PLM 09/18/2013
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
September 18, 2013
Chairperson Kondrick
called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
David Kondrick, Brad Sielaff, Tim Solberg, Dean Saba, Leroy Oquist,
and Jack Velin,
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Brad Dunham
OTHERS PRESENT:
Stacy Stromberg, Planner
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director.
Richard Ford, ELO Engineering Inc.
Mike Bizal, Bizal Inc.
,
Jerry AndersonJamb Architects
John Jarrett, Vision Woodworking
Rocky Chapin, Benedictine Health & Allina Health
Pat Belland, Unity Hospital
Paul Hyde, Fridley Land LLC
APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
August 21, 2013
MOTION
by Commissioner Oquist to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Sielaff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of a Special Use Permit, SP #13-09, by ELO Engineering Inc. for Owczarak
Investment LLC, to allow limited outdoor storage, generally located at 7770 Ranchers
Road.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:04
P.M.
Stacy Stromberg
, Planner, stated the petitioner, Rick Ford, Plant Manager for ELO Engineering Inc., the
company located at 7770 Ranchers Road, is seeking a special use permit to allow limited outdoor storage
of wood pallets, steel baskets, and a steel dumpster in the side and rear yard of the property.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the property is zoned M-2, Heavy Industrial as are the properties to the west, east
and north. The property to the south is zoned M-1, Light Industrial. The property is located on the
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southwest corner of Ranchers Road and 77 Avenue. This property was originally two lots that had two
separate buildings. In 1983 the properties were combined and an addition was constructed to connect
both buildings; therefore, making one large building. At that time there was also a variance to increase lot
coverage from 40 percent to 40.63 percent. A variance was also granted in 1987 to increase the lot
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 2 of 23
coverage to 46.5 percent, which then resulted in another building addition. In 1993 the City changed the
City Code to allow industries to increase the 40 percent lot coverage requirement to 50 percent with a
special use permit. In 1993 the petitioner received a special use permit to increase the lot coverage
requirement to 49.9 percent, which then resulted in another building expansion.
Ms. Stromberg
stated this summer the City’s Community Development Department hired a Code
Enforcement Intern to do systematic inspections of our commercial and industrial properties. As a result
many of our industrial businesses will be coming before the Planning Commission and City Council for
special use permits for outdoor storage. This special use permit request is one of those that came to
staff’s attention during those systematic inspections.
Ms. Stromberg
stated City Code allows limited outdoor storage in the industrial districts with a special
use permit that is up to 50 percent of the buildings footprint. The existing buildings square footage is
59,940 square feet, so City code would allow up to 29,970 square feet of outdoor storage on this property.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the petitioner would like to continue to have two outdoor storage areas for the
storage of wood pallets, steel baskets, and a steel dumpster. The storage area on the north side of the
property would be 1,248 square feet size and the storage area on the west side of the building will be
4,212 square feet. Total square footage of both outdoor storage areas is 5,460 square feet, which is below
the allowable outdoor storage area for this property. According to the petitioner, “the manufacturing floor
space is limited and depending upon the workload, there is a need to have a certain amount of pallets and
baskets on hand for when business is good. However, there is simply not space to have those extra items
stored inside.”
Ms. Stromberg
stated before the proposed special use permit can be issued, several additional
requirements need to be met. Those specific requirements relate to height, screening, parking, and the
types of materials allowed to be stored outside.
Ms. Stromberg
stated based on the calculations provided to the City by the petitioner on how the interior
space of the building is used, City code would require 56 parking stalls for this site. There are 62 parking
stalls on site; therefore, complying with code requirements.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the storage areas are on the north side of the lot and along the west side of the
building. All areas visible from the public right-of-way will be fenced in and screened with screening
slats.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the petitioner is meeting all of the other code requirements to allow a special use
permit for limited outdoor storage.
Ms. Stromberg
stated City Staff recommends approval of this special use permit, with stipulations as
limited outdoor storage is a permitted special use in the M-2, Heavy Industrial zoning district, provided
specific code requirements are met, subject to stipulations.
Ms. Stromberg
stated staff recommends that if the special use permit is granted, the following
stipulations be attached:
1. Outdoor storage area shall be limited to the two areas requested as part of this special use
permit request.
2. The types of materials stored inside of the containers shall be reviewed by the Fire
Marshal.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 3 of 23
Ms. Stromberg
stated Stipulation No. 2 above should be changed to read, “The types of materials stored
within the two outdoor storage areas shall be reviewed by the Fire Marshal.”
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioner if he had any questions regarding what was presented by
staff.
Richard Ford,
ELO Engineering Inc.,replied, it sounded all good to him.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioner whether he was okay with the stipulations.
Mr. Ford
replied he was fine with them.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated he has no problem with this. He has been by the business.
Commissioner Saba
stated he did not either.
MOTION
by Commissioner Sielaff to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Velin.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:09
P.M.
MOTION
by Commissioner Oquist approving Special Use Permit, SP #13-09, by ELO Engineering Inc.
for Owczarak Investment LLC, to allow limited outdoor storage, generally located at 7770 Ranchers
Road with the following stipulations:
1. Outdoor storage area shall be limited to the two areas requested as part of this special use
permit request.
2. The types of materials stored within the two outdoor storage areas shall be reviewed by
the Fire Marshal.
Seconded by Commissioner Saba.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. PUBLIC HEARING:
Consideration of a Special Use Permit, SP #13-10, by Michael Bizal, to allow limited
outdoor storage, generally located at 7880 Ranchers Road.
MOTION
by Commissioner Solberg to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Saba.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:10
P.M.
Scott Hickok,
Community Development Director,stated the petitioner, Michael Bizal, of Bizal Inc., the
business located at 7880 Ranchers Road, is seeking a special use permit to allow limited outdoor storage
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 4 of 23
of a front end loader, trailers, storage containers and chip dumpsters in the side and rear yard of the
property.
Mr. Hickok
stated the property is zoned M-2, Heavy Industrial as are all surrounding properties. The
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property is located on the southwest corner of Ranchers Road and 79 Avenue. This original building
was constructed in 1974 and additions were constructed to the building in 1978, 1979, 1986, and 1991.
When the building addition was constructed in 1991, a variance was approved to reduce the rear yard
setback from 25 feet to 8 feet. Along with the variance approval in 1991, a lease agreement was signed
between the subject property and the property to the south. This lease agreement allows the petitioner to
use the north 55 feet of the southern lot. As a result of this lease, the southern lot is not buildable on its
own. It would need to be combined with the subject property to allow for further development.
