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2012-05-08 CC Packet Joint PCAlbertville JOINT CITY COUNCIL PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, May 8, 2012 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL — ADOPT AGENDA 2. MINUTES April 10, 2012 Planning and Zoning Meeting (pages 1-3) 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 4. OTHER BUSINESS 2012 Albertville Visioning Study Document Review 5. ADJOURNMENT "A quorum of Council members may be present." .A\jbcrtvjjjC smdr TOUM Lwhow et MY urN6 UNAPPROVED PLANNING and ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES April 10, 2012 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kocon called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners Kocon, Lindberg, Olson, Totman, and Edgren were present. Council representative Jillian Hendrickson filled in for Dan Wagner who was absent. Staff members present: City Planner Al Brixius, and Zoning Administrator/Building Official Jon Sutherland. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved as submitted. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 15, 2011 Olson moved, second by Edgren to approve the February 15, 2011 minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. City Planner Al Brixius noted the public hearings for both cases are advertised and will be conducted at the next Council meeting due to the accelerated schedule for each case. ZONING CASE # 12.01: LOT 2, BLOCK 1 PARKSIDE COMMERCIAL CENTER - NEW HORIZON CHURCH - ORDINANCE/PUD AMMENDMENT Report From Staff: Chair Kocon introduced the case and City Planner Al Brixius commented on the request for a PUD/ Ordinance Amendment as requested by New Horizon Church, who currently leases space in the Parkside Commercial Center. Brixius reviewed the background and history since the original approval in 2000 and the modification that occurred in 2008. With its approvals the City Council included the limited assembly use of the Church within the PUD for commercial uses with conditions that addressed concerns of traffic, parking, and the proposed mixed use building/development being dominated by the Church. Brixius commented the increase of floor area from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet was not a great increase and the City City of Albertville Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes April 10, 2012 had not experienced any complaints or problems with parking to date. Brixius commented the site has shown to have ample parking. The proposed expansion was viewed as a positive step in the Parkside Centers site and Brixius determined the Church would not overwhelm the other business uses. Pastor Glasser discussed the operation of the Church and explained the use and expansion. Councilor Hendrickson commented she has not experienced any traffic problems and is in the area frequently. Kocon's only concern was the vehicular entrance during peak periods of traffic. The Commission concurred with the Planners report, comments and recommendation. Brixius recommended approval based on the application, the findings and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Lindberg moved, second by Olson, to recommend approval of the Ordinance Amendment/PUD modification based on the findings and recommendation of the April 4, 2012 planning report. Kocon, Totman, Edgren, and Hendrickson voted yes. Motion carried unanimously. ZONING CASE # 12.02: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW ACCESSORY OUTDOOR DINING — 5722 MAIN AVENUE — NEIGHBORS EATERY AND SALOON Chair Kocon introduced the case and City Planner Al Brixius commented on the request for a CUP to allow outdoor dining as contained in the application and the staff report. The Planner included comments from the City Public Works Director/Engineer (PWD) Adam Nafstad. Brixius described the site recommended approval based on the application, the findings and subject to the conditions, including the PWD's comments listed in the staff report. Kocon commented on the vehicular entrance and was concerned with pedestrians and customers coming and going to the outdoor dining. Brixius explained the option of the fence along the sidewalk on Main Avenue and also addressed the PWD input, that the required setback for an improved parking surface is five feet from the property line. Brixius noted the existing gravel area is the same area that will be paved and that the condition of the fence is intended to provide some protection and separation for pedestrians. Brixius reviewed the layout of the site and the screening/landscaping that is proposed to the south and to the west to separate the noise and prevent headlights shining onto the adjacent residential properties. The property to the west is also separated by the oversized garage and the existing solid wood fence. He noted the proposed landscaping appeared acceptable. The Commission discussed the outdoor dining restrictions and compared the hours of operation for the outdoor use by other establishments in the city to seek consistency is hours of operation and regulations. 