Loading...
PL 08/07/2002 - 00024751CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7, 2002 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Savage called the August 7, 2002, Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Diane Savage, Barb Johns, Leroy Oquist, Brad Dunham, David Kondrick, Larry Kuechle Members Absent: Dean Saba Others Present: Paul Bolin, Planning Coordinator Ted and Kari Ciardelli, 840 Mississippi St., Fridley Siah St. Clair, Director of Springbrook Nature Center Malcolm Mitchell, Chairperson of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board APPROVE THE JULY 17. 2002. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES: Chairperson Savage stated that she was listed as being in attendance for the July 17 meeting, though she was not present. MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Ms. Johns, to approve the July 17, 2002, Planning Commission meeting minutes as amended. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Lot Split, LS 02-02, by Ted and Kari Ciardelli, to split the parcel onto two separate lots, generally located at 840 Mississippi Street NE: MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Johns, to waive the reading and open the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:32 P.M. Mr. Bolin stated that currently the property consists of five separate lots. The split would leave two parcels, both exceeding the minimum lot size standards. Fridley requires single family lots to be a minimum of 75 feet in width and have a minimum total lot area of 9,000 square feet. The proposed lots would be 80 and 115 feet in width, and both are over 10,000 square feet in size after the split. The garage on Lot B would need to be removed as a garage cannot be on a property without a principal structure. A recommended stipulation states the bituminous driveway must be removed and a curb cut taken out and replaced because driveways need to be 3 feet from any property line. Lot A with the existing home has access on Mississippi Street. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7. 2002 PAGE 2 Mr. Bolin stated that staff recommends approval with stipulations. Both lots do exceed minimum lot size and width and provide additional home opportunity for residents. Ms. Savage asked if there were any calls regarding this. Mr. Bolin stated that three calls were received seeking information and clarification; there was no negative feedback. Mr. Ciardelli stated that he did not have any problems with the stipulations except that when they sell the lot, the petitioner has to pay all the water and sewer connection fees. Mr. Bolin stated they could change that to "new property owner". Mr. Kondrick asked if they had a buyer yet. Mr. Ciardelli stated that they did not. MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, 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 7:40 P.M. Mr. Oquist stated that he is in favor but stipulation #5 should be changed to reflect that the owner at the time of the issuance of the permit should be responsible for getting the water and sewer connections. Mr. Bolin stated that is correct. MOTION by Ms. Johns, seconded by Mr. Dunham, to recommend approval of LS #02-02 with the following stipulations as amended: 1. The petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 2. Grading and drainage plan shall be approved by the City's Engineering staff prior to the issuance of building permits. 3. The petitioner shall provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment systems that may have been located on this site in the past are properly capped or removed. 4. The petitioner shall pay the required park dedication fee prior to issuance of building permits. 5. The new property owner shall pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of the building permit. 6. The garage must be removed from Lot B by December 1, 2002. 7. The existing bituminous drive from Van Buren must be removed and the curb and turf restored prior to December 1, 2002. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7. 2002 OTHER BUSINESS: PAGE 3 2. Sprinqbrook Nature Center Foundation raised funds for Phase One of the G Entrance Proiect at Sprinqbrook Nature Center: Mr. Mitchell stated that he wanted to thank everyone for their time and Dean Saba for his work and involvement on the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board. He would also like to thank the people who attended the community meetings over the course of a couple years to provide guidance and suggestions. Dave Kondrick and the Parks and Recreation Commission are appreciated for their review and suggestions to say that what they need to look at is a gateway area project that has clear phases and can be described in a series of elements that can be done as dollars are available. Siah St. Clair and Jack Kirk and the staff are very much appreciated for the excellent work they do to make Springbrook one of the jewels of the City and region and nationally. Mr. Mitchell stated that he and Mr. St. Clair are not at the meeting to request additional funding from the City. They are at the meeting to talk about the multiple stages and ask for support in approving the conceptual outline and design and principal and approving the seeking of funds from a variety of sources. As they began to look at the use of the Nature Center, they realize that annual visitors are continuing to increase