Mr. Hickok
stated City Code allows limited outdoor storage in the industrial districts with a special use
permit that is up to 50 percent of the buildings footprint. The existing buildings square footage is 26,930
square feet, so City code would allow up to 13,465 square feet of outdoor storage on this property.
Mr. Hickok
stated the petitioner would like to continue to have two outdoor storage areas for the storage
of a front end loader, trailers, storage containers and chip dumpsters. The storage area on the west side of
the building is 2,560 square feet in size and the storage area on the south side of the building will be 3,433
square feet. Total square footage of both outdoor storage areas is 5,993 square feet which is below the
allowable outdoor storage area for this property.
Mr. Hickok
stated before the proposed special use permit can be issued, several additional requirements
need to be met. Those specific requirements relate to height, screening, parking, and the types of
materials allowed to be stored outside.
Mr. Hickok
stated based on the calculations provided to the City by the petitioner on how the interior
space of the building is used, City code would require 58 parking stalls for this site; however, there are
only 50 parking stalls on site. Staff has not noticed that parking has been a problem on this site but will
stipulate that, if it does become a problem, additional parking will need to be installed.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked, is there room within the boundary of the property?
Mr. Hickok
replied, it is a rather tight sight. An analysis would have to be done as to whether they could
do it there or use this 55-foot leased area, some of which would need to be paved anyways as part of the
stipulation.
Mr. Hickok
stated the two outdoor storage areas will need to be screened from the public right-of-way.
The petitioner is interested in planting ivy that will grow along the existing fence on the east side of the
property, to screen the trailer storage. The petitioner will also need to pave any areas used for outdoor
storage.
Mr. Hickok
stated the petitioner is meeting all of the other code requirements to allow a special use
permit for limited outdoor storage.
Mr. Hickok
stated City Staff recommends approval of this special use permit, with stipulations as limited
outdoor storage is a permitted special use in the M-2, Heavy Industrial zoning district, provided specific
code requirements are met, subject to stipulations.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 5 of 23
Mr. Hickok
stated staff recommends that if the special use permit is granted, the following stipulations
be attached:
1. Outdoor storage area shall be limited to the two outdoor storage areas as identified as part
of this special use permit request.
2. The types of materials stored within the two outdoor storage areas shall be reviewed by
the Fire Marshal.
3. The outdoor storage areas shall be screened from the public right-of-way. If vegetation is
used for screening, staff recommends engelman ivy be used and planted by October 20,
2013. If ivy is not significantly established within 24 months to help screen the outdoor
storage area, staff and the petitioner will develop an alternative screening solution.
4. The outdoor storage areas shall be paved with an approved hard surface material, such as
concrete or asphalt by July 1, 2014.
5. The petitioner shall comply with any potential grading and drainage requirements set
forth by the City’s engineering department as a result of the hard surface expansion area.
6. If a parking shortage occurs on the site, the petitioner shall develop an agreeable plan
approved by City staff to re-work the interior space of the existing building or find other
parking options.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked do they know anything about the lease agreement and how long it is?
Mr. Hickok
replied, staff has seen the lease agreement. It is one that is with a family member, and staff
understands it to be a perpetual easement with the property.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked what does he mean by family member?
Mr. Hickok
a family member to the Bizal family who owns the property.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioner whether he had any questions or comments about what has
been said so far.
Mike Bizal
, 7880 Ranchers Road, replied, no, it is pretty much what they discussed with Ms. Stromberg.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked whether he thinks the parking thing would be a problem.
Mr. Bizal
replied, no, it has not been a problem when they built that last addition. They did the lease
agreement to be proactive for that property so they could have future proposed parking if needed.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked what kind of materials will to be stored on site? Are they hazardous?
Mr. Bizal
replied, no, it is surplus equipment and machine tools.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated these folks have been in town here for a long time. He asked the
petitioner how long have they been there?
Mr. Bizal
replied, since 1974.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated he drove by there and does not see any problem with this. They know
what they are doing there. They are suggesting that the stipulations are within their reach.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 6 of 23
Commissioner Sielaff
replied, he also had no problem.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:19
P.M.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated he had no problem with this.
Commissioner Sielaff
replied, he also had no problem.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba approving Special Use Permit, SP #13-10, by Michael Bizal, to allow
limited outdoor storage, generally located at 7880 Ranchers Road with the following stipulations:
1. Outdoor storage area shall be limited to the two outdoor storage areas as identified as part
of this special use permit request.
2. The types of materials stored within the two outdoor storage areas shall be reviewed by
the Fire Marshal.
3. The outdoor storage areas shall be screened from the public right-of-way. If vegetation is
used for screening, staff recommends engelman ivy be used and planted by October 20,
2013. If ivy is not significantly established within 24 months to help screen the outdoor
storage area, staff and the petitioner will develop an alternative screening solution.
4. The outdoor storage areas shall be paved with an approved hard surface material, such as
concrete or asphalt by July 1, 2014.
5. The petitioner shall comply with any potential grading and drainage requirements set
forth by the City’s engineering department as a result of the hard surface expansion area.
6. If a parking shortage occurs on the site, the petitioner shall develop an agreeable plan
approved by City staff to re-work the interior space of the existing building or find other
parking options.
Seconded by Commissioner Velin.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. PUBLIC HEARING:
Consideration of a Street Vacation, SAV #13-03, by Jamb Architects, for Donald Gamboni
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to vacate 79 Avenue, west of Hickory Street, which will allow for a parking lot and
building addition, generally located at 7890 Hickory Street.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Oquist.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:21
P.M.
Ms. Stromberg
stated Jerry Anderson, of Jamb Architects, who is representing Vision Woodworking at
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7890 Hickory Street, is requesting to vacate a portion of 79 Avenue, west of Hickory Street to the
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 7 of 23
Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks. Approving this street vacation will allow Vision
Woodworking to construct an addition to their existing building and will also allow them to increase the
size of their parking lot.
Ms. Stromberg
stated in order for the City to consider this street vacation request, City staff had the
petitioner obtain signatures from the two (2) property owners to the north, stating they had no objections
to the street vacation. We have received signature from both Park Construction and Ryan Companies,
stating they agree to the requested street vacation.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the subject property is zoned S-3, Heavy Industrial, Onaway Addition, and is
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located on the southwest corner of 79 Avenue and Hickory Street. The original industrial building was
constructed in 1978; two building additions have been constructed since that time. In 2000, Vision
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Woodworking received variance approval to reduce the setback from 79 Avenue to allow a building
addition. That addition was never constructed. Also in 2000, there were some discussions about vacating
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79 Avenue; however, at that time, a neighboring business owner was not in favor of the street vacation,
so it was never applied for.