2 City of Albertville Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes April 10, 2012 The Commission responded to Brixius' report regarding the proposed fencing at the rear door and agreed with the Planner's comments. They were concerned with the separation and activity at the rear door adjacent to the existing residential use. They discussed and considered the condition to raise the height of the rear deck guard to be equivalent to a be a 6 foot solid fence. Discussion regarding the seating area included curtailing food service at 9:00 P.M. but allowing the outdoor area to be occupied until later consistent with other establishments. It was noted the bar/restaurant existed prior to the adjacent residential use and Brixius explained the CUP for an over sized garage given to the adjacent residence to provide buffering The discussion included reviewing the exiting with a comment by Building Official Jon Sutherland regarding the required exit separation. Jon stated a minimum of two exits are required and they must be separated and the rear exit is required. Hendrickson complemented the business for making the investment and the improvements in this highly visible corner, the Commission concurred stating improvements were needed. Brixius discussed the parking requirements and the proposed agreement and conditions. He responded to Olson's suggestion regarding reducing the length from 20 to 18 feet incorporating an area for a vehical to overhang the curb. Brixius would review this suggestion with Engineering and include it in the discussion at the Council meeting. Brixius commented that outdoor cooking would not be prohibited during Albertville City Days. The consensus of the Commission was in favor of the request and that it represents an improvement to the property. Hendrickson moved, second by Totman, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit with conditions outlined in the April 4, 2012 planning report with the following changes and additions: Condition 9: Change "northeast" to "southeast"; Condition 19: The City Council discuss the need for hours of operation and establish limits workable for the business and neighborhood. Kocon, Edgren, Lindberg, and Olson voted yes. Motion carried unanimously. 6. OTHER BUSINESS Brixius reminded the Commission the Town Hall Meeting is Saturday from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. There was no further business. 7. ADJOURN Totman moved, second by Olson to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Jon Sutherland Recording Secretary 3 Albertvi11E Small Town Living. Big City Life. ,* 0 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction..................................................................................................... 1 Small Town Atmosphere.................................................................................. 3 Paceof Growth................................................................................................. 4 LandUse.......................................................................................................... 9 ResidentialLand Use........................................................................................ 9 HouseholdTypes.............................................................................................. 16 AgeCharacteristics........................................................................................... 17 CommercialLand Uses..................................................................................... 19 IndustrialLand Uses........................................................................................ 30 EconomicDevelopment................................................................................... 32 PublicFacilities................................................................................................. 33 Finance............................................................................................................. 38 TenYear Projects............................................................................................. 39 List of Maps: Issues............................................................................................................... 2 Five Year Improvement Plan........................................................................... 8 ExistingLand Use 1995................................................................................... 11 Existing Land Use 2012 — DRAFT.................................................................... 12 ProposedLand Use.......................................................................................... 13 Access Concepts 1 through 5.......................................................................... 22-26 Parksand Trails................................................................................................ 36 2011 Park and Trail Plan.................................................................................. 37 List of Tables: Table 1— Population, Household, Household Size 1990-2010 ....................... 4 Table 2 — Housing by Age 2010...................................................................... 5 Table 3 — Developed Land Use Comparison 1995 — 2012 .............................. 9 Table 4 — Housing Units by Type 2000, 2010................................................. 9 Table 5 — Household Types 1990, 2000, 2010............................................... 16 Table 6 — Age Characteristics 1990, 2000, 2010...............:............................ 