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PL 12/19/2007 - 29929PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING December 19, 2007 Acting Chairperson Kondrick called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Jack Velin, Leroy Oquist, David Kondrick, and Brad Sielaff MEMBERS ABSENT: Dean Saba, Diane Savage, and Brad Dunham OTHERS PRESENT: Stacy Stromberg, City Planner Julie Jones, Planning Manager Scott Hickok, Community Development Director Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner Mary Jo Bailey, Bailey Properties, CMV Properties Nick Netley, Camp Bow Wow, Plymouth MN Jeff Hall, Camp Bow Wow, Burnsville MN Connie Vogtlin, Camp Bow Wow, Fridley MN Mark Vogtlin, Camp Bow Wow, Fridley MN David Bruce Bob Gambrel, 1219 Norton Avenue, Fridley MN Bill Holm, 7424 Melody Drive, Fridley MN Ken and Carol Hughes, 6424 Ashton Avenue, Fridley MN Barney Buss, 6050 Sth Street, Fridley MN Tom Myhra, 6360 Able Street, Fridley MN Pam Reynolds, 1241 Norton Avenue, Fridley MN A1 Stahlberg, 8055 Riverview Terrace, Fridley MN Approval of Minutes: December 5, 2007 MOTION by Commissioner Oquist to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of a Text Amendment, TA #07-02, by CMV Properties LLC, for Camp Bow Wow, to add language that would allow a"dog day/overnight boarding facility" in the S-3, Heavy Industrial Onaway Addition zoning district by Special Use Permit, generally located at 7875 Beech Street. -and- Consideration of a Special Use Permit, SP #07-12, by CMV Properties LLC, for Camp Bow Wow, to allow a"dog day/overnight boarding facility" in the S-3, Heavy Industrial Onaway Addition zoning district, generally located at 7875 Beech Street. MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Velin. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE HEARING OPENED AT 7:32 P.M. Stacy Stromberg, City Planner, stated the petitioner, Ms. Vogtlin, is requesting a text amendment to add the language "dog day/overnight boarding facility" as a special use in the S-3, Heavy Industrial Onaway Addition zoning district. If the text amendment is approved the petitioner is also seeking a special use permit to allow a dog day/overnight boarding facility which will be located at 7875 Beech Street. Ms. Stromberg stated the subject property is located on the corner of Beech Street and 79tn Avenue and is zoned S-3, Heavy Industrial Onaway Addition. The subject property is .48 acres and was developed in 1972 with the construction of a 7,700 square foot building. The petitioner is proposing to operate Camp Bow Wow from the subject property which is a boarding facility offering a fun and safe environment for dogs. CBW offers both daycare services to customers who wish to drop off their dogs for the day and overnight boarding for customers who would like to drop off their dogs before traveling. The hours of operation would be Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and those hours are for pickup only. The petitioner has stated the facility is not typically staffed at night. They have staffed other facilities at night but have abandoned the practice nationally because they found the dogs were aware that staff was present and they would not sleep. Ms. Stromberg stated CBW currently has a facility in Burnsville and in Plymouth. The Burnsville facility opened in September 2006, and the Plymouth facility just opened recently in November 2007. Both facilities are located in multi-tenant industrial developments. Staff has contacted both of the cities, and neither of them has received any complaints related to the business. Staff did have an opportunity to tour the Plymouth Camp Bow Wow and was very impressed with the overall professional appearance of the facility as well as the cleanliness of it. Ms. Stromberg stated City Code currently does not allow this use in any of the zoning districts. The City, however, does allow veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, kennels, obedience schools, and those types of things in our commercial districts by a special use permit. Ms. Stromberg stated the Future Land Use Map in the City's Comprehensive Plan guides the subject property and the surrounding properties as industriaL Industrial uses typically involve wholesaling, warehousing, manufacturing and/or production. While the proposed use is not as intensive as many industrial uses in this zoning district, the proposed use would fit best within an industrial district. Ms. Stromberg stated regarding compatibility with the zoning district, it is zoned S-3, and that was established to encourage additional expansion, reinvestment, and industrial development within that addition. Ms. Stromberg stated staff finds that the daycare and overnight boarding use would be consistent with the proposed use and intent of the S-3 zoning district provided that specific concerns related to the use are addressed. Staff has drafted an ordinance that would allow a dog daycare and overnight boarding facility contingent upon approval of a special use permit provided the following conditions are met: (a) The dog day/overnight boarding facility is located at least five hundred (500) feet from any residential property line; 2 (b) An 8-foot solid fence is constructed to enclose any outdoor play areas; and (c) Dogs are kept indoors for overnight boarding. Ms. Stromberg stated staff has determined these conditions are necessary for the proposed use to meet the purpose and intent of the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. If the text amendment is approved the petitioner is also seeking a special use permit to allow this type of use to be located at 7875 Beech Street. Ms. Stromberg stated the existing property is 22,630 square feet in size. The petitioner plans to redesign the interior space of the building to include a lobby, reception area that would be accessed off of Beech Street. There will also be an office, utility/storage rooms, a lounge, a dog interview room, and 58 kennels. There will also be 3 indoor play areas located at the rear of the building. The petitioner is also proposing a 20-foot by 110-foot outdoor play area. The outdoor play area is divided into three separate play areas and allows the petitioner to divide the dogs by size and behavior. The outdoor play areas would be connected by doors to three additional play areas inside the building. Ms. Stromberg stated the building currently has three overhead doors facing Beech Street. The petitioner plans to enclose two of the doors and install a window in one of them. The petitioner also plans to do some paint work and install new signage to enhance the exterior of the building. Ms. Stromberg stated staff has determined the petitioner's request meets the standards that are required as part of the special use permit approval. The proposed business is located over 500 feet from any residential property. The petitioner proposed to construct an 8-foot solid vinyl fence to enclose the outdoor play area. Also, the petitioner will keep all dogs indoor during the overnight boarding. Ms. Stromberg stated City Code would require 8 parking stalls based on 1,000 square feet of office space and 6,700 square feet of warehouse space. The petitioner is proposing to install 13 stalls and proofing an additional 5 stalls if they are ever needed. The petitioner plans to remove the existing loading dock area in the front yard in order to make room for parking stalls and additional landscaping. The