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PLM 03/21/2018 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING March 21, 2018 Vice-Chairperson Oquist called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Leroy Oquist, Brad Sielaff, Mark Hansen, David Ostwald, Mike Heintz, and Rachel Schwankl MEMBERS ABSENT: David Kondrick OTHERS PRESENT: Stacy Stromberg, Planner Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Steve Boyntun, Blue Ox Media Group Paul Heuer, Pulte Homes Chris Sandstrom, Commercial Transload of Minnesota Gerald Mackelberg, 425 Rice Creek Boulevard Margaret Mackelberg, 425 Rice Creek Boulevard Loren Isaacs, Woodcrest Baptist Church Reed Schultz, Landform Professional Services Approval of Minutes: February 21, 2018 MOTION by Commissioner Hansen to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Ostwald. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Special Use Permit, SP #18-01, by Blue Ox Media Group, to allow the construction of a billboard on the Public Storage property, generally located at 5350 Industrial Blvd. MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:01 P.M. Stacy Stromberg , Planner, stated the petitioner, along with Public Storage, is requesting a special use permit be granted to allow the construction of a new electronic (dynamic) billboard on the northeast corner of the Public Storage property located at 5350 Industrial Blvd. Ms. Stromberg stated the property is zoned M-2, Heavy Industrial, and the City’s sign code allows billboards within this zoning district, provided certain conditions can be met. Ms. Stromberg stated the property is bordered by Interstate 694 to the north and the BNSF Railroad on the east and industrial users on the south and the west. It is an 8-acre parcel and was developed as a mini- storage facility in 1985. Along with construction of the existing buildings, a special use permit was also Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 2 of 17 issued in 1985 to allow outdoor storage. The property continues to remain today as it was when it was developed. Ms. Stromberg stated Section 214, Signs, of the Fridley City code states the billboards are a permitted special use in zoning code districts C-3, General Shopping, M-1, Light Industrial, M-2, Heavy Industrial, and M-3, Outdoor Intensive Heavy Industrial; provided several conditions can be met. Ms. Stromberg stated the following is a list of the code requirements with an explanation of how the requirements are being met: A.Billboards shall be restricted to property adjoining the right of ways of Interstate Highway #694, Trunk Highway #47, Trunk Highway #65 and East River Road south of Interstate Highway #694. The property is along Interstate 694 so it meets that condition. B.The maximum height is twenty-five (25) feet above the finished ground grade, unless the sign is intended to be viewed from a highway, then the twenty-five (25) foot maximum height shall be computed from the centerline of the traveled highway, but in no case shall the vertical distance between the bottom of the sign and the ground be reduced to less than ten (10) feet. The Petitioner has submitted a site plan showing the sign at that 25-foot height requirement. They have also submitted an illustration (in the Commission’s packet) showing what it would look like potentially with the view from I- 694 west and from I-694 going eastbound. C.The maximum sign area is 750 square feet per face not to exceed two (2) facings when erected on Interstate Highway 694. Double faced signs shall be attached back to back at a horizontal angle not to exceed forty-five (45) degrees. The proposed sign faces are approximately 14’ tall by 48’ long (672 square feet) so it meets this requirement. D.The minimum distance between billboard signs is 1,000 feet when erected on the same side of the highway. The closest billboard along the same side of the Interstate is located at 5480 Seventh Street and is approximately 3,500 feet from the proposed location. E.The minimum setback from the highway right of way is thirty (30) feet. The site plan submitted shows the location of the pole for the billboard 30 feet from the property line, which meets the setback requirement. F.The minimum distance is 500 feet from a billboard sign to the intersection of any street or ramp where traffic crosses or merges at the same elevation. The distance is determined by measuring from the intersection of the street and highway centerlines and the sign. The intersection of the I-94 on-ramp onto I-694 is approximately 600 feet from the proposed billboard location. G.The minimum distance to a residential and public zoning district is 500 feet. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 3 of 17 The closest residential district from the proposed billboard location is approximately 1,100 feet and is located east of the BNSF railroad tracks and Main Street. H.The sign structure shall be all metal and be either painted or treated to prevent deterioration. Lack of proper maintenance shall be cause for revocation of the sign permit. Sign pole will be constructed of steel that will be treated with black rust-proof paint to prevent deterioration. I.The minimum distance to a railroad crossing is 350 feet when there are lights and a gate and 500 feet from a railroad crossing without lights and/or a gate. Closest one is at Osborne Road, which is approximately 13,041 feet (2.47 miles) away. J.Any lighting will be shielded to not impair the vision of any motor vehicle operator or to create a nuisance on adjoining property. The proposed billboard will be an electronic (dynamic) sign and will comply with the brightness requirements set forth within our code. The petitioner does note that the luminance levels we use in our code is out of date and recommends that we update it to require that the digital sign not exceed .3 (three tenths) foot