Ms. Stromberg
stated Vision Woodworking employs approximately 60 people, and their business has
continued to see a steady and constant growth. They currently operate their business out of three
buildings, all located on Hickory Street, at 7890, 7891, and 7871 Hickory Street. They have outgrown
their building at 7890 Hickory Street and are in need of expanding. As a result, they have applied for the
proposed street vacation request, which will allow for a building addition to the east and north of the
existing building, as well as the construction of additional parking along the north side of the property. In
order to construct the proposed addition, the petitioner is also applying for a variance to reduce the side
yard setback on a corner lot from 35 feet to 12 feet. That variance is going before the Appeals
Commission on October 2.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the petitioner has received written approval from Park Construction and Ryan
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Companies, property owners to the north, to vacate 79 Avenue from Hickory Street west to the BNSF
right-of-way. The petitioner has been working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe to get their signature
on the vacation request and at this point they don’t have anything in writing. From their discussions with
BNSF, the petitioner states “they are not opposed to the vacation providing we give them a 30’ easement
along tract “C” which would be the ½ of the street on the south side abutting Vision Woodworking.”
Vision Woodworking has agreed to grant the 30’ easement.
Ms. Stromberg
stated City Public Works staff is in agreement with the street vacation, provided utilities
within the right-of-way are protected through the vacation resolution. The petitioner has been working
with BNSF to get their signature on the vacation request and, at this point, they do not have anything in
writing; however, they have had discussions with them and have informed City staff they are not opposed
to the vacation provided that they give them a 30-foot easement along Tract B which would be half of the
street on the south side abutting Vision Woodworking. Vision Woodworking has agreed to that
easement.
Ms. Stromberg
stated for reference, if the vacation is approved, “Tract A” will go to the property owner
to the north which is Ryan Companies. “Track B” will go to the property owner to the north, which is
Park Construction and “Tract C” will go to Vision Woodworking, the petitioners property. See attached
drawing.
Ms. Stromberg
stated City staff recommends approval of the street vacation request for vacation of:
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 8 of 23
That part of 79th Avenue N.E. lying between the northerly extension of
the west line of Hickory Street and the southerly extension of the
westerly line of PARK SHOP, Anoka County, Minnesota together with a
vacation of the street easement rights conveyed and dedicated to the City
of Fridley pursuant to the Street and Utility Easement recorded as
Document No. 89064; and
That pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 160.29, Subd. 2, the City of Fridley reserves unto
itself and other utility providers, a permanent easement for drainage and utility purposes,
over, across, under and through the vacated 79th Avenue N.E. segments situate in the
City of Fridley, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, to wit: That part of 79th Avenue
N.E. lying between the northerly extension of the west line of Hickory Street and the
southerly extension of the westerly line of PARK SHOP, Anoka County, Minnesota
together with a reservation of a permanent easement for drainage and utility purposes,
over, across, under and through the entire street and utility easement area described in the
Street and Utility Easement recorded as Document No. 89064; and
That said vacation shall be effective only upon the recording of a private non-exclusive
access easement granted by the Petitioners Donald J. Gamboni and Judith M. Gamboni
over:
That part of 79th Avenue N.E. dedicated in Onaway, lying west of the
northerly extension of the west line of Hickory Street and easterly of the
southerly extension of the westerly line of PARK SHOP, Anoka County,
Minnesota,
to adjacent property owners, who are currently Burlington Northern Inc., Carlson Park
Properties, and Ryan Companies US Inc.
Ms. Stromberg
stated this is something that is a little bit different than staff has had the Commission do
in the past. The City Attorney drafted this recommendation, and she suggested to Ms. Stromberg to have
the Commission adopt the above based on the page number listed in their packet. Basically what the
recommendation is saying is that the Commission is approving the vacation upon the City’s reservation of
a permanent drainage and utility easement. It also states that Vision Woodworking agrees to record an
access easement to the neighboring property owners. In other words, Park Construction, the Railroad,
Ryan Companies will all have an access through the site to get to their sites if needed.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioner if they understood everything that was said during staff’s
presentation?
Jerry Anderson,
Jamb Architects, replied, yes, they did.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked whether they had any problems or anything they find contrary to what was
said?
Ms. Anderson
replied, no, they have no reservations with anything that was said. There is nothing
contrary. He would like to add one item that Vision Woodworking has a written agreement with Ryan
Companies for the purchase of the property.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 9 of 23
Chairperson Kondrick
replied, okay good. So they are one step further along the line.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Solberg.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:28
P.M.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated this seems straightforward. These gentlemen know what they are doing.
City staff is on top of it and all the interested parties are aware as to how it will affect them and what their
rights are, etc.
MOTION
by Commissioner Velin approving Street Vacation, SAV #13-03, by Jamb Architects, for
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Donald Gamboni to vacate 79 Avenue, west of Hickory Street, which will allow for a parking lot and
building addition, generally located at 7890 Hickory Street (Page Two of Staff’s Report). Seconded by
Commissioner Saba.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. PUBLIC HEARING:
Consideration of Special Use Permit, SP #13-11, by Joint Venture LLC, Benedictine Health
& Allina Health, for North Suburban Hospital District (Unity), to allow the construction of
a new transitional care facility on the Unity Hospital Campus, generally located at 520
Osborne Road (on the property located at 550 Osborne Road, Unity Hospital).
MOTION
by Commissioner Oquist to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:30
P.M.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the petitioner, David Yanik, with Yanik Companies, on behalf of Benedictine
Health and Allina Health (Unity Hospital) is seeking a special use permit to allow the construction of a
new transitional care facility on the Unity Hospital campus. The proposed building will be located on the
south side of the existing hospital building and is intended to be connected to the hospital building via a
skyway.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the subject property is located at 550 Osborne Road and is zoned R-1, Single
Family. The current use of the hospital campus is a permitted special use in this zoning district with a
permit. Any modification to the campus requires that a new special use permit be approved. As a result,
the existing request has been submitted.