petitioner has submitted a plan that shows installation of 7 new trees and shrubbery or perennials to be planted along the front of the building. Ms. Stromberg stated the petitioner recognizes the proposed use could generate noise from barking dogs. Unlike the Burnsville and Plymouth facilities, the Fridley facility is a freestanding building so interior noise will not be an issue. The petitioner also states that external noise has not been an issue at other locations, and the 8-foot high solid vinyl fence is a key element to sound abatement. The dogs are kept inside with only brief, monitored time periods outside. CBW has noted they hire staff that is very well trained in animal behavior and who constantly monitor the dogs inside and outside. So, if necessary, an overly disruptive dog will be placed in a kennel and the owner will have to pick it up. The City's noise ordinance also protects us from any potential problems that might occur. Ms. Stromberg stated the petitioner has stated the clientele that is targeted for this type of business is very selective which requires their facility to remain spotless. They use specialized biodegradable cleaners and disinfectants which are the same products used in hospitals and childcare centers. CBW provides all franchises with set cleaning schedules and evaluations conducted year around to insure proper maintenance of the facility. The CBW waste removal routine includes constant play area cleanup and disposal into lined galvanized steel trash can with a lid. A typical CBW produces approximately one large garbage bag of waste each day which is placed in the dumpster located in the rear of the building near play area #3. Ms. Stromberg stated the petitioner has articulated to staff that dogs are typically let outside into the play area to relieve themselves, so as to not create confusion for the dog. It is CBW's policy to place 4-inches of level pea gravel in the outdoor play area which is specifically designed for dogs. The gravel material allows for easy cleanup, prevents digging, and is safe for the dogs to ingest if that were to happen. Staff has determined that it is in the City's best interest to have the petitioner remove the existing asphalt surface to construct the exterior play area, and then place the 4-inches of pea gravel on top of the ground which will prevent the urine from running off into the storm sewer and instead will allow it to seep into the ground to be treated. Staff has not heard any comments from neighboring property owners regarding this request. Ms. Stromberg stated staff recommends approval of the text amendment request and the special use permit with stipulations. Staff recommends if the two requests are approved, the following stipulations be attached: (1) The petitioner shall obtain a building permit prior to interiar modif�ications. (2) The petitioner shall obtain a sign permit prior to installation of any new signage. (3) The petitioner shall remove bituminous pavement where the outdoor play area is to be located. (4) The ventilation system needs to be designed so that no odors or organisms will spread between wards or to the outside air. (5) No outdoor storage of equipment or materials is permitted without first obtaining a special use permit. (6) The petitioner shall comply with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 1306, for sprinkler installation. (7) Special Use Permit to be reviewed within one year of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy to ensure compatibility. Ms. Stromberg presented a few video clips provided by the petitioner. Commissioner Velin asked if the dogs can come and go as they want? Jeff Hall, owner and manager of Camp Bow Wow in Burnsville, stated the dogs do have the ability to come in and go out at will. The doors have the typical clear plastic. They do go in and out quite a bit. Obviously in the winter they spend more time in than out. Commissioner Sielaff asked about the indoor and outdoor area? Mr. Hall stated they generally divide the dogs based on size, temperament, and activity level. For instance one will be for small dogs. That play group area will have an indoor play area, 25 by 25 or 30, and there will be a door going to a separate outside play area. Commissioner Sielaff asked if the outdoor play area is covered at all? Mr. Hall replied there is not a roof over the outdoor play area but there is a required shade structure, a little canopy area, where the dogs can lay under if they want to stay out of the sun or the rain. Commissioner Sielaff asked about any design criteria it has to meet to prevent storm water runoff from the site (outdoor play area)? 0 Julie Jones, Planning Manager, replied this being a new item they struggled with that and made the recommendation the petitioner remove the paved surface in that area because they felt it would be better. Even though they have the pea gravel, that section of the site is adjacent to the alley, and that area would be sloped, and the runoff would go into the alley and into the street/storm sewer system. They thought it would be better to allow that storm water runoff to seep into the soil and allow the soil to treat the urine. Mary Jo Bailey, commercial broker for the petitioner, stated Camp Bow Wow is a national franchise and there are currently 53 facilities open around the country. There is scheduled to be 60 open by the end of January 2008. This is something that municipalities have been addressing around the country. Camp Bow Wow just went through approval in both Burnsville and in Plymouth and those municipalities had the same concerns and concluded that removing bituminous and installing the pea gravel created a nice filter and drainage for the outdoor play area. They are satisfied with that and there have been studies stated that it operates just fine. Mr. Hall stated also there are two reasons they use this specific pea gravel that is a half-inch in size. If puppies eat it they can pass it and also if it were grass or dirt they could not really effectively disinfect it. The outdoor play areas are disinfected pretty much daily with a foam disinfectant that is proven safe that they use in all the camps. Commissioner Sielaff expressed his concern about water runoff if there is heavy rainfall. Mr. Hall replied they have been open for over a year and they have never even had standing water. Commissioner Sielaff asked if someone could check the soil and find out what type it is since they will be digging up the asphalt anyways. In case it is clay soil. Commissioner Velin asked how much footage is between the building and the alley? Ms. Stromberg stated it is 20 feet from the back of the building to the back of the fence. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE HEARING CLOSED AT 7:59 P.M. MOTION by Chairperson Velin approving Text Amendment, TA #07-02, by CMV Properties LLC, for Camp Bow Wow, to add language that would allow a"dog day/overnight boarding facility" in the S-3, Heavy Industrial Onaway Addition zoning district by Special Use Permit, generally located at 7875 Beech Street. Seconded by Commissioner Oquist. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist approving Special Use Permit, SP #07-12, by CMV Properties LLC, for Camp Bow Wow, to allow a"dog day/overnight boarding facility" in the S-3, Heavy Industrial Onaway Addition zoning district, generally located at 7875 Beech Street with the following stipulations: (1) The petitioner shall obtain a building permit prior to interiar modif�ications. (2) The petitioner shall obtain a sign permit prior to installation of any new signage. (3) The petitioner shall remove bituminous pavement where the outdoor play area is to be located. (4) The ventilation system needs to be designed so that no odors or organisms will spread between wards or to the outside air. (5) No outdoor storage of equipment or materials is permitted without first obtaining a special use permit. (6) The petitioner shall comply with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 1306, for sprinkler installation. (7) Special Use Permit to be reviewed within one year of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy to ensure compatibility. Seconded by Commissioner Velin. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Acting Chairperson Kondrick stated the request will now go to City Council on January 7, 2008, to make the final decision. 3. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of a public hearing to receive public comment on the draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fridley, including but not limited to plans for land use, housing, redevelopment, transportation, parks, water, sewer, and public facilities. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE HEARING OPENED AT 8:04 P.M. Ms. Jones stated they started out about a year ago establishing eight staff committees working on various parts of the Comprehensive Plan. This past spring the City held a series of neighborhood planning meetings to get community input. They had great turnout for the meetings; however, staff did not want to base a lot of their recommendations only on the input of about 150 members of the community. Therefore, in addition, they added about 25 additional questions for the bi- annual citizen survey. Once they had chapters drafted for the plan, they took the chapters pertaining to certain areas of expertise to the Commissions for review. For example, the Housing & Redevelopment Authority reviewed the first five chapters of the plan, including the housing plan and the economic/redevelopment plan. Because there wasn't great business participation at the neighborhood community meetings, they held an additional business conference this past month, which was well attended and was very beneficial as well. Ms. Jones stated through this whole process they have concluded there are some very keen assets Fridley has. One of those is being very close to a very vibrant central city. There is close access for jobs, and it is very desirable for businesses to locate here because Fridley is close to that central city. We also have great road access. We have more jobs in Fridley than we have workers, with over 11,000 more jobs than people in the workforce. We are also home to not only � a hospital but other key medical facilities, as well, which becomes especially critical for our aging population. Ms. Jones stated we also have some very advanced technology businesses here. Besides being the home for Medtronics World Headquarters, we also have businesses like Minco, BAE Systems, and Cummins Power. Of course we also have some wonderful nature resources, particularly the Mississippi River and Rice Creek. Ms. Jones stated Fridley also has some challenges. One of them is increased traffic congestion. Primarily they are hearing about the freeway and the major highways which likely are contributed to the fact that only 21 percent of the residents actually work here in Fridley. Ms. Jones stated Fridley is the most aged community in Anoka County. It is forecasted that the aged community will increase significantly because of the aging of the baby boom population. We also have an aged housing stock, and we have aged business structures as well. The infrastructure in the City is also aging. Most of our storm and sanitary sewer water lines were all built 50-60 years ago, which is why we are seeing an increase in water main breaks. As with any community, of course, we have limited financial resources. Ms. Jones stated that Fridley's history demonstrates that the City experienced its greatest prosperity when advances in transportation were made. Examples include when the Red River ox cart trail became this major military road that is East River Road going through the community, when Highway 65 was finally connected through the middle of Moore Lake, when Highway 100 became Interstate 694, and when the streetcars were spread up north from the central city to Fridley. All those changes were followed by times of growth and prosperity for the City. They feel that Fridley is in that pivotal point of history again, where the Northstar commuter rail coming to the community is that new opportunity for Fridley. They have really embraced that urbanized potential and have put great emphasis on the 2030 Comprehensive Plan on growing that expansion beyond that of the Northstar Rail coming to Fridley. They have looked at coming up with a walkable downtown. They are proposing that Medtronic Parkway be connected to, not only University Avenue, but to East River Road. They are calling it the 57t'' Avenue expansion, building a bridge over the railroad tracks at 57t'' Avenue. Part of that redevelopment plan includes a redevelopment area called City View. Ms. Jones stated they are focusing a lot on multi-modal transportation in the Comprehensive Plan. They see a real opportunity because we are close to the central cities on creating more bicycling and pedestrian transportation connections to the City; get people walking and biking more. They are looking to build some partnerships to improve our roadways, particularly the image of our major arterial roads through the community. They are looking to preserve our housing stock as well as our natural resources. Ms. Jones stated throughout the Plan they are going to see everything tying back to four overriding goals. At the neighborhood planning meetings, they asked people to come up with goals. They came up with about 20 major goals all which fall into four basic categories: (1) maintaining Fridley as a desirable place live, (2) maintaining Fridley as a desirable place to do business, (3) keeping Fridley a safe community for all to enjoy, and (4) protecting Fridley's natural environment. Ms. Jones stated the plan is organized into 14 chapters. A lot of them are plans within the plan. There are two chapters that are new that were not in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, one of those is Natural Resources and Sustainability. The other is the Public Facilities Plan towards the end 7 of the document. Of the 14 chapters, nine of them have a conclusions and actions step section. Tonight they will focus on those conclusions and actions step sections in those nine chapters and go through them because, when it comes down to the bottom line of the Plan, those are things that are going to have the budget implications for the City. So those are the most important parts of the Plan to focus on tonight. Ms. Stromberg stated the economic and redevelopment plan is Chapter 4 of the Comprehensive Plan. The first thing they are looking at is the 11 potential redevelopment areas. These were developed through community input at neighborhood meetings as well as through staff recommendation. It is not intended that all these properties on the map be acquired by the City for redevelopment. Rather the intent of it is to identify these areas as the focus