candles over ambient light levels measured 250 feet from the sign. This is standard language used throughout the country for these dynamic signs. (That is something staff will probably look at as we are in the middle of redoing the sign code right now.) Ms. Stromberg stated the City’s sign code also allows the use of electronic changeable signs provided certain conditions can be met. The petitioner understands those conditions and notes that the sign will be programmed to change the message no more frequent than once every 8 seconds (which is also required by Mn/DOT) and will not be programmed to display flashing or full-motion messages. Ms. Stromberg stated City staff recommends approval of the special use permit with stipulations as a billboard 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.Petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to installation of proposed sign. 2.Petitioner to provide a to-scale site plan depicting the size, location and setback of the sign prior to issuance of a sign permit. 3.Petitioner shall provide detailed scaled plans of: the sign, sign structure, sign footings, structural engineering, sign lighting and locations of private and public utilities, prior to plan review for sign permit. 4.Petitioner shall meet all Code requirements for billboard and electronic signs. 5.Petitioner shall provide landscape plans for replacement on site of any trees to be removed for sign placement. Replacement trees shall be at least 2 ½ inch caliper inch in size if deciduous or 6-feet tall if conifers at time of planting. A variety of species must be proposed. 6.Landscaping at the base of the proposed sign is encouraged, but this space cannot be used to meet the tree replacement ratio required. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 4 of 17 Commissioner Heintz stated it says the setback is 30 feet. He asked is it the whole sign that has to be set back or the pole? Ms. Stromberg replied, the pole. The sign itself cannot go over the property line and it won’t but they measure to the pole. Ms. Schwankl asked whether there are any limitations on content of the signage? Ms. Stromberg replied the City cannot regulate the content. Commissioner Hansen asked whether staff anticipates trees to be removed as part of this? Ms. Stromberg replied if they look closely on the aerial there looks to be three trees in that location. She’s not sure if the trees will need to be removed or not, but the petitioner can answer that question. Commissioner Ostwald asked what is the difference in the lighting as to the standard now and what Fridley’s is? Ms. Stromberg replied Fridley code talks about measuring the brightness based on NITS which is hard to measure. The industry standard goes by foot candles, and the City uses that regulation in other types of lighting. She understands that is how the industry is measuring these dynamic signs now, too, so it’s a good idea that the City consider the change. There is an actual tool you can use to go out and meausre the brightness of the sign. Steve Boyntun , Blue Ox Media Group, stated Ms. Stromberg did a really nice job summarizing everything. To address the question of the luminence of the sign, the old standard was NITS. The problem with NITS is it was very hard to meausure as there is no standard distance, etc. The brightness of this sign certainly meets the standard Fridley has in its Code today, but they just pointed out to staff that really if you were to try and enforce that there is no accurate way to do that. By switching to the foot candles there is actually a way to measure it. Mr. Boyntun stated with regard to the content, the State obviously prohibits any advertisement of tobacco, etc. As a company they do not take advertisements that have any lewd, offensive, or pornographic material, but would be willing to add that as a stipulation if needed. Obviously they cannot control it constitutionally but privately they certainly can and would be more than willing to. Vice-Chairperson Oquist asked Mr. Boyntun whether they have any problem with the stipulations? Mr. Boyntun replied, not at all. Commissioner Heintz asked Mr. Boyntun if he knew how many trees they are going to have to take down. Mr. Boyntun replied, there are three dead trees there now and he thinks the pine tree is going to go. The City is also going to see very shortly a development plan from Public Storage who is their partner in this. Public Storage is going to be coming before the City with a plan to expand their facility, a new building, etc.; with a more detailed landscape plan so they are coordinating with them on the landscape plan, they understand the City’s tree replacement requirements, and are fine with that. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 5 of 17 Commissioner Ostwald asked Mr. Boyntun whether they program the sign remotely or do they have to be on site when they put the advertisements up on the billboard? Mr. Boyntun replied, no, it is programmed remotely. MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Hanson. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:15 P.M. Commissioner Sielaff stated this is pretty straightforward. MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff approving Special Use Permit, SP #18-01, by Blue Ox Media Group, to allow the construction of a billboard on the Public Storage property, generally located at 5350 Industrial Boulevard with the following stipulations: 1.Petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to installation of proposed sign. 2.Petitioner to provide a to-scale site plan depicting the size, location and setback of the sign prior to issuance of a sign permit. 3.Petitioner shall provide detailed scaled plans of: the sign, sign structure, sign footings, structural engineering, sign lighting and locations of private and public utilities, prior to plan review for sign permit. 