Ms. Stromberg
stated Allina Health (Unity Hospital) is partnering with the North Suburban Hospital
District and Benedictine Health Systems (BHS) to build a transitional care facility, to be called
“Interlude” on the Unity Hospital Campus. The building will be built by the Joint Venture on land owned
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 10 of 23
by the North Suburban Hospital District. The land will then be leased by a joint venture (LLC) made up
of Benedictine Health Systems and Allina.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the proposed building will be a state of the art therapy facility; where its guests can
have close access to the hospital, while not occupying a typical hospital room for their required on-going
therapy. It will be a three story building with a total square footage of 45,087 sq. ft. It will consist of 38
private guest units, 2 semi-private guest units (2 beds in each unit) and 8 care units, for a total of 50 new
skilled nursing beds in the building. A large therapy space for guest rehabilitation is located on the first
level of the building.
Ms. Stromberg
stated an exterior courtyard is to be located to the west of the proposed building, offering
a large outdoor space for both guests and employees. The building will be situated on the site to take
advantage of the existing pathway system which will remain in place and connect to the proposed
building.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the exterior façade will consist of a variety of materials intended to compliment
the surrounding area of the hospital campus to the north and the residential area to the south across Lyric
Lane. The architecture of the building was carefully designed with its neighbors in mind. It is located
between the main hospital building and the Lyric Lane residential neighborhood to its south. On the
hospital end of the new building, it has a commercial appearance and from the south end, it appears as a
3-story residential complex. The two distinct looks depend on what angle you view the building from;
yet work well together as a single cohesive piece of architecture.
Ms. Stromberg
stated site work for the project includes adding an additional bituminous parking area to
accommodate the new building and re-striping the existing parking lot surrounding the proposed building.
A new infiltration basin will be constructed in the southwest portion of the campus site to handle the
increased stormwater runoff from the project. New site lighting and landscaping will also be installed to
meet code requirements.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the subject property is zoned R-1, Single Family as are all of the surrounding
properties, with the exception of the property to the east, where the Fridley Medical Center used to be
located, which is zoned, CR-1, General Office.
Ms. Stromberg
stated the professional building and the skyway that attaches the professional building to
the hospital were constructed in 1974. There was a building addition to the professional building in 1983.
All of the properties within the Unity Hospital campus are owned by the North Suburban Hospital
District, with the exception of the land owned by the Professional Building and Fridley Medical Center.
Ms. Stromberg
stated Hospitals, Clinics, and nursing homes are a permitted special use in the R-1 zoning
district provided that the proposed expansion complies with the requirements for the special use permit,
subject to the stipulations. The proposed expansion will allow for the construction of a new free-standing
building to be used as the Benedictine Transitional Care Facility on the south side of the existing hospital.
The proposed building has an approximate footprint of 15,654 square feet and is intended to be connected
to the hospital building with a skyway.
Ms. Stromberg
stated in order to allow the construction of the transitional care facility, 72 parking stalls
will need to be removed. The new transitional care facility would be classified as a “nursing home” type
use within the City’s zoning code and as a result would require 50 parking stalls. The petitioner plans to
replace those 72 stalls, plus add 56 stalls needing for the transitional care facility by expanding the
existing parking lot to the south and west.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 11 of 23
Ms. Stromberg
stated the proposed expansion meets lot coverage and setback requirements. All storm
water drainage and landscaping will also comply with code requirements.
Ms. Stromberg
stated City Staff recommends approval of this special use permit request as hospital,
clinics and nursing homes are a permitted special use in the R-1, Single Family zoning district.
Ms. Stromberg
stated Staff recommends that if the special use permit is granted, the following
stipulations be attached.
1. The petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction.
2. The petitioner shall meet all building, fire, and ADA requirements.
3. The petitioner shall comply with the Fire Marshal’s plan review comments dated
September 4, 2013.
4. City engineering staff to review and approve grading, drainage, and utility plan prior to
issuance of a building permit.
5. The petitioner shall receive Coon Creek Watershed District approvals prior to issuance of
a building permit.
6. A stormwater maintenance agreement shall be filed with the City prior to issuance of a
building permit.
7. Landscape and Irrigation plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to
issuance of building permit.
8. Future additions/expansions on this site shall be reviewed by City staff and a
determination shall be made regarding the need for a strategic plan for structured parking.
If sufficient additional parking is required based on the addition, a structured parking plan
will be required.
9. Pedestrian crosswalk shall be established to accommodate safe pedestrian movement
between the proposed building and the other buildings within the Unity Hospital campus.
10. The petitioner shall agree to preserve mature trees to the extent possible. All trees
required to be removed for parking shall be marked and approved by City staff prior to
issuance of a building permit.
11. A new compost area for the community garden shall be identified on the site plan, shall
be screened from neighboring residential properties and meet all other code requirements
related to composting.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked, as to the statement that the building was carefully designed with the
neighbors in mind, does that mean there was a meeting or something with the neighbors or was something
sent out to the neighbors for comment?
Ms. Stromberg
replied, staff always sends out notice to the public when the City has special use permit
requests. She thinks they were just talking generally that the design of the building took into account the
residential neighborhood across the street; however, the petitioner could probably answer that question.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked, but the City did not receive any comments from neighbors?
Ms. Stromberg
replied, she did receive a few calls. People inquiring mainly what they were doing,
where the new building was going to be located. However, nobody really voiced a strong opinion against
the project. It was more inquiries.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 12 of 23
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioners if there were any questions about what was said and if they
were in agreement with what was said?
Rocky Chapin
, Senior Vice president of Business Development at Benedictine Health, replied, they are.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioners if they were okay with all the stipulations?
Pat Belland
, Vice President of Operations at Unity Hospital, replied, as to the issue of parking they have
been very diligent in making sure there is enough parking and spending enough time with Ms. Stromberg
and Mr. Hickok to make sure that is right. That is the only issue they have looked at further with
expansion on the campus. They continue to make sure they do have enough parking and right now they
feel very comfortable.
Commissioner Solberg
asked, is the transitional care going to be more for people who perhaps had some
type of procedure at the hospital and then they do the follow-up care?
Mr. Belland
replied, yes, and it would be both for those kinds of folks who have some kind of procedure,
for instance, like hip replacement. It will also be for people who might be considered the frail elderly,
someone with a lot of different kinds of conditions who have been in the hospital for some kind of event,
perhaps a fall, and need some rehab and strengthening before they return to their home.
Commissioner Solberg
asked, in general, what would an expected stay period be?
Mr. Belland
replied, they expect a typical stay to be anywhere from two weeks to four weeks.
Commissioner Solberg
asked, and this is basically trying to extend the type of services they provide at
Unity?
Mr. Belland
replied, that is correct. They would provide skilled nursing beds as the rehab side of the
skilled nursing, and they do not provide that within the hospital. It really is the next step. Once someone
gets discharged from the hospital, they go to a nursing home, transitional care unit, to rehab and then go
onto their home.
