the Planning Commission for a
recommendation. The Park & Recreation Commission may want to evaluate it as well.
Mr. Mullin stated their efforts to communicate to the larger community and potential
funding sources will be enhanced by official support from people such as the Planning
Commission.
Mr. Saba stated that the Planning Commission owes it to the communifiy-at-large to
keep it as part of the general concept of the Comprehensive Plan. They need to
enhance the green spaces. This is also part of improving the park system. The Nature
Center is a gem that should be protected and enhanced to ensure that 25 years from
now our children and grandchildren can have the same enjoyment that they have had.
Mr. Oquist stated that he feels staff could keep the pages open as they go through the
Comprehensive Plan for the Nature Center plan.
Ms. Dacy stated that, in general, the concepts talked about tonight will be in the
Comprehensive Plan. There are many aspects of the Nature Center study that deserve
to be separate (possibly as an appendix), rather than incorporated into the plan text
itself. Staff will keep the Planning Commission updated regarding the Committee's
progress and then possibly look at an appendix approach.
� Mr. Oquist stated that that is a good idea to keep it as an appendix so they do not lose
some of the plan.
Ms. Dacy stated that some of the design presented for the Nature Center could be
something they could replicate in redevelopment projects.
Mr. Sielaff stated he agrees that there is more work to be done. He just wants to make
sure that there is a place for this in the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Mullin stated that they are working with Mr. Kirk of the Parks and Recreation
Department and the City Manager, Mr. Bums, to ensure that it will be incorporated into
that process. Missy Daniels, Code Enforcement Officer, is also working on it.
Mr. Oquist stated that is also part of the Planning Commission's responsibility to ensure
that it is part of the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Savage stated that the Planning Commission is very favorably inclined toward the
project.
Mr. Mullin stated that he greatly appreciates that.
Ms. Savage stated that hopefully the people watching on television would be in support
� of the plan. She wanted to encourage anyone to contact Springbrook Nature Center or
the City with any comments they have.
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PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETIlVG, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 11
Mr. Mullin stated that they do feel there is a powerful story to tell about the Nature
�, Center. It is difficult to tell, and they are going to try to change that and increase
awareness of the tremendous asset of the Nature Center.
Ms. Savage stated that all of the members of the Planning Commission recognize that
fact and it is mentioned by many Fridley residents as being a very important part of
Fridley.
Mr. Mullin thanked the Planning Commission for their time and support.
Ms. Savage thanked Mr. Mullin for the presentation.
8. NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NCDA�
PRESENTATIOIV BY TIM YANTOS:
Ms. Dacy stated that Mr. Yantos was going to present an overview of the commuter rail
project being proposed along the existing rail lines through Fridley.
Mr. Yantos stated that he works for Anoka County and is also Director of the NCDA.
Mr. Yantos stated that the Northstar Corridor runs from the City of St. Cloud through
Anoka County through Minneapolis. It is a major transportation corridor for people and
goods through Highway 10 and through Highway 47 through the City of Fridley,
�,-1 Columbia Heights to downtown Minneapolis. It does include the Burlington Northem/
Santa Fe Railroad.
Mr. Yantos stated that the Comdor is the fastest growing corridor in the State of
Minnesota and one of the fastest growing in the entire country. MnDOT looked at
sixteen different commuter rail corridors and ranked this number one. It includes both
the urban areas of St. Cloud and Minneapolis suburban and rural areas in befinreen. It
ranks the economic and educational centers of the University of Minnesota and the
various Universities in St. Cloud. Metropolitan Council and the St. Cloud area Planning
organization and their metro transit approve of this development.
Mr. Yantos stated the NCDA has one goal: to meet the future transportation needs of
this corridor. In the metro area over the next 20 years, population will increase to
another 650,000 people. Sherbume County will grow 72%; St. Cloud, fifty-percent 50%;
Becker County, 402%; Elk River, 232%. Most of the increase in road traffic will come
down Highway 10 and Highway 47, because there are no plan improvements in
MnDOT's improvement program for the next 20 years. All the existing roads will
continue to exist, and all of the traffic from the new population growth will continue to
use these same roads.