17 Table 7 — Median Age 1990, 2000, 2010....................................................... 18 Albertville Vision Study DRAfTMAY3, 2012 INTRODUCTION The City of Albertville has commissioned this study to define the vision, goals, and priorities of the community for the next 20 to 30 years. Through a series of interviews with the City Council, Planning Commission, property owners, and City staff, the following issues and opportunities were identified. The issues are now present for further discussion by the City to establish goals, priorities, and strategies to address each issue. This will provide direction for the City in its future planning, administration, and investment efforts. Albertville Vision Study DR4FT- MAY3, 2012 1 \li �� .. Street I '-'' •Improvements J ,i SMALL TOWN ATMOSPHERE Albertville is a community of four square miles in area with a current population of approximately 7,000. The people interviewed were complementary of the City's small town atmosphere which was characterized by the following features: • Small, walkable community • Attractive, friendly residential neighborhoods • Strong local school system • Trail system that allows residents to walk or bike within neighborhoods or to local destinations • Strong civic organizations, clubs and programs • Friendly City Days • Local businesses that serve the community residents • Local golf course The following features work against the City's small town atmosphere: • Physical barriers (I-94, County Road 19, County Road 18, Main Street) divide the community and separate neighborhoods. The physical barriers limit locations for crossings and access. • Traffic volumes on the City's major streets present public safety concerns that emphasize the streets as physical barriers. Albertville Vision Study DRAFT- MAY3, 2012 3 PACE OF GROWTH The following table illustrates Albertville's dramatic growth over the past 20 years. During the housing boom in the 1990s and early 2000s, Albertville's population grew from 1,251 people in 1990 to 7,044 people in 2010. TABLE 1 POPULATION, HOUSEHOLD, HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1990-2010 1990 2000 % Change 2010 % Change 1990-2000 2000-2010 Population 1,251 3,621 189.4% 7,044 94.5% Household 410 1,287 213.9% 2 377 84.5% Household Size 1 3.05 2.81 - 7.9% 2.96 5.3% Source: U.S. Census The rapid pace of residential growth has benefited the City in the following ways: • The City required developer -installed improvements that construct the City's street and utility infrastructure. • The new growth created new commercial markets that spurred the City's commercial development like Albertville Crossings. • The growth generated taxes, fees, and charges to pay for new community facilities. Albertville's residential growth stalled in 2006 with the national collapse of the housing market. Additionally, the City's residential vacant land supply has declined to approximately 199 acres. With a limited amount of vacant residentially zoned land, the City will be transitioning from a fast growth community to a maturing community. This change in growth pattern raises the following concerns: Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 4 1. Infill development of remaining vacant residential land. The City will need to continue to demand creative neighborhood designs, quality home construction and interconnected neighborhoods. Interviewees indicated that the City should not rush infill development. The City should be selective to insure quality neighborhoods in the remaining vacant residential land. The City should promote home ownership. 2. As existing housing stock continues to age, the City will begin to see issues with housing conditions. The following table indicates 80 percent of the City's housing stock is less than 20 years old, however, the City has scattered sites and neighborhoods showing declining housing and site conditions. The declining housing conditions can negatively affect property values of neighboring properties and detract from quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood. TABLE 2 HOUSING BY AGE 2010 Units Percent of Total 2000 or Later 1,182 47.5% 1990 — 1999 828 33.3% 1980 — 1989 253 10.2% 1970 — 1979 102 4.1% 1960 — 1969 18 0.7% 1950 — 1959 9 0.4% 1940 — 1949 18 0.7% 1939 and Earlier 78 3.1% TOTAL UNITS 2,488 100.0% Source: U.S. Census Albertville Vision Study DRAFT-MAY3, 2012 3. The City has benefited from property owner reinvestment of insurance claims following several hail storms during the past years. Property owners have replaced siding, roofs, and made other exterior improvements to their homes. This has gone a long way to keep Albertville's housing stock in good condition. There are instances where property owners have not reinvested insurance payments back into their properties. These homes show signs of deterioration to roofs and siding. 4. Other housing condition issues raised through the interviews include: • Excessive outdoor storage. This may include recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, junk, and trash cans parked in the yard or in the driveway. • Broken or deteriorated driveways. Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 6 5. The City has adopted a vacant home ordinance that has assisted in protecting the City's housing stock from abandoned or foreclosed homes. This ordinance requires all abandoned or foreclosed homes to be registered with the City. The City then turns off utilities and inspects the property to insure that it is secured. The inspector also notifies the foreclosing bank of property and building issues that must be completed prior to re -occupancy of the building. 6. The vacant home ordinance and the rental ordinance assist in protecting the City's housing stock. The following programs may also be considered: • Point of Sale Housing Inspection. This program would require a house inspection and Building Code improvements as a condition of sale or occupancy. • Driveway Permits. This permit would insure proper repair of driveways that are blended with City sidewalks, trails, street and curb. 7. As the City continues to age and the remaining vacant land becomes developed, the City will face changing priorities. The replacement, maintenance, and upkeep of existing infrastructure will need to be conducted without the revenues from new growth. Some of these improvements include: • Street and utility reconstruction, repair and replacement must be coordinated with City budgeting to insure funds are earmarked for infrastructure replacement. • Street overlay and seal coating program. • Five year capital improvement planning. • 57t" Street storm sewer improvements. • Storm sewer and ditch improvement at Barthel Drive and through the Barthel Industrial Park. • Cleaning and re -grading County Ditch 9 through Albert Villas. • Park improvements. Albertville Vision Study DR1FTMAY3, 2012 LAND USE The following table illustrates a comparison of existing developed land by land use category between 1995 and 2012. The maps on the following pages illustrate community growth between 1995 and 2012. TABLE 3 DEVELOPED LAND USE COMPARISON FOR ALBERTVILLE 1995-2012 1995 Acreage 2012 Acreage Low Density Residential 237 759 Medium Density Residential 1 77 High Density Residential 16 16 Commercial 9 165 Industrial 46 89 Public / Semi -Public 140 167 Park and Recreation 28 299 Public Right -of -Way 302 469 TOTAL 779 2,041 Source: RESIDENTIAL LAND USE Albertville's growth between 1990 and 2010 was predominantly low density single family residential. The following table illustrates Albertville's housing units by type. TABLE 4 HOUSING UNITS BY TYPE 2000, 2010 Unit Type 1990 Total % of 2000 Total % of 2010 % of Total 1 unit detached 311 74.5% 932 69.7% 1,854 75.6% 1 unit attached 43 10.0% 165 12.2% 405 16.6% 2 units 6 1 1.5% 20 1.5% 0 0% 3 — 4 units 7 1.5% 25 1.9% 18 0.7% 5 — 9 units 49 11.5% 9 0.7% 21 0.9% 10 — 19 units 32 2.4% 44 1.7% 20 or more units 147 11.0% 111 4.5% Mobile Homes 2 1.0% 8 0.6% 0 0% TOTALS 418 100.0% 1338 100.0% 2,453 100.0% Households 410 1,287 2,377 Vacant Units 8 51 75 Vacancy Rate 1 1.9% 1 1 3.8% 1 1 3.1% Source: U.S. Census Albertville Vision Study DRAFT- MAY3, 2012 9 Albertville's housing stock consists of 76 percent single family, 16 percent townhomes, and 8 percent multiple family dwelling units. In looking to the future, the following comments were offered: 1. The majority of the interviewees thought that the City has enough multiple family housing and the City should not change zoning to accommodate more multiple family housing. The remaining residential zoned property should infill with low density single family developments. 2. The City does want expanded senior (age restricted) housing with services as a means of providing a full range of life cycle housing within the community. The City is willing to consider a land use and zoning change to accommodate a high density senior housing project. 3 Albertville Vision Study DRAFT- MAY3, 2012 10 ❑ Agricultural - Tilled ❑ Low Density Residential* Medium Density Residential High Density Residential E Commercial EXISTING LAND USE Industrial ® Public & Semi -Public Park & Open Space Lakes & Wetlands ❑ Undeveloped / Vacant Denotes twin home lots which are classified as low density. (Physical Inventory conducted on 9-25-95) Source: NAC, Inc. CITY OF ALBERTVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DECEMBER 1995 INVENTORY a -Nwm 40 '001 .4 Ella. Throughout the interviews, most people were complimentary of the City's residential neighborhoods, citing attractive neighborhood design and quality housing construction. The following features were identified as adding to the residential quality: 1. Generous lot sizes of most newer single family lots. 2. Quality housing construction. 3. Sidewalk and trail system. 4. Proximity to neighborhood parks. 5. Access to a variety of local businesses. 6. Golf course neighborhoods. Negative aspects cited with regard to residential development are: 1. Scattered sites and neighborhoods of poorer housing conditions. 2. Excessive outdoor storage of boats, recreational vehicles, and trailers. 3. Parks that are predominantly wetlands. 4. Physical barriers that isolate neighborhoods. Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 14 In discussions within the interviews, the following residential designs should be implemented: • Install sidewalks within all new plats. • Provide sidewalks or trail connections between neighborhoods and City destinations. • Replace front yard bituminous trails with concrete sidewalks. • Avoid future private streets and street eyebrows, or center islands in cul-de-sacs. • Avoid water stand pipes within driveways. • Address deteriorated housing conditions. • Limit outdoor storage in residential neighborhoods. • Provide opportunities for larger garages/accessory buildings. Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 15 HOUSEHOLD TYPES The predominance of single family housing has attracted young families with children to the City. Table 5 illustrates that the City's predominant household type is married couples. The percentage of single parent households has dropped between 2000 and 2010, but the actual numbers have not seen significant change. The proportional change in single parent households may be due to the predominance of single family housing built during the 2000s. The City has experienced a significant increase in unrelated households primarily between 2000 and 2010. TABLE 5 HOUSEHOLD TYPES 1990, 2000, 2010 Household Type 1990 0/0of Total 2000 0/0of Total 2010 0/0of Total Male Householder 50 12.2% 184 14.3% 113 4.7% Female Householder 47 11.5% 228 17.7% 207 8.7% Married 288 70.2% 790 61.4% 1479 62.2% Unrelated 1 25 1 6.1% 1 85 1 6.6% 578 1 24.4% TOTAL 1 410 1 100.0% 1,287 1 100.0% 2,377 1 100.0% Source: U.S. Census Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 16 4 AGE CHARACTERISTICS The following table illustrates Albertville's population by age groups for years 1990, 2000, and 2010. Proportionally, Albertville's age groups have remained fairly consistent between 1990 and 2010. TABLE 6 AGE CHARACTERISTICS 1990, 2000, 2010 A e 1990 2000 2010 SCHC OL AGE 3 -Under 5 years 175 417 754����� 5 — 9 years 140 337 761 10 — 14 years 79 343 601 15 — 19 years 59 200 452 Total School Age 1 453 1,297 2,568 Percent of Total 36.2% 35.80;o 36.4% Ililll 2411IIIII FORCE. 20 ears 126 245 309 25 — 29 years 195 389 525 30 — 34 years 153 456 691 35 — 39 years 75 396 738 40 — 44 years 68 263 623 45 — 49 years 39 134 499 50 — 54 years 41 96 338 55 — 59 years 29 91 227 60 — 64 years 23 69 156 Total Work Force 749 2,139 4,106 Percent of Total 59.9% 59.1% 58.3% RETiREC! 65 — 69 yearsl 19 52 121 — 7 r 70 4 years 13 7 8 9 4 75 — 79 years 8 31 76 80 — 84 years 6 13 47 85+ years 3 11 32 Total Retired 49 185 370 Percent of Total 3.9% 5.1% 5.3% GRAND TOTAL 1,251 3,621 7,044 Source: U.S. Census Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 17 • In 2010, 36 percent of Albertville's population fell within the school age category. This large percentage of school age children reflects the significant number of young families within Albertville. This young age group and their parents place demands on City resources including education, recreation, parks and trails. • The work force age group (20-64 years) shows a slight decline in a portion of Albertville's population between 2000 and 2010. • The City's retirement age population has grown both in number and as a proportion of the population. This can be attributed to the aging of the City's in - place population and the development of housing geared toward senior citizens (i.e., The Cottages of Albertville and townhomes). It is anticipated that the City's senior population will continue to grow, placing demands on services such as senior programming, housing and medical care. Reflective of the trends illustrated in Table 6, Albertville's median age has gradually increased over the past 20 years. Table 7 illustrates Albertville's median age. TABLE 7 MEDIAN AGE 1990, 2000, 2010 Year Median Age 1990 28.2 years 2000 28.8 years 2010 30.9 years Source: U.S. Census Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 18 COMMERCIAL LAND USES The interviews pertaining to commercial land uses were expanded to include a number of the City's larger landowners. 1. In review of the City's Proposed Land Use Plan, a number of people raised questions with regard to the amount and location of Albertville's commercial land uses. • Some are concerned with the quantity and location in regard to the time it will take to develop. Property owners with B-2 zoning would like a greater range of uses to spur development. These property owners would like the City to consider alternative land uses such as fast food and gas stations in the B-2 District or a change in zoning to multiple family. • Others expressed the opinion that the City should stand pat on its commercial land use areas. This position is based on growing residential markets in Otsego and St. Michael, County travel patterns that lead to Albertville, Albertville's direct access to I-94, and the Albertville Outlet Mall. 2. Most interviewed expressed satisfaction with the quality and design of the City's newer commercial developments (i.e., Shoppes at Towne Lakes, Outlet Mall, Albertville Crossings). However, most expressed a need to establish a plan or vision for the Main Street businesses and the commercial land uses along County Road 37. These getaway locations were identified as being visually unappealing and detrimental to the City's identify. The City will need to consider renovation or redevelopment options when planning for these areas. Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 19 3. A number of older, vacant buildings that were originally constructed for industries but are now zoned commercial have presented difficulties for maintaining tenant occupancy. These buildings do not meet current Building and Fire Codes (sprinkling) for commercial occupancy, but the sites are no longer suited for the original industrial land uses. Ultimately, these buildings may be redeveloped, however in the interim, the property owners have a difficult time finding tenants for these buildings. While some buildings have found occupants, the difficult sites include: 6737 County Road 19 6575 County Road 19 5670 MacIver Avenue 5354 59th Street 5720 Barthel Drive 4. Site access will drive future commercial areas. The following locations have difficult access issues: • 6575 and 6551 County Road 19. These sites will be limited to right -in, right -out access to County Road 19 when County Road 19 is improved as a divided highway. A backage road is needed to provide secondary access to 67t" Street. • 6793 County Road 19 will require access from 67t" Street to accomplish commercial development. • Northwest Albertville. Property owners in this area seek to have a street connection with the Outlet Mall. Albertville Vision Study DRAFT MAY3, 2012 20 • The Zachman parcel in northeastern Albertville is land locked within Albertville. A future street will be needed to connect this site with MacKenzie Avenue. • The area at the northeast corner of County Road 19 and 50th Street will need to obtain street access from future 53rd Street extension , County Road 19 and 50th Street. The City will need to work with Wright County to secure a workable 50th Street access if this area is to be developed as commercial land use. • 5933 County Road 19 will require access through the private street through Albert Plaza Addition. • The Eicher property (4804 County Road 19) is a large single parcel. Its future land use planning must relate to the adjoining land uses and will depend on future access design. Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 21 W LLI F Z Z a. Y >J,' J. r ff� i � t n, g MAP a P (i Cy Ow i °rrl1416 UN1 F" f' e0 250 Feet • D. © Bolton & Menk, Inc - Web GIS 9 P• X F/ rr�� "Z y �7 lm NW Commercial Park Figure 1.0 I e0 250 Feet I I lid \ e © Bolton & Menk, Inc - Web GIS Y \Ibcrf E Mall Access Figure 2.0 e0 450 Feet Abe C © Bolton & Menk, Inc - Web GIS North East Area Figure 3.0 0 450 Feet 1bErtvijje �vNh� CSAH 19 East © Bolton & Menk, Inc - Web GIS Figure 4.0 in '.'" I ZONING / ACCESS ??? e250 Feet >�1bErtvijje • EICHER Figure 5.0 © Bolton & Menk, Inc - Web GIS 5. The Outlet Mall is a major draw to the community — 4 million shoppers into Albertville per year. Past relationships with the mall have been at times contentious. However, generally the mall is viewed as a positive local attraction, provides a strong tax base, provides employment opportunities, and some spin off businesses. In looking to the future, the City will want to take advantage of this attraction and try to promote complementary commercial growth that may attract spin off businesses from the mall. To implement this strategy, the following suggestions were offered: • Market to recreational/entertainment and hospitality businesses that may appeal to the Outlet Mall shoppers and inspire longer stays in the community. • Provide a vehicular connection between the Outlet Mall and 67th Street to allow business interchange without having to re-enter County Road 19. • Consider the larger area identification sign (i.e. dynamic billboard) that would advertise businesses, events, or specials in northwest Albertville. • Complete the I-94/County Road 19 C-D road and ramp. • Improve County Road 19 north to a four lane highway and provide necessary backage road to access the commercial areas from 67th Street. • Establish regional stormwater ponds and drainage system to economize on the buildable land in northwest Albertville. • Investigate means to reduce or subsidize SAC/WAC charges for hospitality businesses as an incentive to attract these businesses. Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 27 6. The Albertville Downtown was a target of criticisms for its appearance. Those interviewed states that the City must establish a vision for this commercial area of the City. Suggestions for improvements include: • Bury the overhead utilities. • Improved sidewalks for pedestrian friendliness. • Enhance the entrance to Central Park. • Building face lifts. • Redevelop the old City shop building along with the pizza restaurant to create an attractive entrance to the Downtown from County Road 37. Albertville Vision Study DRA FT- MAY3, 2012 28 7. Properties along County Road 37 and 60th Street are guided and zoned for commercial uses. This area contains a mix of residential, industrial and commercial land uses. The City should look at this area again and confirm its long range land use intentions. Under the current zoning, the residential properties are legal non -conforming uses which complicates any desired home expansions by the property owners. 8. The interviewees identified the following commercial businesses as being desirable for the community: • Businesses that may be complementary to the Outlet Mall including: • Hospitality businesses, hotels, conference centers, restaurants. • Entertainment and recreational businesses. • Retailers that may appeal to men (i.e., Bass Pro Shop). • Big box general merchandise retailers. • Lumber yard or home improvement store. The following businesses are seen as being overly abundant in Albertville: • Pizza restaurants. • Gas stations. Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 29 INDUSTRIAL LAND USES The following perspectives include comments from Albertville's local industries. 1. Most interviewed thought that the existing industrial park is an asset to the City that should be promoted and grown. The proposed industrial land use pattern east of Barthel Drive is appropriate and compatible with St. Michael's. land use planning. 2. Interviewees expressed the following concerns with the existing industrial park: • Future industrial development along Barthel Drive must be designed (both site and building) to avoid nuisance issues (glare, noise, odors, etc.) from being directed toward residential neighborhoods to the west. • The industrial traffic in Barthel Drive is not compatible with the on -street trail. Families with small children are intimidated to share the street with large truck traffic. Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 30 • The ditch and storm sewer through the industrial park requires some redesign to reduce flooding at the corner of 55t' Street and Barthel Drive. In talking to the local industries, the following Albertville strengths were cited for locating in Albertville: • Small town atmosphere provides an attractive living environment for the employees. • Access to I-94. The access to I-94 going both east and west via County Road 37 is a critical consideration for Albertville industries. • Proximity to the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area provides ease of access to company vendors and customers. • Albertville has proven to have excellent employee loyalty. Companies value and reward employee loyalty. 4. Albertville has a strong and appealing industrial base. The companies are clean, highly technical, and high paying industries. While struggling through the recession, a number of companies are currently experiencing potential record sales this year. A number of companies have expressed interest in expansion. This will provide immediate local opportunities for economic development. INDUSTRIAL LOTS .FOR SALE LOT 2 O BLOWCKCK 1 s.14 ACI M DAB BLOCK 2 3ADACRBB s 598d 8TRIM M LOT 1 BLOCK 4 r H LOT 1'. h _ BLOCK 3 1A1 ACRES OOTLO! B CONTACTCITY OF ALBER E 763- -3384 www.d.albertville.mmus Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 31 5. Local industries have expressed frustration in finding trained employees to fill needed positions (i.e., die cast, tool and die, fabricators, etc.). Some companies have been working with the high school and Alexandria Vocational Technical School to provide scholarships to students that may fill their areas of need. Many were not aware of Wright County and State Department of Employment and Economic Development programs to pair qualified employees with employers. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Most of the interviewees identified economic development (expansion of the City's commercial and industrial land uses) as a priority for the City. The following suggestions were made for economic development: 1. Define the City's land use goals for commercial and industrial areas as related to: • Location, land supply, variable lot sizes. • Access. • Zoning: types of use, site design, architectural quality. • Utility availability and capacity. 2. Economic development strategies: • Advertise with professional media; market in professional magazines (retail, industrial, construction). • Keep tax, fees, charges and SAC/WAC fees low. • Grow in -place industries. • Identify available financial incentives (i.e., tax abatement, tax increment, DEED grants). 3. Identify and market to preferred commercial businesses and industries: • Hospitality businesses. • Entertainment businesses. • Retailers that complement or benefit from the Outlet Mall. 4. Public improvements that will aid in improving economic development: • Completion of I-94/County Road 19 interchange. • Completion of Phase II of the I-94/County Road 19 interchange. • County Road 19 improvements from Outlet Mall to 70t" Street. Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 32 • Outlet Mall street connection to 67t" Street. • Local street extensions of 53rd Street, LaCenter Avenue. • Expansion of street and utilities along Marlowe Avenue to expand Barthel Industrial Park. • Extension of utilities to Green Haven area. PUBLIC FACILITIES 1. City Hall, Public Works and the Fire Hall are new facilities that are designed and sized to meet the City's needs well into the future. 2. There is a need for fiber optic links between the City Hall, Fire Hall, Public Works and the Ice Arena to avoid communication breakdowns. 3. In looking to the future, Public Works values having the old Downtown maintenance building for storage of equipment. If this area is lost to redevelopment, they will need additional cold storage at their site. Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 33 4. Joint water system appears to be working adequately, serving each member community. The City currently has no problems with supply, distribution, water quality, or pressure. In looking to the future, the five year capital improvement plan must be annually reviewed to include repairs or replacement of older, broken down water infrastructure. 