Commissioner Oquist
stated rather than going to a nursing home, they would go to this rehab center. He
asked whether there would be patients coming from other hospitals?
Mr. Belland
replied, it would primarily be for Unity but believe it has the capacity to help support
patients from Mercy Hospital.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked, whether they did get input from neighbors?
Mr. Chapin
replied, they did not have any public meetings with the neighbors; however, clearly they
were aware with their concerns that it not be institution in the setting. They tried to make sure it was far
enough away and be shielded by plantings of trees, etc. and tried to soften the residential side of that
building to have it be more residential looking.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated and in addition there will be kind of a park-like setting right in the middle
of the building with green grass and places to sit and enjoying nature if you will.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 13 of 23
Mr. Chapin
replied, they will have that. It will be a place that is called a mobility courtyard so therapy
can happen in that space as well. As people are transitioned to their home they will actually have the
experience of walking on gravel, black top, going up steps outside. They have found this to significantly
improve the ability for people to return to their homes safely.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:45
P.M.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated he has no problem with this. It seems like a good deal and good for the
hospital, our community, and the people who serve us.
MOTION
by Commissioner Solberg approving Special Use Permit, SP #13-11, by Joint Venture LLC,
Benedictine Health & Allina Health, for North Suburban Hospital District (Unity), to allow the
construction of a new transitional care facility on the Unity Hospital Campus, generally located at 520
Osborne Road (on the property located at 550 Osborne Road, Unity Hospital) with the following
stipulations:
1. The petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction.
2. The petitioner shall meet all building, fire, and ADA requirements.
3. The petitioner shall comply with the Fire Marshal’s plan review comments dated
September 4, 2013.
4. City engineering staff to review and approve grading, drainage, and utility plan prior to
issuance of a building permit.
5. The petitioner shall receive Coon Creek Watershed District approvals prior to issuance of
a building permit.
6. A stormwater maintenance agreement shall be filed with the City prior to issuance of a
building permit.
7. Landscape and Irrigation plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to
issuance of building permit.
8. Future additions/expansions on this site shall be reviewed by City staff and a
determination shall be made regarding the need for a strategic plan for structured parking.
If sufficient additional parking is required based on the addition, a structured parking plan
will be required.
9. Pedestrian crosswalk shall be established to accommodate safe pedestrian movement
between the proposed building and the other buildings within the Unity Hospital campus.
10. The petitioner shall agree to preserve mature trees to the extent possible. All trees
required to be removed for parking shall be marked and approved by City staff prior to
issuance of a building permit.
11. A new compost area for the community garden shall be identified on the site plan, shall
be screened from neighboring residential properties and meet all other code requirements
related to composting.
Seconded by Commissioner Saba.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 14 of 23
5. PUBLIC HEARING:
Consideration of a Rezoning, ZOA #13-01, by Fridley Land LLC, to rezone the property
from M-2, Heavy Industrial to S-2, Redevelopment District, to create flexibility with the
Industrial redevelopment of the property, generally located at 4800 East River Road.
MOTION
by Commissioner Oquist to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Velin.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:48
P.M.
Mr. Hickok
stated the petitioner, Paul Hyde, of Fridley Land LLC, the owner of 4800 East River Road, is
requesting to rezone what has been known as the BAE/FMC/Navy site from its current zoning
classification of M-2, Heavy Industrial to S-2, Redevelopment District. The purpose of the rezoning is to
allow flexibility of both performance standards and uses within the future industrial redevelopment of this
site.
Mr. Hickok
stated the subject property is located south of Interstate 694 and east of East River Road. It
was developed in the early 1940’s for manufacturing of gun mounts for the US Navy and was known as
Northern Pump. In the 1960’s FMC Corporation purchased and operated the facility. In the 1990’s FMC
merged with Harsco Corp., and formed United Defense. United Defense became BAE Systems, which
still occupies the building today.
Mr. Hickok
stated the property is approximately 122 acres in size and consists of the manufacturing
building that was constructed in the early 1940’s. The existing building is approximately 2 million square
feet in size. On the site also exists some out buildings, parking areas and some landscaping. There is a
14-acre parcel directly south of the property, known as the FMC Superfund site, that was subject of an
investigation for waste disposal, and a significant soil and groundwater remedial action was undertaken
by FMC at that property in the 1980’s and continues today. That 14 acres is not included as part of this
redevelopment project.
Mr. Hickok
stated redevelopment of this property includes the 83-acre Naval Industrial Reserve
Ordinance Plant (NIROP) superfund site.
Mr. Hickok
stated in order to allow for the redevelopment of this property, an Alternative Urban
Areawide Review (AUAR) was required to be completed by the State’s Environmental Quality Board.
The City was Local Government Unit (LGU) or overseer of process, during the review.
Mr. Hickok
stated an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) is important in that it focuses
attention on and identifies resolutions to environmental impacts that may present themselves as part of the
redevelopment process. In this particular redevelopment there were a list of potential impacts considered:
fish, wildlife, ecologically sensitive resources including water resources, erosion and sedimentation of
soils, water quality of runoff and wastewater, geologic hazards and soil conditions, solid wastes,
hazardous waste, storage tanks, traffic, emissions, odors, noise, dust, nearby resources, and visual
impacts. Local, State, and federal agencies were involved in the review of the AUAR. Generally
speaking, the comments back were thoughtful and on point, but relatively few in numbers. All comments
were made part of the official AUAR Record.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 15 of 23
Mr. Hickok
stated types of comments back would include items like: by full build-out of this
development the ramp entrances to 694 will need to be studied and potentially modified to accommodate
the additional development traffic. A driveway modification to the northernmost driveway onto East
River Road will be required for the later phases of this redevelopment. Specifics for that modification,
which includes widening of the drive access point and modifications to aide turning movements are
spelled out in the AUAR response letter submitted by the Anoka County Highway Department, but will
not have a major impact on the master plan layout as submitted. A minor amendment to the City's
Comprehensive Plan reflecting what our previous S-2 Zoning modifications have become will be
necessary. Staff anticipates it will begin this amendment process with the Metropolitan Council for our
other fully- developed S-2 sites in the fourth quarter of 2013. We will do the same with this site, once it
is fully developed. Finally, keeping a watchful eye for and protection of nesting migratory species would
need to be considered prior to the buildings demolition was an AUAR comment to consider and observe.
Mr. Hickok
stated a range of 1,591,860 square feet to 1,839,220 square feet was proposed between
redevelopment Scenarios A and B. To exceed 1,839,200 square feet, further AUAR analysis will be
required.