4.Petitioner shall meet all Code requirements for billboard and electronic signs. 5.Petitioner shall provide landscape plans for replacement on site of any trees to be removed for sign placement. Replacement trees shall be at least 2 ½ inch caliper inch in size if deciduous or 6-feet tall if conifers at time of planting. A variety of species must be proposed. 6.Landscaping at the base of the proposed sign is encouraged, but this space cannot be used to meet the tree replacement ratio required. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Rezoning, ZOA #18-02, by Pulte Homes along with the City of Fridley is requesting to have five parcels (PIN #’s 113024340013, 113024340014, 113024340011, 113024340009, and 113024340012) around the new Civic Campus rezoned from P, Public Facilities, to S-2, Redevelopment District, to ready the land for private development. This rezoning process will also allow Pulte Homes to master plan the properties generally located at 6911 University Avenue and the vacant parcel to the east to allow for the construction of the villa home project. MOTION by Commissioner Heintz to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 6 of 17 THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:17 P.M. 3. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Plat, PS #18-02, by Pulte Homes, to replat the properties generally located at 6911 University Avenue and the vacant parcel to the east to allow for the construction of 26 villa homes. MOTION by Commissioner Hansen to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:17 P.M. Stacy Stromberg , Planner, stated the petitioner, Paul Heuer, with Pulte Homes in coordination with the City is requesting to have five parcels of land around the new Civic Campus rezoned from P, Public Facilities to S-2, Redevelopment District, to ready the land for private development. Those five parcels of land include Outlots A, C, D, E and F. Ms. Stromberg stated Pulte Homes is also requesting to replat Outlots E and F to allow for the construction of 26 new villa homes. Ms. Stromberg stated on May 22, 2017 the City Council approved the final plat for Locke Park Pointe which established lots for the new Civic Campus (Lot 1) and includes City Hall, Police, Fire, and Public Works, the storm water pond amenity (Outlot B), the proposed parkway (Outlot D), and the areas for private development (Outlots A, E and F). Ms. Stromberg stated in November of 2017 the HRA issued requests for proposals for the first phase of the Lock Park Pointe private development portion of the project, and the City received three proposals. After reviewing those proposals in February of 2018, the HRA adopted a resolution approving a redevelopment agreement with Pulte Homes for Phase 1. Ms. Stromberg stated the homes will range in size from 1,600-1,950 square feet and will have up to 3 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms. Pulte will provide foundation landscaping and trees for the customers to choose from out in front. The development will also include boulevard plantings and will manage storm water through the use of a wet detention basin and a bio filtration basin. Landscaping of common area and sidewalk maintenance will be managed by a homeowners association. Ms. Stromberg stated the new homes will take access off of new roadways that will be constructed by the petitioner and connected to the parkway north of this phase. The City does anticipate the new parkway north of the project area to be constructed around the same time as this development occurs so the new roadways constructed by the petitioner will be able to connect to the parkway. Ms. Stromberg stated Pulte will be ready to start construction as soon as all the City approvals are in order. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 7 of 17 Ms. Stromberg stated the current zoning of all the properties involved in this rezoning request is P, Public Facilities, because they are all owned by the City. The petitioner is requesting in coordination with the City to have all the lots that will be used for private development to be rezoned S-2, Redevelopment District. When a property is rezoned to S-2 Redevelopment District, an accompanying site plan is required and that becomes the master plan for the site. If the rezoning and subsequent master plan is ever modified at any time it would then come back to the City Council and the Planning Commission for review and approval. The existing water treatment site facility will not be rezoned, because the City will continue to retain ownership. Ms. Stromberg stated a master site plan has only been designed by the petitioner for the single-family villa home portion of the private development area, which includes Outlots E and F. That is the master plan they are asking for approval of tonight. The preliminary plat analysis is replatting the existing Outlots E and F to create 27 new lots and 3 outlots. Again, 26 new single-family villa homes; 1 lot to be used for the water treatment plant that exists today; and there are 3 outlots for water retention and relocation of greenspace and park area. Ms. Stromberg stated staff does recommend approval of the rezoning and plat request as it does meet the goals and objections the City and HRA have set for private development on this site. Staff recommends that if the plat is approved, the following stipulation be attached: 1.Petitioner shall pay park dedication of $1,500 for each single-family villa lot created as a result of this plat. Commissioner Hansen asked is the existing connection from the service road going away? Ms. Stromberg replied, it is but not now. She just talked to Paul Bolin with the HRA about that this morning. He thought maybe this fall would be the earliest they would see it go away because they are still going to need it for construction and for the neighbors