PL 02/15/2006 - 30889�
CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
February 15th, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Savage called the regular meeting of the Planning Committee to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Leroy Oquist, Dean Saba, Diane Savage, David Kondrick, Larry Kuechle,
Barbara Johns
Others Present: Stacy Stromberg, City Planner
Mike Chevrette, 510 57th Ave. NE
Jim Driessen, Medtronic
Tarra Krejce, Medtronic
APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - February 1, 2006
MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to approve the minutes
as presented.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
^ PUBLIC HEARINGS
Consideration of a Master Plan Amendment MP #06-01 bv Medtronic Inc to allow
the addition of a billboard/communitv service sian near the west edqe of their
campus and Hiqhwav 694, penerallv located at 710 Medtronic Parkwav NE
MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Oquist, to open the public
hearing.
UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:34 P.M.
Ms. Stromberg, City Planner, presented a request from Medtronic Inc., who is seeking an
addendum to their World Headquarter Master Plan to allow the installation of a billboard type
sign. Medtronic is proposing to install a 14 ft. by 48 ft. (672 square feet) community service
sign, which will display Medtronic's commitment to the community on the southwest side of the
property, located south of the existing parking lot east of the daycare center. It should be noted
that this is considered an addendum (addition, supplement) to Medtronic's Master Plan. This
request is in no way replacing Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the original master plan approved on
April 26, 1999. In fact, the petitioner has stated that this sign is considered temporary and will
be taken down when Phase 2 and Phase 3 are constructed.
Ms. Stromberg reviewed that the City Council approved the Master Plan for the Medtronic
World Headquarters on April 26, 1999. The Master Plan approved the construction of up to
,...� 1,600,000 square feet of corporate facilities and three parking ramps. The first phase consists
of approximately 500,000 square feet and has been completed. Phase one consists of six
buildings, including a research building, education building, corporate headquarters building,
neurological building, a campus commons building, and a central plant facility. A 1,000 car
Planning Commission February 15th, 2006 2 of 7
,� parking ramp is also located on the property. In 2000, the City Council granted Medtronic an
amendment to their Master Plan to allow an 11,270 square feet free-standing daycare center. A
drop off area and a 34 stall parking Iot was also proposed to be constructed to serve the facility.
That amendment did not subtract from the anticipated placement of the Phase 2 and Phase 3
portions of the development. Instead, it was in addition to the already planned campus. In
2001, a temporary, 282 stall parking lot was constructed on the east side of the daycare center.
The lot is considered temporary because it would need to be removed in order for Phase 2 and
Phase 3 to be completed. This parking lot was constructed as a result of parking problems
Medtronic was experiencing
during special corporate events held at the World Headquarters' Campus, that aren't
experienced on a daily basis. Without the full build-out of the additional parking ramps, this was
reviewed as the best solution to bridge the parking gap, without permanently changing the
master plan layout.
Ms. Stromberg stated that this request is considered an addendum to the petitioner's master
plan and is in no way, replacing Phase 2 or Phase 3 of the original master plan. Although the
petitioner has stated that this billboard sign is only temporary until Phase 2 and Phase 3 are to
be completed, it is in staff s experience that temporary type uses are rarely temporary. The
proposed sign location is in direct conflict with the future building planned for Phase 3. It is also
a concern to staff that the extreme cost of a sign of this stature will hinder the petitioner from
wanting to remove it in the future, and therefore it may comprise the construction of Phase 3
and possibly Phase 2.
Ms. Stromberg reviewed that Fridley's Sign Code states that in order for a billboard to be
/"� constructed, several requirements need to be met. The following is a list of the code
requirements and the answers provided by the petitioner as to how those requirements are or
will be met.
A. Billboards shall be restricted to property adjoining the right of ways of Interstate
Highway #694, Trunk Highway # 47, Trunk Highway #65 and East River Road south
of Interstate Highway #694.
■ Interstate 694
B. The minimum height is twenty-five (25) feet above the finished ground grade, unless
the sign is intended to be viewed from a highway, then the finrenty-five (25) foot
maximum height shall be computed from the centerline of the traveled highway, but
in no case shall the vertical distance between the bottom of the sign and the ground
be reduced to less than ten (10) feet.