Mr. Hickok
stated the petitioner is planning to redevelop the subject property into 1.6 million square feet
of new industrial buildings, in four phases. The development is being phased to accommodate the
existing tenants in the existing building.
Mr. Hickok
stated the petitioner states that he sees the four phases happening this way, “Phase I of the
redevelopment will occur on the south side of the existing building, where there is currently a grassy area
and an unused parking lot. Phase I will consist of approx. 400,000 square feet in what could be 1 or 2
buildings. Phase II of the redevelopment will occur on the north side of the existing building, and will
consist of 1-3 buildings, totaling 400,000 square feet. Phases III and IV will occur once the existing
leases within the existing building have expired and the existing 2 million square foot building is
demolished. Phase III and IV will consist of approximately 400,000 sq. ft. of building each. The entire
redevelopment is expected to take 5 to 7 years to complete.”
Mr. Hickok
stated the City’s zoning ordinance and official zoning map are the mechanisms that help the
City achieve the vision laid out in the Comprehensive Plan. The law gives the City the authority to
“rezone” property from one designated use to another, so long as the zoning is in conformance with the
Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan’s 2030 future land use map designates this area as
“Redevelopment”, which justifies the reason for approving the proposed rezoning.
Mr. Hickok
stated Jim Casserly, Development Consultant/Attorney for the Fridley HRA said it well
when he said, "This agreement is a blueprint for governing the joint efforts of the authority and the
Redeveloper through the next ten years. There will most likely be amendments to the agreement, but the
document as presented is an excellent start to an extraordinary project." Like the HRA agreement that
attorney Casserly spoke of, this Master Plan will likely see modification as we know more about the
specific occupants of the space that will be developed. As those modifications become necessary,
Council will be asked to review those Master Plan amendments.
Mr. Hickok
stated City Staff recommends approval of the rezoning request from M-2 Heavy Industrial to
S-2, Redevelopment District.
Mr. Hickok
stated Staff recommends that if the rezoning is approved, the following stipulations be
attached:
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 16 of 23
1. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits for each phase prior to construction,
including but not limited to building, land alteration, and sign permits.
2. The proposed project and phasing shall meet all Building code, Fire code, and ADA
requirements.
3. City engineering staff to review and approve grading, drainage and utility plans prior to
issuance of building permit for each phase or building.
4. A Storm pond maintenance agreement shall be required for each pond in the overall
development. The uncertainty related to future phase’s layout will require a storm pond
agreement tied to each phase and submitted for approval, prior to issuance of any
building permits in that related phase.
5. Landscape and irrigation plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to issuance
of building permit for each phase or building.
6. The petitioner shall pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a
building permit for each phase or building.
7. Bicycle/pedestrian connections between buildings within project and to the adjacent
regional park shall be incorporated into the Master Plan. Bike racks shall also be
provided for each building in the development.
8. The petitioner shall comply with any requirements set forth by the Anoka County
Highway Department or the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
9. Costs for modification to site access at East River Road and this site's redevelopment
related signalization enhancements shall be borne by the developer.
10. Due to the complexity of this redevelopment and ultimately the number of unknowns
related to who will be new tenants or owners of buildings and what their specific needs
will be, the developer shall be required to keep each phase of his development within 10
percent of that square foot dimension that is shown for each phase in the Master Plan.
This means that there may be a modification in shape and size of buildings in each phase,
but overall that phase cannot deviate from the Master Plan square foot dimension by
more than 10 percent. Those changes when necessary reviewed and approved by the
Planning Commission and City Council.
11. Each phase should generally comply with the most similar zoning district performance
standards
12. An increase in overall square footage beyond 1,839,220 square feet will require AUAR
revisit.
13. No park fee is required, as a result of land dedication for park by the original owner of
this site.
14. The petitioner shall maintain a vegetative cover on all excavated areas awaiting building
construction.
15. A development agreement between the Developer and the City for all public/ private site
improvements including but not limited to streets, utilities, and landscape shall be
approved for the overall development, prior to issuance of a building permit for the first
building in phase one.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Velin.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 8:22
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 17 of 23
P.M.
Commissioner Solberg
asked regarding Stipulation No. 13, “No park fee is required, as a result of land
dedication for park by the original owner of this site,” is that typical? He is curious why.
Mr. Hickok
replied, very good question and is precisely why staff wanted it in as a stipulation. They did
not want any surprise later. Staff did have legal counsel review this because it was a question that came
up. This was a park dedication land area that exceeded the original park dedication requirements by the
City even at the time the development happened. There needs to be a rational nexus between the City
collecting park dedication and the demands that are put on a park. The anticipated demands on the park
system will not exceed the park area dedication that was given, and the City had historically the option of
taking cash for land in lieu of park dedication. This quite a considerable sized park was dedicated as part
of the original development, and legal counsel’s view of this was that there will be no new impacts that
exceed the expectation for park demands of the original development and, therefore, that is what park
dedication is.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked whether that is the land across East River Road?
Mr. Hickok
replied, yes, it is. As a matter of fact the house that is there is related to the original
development. It is unusual and does not come up very often; however, they are talking about a land area
that has remained the same and a number of jobs that remains relatively stable to what was originally
intended. When they talk about it in terms of demand on a park, job for job, it is really about the same as
the original. The land is there; there are no new demands that make park dedication necessary on this.
There will be a plat on this. Plat is always the trigger for park dedication, and each building may have
each own lot.
Commissioner Sielaff
stated he was curious about the AUAR and who does the review of it. He sees a
lot of environmental things here. Does Mr. Hickok have any comments about the environmental aspects
of it?
Mr. Hickok
stated there is a very specific set of rules put out by the EQB (Environmental Quality Board)
that strictly mandates the rules the City follows. The City is the overseer as the local government unit;
however, they tell the City what government agencies they send it to. The City sends it out to all the
government agencies on the list. The City makes the document also available in draft form. In this case
the scoping document was made available. There was a comment period for the public and all the
agencies the City sent to in draft form. Then there was another comment period in revised draft form and
another comment period in finished form. Therefore, all the agencies and anyone from the public who
commented then received answers back on what the answer to their question was. The City held a public
information meeting so people could come in and get their questions answered, and then it was ultimately
published in the State Registry once all the steps had been checked off. This developer hired a consultant
who did the environmental work, and there was great depth from civil engineering to environmental
engineering to environmental law. A lot of people on that team going through that to make sure that
every piece was analyzed and answers were given to the questions that were asked.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked, there are no major concerns environmentally?