to an estimated 160,00-180,000 visitors per year. This has an impact to the natural area. There is a need and desire to manage the use of the entire Nature Center. Experts have indicated that many people well directed will have less impact on an area than less people who are given little direction. Let's focus our energy on the seven areas which are the entry area to the center and keep 120 acres as a more passive natural area that is typical to the Nature Center at this point. Mr. Mitchell stated that the project has been influenced by the City's comprehensive plan process and this is consistent with that. The Nature Center is a resource for a gathering place for Fridley and surrounding cities. This will include major use of the gateway area. As they evolve, this will be for a memorial area, or an outdoor meeting room, or a moderately sized indoor and outdoor amphitheater, and other kinds of spaces for individual and personal use. This recognizes the natural environment, enhances it, and make it efficient. World class global and community education is being developed here also. Design features will provide for integration with the community, and the entry complex should make this a destination on the northern border of the City. Celebrating diversity is included to design many rooms to accommodate many ethnic racial groups. Mr. Mitchell stated they intend to work closely with the City and provide a timely review of this project as they go along. They do not initiate anything until the necessary funds have occurred. They looked at the transition from 85th Avenue through an entry plaza area surrounded with parking on the western side. On the eastern side is a manicured environment, and that is a major development of inemorial space, a water feature, circulation kinds of pathway, the outdoor eating room. On the far right is overflow parking which may not be enough. The interpretive center becomes part of the transition at the gateway to a larger passive natural environment which is being addressed through the wetlands project. The new additional building space would be on the west side with an atrium providing an entrance area to the rest of the park. The additional outdoor rooms will be near the parking area. It is a fairly compact design. Mr. Mitchell stated that Vision Package 1 is being discussed tonight. Vision package 2 is the indoor amphitheater that would be added as a necessary part for classroom and education PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7. 2002 PAGE 4 activities but is protected from the weather to use it year round. Vision Package 3 would be to do the building addition and develop the various pathways. Vision Package 4 is to do the parking. Mr. Mitchell stated that #1 of the Vision Package 1 to focus on is the berming along g5tn Avenue. That would reduce some of the visual and actual noise that people see and would go across the entire 85th area. The second part would be the Memorial Garden and the water feature and the gathering place areas. Number 3 is the outdoor meetings room and picnic areas that make this area flexible and useful. Number 4 would be the flexible overflow parking. Mr. Mitchell stated the estimate for the berms is about $60,000, provided they pay for the dirt. They may be able to get that as a contribution from a construction site that needs to get rid of fill. The Memorial Garden water feature is $150,000. The other trail shelter, outdoor rooms, small shelters, and garden would be $500,000, and overflow parking would be $30,000. Approximately $740,000 are needed for the phase 1 outside package. They will begin to move forward when they have the dollars for the project. This whole project has a minimal impact on operating costs and could be moved forward without any need to deal with other aspects of the project at the same time. Mr. Mitchell stated they are requesting the Commission approve the concept of the gateway area plan and approve the detailed planning and commencement of the fundraising for vision package 1. Mr. Kuechle asked about the projected timetable. Mr. Mitchell stated they would like to get started next summer. Ms. Johns asked if they would try to get the whole amount needed to complete phase 1, and then break it down and see what package they would do other than phase 1. Mr. Mitchell stated that is correct. Ms. Johns asked how they are adjusting the operating costs. Mr. St. Clair stated that they will meet with Public Works Personnel and look at the whole phase 1 and estimate the increase in cost. It looks like they can actually save some costs by making the mowing and some other things easier to do. There will be a little increased maintenance; and as they progress, they will have sit down with the City to see what the costs are and figure out a plan. Ms. Johns asked if they will figure out how many approximate hours per month it will take to maintain this area of this facility. Mr. St. Clair stated that is correct. Mr. Kondrick stated that it would not take that much more. Mr. St. Clair stated it is just general maintenance for the Public Works at this point in time; they have not looked at exact changes. Mr. Mitchell stated that things like berms do not take long, just spaces that are new. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7. 