■ The sign that we are proposing is intended to be seen from the highway. We
will work with the existing grades and the elevation of 694 to comply with the
City Code.
C. The maximum sign area is three hundred (300) square feet per facing not to exceed
two (2) facings when erected on East River Road south of Interstate Highway #694,
on Trunk Highway #47 and Trunk Highway #65; and 750 square feet per facing not
to exceed two (2) facings when erected on Interstate Highway #694. Double faced
signs shall be attached back to back at a horizontal angle not to exceed forty-five
(45) degrees.
■ The proposed sign faces are approximately 14' tall by 48' tall (672 square
feet)
D. The minimum distance between billboard signs is 1000 feet when erected on the
�, same side of the highway.
■ There are no existing billboard signs in the vicinity of our proposed location
on the same side of the highway. There is a billboard on the south side that
is approximately over one thousand (1,000) feet away.
Planning Commission February 15�', 2006
3of7
,�--� E. The minimum setback from the highway right of way is thirty (30) feet.
■ We are proposing a setback of approximately one hundred (100) feet from
our south property line, as per the attached drawing.
F. The minimum distance is 500 feet from a billboard sign to the intersection of any
street or ramp where traffic crosses or merges at the same elevation. The distance
is determined by measuring from the intersection of the street and highway
centerlines and the sign.
■ We are six hundred fifty (650) feet from the intersection of Medtronic Parkway
and 7th Street.
G. The minimum distance to a residential and public district is 500 feet.
■ The proposed sign is five hundred (500) feet to residential district to the west
and six hundred (600) feet to the residential district to the north.
H. The sign structure shall be all metal and be either painted or treated to prevent
deterioration. Lack of proper maintenance shall be cause for revocation of the sign
permit.
■ Sign will be constructed of painted metal to prevent rust and deterioration.
We are also proposing to clad the sign base in a decorative material in
keeping with the aesthetics of our existing buildings.
I. The minimum distance to a railroad crossing is 350 feet when there are lights and a
gate, and 500 feet from a railroad crossing without lights and/or a gate.
■ N/A
J. Any lighting will be shielded to not impair the vision of any motor vehicle operator or
to create a nuisance on adjoining property.
■ We will be sure to use shielded light fixture that conforms to the City Code
�—,, and MN/DOT requirements. We will submit full shop drawings and cut sheets
of the sign and lighting to the City for approval before proceeding with any
work.
Ms. Stromberg stated that although the petitioner has answered the above questions and plans
to meet the code requirements related to billboard signs, exact drawings of the proposed sign
were not submitted. If this master plan addendum is approved, an exact site plan and proposal
for the sign will need to be submitted prior to issuance of a permit to ensure that all code
requirements are being met.
Ms. Stromberg stated after further analysis, staff has determined that the only requirement the
petitioner will have trouble meeting, is the minimum distance to a residential district, which is
500 ft. The residential properties across I-694 on Cheri Lane will be approximately 400-450 ft.
from the proposed sign. The subject property is zoned S-2, Redevelopment district. The S-2,
redevelopment district does allow flexibility and latitude with a development, subject to
stipulations. This use however, would not be as intense of an impact, due to the following
mitigating features:
The highway provides a barrier
The sound wall on the south side of 694
■ Angle of the sign (end of sign)
Ms. Stromberg stated City Staff recommends denial of the addendum to the Master Plan to
allow a temporary billboard sign on the property for the following reasons:
^ - Sign location is in direct conflict with the master plan and building planned for
Phase 3.
- As positioned currently the sign would (at minimum) potentially delay the
� Planning Commission February 15�', 2006
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^ placement of buildings on this campus until the sign has had time to serve some
purpose and its cost to be somewhat amortized.
- The City and Medtronic have a structured arrangement that expanded a tax
increment district to realize the full benefit of the increment to be generated by
the full development of the land.
�
Ms. Stromberg stated that if the proposed sign were to be placed in a location not in conflict
with already approved site plans, the recommendation would be for approval. Staff would
recommend that if the master plan addendum is granted, the following stipulations be attached.
1. Petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to installation of proposed sign.
2. Petitioner to provide a to-scale site plan depicting the size, location and setback of
the proposed sign prior to issuance of a sign permit.
3. The Petitioner shall provide detailed scaled plans of: the sign, sign structure, sign
footings, sign utility plan, structural engineering, and sign lighting, prior to plan review
for sign permit.
4. Petitioner shall meet all code requirements for billboard signs, recognizing the
exception of 214.12.7.G.
5. Petitioner shall provide a description and illustration of proposed materials to be used
for the base of the billboard sign, to be approved by staff prior to issuance of a sign
permit for the proposed sign.
6. The petitioner shall obtain a special use permit for the proposed billboard sign if any
portion of the sign is an electronic readerboard sign.
Commissioner Savage questioned the purpose of the sign.
Mr. Driessen, of Medtronic, answered that Medtronic would like to use the sign as a way to
share what is going on in the community such as United Way, Food Share etc.
Commissioner Kondrick questioned if they planned on changing the message and how often.
Mr. Driessen answered that they did plan to change the message quarterly (approximately).
Commissioner Savage asked to address the concerns from Staff not permitting the sign.
Mr. Driessen explained that they are not opposed to slide the proposed sign down to the east,
although the location proposed seems to be the most reasonable site for the sign. Medtronic
truly sees this as a temporary sign and it is not intended to remain with Phase 2 and Phase 3
construction. The reason for the sign at this time is because there is excess land available.
Commissioner Kondrick asked for confirmation that when Phase 2 and Phase 3 construction
begins, the sign will be taken down.
Mr. Driessen confirmed and stated that Medtronic would be willing to sign a document stating
that the sign would be taken down upon Phase 2 and Phase 3 construction.
Commissioner Savage questioned why it is necessary to put up a temporary sign and how
long the sign would remain.
�., Mr. Driessen stated that Medtronic would like this to communicate what they are doing for the
community and the sign could stay up a couple years. Medtronic is planning for continued
success, but do not know when Phase 2 or Phase 3 will start.
Planning Commission February 15�', 2006
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,� Commissioner Savage commented that the community is well aware of what Medtronic does
and that Medtronic has a great image in our community. A billboard can be a visual distraction
and will not add to the image of Medtronic.
Mr. Driessen replied that Medtronic plans to dress up the base of the billboard and it will be
upscale not to look like a typical billboard.
Commissioner Kondrick questioned what the design plans are to make this billboard look
different from others.
Mr. Driessen stated that Medtronic is calling this sign a"community service sign" that will speak
to the quality of the sign.
Commissioner Kuechle questioned if both sides will be visible from the east and west.
Mr. Driessen confirmed both sides will be finished, but it will be less visible from the west.
Commissioner Johns questioned if the size of the billboard is the same as other billboards and
if Medtronic thought temporary would be more or less than two years.
Mr. Driessen confirmed that the size will be the same size as a billboard and two years is a
safe estimate as to the minimum years the sign will remain.
Commissioner Johns questioned the long range plans on campus and if there would be a
� problem destroying the sign after completion due to cost involved.
Mr. Driessen explained that it will not be a problem to take the sign down and gave an example
that Medtronic invested $400,000 in a temporary parking lot and the cost of the sign is
approximately $100,000.
Mr. Chevrette, of 510 57th Ave. NE, stated that when he looks out of his patio door, he has a
view of the current daycare center on Medtronic campus. Mr. Chevrette is a stockholder of
Medtronic and is aware of the great community work they currently participate in. He supports
Medtronic in what they do but is concerned what the view from his back yard will be once the
sign is installed. He is also concerned about the temporary sign and when it will be taken down.
He also suggested not lighting the billboard so homes in site would not have light pollution.
Commissioner Kondrick questioned if Mr. Chevrette would be opposed to a non lighted sign.
Mr. Chevrette stated that he did not know how much light is going to hit the sign and how much
will affect the homes in the area.
Commissioner Kondrick questioned the distance between the sign and Mr. Chevrette home.