Mr. Hickok
replied, this is one of those times where you might say, really, you need to do an AUAR
because they are taking a site that is badly contaminated and cleaning it up. The AUAR typically looks at
what new demands or impacts might this site have. This is almost in reverse. You are looking at
development that now cleans up history, cleans up bad things that happened to a site. Any new impacts,
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 18 of 23
although considered through this AUAR, are not great enough to have really received much for comment.
It is more enthusiasm than questions he would say that they got back about having a developer and an
environmental developer like Mr. Hyde who focuses on precisely this kind of development
Commissioner Sielaff
asked, how does this fit in with the five-year review the City gave them?
Mr. Hickok
replied he might have Mr. Hyde respond to that. He asked Commissioner Sielaff if he could
be more specific.
Commissioner Sielaff
replied, the EPA does a five-year review on all their superfund sites. He thinks
this site is supposed to come up relatively soon.
Mr. Hickok
stated it is important to note that the EPA has been very involved in this, and the developer
has enough of a reputation with the EPA where it has taken the stance they are comfortable with the local
MPCA folks managing the phases of this development and overseeing their clean-up through this process.
Rather than having multiple layers of oversight, of course the EPA will continue to be interested and do
their due diligence; but a lot of the oversight is going to be left at the MPCA level locally.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked whether the EPA had an opportunity to comment?
Mr. Hickok
replied, yes, in great detail. The EPA, the Navy, the list was very impressive and is
available. It is enormous. Many of those comments were constructive. Some of them, for example,
when they get to the point of full development they will want to take a look at the 694 on-ramps to see
impacts there. This site again was developed with the expectation of 4,000 jobs. They are looking at
bringing back 3,500 jobs to this site. Although those are all good instructions, it will take looking at it to
see if a modification would be necessary at that point.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated he would imagine some of the citizens who would have interest in this
would be concerned about the property south of this development site, would they not?
Mr. Hickok
replied, yes, there was a question about that at the public comment and information meeting.
Just a question more or less about what happens with that. Just a clarification, is that site is not in the
development. To be clear on that, clean-up mitigation has happened; the contamination is contained on
the site. It continues to be monitored. It is outside of this 122 acres and remains in the wheelhouse of the
FMC folks which is their responsibility and will continue to be throughout the course of their life for sure.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked, just for the sake of speculation, will there be some time in the future that
property would be able to be developed?
Mr. Hickok
replied, probably a better question for an expert. Just from his development perspective, 14
acres of development land in exchange, always looking at what the yield would be relative to the costs to
get you there, the costs to get you there would require you to have more than 14 acres for any sort of
yield.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked the petitioner if he had any questions, disagreements with what has been
presented?
Paul Hyde
, Fridley Land LLC, replied, they are very comfortable with the stipulations. They have been
working with staff on them for a year plus and are very grateful to finally be at this spot tonight.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 19 of 23
Chairperson Kondrick
stated, good, they are glad to have him there. This is going to be very exciting.
Commissioner Saba
asked what kind of mix commercial, industrial, might be commercially developed?
Mr. Hyde
replied, they define commercial as sort of a broad realm of what they do vs. residential. Their
focus is going to be on a mix of warehouse buildings, office warehouse office showroom buildings. They
need to get this rezoning done, get their marketing going here in the next few weeks, and see what is out
there. What he is seeing is unprecedented demand for the kind of space on this on infill sites to new
efficient buildings. There is also, a pensive demand from no one having built anything in the last five
years.
Mr. Hyde
stated as to sustainable development from an ecological point of view from what they are
going to build out there, the eight certified buildings, it will be sustainable from a tenant mix, too. They
are not going to just have one tenant. It will be a diversity of tenants. They could have anywhere from 10
to 30 different companies. The goal is to redesign; they will be sustainable in a way that tenants can
come and go, move, regrow, shrink, expand and contract.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked Mr. Hyde if he sees it where every building looks the same? Is that the
plan of his architects?
Mr. Hyde
replied, it has to hang together as a whole and not a disparate mish mash. They are going to
have some design standards that wrap around the entire park, and they are getting started on that today.
The building will be able to be flexible to have, say, more glass and higher office finish. Perhaps in the
back of the site they will have less glass where they have the warehouse use. They want to have that kind
of flexibility but the whole park has to hang together from an architectural point and the landscape point
as well. That is what they have been working on for the next six to eight weeks.
Mr. Hickok
stated he did not want to make this presentation more complicated, but he did want to
recognize the work of the HRA with Paul Hyde and this development. The HRA has really been involved
with this for almost two years. It is a very complex development also in terms of HRA involvement; and
they have been very good about analyzing about what it is the HRA can do to help make this important
project happen.
Commissioner Sielaff
stated to the petitioner he is taking on a certain amount of risk, does he ever think
he could not manage things?
Mr. Hyde
replied, this is their fourth federal superfund site they have developed. They have done more
than anybody in the country. The hard thing about developing a state and federal superfund site is getting
to move the regulatory pieces. Commissioner Sielaff alluded to it in with his five-year review comment.
The five-year review is EPA which is the feds and MPCA, state, overseeing the Navy and BAE’s clean-
up. It does not have anything to do with what the petitioner is about to do. Their new development will
be overseen by EPA and MPCA under their voluntary clean-up program. Therefore, the five-year review,
regardless of whether they came, left, if nothing ever happened – that would continue to go on. As an
oversight of that existing clean-up which really has been done statewise, their new clean-up will be
overseen primarily by the State of Minnesota’s Voluntary Investigation Clean-up Unit (first of its kind in
the country) which is designed to oversee and redevelop these sites.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 20 of 23
Mr. Hyde
stated when they come to a site like this; they spend a long time understanding all the work
that has been done out there for 20 years. In many respects they know more about this site than many
other sites around town because there have been tens of millions of dollars and 20 years of work looking
at soil and ground around the site. That being aside, they will find surprises. They always have and
always will. What they spend a fair amount of time understanding how this site operated, “Where were
things disposed of? “What operations occurred in what parts of the building?” Then they will go through
their own specific investigations where they are going to be digging and seeing what they will find. They
just did that on the south part of the site this summer. They call that their Phase I development. They just
did their MPCA approved investigation this summer. They will have that clean-up plan investigation
results into the Agency next week. That will then guide their clean-up of that phase. They will just then
repeat those steps with each phase. It is one step at a time based on historical information and then
supported by excavation tests, soil borings, groundwater samples, soil gas samples that lead to a MPCA
approved clean-up plan.