2002 Ms. Johns asked if the overflow area will only be used when needed. Mr. St. Clair stated that is correct. PAGE 5 Mr. Mitchell stated that they have talked about exploring some new surfaces for the parking area, but have to explore it yet. The parking area is the lowest priority at this point. Mr. Oquist asked if there were any preliminary discussions with people for funding and different organizations. Mr. Mitchell stated they did with businesses and others about their interest and potential for ways of supporting. They found a fair amount of support. They are trying receive income and revenue from the use of the facilities once they are built and the use of the space in ways that are attractive. They see it as a resource and amenity for the City and not making it an expensive place to go. The fundraising group will meet in a few weeks, and there is a prospect list of potential funding sources. Mr. Oquist asked if there was any grant money available. Mr. Mitchell stated that they expect that there will be like the McKnight Foundation due to their funding of the wetlands. They are looking at rivers and expanding their view of the river and greenway development within the region. Ms. Savage asked if there would be charges to visitors of the park. Mr. Mitchell stated they only charge for programs like the Halloween Party. They are not expecting to increase the day-to-day approach to the park, but are looking at ways to build a friends of Springbrook group to make this effort a lot of subsets of things like youth group. We may have an annual dinner for contributions and naming things like the picnic area or rooms. Selling bricks for the walk is an idea also, with names on the bricks. Mr. St. Clair stated that the Medtronic Foundation gave them $10,000 for the architectural work for the planning. One of the reasons they are present this evening is to help get the word out and talk about the project, because it is difficult to get the word out. They also need to know if the City is behind this process and approve it so when they do ask for support they can show that the City is supportive. Ms. Johns asked if there would have to be approval for every phase by the City. Mr. St. Clair stated that the Parks & Recreation Commission approved the concept of moving forward with phase 1. They would come before the Parks & Recreation Commission again before phase 2. Ms. Johns stated they may not have to present this every time before going forward with this. Mr. Mitchell stated that it is part of being diligent about having the opportunity move forward in a planned way. The language in the Parks & Recreation Commission motion is the language that requires approval in effect of all the bargaining materials for raising funds. The desire to be sure that what they are saying is consistent with the City, but also could be limiting to moving in a timely manner. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7. 2002 Ms. Savage asked what he is looking for from the Commission tonight. PAGE 6 Mr. Mitchell stated they are asking for a recommendation to the City Council to approve the Parks & Recreation Commission's recommendation. Mr. Bolin stated that August 26 would be the first meeting available for Council to review this. Mr. Oquist stated that these phases may be able to stand alone. If phase 1 is done, that alone will help the area. Mr. Mitchell stated that is the conceptual design. Mr. Kondrick stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this issue and voted to endorse improvements by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. Dollars are very tough to come by, and they were very careful with the City's budget. This is a massive project and they divided it into smaller projects to be easier. Once the ball gets rolling, it will snowball and the project will be able to see its fruition. They were interested in the promotional language about how to explain the first stage to lead people to think that they would be donating money for every part. They did not want restrictive words. The Parks & Recreation Commission completely endorses this project. MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Kuechle, to approve the concept and plans for Phase 1 of the Gateway entrance Project at Springbrook Nature Center and allow fundraising efforts to proceed UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Bolin stated this item could be on the agenda for the August 6 City Council meeting. 3. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 30, 2002, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING: MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to receive the June 30, 2002, Parks & Recreation Commission minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 4. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 12, 2002, APPEALS COMMISSION MEETING: MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Dunham, to receive the June 12, 2002, Appeals Commission minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 16, 2002 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. AUGUST 7. 2002 PAGE 7 MOTION by Ms. Johns, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to receive the July 16, 2002, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADJOURN MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to adjourn the meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUGUST 7, 2002, PLANNING COMMISSION ADJOURNED AT 8:22 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Signe L. Johnson Recording Secretary