Ms. Stromberg stated that it is over 500 feet but did not have the exact distance.
MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to close the public
hearing.
�� UPON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:00 P.M.
Planning Commission February 15�', 2006
[• • f/
n Commissioner Johns stated that she understands the concerns with the billboard creating
visual distraction on the freeway and the concern of light pollution. If Medtronic will work to
accommodate the issues discussed, she could support the billboard.
Commissioner Kuechle stated that he does not particularly care for billboards but they are
permitted for use on this property. He could support the billboard as long as the petitioner met
the concerns addressed and the sign meets all the City Codes.
Commissioner Kondrick concurred with Commissioner Johns and Commissioner Kuechle. If
Medtronic agrees to sign a stipulation to take the sign down when the next phase of
construction begins, he could support this amendment.
Commissioner Savage stated that she cannot support this amendment. She does not see the
logic to invest in a temporary sign and believes it is not necessary. Everyone is aware that
Medtronic does good work for the community and it does not need to be advertised. A billboard
sign does not go with the building and Medtronic is not the type of operation to have this kind of
sign on their property. This will detract from the building and she simply can't support it.
Commissioner Saba responded that we all have a paradigm of what billboards look like, but
Medtronic would do a good job presenting this community sign. Medtronic has been an
excellent neighbor and he shares Commissioner Savage concerns, but would support the sign.
Commissioner Oquist stated that he understands the concerns but also understood that this is
not an advertising billboard, but a community sign, double sided and will look nice. He has no
r—, problem supporting the request.
MOTION by Commissioner Saba, seconded by Commissioner Oquist to approve the
consideration of a Master Plan Amendment, MP #06-01, by Medtronic Inc., to allow the addition
of a billboard/community service sign, near the west edge of their campus and Highway 694,
generally located at 710 Medtronic Parkway NE, subject to the stipulations outlined by staff and
the addition of a 7�' stipulation related to Medtronic entering into an agreement with the City to
remove the billboard when construction of Phase 2 and Phase 3 begins. The stipulations
approved are as follows:
1. Petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to installation of proposed sign.
2. Petitioner to provide a to-scale site plan depicting the size, location and setback of
the proposed sign prior to issuance of a sign permit.
3. The Petitioner shall provide detailed scaled plans of: the sign, sign structure, sign
footings, sign utility plan, structural engineering, and sign lighting, prior to plan review
for sign permit.
4. Petitioner shall meet all code requirements for billboard signs, recognizing the
exception of 214.12.7.G.
5. Petitioner shall provide a description and illustration of proposed materials to be used
for the base of the billboard sign, to be approved by staff prior to issuance of a sign
permit for the proposed sign.
6. The petitioner shall obtain a special use permit for the proposed billboard sign if any
portion of the sign is an electronic readerboard sign.
7. The petitioner shall enter into an agreement with the City stating to the fact that the
�-.� billboard sign is temporary and will be removed upon start of construction of Phase 2
and Phase 3.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, COMMISSIONER JOHNS, COMMISSIONER KUECHLE
a�
Planning Commission February 15th, 2006
�, COMMISSIONER KONDRICK, COMMISSIONER SABA AND COMMISSIONER OQUIST
VOTING AYE, COMMISSIONER SAVAGE VOTING NAY. CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED ON A 5 TO 1 VOTE.
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THE MATTER WILL BE HEARD AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 23RD,
2006 AT 7:30 P.M.
2. Receive the minutes of the Januarv 9, 2006, parks and recreation commission
meetina
MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Saba to receive the minutes
as presented.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Ms. Stromberg stated that the Hilltop Trailer Sales Special Use Permit was approved by the
City Council. She also mentioned that the next meeting is March 1, 2006 and that the March
15, 2006 meeting has been cancelled due to no items to consider.
ADJOURNMENT:
.� MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to adjourn.
UPON UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MEETING
ADJOURNED AT 8:05 P.M.
RespectFully Submitted,
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Krista Monsrud
Recording Secretary
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Name
CITY OF FRIDLEY
SIGN-IN SHEET
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
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