to get out. Commissioner Schwankl asked do they know what would happen with the approximately $45,000 in park dedication fees? Commissioner Heintz replied he does not think they have really had a chance to go over that. This is the first time he is hearing it, too. There are a lot of plans in the capital improvements and they will wait to see what area they can have for this park. They are looking at putting a new park in this area along with park equipment. Commissioner Hansen stated back to his question about the connection. That is basically the way you get into the neighborhood now. To get to there in the future or to get to the church, you will have to go through the private streets to get to the public streets. Ms. Stromberg replied they are not going to be private streets. The new streets in the Pulte development will be public streets. Commissioner Schwankl asked whether they know what the projected price per home will be? Ms. Stromberg replied she thinks the petitioner is going to cover that in his presentation. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 8 of 17 Paul Heuer, Pulte Homes, stated he has with him, Eric Padget from their office and also Reed Schultz from Land Form which is their civil engineering and landscape architecture consultant. They have been involved in this broader redevelopment project from the beginning. They build nationwide under three different name brands – Centex, Del Webb, and Pulte Homes. What they are building are actually the same homes that Del Webb builds in many of these large active adult communities that you might have heard of across the country such as Sun City; primarily in the south but increasing in the northern climates as well. Mr. Heuer stated they are a national developer and builder. They build and sell about 500 homes a year in the Twin Cities. They currently have 18 communities or neighborhoods they build in with 5 communities very nearby. The closest one they have built in most recently is in New Brighton where they had a very similar partnership. They bought land from the city and it worked out very well. Mr. Heuer stated their market in this neighborhood is primarily 55 and older. They call it an “active adult” community. Through their research through Del Webb across the country they have learned that half the people who are empty nesters, stay in their community if they can find certain things. That is what they are always trying to strive to provide to this buyer. They will stay in their community if they can find an active lifestyle, a quality product, and the right location. They believe for many of the residents for Fridley that this provides just that. The active lifestyle through the trail along Rice Creek, the parks, and the open space the City is creating. Del Webb has a long record of satisfying empty nesters in terms of the product they are looking for. Mr. Heuer stated as to the economic value of this type of buyer is really strong. These are typically people who have some disposable income. They are at a stage in their life where they have saved up money and are spending it now. Also, their social contribution can be massive to a community. Sometimes the impact is quite tremendous because of the volunteer work they typically provide. Mr. Heuer stated he wanted to clarify a few things that perhaps were not clear in the narrative. The narrative said they were two-story homes, but that is not the case. These will be single-level homes and also the stone and brick accents will be offered as options to the buyers. There is always an option for an upstairs, but these are typically two-bedroom homes with an option of a third or fourth bedroom. Mr. Heuer stated they are aiming at the low to high $300,000’s. These will be slab-on-grade homes in general. There are six of the homes on sites where there is a natural walkout so those for sure will have basements. The other ones will have options of either slab or a basement. There are four different floor plans. Also, there will be a homeowners association. Mr. Heuer stated they are hoping to start construction which now is looking to be in early June or May. Their goal is to get done building a model home in late September/October. He would imagine they might start seeing homes built out there in March-April and perhaps have all of them sold by the end of next year and maybe by the end of 2020 have them all built. Vice-Chairperson Oquist asked who is responsible for maintaining the streets? Would Fridley be plowing those? Mr. Heuer replied, yes. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 9 of 17 Commissioner Hansen asked if the City would be in charge of maintenance of the stormwater features that are built in this development? Ms. Stromberg replied she was not sure on that and it something the City will work on with Pulte. Mr. Heuer replied, it is his understanding that all the sewer, the water, the stormwater, all the public infrastructure will all be owned and maintained by the City. Commissioner Hansen asked Mr. Heuer what are they planning to do for the street trees? Do they have a certain number of boulevard trees they are planning to provide per lot? Mr. Heuer replied they have a variety of different species for the boulevard trees. They also focus hard on putting additional trees as buffers in key areas. For instance, in the entrance area of the service drive, as you start getting into the neighborhood, they make sure there are some buffer trees there. Commissioner Schwankl stated it looks like most of the streets have sidewalks? Mr. Heuer replied they have sidewalks going on one side of every street. Commissioner Hansen asked who will plow the sidewalks? Mr. Heuer replied, every city has its own policy. Commissioner Ostwald stated he assumes the petitioner has done a lot of market research on this. He asked whether they have had a lot of inquiries