Mr. Yantos stated that they are looking at transportation altematives and how to
improve them in major investment studies.
� Mr. Yantos stated that commuter rail is different than light rail because it uses existing
tracks and would use the existing Burlington Northem/Santa Fe Railroad tracks. The
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PLANNING CONIlVIISSION MEETIl�TG, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 12
length is longer than light rail, usually 30 miles in length, but this plan would be a total of
,� 80 miles. The stations are about five miles apart where the light rail is usually less than
one. It moves people to work and other activities primarily in the moming and evening.
There may be some midday service where the light rail continues to go all day long.
The trains used for commuter rail would be diesel powered. The vehicles are double-
deckers and would hold about 160 people per vehicle. A train would range between
three and four vehicles. They are looking at different station sites to use. The service
they are looking at right now would be 18 trains per day, 80 miles long, nine trains in the
morning and nine trains in the evening. They plan to open up in late 2003.
Mr. Yantos stated that the stations being proposed includes one in the City of Fridley on
61 St Street. This is the largest of ridership stations with over 2,000 riders per day
planned. They do plan to connect to the Hiawatha Corridor which is the light rail. That
connection would happen behind the Target Center. People would be able to move
from the City of Fridley to the airport, from the University of Minnesota to St. Cloud, from
Elk River to the Mall of America. People will be able to move very quickly with the
linkage from commuter rail to light rail.
Mr. Yantos stated the station is by the existing rail tracks. The commuter rail would
come in and you would be able to walk across the platForm and take the light rail. The
bus distribution center would also pick up riders at the station. The ridership projected
for opening is about 2,000,000 trips per year, 8,000 trips per day. Estimated capital
cost in 2003 numbers is $223,000,000. The operating cost is $8,500,000.
� Mr. Yantos stated they did a survey recently explaining what the commuter rail was and
asked people if they thought it was a good idea. It was surprising that 73% stated that it
was a good idea. Most asked how soon they could ride it. They also have a good
sense that a commuter rail line would be for commuters working in downtown
Minneapolis, or people who are living downtown and working in the suburbs. People
stated in the survey that they would use it for various reasons other than only for
commuting.
,�
Mr. Yantos stated the Burlington Northem/Santa Fe is a willing partner, and they are
negotiating with them. They are going to want to have some improvements to the rail
line, but the difference in cost with commuter rail which is $223,000,000 and light rail
which is $548,000,000 is that the Burlington Northem/Santa Fe has already spent
millions of dollars on the infrastructure. The rails are in place and you can run 80 miles
per hour on it.
Mr. Yantos stated they have not selected business information yet, but Medtronic wrote
a letter to the Govemor and to the Chair of the NCDA stating that one of the reasons
why they located their headquarters in Fridley is because of the potential for commuter
rail. Many peopfe who live in the southem communities would like to get on the light rail
and then transfer to the commuter rail. Their vans would pick them up at the station and
then bring them to Medtronic.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEET'I1�TG, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 13
Mr. Yantos stated Senator Grams is a tremendous supporter in the Senate getting the
,� necessary funding. Congressman Oberstar and Martin Sabo are in the top position in
the transportation committees and also support this.
Mr. Yantos stated that into the end of 1999, they are completing their major investment
study and are well into their environmental impact. They plan to go in early January to
the Federal Transit Administration to ask them permission to go into preliminary
engineering. They are able to move along so quickly because there is little construction
compared to light rail. They need to build stations and buy vehicles and upgrade the
tracks. They do plan to start construction on a few stations next summer.
Mr. Yantos asked the Planning Commission if they had any questions.
Mr. Kondrick asked where the station was located in Fridley.