areas for the City and the HRA to prioritize its resources and redevelopment efforts. Ms. Stromberg stated one area in particular the Plan discusses in great detail is the Northstar Transit Orientated Development (TOD) area located north of 694. The Northstar TOD redevelopment area is the best location for a walkable downtown. It could also provide the largest concentration of retail sites with the potential redevelopment of the Cub Foods site, the redevelopment of the JLT site being rezoned from industrial to a commercial use, as well as Home Depot and all the other retail sites located within this redevelopment area. There are also many housing opportunities within the new City View development as well as possibly new homeownership opportunities within the Hyde Park neighborhood. This redevelopment area is within close proximity to many jobs. Three out of the top four largest employers in the City have facilities within a mile of this area. Connecting Medtronic Parkway to 57t'' Avenue and then over the railroad tracks to East River Road solves safety and access problems that the City has seen. Ms. Stromberg stated currently there is an awkward disconnect between Medtronic Parkway and University Avenue. The 57t'' Avenue extension would provide a continuous road between Highway 65 to East River Road. The 57t'' Avenue extension would meet the public safety need. Our Police and Fire Department have articulated they feel there is a great need for more east-west connections and, by constructing the 57t'' Avenue extension over the railroad tracks to East River Road, it will provide that connection that they are looking for in order to meet that public safety need. Ms. Stromberg stated the 57t'' Avenue extension would create a walkable downtown and spur some retail excitement. It would be within 4 blocks of the proposed Northstar rail site. It would offer another connection to the river, and it could create a mixed-use senior housing opportunity through the City View plan. Ms. Stromberg showed on a slide an area of current multi-family housing that would need to be redeveloped as part of the City View redevelopment. Redevelopment of the area could allow for a mixed-use development. Potentially we could see restaurants and shops with retail located on the bottom level and senior living above or standalone senior cottages behind. Both of these things were very much needed in Fridley and desired by our community. City staff heard loud and clear at our community meetings there is a great need for all types of senior housing, from assisted living to one level cottages. Another thing that rang out loud and clear was the need for additional restaurant opportunities. Ms. Stromberg showed on a slide an area designed as a city park with a small public parking lot. There is the hope that this plan would create a street market location where special events could be held, such farmers markets, craft fairs, etc. Ms. Stromberg showed a slide depicting what the area would look like if it was redeveloped. The City had an architecture intern this year who helped them with a housing study who did some very good renderings. The drawings show the streetscape, where there would be tree lined medians as an extension of Medtronic Parkway, sidewalk cafes, benches, and pedestrian walkways. Ms. Stromberg referred to the economic and redevelopment actions steps that are developed in the Comprehensive Plan. One is related to using their DRC (Development Review Committee) to keep businesses here. The DRC is made up of City staff, all different departments, which meet every Tuesday morning to go over things that are happening in the City and if a business is interested in adding on, that is their opportunity to come in and talk to staff and have their questions answered. Growth will be seen with existing business so it is very important for staff to work with them in order to keep them here. They need to support getting Fridley a station in the first phase of the Northstar line and special legislation for a TIF redevelopment area around the station site. They also need to ensure that redevelopment near the Northstar location is pedestrian-oriented. Ms. Stromberg stated another action step would be to obtain an easement needed for the bridge from Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks at 57t'' Avenue. They need to conduct a market study on the City View plan to see if the mixed use development is feasible and possible in that location within the City. We need to survey our businesses regarding employee housing needs and options. We would like to see more people who work in Fridley to live in Fridley. So, doing a survey of employees would be helpful. Also, we need to pursue locating a fine dining restaurants in one of the several beautiful parks along the river. Ms. Stromberg stated, regarding the Housing Plan, Chapter 5, the housing conditions are good in Fridley; but the age of housing supports the need for a housing maintenance code. By 2009, 95 percent of housing in Fridley will be 30 years old. If no changes are made, a housing and maintenance code will definitely be needed. The housing study conducted by our intern this summer found that 85 percent of the homes are in good condition but, to keep that trend, the housing maintenance code does need to be adopted and enforced. Ms. Stromberg stated the next action step is the HRA should continue home improvement loans and should help income-qualifying elderly homeowners make accessibility improvement. They heard from some of our aged community at neighborhood meetings that a lot of people want to stay in their homes. In order to make that happen, they need to find ways to help them stay there and, if it is through income-qualifying homes, that is a great way to keep them in their houses. We need to evaluate participation in the livable communities program annual. Ms. Stromberg stated, also, we should develop a homeowners manual trail map for new homeowners. For example, the manual would include common Code regulations that each new homeowner needs to know, such as, outdoor storage requirements, vehicles placed outside need to be licensed and operable or they could get a tag, etc. The City could also include information in the manual on the Neighborhood Watch programs and City staff resources. For example, if someone had a building question they would be able to pull out their little map and they would have the Building OfficiaPs number on it or they would be able to call the utility billing department if they had a question about their water bill. The idea is to print it on the back of a park and trail map in the hopes that the homeowner would keep it as something to refer to. Ms. Stromberg stated the City also needs to get every rental property licensed within the City and improve the databases that we have for that. We also need to recognize the historical � significance of key rambler neighborhoods with signs. Which would potentially involve working with the historical society to post signs in the right-of-way when you enter a neighborhood that describes the history of how this housing type became dominant in Fridley. Ms. Stromberg stated the last action step relating to the housing chapter is to amend the Hyde Park zoning code to allow the redevelopment of existing multi-family housing site. Currently the Hyde Park zoning district only allows for redevelopment to single family so this is a financial disincentive to multi-property owners in that district. Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner, stated the transportation plan action steps are to meet with the Metropolitan Council to discuss potential park and ride site. They learned since the plan was printed, even a few weeks ago, that the Metropolitan Council plans to add an additional 200 stalls of park and ride near 694, somewhere between New Brighton and Brooklyn Center, and those stalls could potentially be located in Fridley. The City needs to have maintenance agreements for State and County roadways or cite those agencies for lack of maintenance. The City needs to obtain easements for the 57t'' Avenue bridge over the railroad tracks. Ms. Harris stated they are also looking to conduct a multi-modal traffic impact study of three key intersections, and those are 57t'' and University Avenue, 57t'' and Main Street, and 57t'' and Seventh Street. Multi-modal includes pedestrians and bicycle, car, bus, and train transportation. Ms. Harris stated they are looking to initiate a discussion with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, and Anoka County about access to bus stops. This is a topic that came to their attention from a resident who has oftentimes seen people trying to access the buses at University Avenue near Osborne and are having trouble getting on the bus. Ms. Harris stated they also want to develop a transportation cycling map and research multi- modal needs. They have included in the Comprehensive Plan a suitability map. That is in Chapter 6 on page 82. The suitability rating for transportation biking takes a look at our roads and determines how safe they are, how much traffic is on them, and this is done with the assistance of a community member who is working with cycling groups in Shoreview and New Brighton. So they are looking at creating a north metro map of roads that are easily navigable by bicycle. Furthermore, on the transportation cycling map, staff is looking at ways to define distinctive north-south routes and east-west routes. Ms. Harris stated in Chapter 7, the parks, trails, and open space, they came up with the following action steps: replace old park equipment and signs according to the capital improvement plan, develop a consistent signage policy, and develop and distribute a promotional park trail map. They are also looking for the Springbrook Foundation to reapply for state funding for their entrance project design as well as key funding for certain trail segments. Pursue more east-west bicycle/walking connections as well as over 694. That would possibly be at Matterhorn. Ms. Harris stated also clear underbrush at riverfronts, Mahnomen and Islands of Peace Park. This would increase visibility of the river which is a valuable community asset that they heard loud and clear at the community meetings. Residents want to make it a prominent feature. Doing this would also increase the safety of our parks and improve plant health by removing invasive species such as Buckthorn. Ms. Harris stated regarding Chapter 8, natural resources and sustainability, for those action steps they are looking to develop a tree preservation ordinance for all property types, develop a natural resources management plan. That would include management of our deer and geese population 10 which are perennial problems. Develop an invasive plant species removal plan for public property and designate a staff inember to coordinate natural resource management. Ms. Harris stated in Chapter 10, the sanitary sewer plan, they are looking to create a system- wide needs assessment and long-range plan for sustainable funding. They are look to correct inflow and infiltration sources when discovered. A quick overview of inflow is water from the surface or ground that flows into sanitary sewers through manhole covers and water is either from rainfalls or sprinkler systems. Infiltration is groundwater getting into the joints or cracks in the pipes. They are also looking to be proactive and not just respond to problems as they arise and looking to prevent them. Also preventing the inflow and infiltration into systems and then analyze and evaluate as necessary. Ms. Harris stated in Chapter 11, they address a public water supplies plan, complete a rate study to establish a sustainable system, and complete a wellhead protection plan. The intent of that is to protect our drinking water supply. They will develop a plan for systematic replacement of water mains over time, update an emergency management plan every five years, monitor summer's heat demands and consider educational or Code options, and develop guidelines for an action plan if unmetered water usage becomes high. Ms. Harris stated in Chapter 12, the action steps for the surface water management plan are: install more shore land civilization projects, obtain water quality data and watch those trends, and assess the effectiveness of rain gardens and consider installing more. In the summer of 2007 there was a group of residents in the Memory Lane area that approached them and said that they wanted to include rain gardens on their property to drain, while their streets were being repaved and reconstructed. So they are looking to monitor those over the years and seeing how effective they are in catching rainfall. They did receive some photos from residents during a 6-inch rainfall over the summer, and the rain gardens were capturing the water just they were supposed to. Another thing here is to revise the wetland Code. The buffers need to be defined. Lastly, reconstruct the Jay Park rain garden so that it will drain properly. Ms. Jones stated Chapter 13 is the Public Facilities Plan. This covers city-owned facilities that are not covered in the Parks chapter or in the Water and Sewer chapters. In other words, things like our fire stations and municipal center. One of the action steps in that plan is to repair or replace one of our entry monument signs each year. Of course we want these signs to be looking good and representative of the City. There are seven of them out there, so they would be on a seven-year repair cycle. Another action step, which has actually been researched in a cost-benefit analysis and it has already been done to determine that it would be more economically-sound for the City to install its own mechanics bay to work on larger equipment rather than to outsource that work. They are also looking at the possibility of retrofitting that bay to double as a truck wash, for example, to wash the snow plows to hose off the salt. Ms. Jones stated they have also determined that there are a lot of different departments that work out of this facility in the municipal center that have various needs for this building, and various people that were aware of inechanical, structural, and technical needs in the building. In that discussion they have determined that it would be very prudent for the City to do a very comprehensive cost analysis of all the different improvements, including repairs related to the parking ramp, looking at those costs in a comprehensive manner, rather than in piecemeal manner, looking ahead at the cost in the near future and consider that cost vs. the cost of building new, because it sounds like there is some extensive work that needs to be done in the building. 