about this so far by the potential residents? Mr. Heuer replied, considering they have not advertised and he does not believe that legally they can as they do not own the property, they have already gotten more than a handful of calls from people who are anxious to hear about it. Commissioner Schwankl stated they are beautiful homes. We are fortunate to have that next level of ownership option in the City. Commissioner Sielaff stated this will be an association then? Mr. Heuer replied, it is. It is a homeowners association so it will be a separate legal entity that is recorded against the property so every property owner will have to be a part of the homeowners association, and their dues will go towards the common maintenance of all the yards, the snow removal, and just the operations and management of the homeowners association itself. Commissioner Sielaff stated so that means that individual driveways will be plowed for the individual unit and lawn cutting? Mr. Heuer replied, yes, everything but the building itself. The buildings themselves will be owned and maintained by the homeowners. Commissioner Ostwald asked as to the water treatment plant, the City owns that lot. Are they going to do something to camouflage it or make it a little more appealing? Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 10 of 17 Ms. Stromberg replied, there are plans to do an addition and with that they will do some updating and improvements to the structure so it fits in better. Commissioner Sielaff asked are there required setbacks because there is a well there because of the treatment plant. Is there a setback that needs to be maintained for a well? Ms. Stromberg replied, the Public Works Department has been working on that; and the site plan shows the correct setback and layout. Commissioner Hansen asked, is that the pond that is going to be the sedimentation pond that is closest to the treatment plant? Ms. Stromberg replied, she is not sure. Commissioner Sielaff stated it is a concern because any stormwater retention basin is going to seep and that is why he asked about the setback, to make sure the City takes that into account. Ms. Stromberg stated, that is something our Public Works department is already working on. Chris Sandstrom, Director of Operations for Commercial Transload of Minnesota, stated their address is 7151 University Avenue and they are zoned for heavy industrial. They are a transload facility that has a railroad engine and they operate the rail line that comes in and out of there. He wanted to ask the City Council as well as Pulte Homes if they know that they are going to be placing homes around a heavy industrial area and also would like to know if they understand there is a lot of truck traffic coming in and th out of a facility that uses 69 Avenue. He loves the homes, they are beautiful. But their business has been here for over 20 years and there is a lot of heavy truck traffic with a lot of heavy loads, so there will be a lot of noise. Mr. Sandstrom stated they do have their own switcher engine that has diesel and fuel smells as well as a lot of banging. He wants to make sure that when changing the zoning to residential, that everyone involved (including the City Council and Pulte Homes) understands there is potential traffic constraints and loud noises all hours of the night. They do operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, mostly weekdays between 5 a.m. until 3 p.m.; but they do work with their customers on weekends. Vice-Chairperson Oquist stated this villa home project is going to be on the south side of the campus itself. It will be a ways from where Mr. Sandstrom is talking about and will be buffered by the City Hall complex. Mr. Sandstrom stated he worries about the truck traffic coming in and out. His business model has changed over the last two or three years where, originally products got to the site by rail and was trucked out. As the economy has changed, there are more trucks in and trucks out. Now everything is swinging back to rail in and then truck out. Mr. Sandstrom stated even though there will be a buffer between his use and these homes there is still the possibility of a lot of horn blowing because by law they have to blow the horn on every crossing even in the middle of the night. Commissioner Hansen asked, what is the frequency of the trains? Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 11 of 17 Mr. Sandstrom replied, it used to be only 1 or 2 switches. Their facility can hold up to 3 cars, maybe 4 depending on the commodity and the size of the car. Just recently over the last two weeks, even today there were 7 switches and there could be more. Even though it is far away from the new development there could be potential traffic issues and problems. There may be grandkids at the park, people coming and going, and he wanted to let it be known there will be a lot of truck traffic and there could be a lot of noise and smell of diesel fuel. He does not want to jeopardize their business in the future year when it comes to possibly sounding horns and telling them they cannot have as many trucks. Commissioner Oswald asked is it an issue right now for the existing neighborhood? Have there been any complaints or problems with the residents who are back there? Mr. Sandstrom replied, over the years they’ve received a few phone calls saying can you quit blowing the horn at like 10:30 at night? They have had issues over the years when we have so many trucks th literally lined up all the way from 69 on the service road. This could be an issue for people working in the new Civic campus too. thst Commissioner Sielaff asked why do they use 69? Isn’t 71 an option? Mr. Sandstrom replied, most trucks coming over to their facility are coming over the road and come th from all over the United States. They come from the south on University, and exit