Commissioner Sielaff
asked Mr. Hyde, he does not see any big risk here that would affect his plans to
develop the site?
Mr. Hyde
replied, they own the site now. They spent two years on it trying to figure that out. A large
part of that is putting together that they think it would cost to redevelop and then try and pull together the
resources to do that, and now it is time to start executing.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated to Mr. Hyde, he has done his homework.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Velin.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 8:22
P.M.
Chairperson Kondrick
stated they have witnessed a group of folks who have spent a lot of time not only
with City staff but other agencies to make sure this is going to be a viable project and is worthwhile. It is
comforting to know that. He has no problems with it.
Commissioner Saba
stated he does not either.
MOTION
by Commissioner Saba approving Rezoning, ZOA #13-01, by Fridley Land LLC, to rezone
the property from M-2, Heavy Industrial to S-2, Redevelopment District, to create flexibility with the
Industrial redevelopment of the property, generally located at 4800 East River Road with the following
stipulations:
1. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits for each phase prior to construction,
including but not limited to building, land alteration, and sign permits.
2. The proposed project and phasing shall meet all Building code, Fire code, and ADA
requirements.
3. City engineering staff to review and approve grading, drainage and utility plans prior to
issuance of building permit for each phase or building.
4. A Storm pond maintenance agreement shall be required for each pond in the overall
development. The uncertainty related to future phase’s layout will require a storm pond
agreement tied to each phase and submitted for approval, prior to issuance of any
building permits in that related phase.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 21 of 23
5. Landscape and irrigation plan to be reviewed and approved by City Staff prior to issuance
of building permit for each phase or building.
6. The petitioner shall pay all water and sewer connection fees prior to issuance of a
building permit for each phase or building.
7. Bicycle/pedestrian connections between buildings within project and to the adjacent
regional park shall be incorporated into the Master Plan. Bike racks shall also be
provided for each building in the development.
8. The petitioner shall comply with any requirements set forth by the Anoka County
Highway Department or the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
9. Costs for modification to site access at East River Road and this site's redevelopment
related signalization enhancements shall be borne by the developer.
10. Due to the complexity of this redevelopment and ultimately the number of unknowns
related to who will be new tenants or owners of buildings and what their specific needs
will be, the developer shall be required to keep each phase of his development within 10
percent of that square foot dimension that is shown for each phase in the Master Plan.
This means that there may be a modification in shape and size of buildings in each phase,
but overall that phase cannot deviate from the Master Plan square foot dimension by
more than 10 percent. Those changes when necessary reviewed and approved by the
Planning Commission and City Council.
11. Each phase should generally comply with the most similar zoning district performance
standards
12. An increase in overall square footage beyond 1,839,220 square feet will require AUAR
revisit.
13. No park fee is required, as a result of land dedication for park by the original owner of
this site.
14. The petitioner shall maintain a vegetative cover on all excavated areas awaiting building
construction.
15. A development agreement between the Developer and the City for all public/ private site
improvements including but not limited to streets, utilities, and landscape shall be
approved for the overall development, prior to issuance of a building permit for the first
building in phase one.
Seconded by Commissioner Oquist.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Receive the Minutes of the August 5, 2013, Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting.
MOTION
by Commissioner Sielaff to receive the Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Solberg.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Receive the Minutes of the July 9, 2013, Environmental Quality and Energy Commission.
MOTION
by Commissioner Velin to receive the Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Oquist.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 22 of 23
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Receive the Minutes of the August 1, 2013, Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Commission Meeting.
MOTION
by Commissioner Oquist to receive the Minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Saba.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Ms. Stromberg
stated the Fairview master plan amendment before them last month was approved as was
the special use permit for outdoor storage at Incertec.
Mr. Hickok
stated regarding the Fridley market site, the Cub Foods redevelopment site, he has good
news. By the end of next week they will see the frame of McDonald’s up. They expect to be in business
and serving food before Christmas. As to the front of the building, they are seeing demolishing
happening as of today. There were some interior uses that needed to be vacated with the transition of one
store into a new store. That is going to be coming down now. They received the early elevation
modification based on negotiations they have had with tenants. Right now they are seeing a lot of steel
studs there. They are all hoping for and shortly they will see something a lot more attractive there as
well. They had hoped to have their second freestanding building next to McDonald’s this summer. All
that was pending having 50 percent lease out, and he takes it they have not quite reached that point yet as
staff has not seen plans for that.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked if anyone is talking about an additional restaurant facility there?
Mr. Hickok
replied, he does not know if they are ready to announce. They have told staff as much as
there is going to be a sit-down restaurant, if all goes well, inside the complex. They are hoping to have an
announcement on that. It will be on the southeast corner of the building with windows facing the
highway. It will open up the appearance of the building and bring some life there.
Commissioner Solberg
asked whether there was anything further happening with the stretch of property
along University Avenue?
Mr. Hickok
replied, the HRA did enter into an exclusive agreement with the developer who built the
building on the Sandee’s site. He is very interested in building three buildings along University Avenue.
Very nice buildings. A total of 204 residential units. One of the buildings potentially senior and then
another very nice market-rate building with some real nice architecture and some masonry, stone and
brick.
Chairperson Kondrick
asked whether these will be apartments or condos?
Mr. Hickok
replied, apartments with shared amenities. Maybe a clubhouse, open space amenities, a
private road going through, and a nice pedestrian way through. It will be a very nice development. They
are on a very short time clock now because they want to get their architecture done, all the title work
done, and everything else so if all goes well they can come out of the ground in the spring.
Planning Commission
September 18, 2013
Page 23 of 23
Commissioner Oquist
asked about the gas station.
Mr. Hickok
replied, Paul Bolin, the Assistant Executive Director of the HRA, has done a very nice job in
negotiating the purchase of the veterinary clinic and also another residence. While he is getting the bid
package out for demolition for those two, Mr. Hickok has asked him if he can also include a demolition
bid request package for the Citgo. He has allowed him to do that. Mr. Hickok has worked with the
owner of that property. They see it as something that should be taken down basically for the aesthetic of
the City there. The developer has been good to work with on that. He would agree and think they have
come to terms. It is unknown yet as to what it is going to cost to remove it. If the bid comes in within a
range the owners are okay with, they will allow them to oversee and have that demolition happen along
with the veterinary clinic and the other building that Mr. Bolin has. That could happen this fall yet.
ADJOURN
MOTION
by Commissioner Oquist adjourning the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Velin.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:32 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise M. Johnson
Recording Secretary