11 Ms. Jones stated they would like to partner with the school districts and the various sports associations to analyze the need for additional gymnasium space. They keep hearing of the need but it has never been thoroughly analyzed so they want to do that in the near future. They also need to consider the cost of bringing the forfeited vehicle storage area into compliance with Code and compare the cost of those improvements to the added sale value for those vehicles. It sounds like if they store those vehicles inside, we can get a higher value but they want to do a study on that. Ms. Jones stated, in summary, Fridley's 2030 Comprehensive Plan embraces the City's urbanized potentiaL It is built upon the benefit of the Northstar Commuter Rail station coming to Fridley. It opens the door for a walkable downtown area. It provides more mass transit options for our aging populations. They heard from people as they get older that transportation is a very big concern as well as medical facilities. It provides more diverse housing options for our aging population. It provides for safer recreation and safer routes to schools. Staff has actually already started partnering with the Fridley School District in their desire to apply for safe routes to school funding. It strives to improve the appearance of our major corridors in the City. It protects our natural resources, including our water supply, which, of course, is very important. It is a plan for Fridley to continue to be a great place to live, to work, and to do business. Ms. Jones stated the public hearing mistakenly noted that this item would go to City Council on January 7, but that is too soon. They are taking comments tonight, plan on making changes to the plan, and reprint another draft of this plan before they give it to City Council. Therefore, they are planning to bring this item to City Council on January 28. Bill Holm, 7424 Melody Drive, stated his primary concern in general is that he is fiscally conservative. He is concerned about the City making commitments to fund anything that may be difficult to achieve. He knows the City is currently on a very tight budget, and he does not expect that environment will change over the next 30 years. He would like to offer some points: first, there are a couple of places in the documents suggesting the City staff should devote time to find out why employees work in Fridley but live elsewhere. If it is a substantial amount of staff time, he questions the value they would achieve from that. It is desirable to minimize commuter time, free up freeway time, etc. He does not think they are going to be able to solve it, and he hopes they do not spend a lot of time on that particular item. Mr. Holm stated the second big item, is the 57t''Avenue corridor which he agrees with but he questions the feasibility, the cost, and the benefits of a bridge over the railroad tracks to connect it to East River Road. The cost of such an extension is substantial, and he questions, the need with a freeway connection a half a block away and a walkable plan for pedestrians on 61St. He understands it is just a concept at this time, but it is difficult for him to envision something of that magnitude being able to be included in the plan. Mr. Holm stated regarding adopting a housing maintenance code, while that may be desirable, it may also require increased staf£ If they are going to adopt a housing code, he thinks it should be changed to consider adopting a housing code, based on a cost and benefit analysis. They need somebody to enforce the housing code if you establish it. There are references in the transportation section that have to do with establishing bikeways over 694 on both Main Street and Matterhorn, and he is not sure what that means. Does that mean putting up a separate bridge or a little balcony to the side. However, there again it is a matter of cost and benefits. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist to receive memo from William Holm. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. 12 UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Bob Gambrel, 1219 Norton Avenue, stated he is a commuter bicyclist. He uses the bus and a bike to go to work. He thinks this is a great plan in general. In terms of bicycle transportation, he thinks there are some areas that could use a little improvement. He thought the transportation section did a good job of blending the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, automobiles, and transit. In looking at the bicycle routes in Fridley, adding another route like 57t'' would be very valuable, as his map shows a need there. He would be in favor of doing the City View plan and possibly building a bridge. Mr. Gambrel also talked about changing the emphasis from recreational cycling to transportation or commuting cycling. He thinks that is a strong emphasis that has to be made. There are lots of recreational bike trails, but the real challenge he believes is developing better ways to allow people to go to work and take trips on their bicycles, actually commuting effectively. Acting Chairperson Kondrick asked Mr. Gambrel if he was talking about traveling to and from work, for example, within Fridley or also outer Fridley. Mr. Gambrel stated he travels from Fridley to Roseville where he works. He is trying to figure out the best way to get there. Also, his mother lives in Spring Lake Park where he also bikes. Acting Chairperson Kondrick asked did they not have something in this plan that they were going to work with other communities to establish that map and bikeway? Ms. Jones stated they actually have a meeting set up tomorrow to start working on that already with New Brighton and Columbia Heights. They are looking at some of those routes. Mr. Gambrel stated one of things he has done is he has looked at all of the routes between Fridley and Roseville. So he goes through a lot of communities. In general, he has noticed the Fridley routes are usually better than either New Brighton or Mounds View. He usually takes the bus and his bike and he usually ends up on his bike for four miles and on the bus for four miles. Mr. Gambrel stated there are two points that he thinks are negative about the Plan and could be improved. One, is he thinks it is important for the City to develop a list of problem areas for bicyclists and prioritize them. Two, he felt any new street reconstruction projects should be evaluated regarding how they impact pedestrian and cycling safety. As an example of where this was not done, he mentioned that earlier improvements to Highway 65 under 694 improved automobile traffic flow, but made it more unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists. He can provide staff a list of his recommendations. Commissioner Oquist asked regarding the action step about trail snow plowing in the Transportation Plan, on page 102, if that included the marked off areas on streets or is that just trails through the parks and wooded areas? Ms. Jones replied the public response did not really specify which type of trail was an issue. Staff took that the response to mean any path for recreational purposes. 