on 69 to get to our rd location. When they come down on Highway 65, then they come off 73. It depends on the truck driver th but most of them come down University and in on 69. th Commissioner Sielaff stated he is just scratching his head as to why they need to use 69 when they have rd 73 to use. th Mr. Sandstrom replied, his guys usually come in and out on 69; and they have 15 trucks that operate. th He tells them how to get there, but they put the address in their GPS and 69 is the way it typically directs them. Commissioner Sielaff asked and we cannot restrict them? Commissioner Schwankl stated they are public streets. Gerald Mackelberg , 425 Rice Creek Boulevard, they have lived in their home for 52 years so they have seen that area transform dramatically. He does not have any serious objections to what Pulte is going to do there. They understand fully that in order to develop that property they had to do something with it in terms of selling it. He thinks they will be good neighbors. The drawing the staff showed a little different from the one he got in the mail. It showed a road down the middle, but if this is going to be the final plat they do not have any problem with that. Mr. Mackelberg stated the biggest problem they will have is with what Mr. Sandstrom talked about, and th that is the traffic. There is a lot of truck traffic that comes in and out of 69. The other part of it is Woodcrest Baptist has a school there and you do not want to be on that corner about 8 in the morning or 3:30 in the afternoon because there is a lot of traffic. Pulte Homes are going to add more traffic, plus the Civic Center coming in and the police station, etc. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 12 of 17 Mr. Mackelberg stated the problem they see with the City of Fridley and with MnDOT is how are they th going to change this corner so everybody can get in and out of 69 reasonably and safely. Right now it is a little difficult. At certain times of the day you cannot pull out into the intersection, and it is not just rd because there is a semi there, there is just a lot of traffic. The other end of it is 73 is not much better. He thinks it is a City of Fridley problem. Margaret Mackelberg , 425 Rice Creek Boulevard, stated the neighborhood has always been concerned about the traffic from the very beginning of all of this. She never really heard their neighborhood complain about the train. However, the traffic – yes; and that is a concern they’ve brought up at all the meetings. That has always been the concern is what is going to happen with the traffic, and there is not a clear answer. Commissioner Ostwald stated he knows they have been talking to the State or the County as far as access onto University Avenue with a right-out and he knows they will not let them do a right-in/right-out on there. He asked Ms. Stromberg whether there has been any further discussion on this? Ms. Stromberg replied, staff is still talking with MnDOT about a right out for emergency vehicles only. strd They are also discussing potentially making an extension off of 71 through Target’s property to 73, and they are also discussing a roundabout option coming out of the new parkway that will help people to get in and out of the service road quicker rather than just sitting at a T-intersection. Those are all things they are mulling over right now. They did have a traffic study done as part of this whole redevelopment project. It is something that the City is definitely aware of and is trying to find solutions for because there is going to be a lot more people in this area. Commissioner Schwankl asked whether there will be a need to dedicate any of this land if they are going to do a roundabout, for example, do they need to give any of that back to make that happen? Ms. Stromberg replied, no. Loren Isaacs , principal for Woodcrest Baptist Church, stated they have about 170 kids in school with about 100 families coming and going with their cars during that timeframe. Again, seeing that the one little section might be cut off, he wants them to understand that down the new street by the senior homes there would be probably 30-45 minutes where there will be 70-80 cars in the morning and afternoon, five days a week, during school. Also, on Sunday morning they have probably about 100 cars coming between the hours of 9 and 9:30, leaving around 12. They would all be going through that residential area. So it would change a lot of traffic patterns. Mr. Isaacs stated from a school standpoint they are going to miss the soccer field. From a church standpoint they are looking forward to having the opportunity to have ministry to more people in that area. It will not be that big of a deal for them coming and going but for somebody living in the villa homes there will be a lot of cars coming and going. th Commissioner Ostwald asked why are they taking that 69 extension out? Commissioner Hansen asked whether there has been any consideration of allowing maybe an in-only access, a one-way access at that point, maybe directed towards the church? Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 13 of 17 Ms. Stromberg replied she is going to defer to Reed with Landform and asked if he had any additional information on that? Reed Schultz , Landform Professional Services, stated at this point in their conversations with the City staff to try and ease some of the traffic issues they will have is that it is advisable at this point to close down that intersection and move all that traffic up to the potential roundabout or the T-intersection they are talking about in the future. They are going to take a look back at the traffic study that was done and are talking about adding the roundabout into that traffic study and analyze where they are with that. They can take a look at a right-in/right-out option in there as a way to help some of that traffic. On behalf of Pulte they obviously are not super excited about all the traffic coming into the neighborhood but understand that as part of the project that may be the only option they have at this point. Mr. Schultz stated they are going to continue to analyze this and will certainly take these comments into consideration and go back to City staff and look at it. Mr. Schultz stated as to the pond, there is wellhead protection and setbacks in place that every city has to adhere to. It is to protect the groundwater and the aquifers that you are pulling out of those wells. In this case they do have to meet stormwater requirements of Rice Creek as well as the City’s requirements. In their conversations with the city engineering staff they are looking at the western pond as the wet detention pond that will hold water. The one on the far east side is their filtration basin which will be drawn down and filtered and discharged into Rice Creek. The sedimentation pond on the west side will be lined to keep the water from infiltrating in. That is a requirement of all cities who have this wellhead protection. Mr. Schultz stated they are also in talks with the city engineering staff to see if there is an option to do some alternative treatment instead of the pond or possibly removing that pond completely in hopes of trying to clean up some of the contamination that is occurring or potentially could occur. They are looking at those options but at this point it is designed for a wet retention basin. Commissioner Sielaff asked if they are looking at a synthetic liner? Mr. Schultz replied, they will likely look at clay liners as they are pretty effective. Commissioner Sielaff stated the problem with clay liners is if they dry out, they crack. Mr. Schultz replied this pond will hold water as it has enough drainage going to it so it likely wouldn’t dry out. MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff to close the public hearings. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WERE CLOSED AT 8:01 P.M. MOTION by Commissioner Schwankl approving a Rezoning, ZOA #18-02, by Pulte Homes along with the City of Fridley is requesting to have five parcels (PIN #’s 113024340013, 113024340014, 113024340011, 113024340009, and 113024340012) around the new Civic Campus rezoned from P, Public Facilities to S-2, Redevelopment District to ready the land for private development. This rezoning Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 14 of 17 process will also allow Pulte Homes to master plan the properties generally located at 6911 University Avenue and the vacant parcel to the east to allow for the construction of the villa home project. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff approving Plat, PS #18-02, by Pulte Homes, to replat the properties generally located at 6911 University Avenue and the vacant parcel to the east to allow for the construction of 26 villa homes with the following stipulation: 1.Petitioner shall pay park dedication of $1,500 for each single family villa lot created as a result of this plat. Seconded by Commissioner Ostwald. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. RECEIVE MINUTES FROM OTHER COMMISSIONS: 1. Receive the minutes of the February 5, 2018, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. MOTION by Commissioner Heintz to receive the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. Receive the minutes of the February 13, 2018, Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting. MOTION by Commissioner Hansen to receive the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Sielaff. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON KONDRICK DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OTHER BUSINESS: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, stated she is here tonight to discuss a new initiative to create a pollinator friendly Fridley. This is an initiative that came out of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission during discussions related to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan which coincided well with discussions they were having at a staff level between herself and the Parks operation staff. Ms. Workin stated as they know pollinators are those animals responsible for the fertilization of plants and the creation of fruits and seeds. There is a wide variety of animals that function as pollinators in our ecosystem, birds, bats, and the most famous ones, the butterflies and the bees. Definitely the biggest attention getter right now is the Western or European honey bee. However, when we talk about that bee (which is the common honey bee) it is important to remember this is not a native species to the United States. It was brought here from Europe to function as livestock. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 15 of 17 Ms. Workin stated here in Minnesota we actually have a ton of native species of bees. In the United States there are over 3,500 species of bees; and 400 of those live in Minnesota. We have 20 native species of bumblebees in our state, and these bees really function differently. When we think about honey bees and picture a hive, those are very social bees. However, a lot of our bee species are solitary; and they live individually. Ms. Workin stated while a honey bee lives in a hive, most of our native bees either live underground or in cavities. We have a ton of different bees, and they all need different needs. We talk a lot about the importance of pollinators and the roles they play both ecologically and economically. Pollinators are responsible for 75 percent of flowering plant reproduction, and that is mainly coming from those native bees. They play a really important role in the ecosystem as well as in our food web. They are also important economically, especially the honey bees. Pollinators are responsible for one-third