Mr. Yantos stated that it would be located at 61St Street right after East River Road
adjacent to the Burlington Northem/Santa Fe tracks.
Mr. Oquist stated it is a great plan, but he is a little surprised that the commuter rail is
not being constructed around I-94 through Monticello to St. Cloud because that seems
to be where the real population growth is.
Mr. Yantos stated they have looked at that issue, but the railroad tracks are in this area.
� The projections for growth are immense in the proposed area and they are trying to
make the infrastructure available to as wide an area they can, including the I-94 area.
Mr. Saba asked what kind of fee structure they would have for cost.
Mr. Yantos stated they are talking about a seamless system. Weekly or monthly passes
could be used on the light rail and bus service also. The cost has not been decided yet.
The cost is being looked at per ride. From Elk River, it is $4 in, from Fridley possibly
$1.75 or $1.50. He would have to take a good look at it to see exactly what it is.
Mr. Saba asked Mr. Yantos if the fee structure can support its annual cost.
Mr. Yantos stated it would not support its annual cost similar to all of the transportation
features across the country. There would be about a 40% return, which is good for a
transportation system.
Mr. Sielaff asked if there would be four vehicles going at a time.
Mr. Yantos stated that there would be three and four car trains depending on the time.
Each car holds 150-160 people.
Ms. Savage asked if these trains would be brand new and what other cities are using
^ commuter rail.
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PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 14
Mr. Yantos stated that they would be new. Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and many of the
,--�, eastem cities have commuter rail.
Mr. Oquist asked if this would tie in with light rail so they would come in at the same
time.
Mr. Yantos stated they are tied in together so people would take the light rail directly
from the commuter rail. All of the stations would provide parking space.
Mr. Sielaff asked if the funding is tied to the funding of light rail.
Mr. Yantos stated that it is separate and if light rail does not go ahead, this will still go.
Mr. Sielaff asked if the funding was all secured for this.
Mr. Yantos stated that it was not. They have about $20,000,000 so far. This would go
for planning and station construction next year. The rest of the funding would be
secured from the three congressional people mentioned earlier and from their own state
people.
Ms. Savage asked if Senator Wellstone supported this.
Mr. Yantos stated that Senator Wellstone is a big supporter but is not on the
� transportation committees for funding approval.
Mr. Sielaff asked if the commuter rail would start out with nine cars.
Mr. Yantos stated that nine trains would start at first, then more additions of cars and
perhaps more trains.
Mr. Kondrick asked how they would work the logistics of all of the freight trains.
Mr. Yantos stated that there are befinreen 40 and 60 trains per day. Burlington
Northem/Santa Fe operates other systems like this in other cities. It is a matter of
scheduling. Burlington Northem/Santa Fe will be the operator and dispatcher of the
system throughout the country.
Mr. Oquist stated that now they will have to try to get Minnesota drivers to use the type
of transit versus using their own cars.
Mr. Saba asked if there would be some type of carrier on the system for bikes.
Mr. Yantos stated that there would be and would also be handicapped accessible.
Ms. Dacy stated that as part of the environmental analysis and as part of their
� investment study, the NCDA is asking all cities that have a station area to evaluate the
station area to review a potential site plan. They are currently working on a potential
site plan for Fridley and once reviewed there would be some type of information
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PLANNING CONIlVIISSION MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 PAGE 15
meeting for the neighborhood around it. Right after the new year, everyone will be
�"-� seeing more of this plan to get the approvals in place.
Mr. Kondrick asked if there was a way to cut down on the noise and possibly use rubber
wheels.
Mr. Yantos stated that there are not going to use rubber wheels, but the new trains have
absorption in the wheels to cut the noise down.
The Planning Commission thanked Mr. Yantos for the presentation.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to adjoum the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED
MOTION CARRIED AND MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
ADJOURNED AT 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
�c�
Sig e L. Jo son �
Recording Secretary
�
'_`�,
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