13 Commissioner Oquist commented that recently traveling north on Highway 65 in the right turn lane at 694 he almost hit somebody. The person was walking in that lane and several vehicles had to veer out and take up half the middle lane. He has seen kids bike in that lane. Ms. Jones stated they have been very lucky the past few months as they have had a work study student from St. Cloud State working in their department who has a particular interest in some of these transportation issues. They have kind of combined a lot of these different action steps that relate to working at better pedestrian access, transportation routes, cycling routes, etc. and our various routes. The student has been putting together a whole study on it. Commissioner Oquist pointed out the plan does not address the need for folks living on the east side of Fridley to cross Highway 65. The plan deals with the center of the City and west to East River Road. The plan should address other needs also. He sees kids crossing Highway 65 in the morning, going to school, and they are crossing against the light and dodging cars. Tom Myhra, 6360 Able Street, stated he is the Chair of the Concerned Citizens of Fridley. They have studied this issue for a long time. Most of their concern is with the Housing. They spent a lot of time studying it. MOTION by Commissioner Velin receiving Report from Concerned Citizens of Fridley. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Myhra talked about acceptable senior housing and how multi-story buildings and long hallways were not good for senior housing. People want one floor. He did not think they were much interested in condominiums. He thinks they have plenty of beginning housing, middle housing, and not a lot of move-up housing. Acting Chairperson Kondrick asked him if he thinks we should have more of that? Mr. Myhra replied, he did not think so. Fridley is not known as a place to go live if you are wealthy and retired. They feel strongly about the health and density. The housing rental/owner- occupied ratio is presently something like 63/40 percent. They do not know what the critical mass is. Low income rental housing is ripe for crime. Another concern is eminent domain. Fridley has had a long history of using it. We are surrounded by cities that use it, want to use it, and the president of League of Municipalities has said that ought to be the major goal is to change it back to where it was where you can take private property for private property and give it to somebody else. Mr. Myhra stated regarding zoning, that he believes that if he bought a house on Able Street back in 1963 and it was zoned R-1 and surrounded with R-1 zoning that this zoning should never be changed. It is a long-term contract, and he thinks that Fridley recognizes that. He thinks that ought to be a goal — not to use eminent domain for economic reasons. Pam Reynolds, 1241 Norton Avenue, stated she also is a member of the Concerned Citizens group with Mr. Myhra and they have done a lot of research on this. First she wanted to give them a handout of the research that she did after she saw Ms. Jones' presentation to the HRA. One of the points is embracing urbanization and the urban potential of the community. Mr. Myhra touched on the consensus and desire to make it part of the Comprehensive Plan to maintain the 65 14 percent homeownership to 35 percent rental ratio. She did a research study regarding the relationship between some things not so good about urbanization, which would be a crime comparison based on density. MOTION by Commissioner Velin to receive the handout on research done by Pam Reynolds. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Reynolds stated this research shows large urban areas and the correlation between owner- occupied and rental. They will see it in most cases it is closer to a 50/50 split. Her concern is embracing urbanization and the bad things that come with it. You might get better restaurants but you get higher personal crime, pollution. She read a study that showed higher density causes people to set more fires believe it or not. She did not put all of her research in it but she thinks enough for them to get the jest of it. The fourth page shows a crime comparison based on density. They wrote a lot of articles saying there has been no formal study but she found one website that showed large cities and the violent crime, property crime, and the information comes from FBI file data. Ms. Reynolds stated her concern is as the Met Council guides the reason for higher density, we are going to find ourselves no longer a first-ring suburb but part of Minneapolis. She found it interesting that Columbia Heights, who is truly a first-ring suburb, has a higher ratio of home ownership to rentals than Fridley. That is something that concerns her. Chapter 5 shows that the demographics are taken from the 2000 census. Her question is how wise is it to use this data for planning for 2030? The suggestions that are done for 2030 are really only guesses. Not to offend anyone, the majority of the folks in this room will probably not be here to guide it. She also thought some of the ideas in the Plan she found to be kind of lofty. She kind of things a Comprehensive Plan should be "attainable" goals for the future. Ms. Reynolds stated in Chapter 3 there is a section called, "Part of a Greater Region." There is a list of things Fridley is expected to do. Her question is are these things that the Met Council can force them to do. Something tells her that the expectation may be there but they cannot enforce it. The laws that concern development and things in this State do not force cities to do anything. So her concern there is that the new Comprehensive Plan lays it out as if they do not get a choice in the matter. In Chapter 3 it mentions there are residential properties that the zoning is inconsistent with their usage. Her question is there is a list of these properties, is the history available that tells how the City allowed R-3 use to be built in R-2 or did it happen because there was a lot of citizen change that does not along spot zone anymore? How can you penalize the neighborhood by saying, oh, you were R-2 but we allowed somebody to build an apartment building so now we are going to make you a higher density. Ms. Reynolds stated she has a lot of concern with transit-oriented development. She has also done considerable research on this. Again, you increase density, you increase crime. She understands that the goal is to make it a walkable community, and the transit-oriented development begins or is that process because the rest of the City is not ever going to have shops because there cannot have mixed zoning, spot zoning. Some of her research has taken her to developments in Philadelphia, Chicago, surrounding areas. Pretty much of what we are, a suburb of Minneapolis. So some of what we do will show up in the future as the same what Philadelphia or Chicago did. Both of those areas are transit-oriented development which turned into ghetto. They are currently tearing most of them down and trying to figure out how to rebuild. She pulled 15 off the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in Philadelphia, they have some real issues trying to get people to buy into transit-oriented development after they saw what happened with the first round. Ms. Reynolds stated, like Mr. Myrha, she truly believes zoning should be a long-term contract. She is a little concerned with concept of changing the zoning in Hyde Park. She would be really upset as one of the folks who bought the new housing Gateway West if all of a sudden, a half a block away, they started building six-eight story high-rises in order to accommodate transit- oriented development. Ms. Reynolds stated Chapter 5, "Future Land Use," describes S-2 zoning as a tool for development. However, in the past, for example the Demallo (sp.) Project in Town