of our food and drink production which comes out to $29 billion worth of annual products in the United States. Ms. Workin stated a lot of our pollinators are experiencing decline, and this is occurring across a bunch of different species. This has been attributed to four main causes which are habitat loss, poor nutrition, pesticide use, and parasites. The City of Fridley, which directly manages a lot of acreage of land as well as indirectly influences the management of a lot of acres of land, has a huge effect on the success of pollinator’s species. When we think about our parks and look at mowed turf grass. Unless there is clover or dandelions coming through, that is the pollinator equivalent of a bare food shelf. There is nothing there for pollinators to eat or places for them to serve as habitat. Ms. Workin stated but the City of Fridley is doing a lot of great things to support pollinators currently. They recently updated their animal ordinance to allow for a beekeeping license. Honey bees are also raised at Springbrook Nature Center through the Camp Bees Knees Program, and a really beautiful pollinator-friendly landscape was installed on East River Road off of the trail. When you go there when the flowers are in bloom; it is bustling with pollinator activity. Ms. Workin stated in discussions with the Park management staff, our Environmental Quality and Energy Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Commission there is a lot more we could be doing which is why they would like to put forth this new initiative and cement that in a pollinator-friendly resolution at the policy level. A copy of that resolution is included in the packet. Ms. Workin stated Fridley would be joining 20 other Minnesota cities in adopting a pollinator-friendly resolution. However, Fridley would be the first in Anoka County. The resolution focuses on three main action steps: one is planting more pollinator forage. This would be carried forth by the City’s parks operations staff. They would also be more strategic in their pesticide usage. Decreasing pesticides in areas where it is not needed. They would also be increasing education, including signage at the City’s parks, related to the importance of pollinators and public outreach efforts through City communications, Springbrook Nature Center, and other avenues, including education for developers and the public on the benefits of pollinators and pollinator-friendly plants. Ms. Workin stated she recommends that the Commission recommend that the pollinator-friendly resolution be brought to City Council for approval. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 16 of 17 Commissioner Ostwald asked whether there were any programs, for instance, he has a huge yard and he would love to put in a huge area where it would promote bees. Is there a program at all as what he would put in or how he would go about starting it? Ms. Workin replied, right now there are technical resources and some financial resources available through Anoka Conservation District and some of the watershed districts depending on where you live. They are also hoping that by passing this resolution, they would be more competitive for any grants that could potentially come forward to promote pollinators. Part of their education outreach would include a section on the City’s website about establishing a pollinator garden or patch in your own yard which would try to distill a lot of the information that is out there on the internet because it is kind of overwhelming and draw on the knowledge that the City’s parks and operations staff have and what they have learned through installing those gardens at our own parks. Commissioner Sielaff asked whether they need funding to do this? Are they using City staff funding to do this? Ms. Workin replied, at Springbrook Nature Center a lot of the pollinator plantings have been installed through grant funding and in partnership with other entities. A lot of the areas in the City are already currently managed for landscaping or are designated for flowering plants so it would just be a decision of switching ornamental plants that do not have this benefit for pollinators with plants that are native to Minnesota or are better food for pollinators. A lot of those plants also have really good co-benefits. Native plants have longer roots so they capture more storm water, sequester more carbon, they prevent soil erosion. Then when we are looking at how we manage our parks and this is part of a conversation they are having, with low-maintenance grasses, turf alternatives. When you take these areas out of mowing that is also shifting what type of work is done in our parks. Commissioner Sielaff asked is there a need for additional funding because there is the State Legacy Fund. Ms. Workin replied, they are currently not anticipating any change in the capital improvement budget for this project. They would be interested and focused on looking for grant funding for any above and beyond plantings or larger scale plantings. MOTION by Commissioner Hansen recommending the Pollinator-Friendly Fridley Resolution to the City Council. Seconded by Councilmember Heintz. Commissioner Schwankl stated when she helped design the new Columbia Heights library; they were focused on giving a patch up for pollinators. Maybe Fridley can even look at something like that at the Fridley library. Commissioner Heintz stated that is kind of the intention to have the pollinator plantings in the ponding areas. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADJOURN: MOTION by Commissioner Sielaff to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Ostwald. Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2018 Page 17 of 17 UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON OQUIST DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Denise M. Johnson Recording Secretary