5. The existing sanitary sewer treatment plant has the following issues: • The plant is currently operating below MPCA permit allowances for liquids. • The plant is nearing capacity for solid waste treatment. To expand capacity, the City will need to add a digestion tank and add reed beds. • The City is still using its ponds. The ponds were to be decommissioned per MPCA permit with the last plant upgrade. • MPCA has sent a letter to all cities that have waste treatment plants that discharge into shallow lakes requiring the plants to reduce their phosphorous discharge from 1 mg/million to .06 mg/million. MPCA has given 10 years to implement this phosphorous reduction. This is not an easy fix and may be quite expensive. The City will need to plan and budget for the required improvements to avoid having the plant become an obstacle for future development. • The sewer collection system has no bottlenecks. Albertville's sewer collection system is reliant on six pass stations. Sewage from Albert Villas subdivision must pass through all six pumping stations to each the plant. • The City must address aging infrastructure with its five year capital improvement plan so it can be prioritized, planned, and budgeted. Utility improvements must be coordinated with City street and storm sewer improvements to avoid duplication of costs. 6. The City is currently working with the School District, St. Michael, and the Hockey Association to construct a second indoor sheet of ice at the Ice Arena. In consideration of this issue, the following opinions have been expressed: • The Ice Arena is an important community asset. It is a priority to retain and expand this regional facility in Albertville. • The Ice Arena expansion costs are to be shared with St. Michael, the School District, and the Hockey Association. Building expansion on the current site presents land area issues due to the building size and required Albertville Vision Study DRAFTMAY3, 2012 31* 1. parking. To provide sufficient land, it is likely that Albertville will need to identify and pay for a solution. • Recently, an opportunity for a public/private partnership has been discussed for the expansion of the Ice Arena. This opportunity may require an alternative site for the Ice Arena. The City will need to investigate this opportunity further to determine: • Is the project real and how it may be financed? • Is the alternative location acceptable to the City and its public partners? • What is the timing of the project? 7. The Albertville park and trail system was identified as a positive asset for the community. Most interviewees indicated that the City's trail system is highly desirable. The 2011 Trail System Plan should be integrated with the City's Five Year Street Improvement Plan to build incomplete trail or sidewalk segments. Albertville Vision Study DRAFT MAY3, 2012 35 R AN` 6111i.11, s6l MENOMONEE @ -- MENEM Pl NMI Imp I jLfflae FINANCE The City is changing from a fast growth community to a maturing community. In this light, the City revenues move away from development fees and toward taxes and assessments for infrastructure replacement. Albertville has a number of large projects identified for the next 10 years (see attached). In planning for these improvements, programs and services, the City must be cognizant of the changing revenues. The following issues have been identified related to City finance: 1. State assistance to the cities will likely continue to decline, requiring cities to fund operations and projects locally. The loss of these State funds will be reflected in increased local tax rates. 2. Albertville has used its enterprise funds to finance projects with the expectation of repayment. Anticipated payments have not always occurred on schedule, placing the enterprise fund in the hole. 3. The past tax increases were capped by the Council at 3 percent. These tax rates are not sufficient to cover all expenses, debt service, and repayment of enterprise funds. 4. The City needs to balance taxes with debt, services, personnel and capital improvements. The enterprise funds need to be replenished. 5. The City needs to prioritize projects based on community needs and its ability to finance the specific improvements. Albertville Vision Study DR4FTMAY3, 2012 38 TEN YEAR PROJECTS I-94 / County Road 19 Interchange Phase 1 I-94 / County Road 19 Interchange Phase 2 County Road 19 North 50th Street Improvements / Sewer and Water Annual Overlay and Seal Coat Trail and Sidewalk Maintenance Improvements Main Street Improvements Ice Arena Expansion Waste Treatment Plant (Phosphorous Reduction) Waste Treatment Plant (Pond Removal) Waste Treatment Plant (Digester/Reed Beds) Green Haven Street and Utility Improvements 57th and Lambert Street Storm Sewer Improvements Barthel Industrial Park Ditch County Ditch 9 Improvements / Clean Out 54th Street and Barthel Industrial Boulevard Storm Sewer Improvements Fiber Optic Connections Between City Hall, Public Works, Fire Hall, Ice Arena New Community Playfield North of Waste Treatment Plant Economic Development Incentives Sewer and Water Extension to Golf / Jason Redevelopment Trail Improvements along County Road 18 Stormwater Pond Cleaning Albertville Vision Study DRAFT MAY3, 2012 39