Center, this zoning and now these projects that they believe are both defunct were basically shoved down the neighborhood's throat because they were consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This evening she heard with the Bow Wow Camp, this is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Two questions, why cannot the City use the normal zoning classification to do redevelopment. In the Comprehensive Plan it says that they can request a plat and a plan and the blueprints, etc. She thinks that all of our Codes and requirements allow that anyway without changing the zoning or property. Ms. Reynolds asked can anyone in this City assure the citizens that this is only a plan and not a contract with potential developers. When she first started being concerned about the Comprehensive Plan in Fridley, she kept being told it is only plan, it is just a guide. Yet, developers are able to manipulate their projects into the City based on that it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan which tells her that this document has a whole heck of a lot more power than a future vision. So, her question is, is it a plan that you are required to follow or is it merely a guide the developer cannot take them to court on because she knows developers have taken the City to court based on what our Comprehensive Plan says. Commissioner Velin stated he believed Ms. Reynolds brought up some very good points. Is this actually going to be the way it is going to be or is it just a plan that they are going to work off of? Acting Chairperson Kondrick stated that is a good point. What is good today, what we think today and is our best guess today and then ten years from now, it all of a sudden becomes a different ballgame. Things happen, there are more demographics changes, everything is changed. To be able to have something cast in stone, saying what it is going to be 20-30 years from now. He does not know who can do that. What it amounts to is experts taking their best guesses as to how they think things are going to be. To say that this freezes things and that things do not happen, we have to as planners and citizens think about ways about how things will be. Chairperson Oquist pointed out if you look at page one, the purpose of a Comprehensive Plan is a planning tool intended to help guide future growth and development of the community, that is all it is. It is a guide, it is not the zoning laws and is not the zoning book. Chairperson Sielaff asked have the developers taken the City to court based on Comprehensive Plan? Has that happened? Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, replied he could not recall a case where they have been taken to court. 16 Commissioner Velin stated what about Brandes Place, the Council voted, no, and they sued and built it, didn't they? Mr. Hickok replied that was not a challenge to the Comprehensive Plan. It was a modification to the Comprehensive Plan to make the entire site consistent because half the site originally was commercial, and half was residential. The Comprehensive Plan was split that way also. A1 Stahlberg, 8055 Riverview Terrace, stated he is also a member of the Concerned Citizens. He did not get a chance to look at the Plan before tonight. He realizes the idea of a bridge over the Burlington Northern tracks was for emergency vehicles but, the way this is kind of played out, is it is like 50/50 that and the other is walking or bicycle path. He wondered what about the tunnel for underneath the train tracks? They will build it and seal it until some point we will get a station in Fridley. He asked, why do you need the bridge then? Mr. Stahlberg asked what will this plan of the 57t'' Avenue extension idea cost? Who will pay for it? How much use is there on the Mississippi Avenue pedestrian bridge now? He does not see many people using it. People who work but not live in Fridley could be that is how often people change jobs, look at how often people change jobs -- every three to five years. Are you going to change houses? It is just the way it is. Mr. Stahlberg stated regarding the 57t'' Avenue extension, having all the nice trees and boulevards. Where is the money going to come from for maintaining all of that? He lives over on the river on the west side of town, the Mississippi Corridor trail path that is supposed to go from Brooklyn Park, Elm Creek Park, to Hastings. The City does not plow the trail going to Riverview Heights Park in the winter. He has asked the Mayor why, and he says it is too expensive. Mr. Stahlberg stated regarding the idea of signage for the 1950 houses, he stated, please do not waste my money on a sign telling him about a 1950's rambler. Who is going to pay to repaint the Fridley signs? How much is that going to cost? His house is going down in property value, he would like to see his taxes go down accordingly. He bets they won't. The idea of a 30-year old house being obsolete or a problem, it takes many people 30 years just to pay for their house. A well-maintained house should last 100 years. He asked why doesn't the City try a 5 or 10-year plan? He asked how much have we followed the first Comprehensive Plans? He would like to see what they were thinking about when the first one was made. MOTION by Commissioner Velin to receive analysis of Fridley Bike Routes by Bob Gambrel. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Velin. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE HEARING CLOSED AT 9:49 P.M. Commissioner Sielaff stated regarding Chapter 11, he thinks it would be a good idea to water quality data as part of the Plan. He thinks they should compare that with drinking water limit, how it stacks up with the limits vs. what they are actually getting. Also, concerning water 17 quantity, they talked about volume-based pricing. His does not know if the water pricing in the City is volumed on discounting, the more water you use, the less the water costs per gallon vs. going the other way, trying to conserve the water by increasing prices per gallon. If they are serious about conservation, they should come up with more specifics on how they attain that. Acting Chairperson Kondrick stated he thinks the City has plans of doing a water study. They did not want to spend the money on doing that until they knew that this referendum was going to be passed. Ms. Jones stated it is Action Step No. 4 as part of the reference to the rate study. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist approving the draft of the Comprehensive Plan with comments received tonight. Seconded by Commissioner Velin. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Receive the Minutes of the October 25, 2007, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting. MOTION by Commissioner Oquist to receive the Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. Receive the Minutes of the November 1, 2007, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Stromberg stated their next planning seminar is January 16 from 6-8 p.m. here. She will be presenting a year in review presentation also that night. ADJOURN MOTION by Commission Velin adjourning the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Oquist. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, ACTING CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNAMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:57 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Denise M. Johnson Recording Secretary : 19