Loading...
2019-04-29 City Council MinutesNbertville &Mon Town 11Nny. f9 aty U ta. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, April 29, 2019 APPROVED MINUTES 1. Call To Order Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 7:53 p.m. Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Cocking, Halling, Olson and Vetsch Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator-PWD Adam Nafstad, City Attorney Mike Couri, Fire Chief Eric Bullen, City Planner Alan Brixius, and City Clerk Kimberly Hodena Others Present: Henry Hansen, Noah Larson, and Scott Dahlke of Doug A. Carlson, Inc., County Commissioner Mike Potter, Planning Commissioner Walter Hudson 2. Heuring Meadows High Density Residential Plan Brixius reported the 11 acre lot along the west side of CSAH 19 and north of 53`d Street NE is currently guided and zoned commercial B2. The previous concept had three apartment buildings with quadraminiums. The concept plan proposes 160 apartments in the two buildings, 20 quadraminium units a six unit townhome and a commercial lot for a 12,000 square foot daycare facility. The units will all be market rate rental units. Brixius explained that the applicant is seeking Council feedback on this concept prior to creating detailed development plans and submitting formal application; this will save the applicant significant plan and application fees should the concept be rejected. Brixius further explained that the concept is in conflict with the current land use plan and would require a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, preliminary and final plat, and planned unit development (PUD) concept. Brixius detailed the access to the site, stating a traffic study would be required to identify needed traffic controls. The applicant provided a narrative detailing the concerns previously expressed regarding the apartments. Brixius stated that concerns from last year also included traffic, renter vetting, and amenities. Vetch inquired about green space for older children rather than only playground equipment for younger children. Brixius reported that there is limited greenspace in the concept that would not accommodate a large soccer field, etc. and Nafstad did state the concept would bring significant park dedication funds. Vetsch also felt the city wouldn't be flush with profit from this development and they need to be careful when considering the concept. He also had concerns with the rental units generating additional calls for law enforcement. Hendrickson inquired about green space for the daycare and Hansen replied the play area would be fenced in. She felt the quadraminiums are a good buffer to the neighborhood to the west. She wants to be sure that parking regulations are enforced. Cocking asked if there will be covenants put in place or if that makes it less marketable. Hansen felt they could control regulations through 1:. the lease agreements and the leases provide more control to correct issues. Cocking stated he is concerned about future owners and if the buildings become deteriorated and no longer fit with the vision plan. He was also concerned with removing a prime piece of land for commercial use. Even if the Council is on board with the concept, he sees that it could be a concern in the future. Hansen replied it is mostly long term holding companies that own these. He also indicated that market rate apartments require underground parking. Cocking inquired if there really is a demand for that type of housing and Hansen replied there most definitely is. He stated people are having a hard time finding apartments they find desirable. Surrounding cities have built a couple of recent buildings and they are at 100% occupancy. However, there isn't much in STMA and people want to live where there are good schools. He also stated that younger families don't want a traditional home and would rather not have maintenance to do. Hansen also felt the concept will help the local businesses. Other benefits include a larger tax base, park dedication and payment of SAC/WAC fees. He felt the concept is a good compromise with fulfilling housing needs and retain some commercial use on the site. Hendrickson stated that businesses have expressed their desire for more housing for their workers. Nafstad inquired if the city can influence the management style in the development agreement. Couri reported they may be able to but would need to be careful about violating any constitutional rights. Larson reported what they are seeing is that renters are renting by choice rather than necessity and they put amenities in to keep renters at the property. Nafstad stated he expects there to be many public comments from the neighborhood to the west. Cocking inquired about a buffer/barrier between the single family dwellings and the proposed concept. Hansen replied that there is an existing berm with trees and they could possibly add to that; he would not want to see it taken down in order to put in a fence. Halling inquired about the quality of materials, if it will be similar to the Cottages of Towne Lakes. Hansen replied that wood floors are not conducive to rental, but they could do marble countertops and similar exterior materials. Halling inquired about the green space and if there will be a pool. Hansen stated they would hope for a pool and most renters prefer an indoor pool. Hendrickson wanted to be sure there was adequate underground parking. Brixius stated the anticipated number of cars would be two per unit, with one underground stall and one outdoor stall. Hudson stated he was glad to see a concept for the lot as. it has sat vacant for quite some time. The alternative is to let it stay. -vacant. Olson expressed concerns with having daycare parking right along CSAH 19 in such a visible location. He inquired if the playground could be switched to that location and parking in the back of the building. Hansen replied the business owner had concerns with a playground right next to a high traffic road, even though it will be fenced in. Dahlke stated the daycare provider was concerned about errant vehicles and also wants the front of the building to be visible as they have certain architecture used at their other location. He also reported there will be a garden area for the Montessori school. Olson suggested then removing a third row of parking to bring it down to two rows instead. Nafstad stated the importance of adequate play area and Hansen stated they will also have a gym type area in the building. Hendrickson inquired why the pond was so large and Dahlke stated that it is required. Council felt the Planning Commission should see the concept plan and see if they are supportive of it before making formal development application. Brixius stated it will be brought to the next Planning Commission meeting in May. 3. Cielo Property Uses Brixius reported staff received an inquiry about potentially allowing a cabinet shop as a light industrial use at the location. He stated it is currently zoned B3 and inquired if Council has any interest in allowing that use. Vetsch stated he was not opposed and would consider it. Cocking had some concerns as that is an entrance into a large neighborhood and if there would be odors, noises, etc. Bullen stated the building is already sprinkled. Nafstad reported staff has had a good number of inquiries on that lot for many types of uses. 4. LMC Conference, June 26-28 Nafstad inquired any of the Council was interested in attending. Halling was interested as well as Hendrickson but could only attend June 26-27. 5. LGN D.C. Fly -In, July 24-25 Cocking would like to see the I-94 Coalition take the lead on lobbying efforts and Nafstad replied 2019 is a transition year and hopefully that will be the case next year. Cocking felt July is not an appropriate time to go to D.C. and they should wait until September. Nafstad will get back to the group. 6. Adjournment Motioned by Hendrickson, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 9.22 p.m. Ayes: Hendrickson, Cocking, Halling, Olson and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION DECLARED CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, q, Kimberly A.Hodena, City Clerk