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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-13-2022 PC Minutes 1 CITY OF MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Tuesday September 13, 2022 1. Call to Order: Chairperson Nielsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Planning Commissioners John Jacob, Beth Nielsen, Cindy Piper, Justin Popp, and Braden Rhem. Absent: Planning Commissioner Ron Grajczyk. Also Present: City Planning Director Dusty Finke and Associate Planner Deb Dion 2. Changes to Agenda Nielsen noted that Item 10 should be the August 10th minutes rather than August 9th. 3. Update from City Council Proceedings Finke provided an update on recent City Council meeting activity. 4. Representative at Next City Council Meeting Finke advised that the Council will be meeting the following Tuesday and Jacob volunteered to attend in representation of the Commission. 5. Planning Department Report Finke provided an update. 6. Pioneer Highlands – South of Pioneer Trail, East of Willow Drive – Onyx Performance Investment LLC – Preliminary Plat for 4 Lot Rural Subdivision (PID 0911823110002) – Public Hearing Dion presented a four-lot rural subdivision request on the subject property which is approximately 68 acres. She reviewed the proposed lot division layout and septic designs as required during preliminary plat. She noted that each lot identifies a preliminary and secondary location as required and in compliance with City Code. She stated that this request would meet all requirements of a rural subdivision. She commented that the site is currently vacant and farmed. She stated that three separate wetlands were identified through the required delineation and the applicant has shown the required buffers. She stated that the south portion of lots three and four contain floodplain and the applicant completed modeling and will complete a LOMA prior to final plat as required. She stated that staff has reviewed the stormwater plans and has provided conditions. She stated that each of the lots is required to have easements, along with the shared driveway. She commented that if the subdivision meets all of the standards the City would have a relatively low amount of discretion upon review but could place additional conditions upon the application. Jacob asked the minimum wetland buffer. 2 Dion stated that each wetland is different based on the management class. She noted that one of the wetlands has a required buffer of 35 feet while the other two are 25 feet. She noted that the principal structure must also be setback an additional 15 feet from the buffer, whereas an accessory building could be setback five feet from the buffer. Nielsen opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Michael Botten, 2522 Pioneer Trail, stated that this land was previously farmland. He stated that it looks like the driveway is across from his driveway which means he would get headlights towards his door and asked if that could be moved. He advised of the underground creek and the path it takes until it comes above ground, noting that it feeds into the wetlands all the way to Highway 55. Mr. Dickerson, 2625 Pioneer Trail, asked how many of the Commission members have walked the property or drove past. He stated that this area has a lot of wetlands and therefore he is concerned that the changes to this property would add impervious surface and could cause drainage changes. He asked how the water enters and flows out of the site. Mark Gronberg, representing the applicant, stated that there are two ways the water leaves the site. He stated that the north half of the property drains north into the wetland and under the culvert under Pioneer Trail. He noted that some of that water would be temporarily retained. He commented that the site is currently farmland and dirt with a high runoff factor. He stated that seeding grass would help to slow the runoff rate. He noted that they have been working with the watershed district on the application. Nielsen closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Piper commented that she likes the recommendations of staff and was impressed with the detail. She hoped that would address the concerns from the residents. She hoped that the report from the Commission would include the mention of the watershed. Nielsen asked if the applicant has any issues with the conditions as proposed by staff. Gronberg stated that he did not have any issues as those are typical review comments. Popp commented that overall, this is a good plan for the property. He stated that of the 15 conditions recommended by staff, six address the concerns related to the wetlands and watershed which address the concerns of the residents. Rhem echoed the comments of Popp. Jacob agreed. Nielsen also agreed, noting that she supports the request as long as the conditions are met. Motion by Piper, seconded by Popp, to recommend approval of the preliminary plat subject to the conditions in the staff report and emphasis on the conditions related to watershed. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Grajczyk) 7. City of Medina – Hamel Legion Park – 3200 Mill Drive – Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for Construction of Covered Grandstand – Public Hearing 3 Finke stated that this application is from the City for a CUP and Site Plan Review for a covered grandstand in Hamel Legion Park. He noted that the grandstand is proposed by the Hamel Hawks and Hamel Athletic Club (HAC) and advised that those organizations have done fundraising for the project. He noted that some City support is requested and that will be discussed by the City Council. He stated that the grandstand would take the place of the bleachers at Fortin Field. He provided details on the size of the grandstand and reviewed the zoning and related zoning standards. He stated that staff recommends a condition related to height to ensure 30 feet is not exceeded. He stated that the grandstand is not anticipated to impact the programming in the park but would be an amenity for people watching the game at that field. He reviewed the sketch and photographic example provided by the applicant. He stated that there have been comments related to parking during evening events at the park and noted that staff has provided comments related to parking. He commented that staff does not believe that those impacts would be intensified, and staff will address the parking concerns regardless of whether this moves forward. He stated that perhaps the sightliness of the back of the grandstand should be discussed along with lighting, noting that any lighting should be downcast. Jacob asked the capacity of the grandstand, and it was noted as 360. He asked for details on the netting, and that was noted that it would provide safety for the seating. He referenced the topic of signage at the parks, which was not discussed in this proposal. He asked if additional advertising would be needed to fund this expenditure. Finke stated that the ordinance was amended related to the scoreboard feature within the park. He stated that the amendment also allowed for internal advertising signs on the park property Piper asked the timing for the project and whether the needed sponsorships have been received. Greg DeVos, Hamel Hawks, confirmed that they have raised the funds necessary for the project. Popp referenced the issue of parking and asked the capacity of the grandstand compared to the current capacity of the bleachers. DeVos replied that there are currently three sets of five row bleachers. He commented that they are not increasing the number of games on the field. He stated that the current seating does not provide adequate visibility. Finke stated that the main issue with parking is related to practices when all the fields are being used. He noted that the purpose of the bleachers is for the games when other HAC activities are not occurring. Popp asked if any landscaping was included in the CUP. Finke replied that there was no landscaping proposed to be incorporated as a part of this project in addition to what exists in the park. Jacob asked if this field would be used for tournaments as that could impact the parking. DeVos replied that HAC does not use the fields on the weekends unless there is a tournament. Nielsen stated that the schedule would not increase as a result of the grandstand. 4 Popp asked the approximate number of games that are played on this field during a season. DeVos provided details on the length of the season and the number of games. Jacob noted that in the early spring the field has been used for high school games. Nielsen opened the public hearing at 7:42 p.m. Nielsen noted that email comment received from Nicole Sanders who had questions related to parking, fencing, and concessions. Dan Holm, 4500 Alverado Ln, stated that the residents in his neighborhood love the park and use the park daily. He stated that they chose the development because of the access to the park. He commented on the walkability to the different businesses in the community. He noted that parking is the number one concern for the neighborhood. He stated that his neighborhood is actually in Plymouth, and they have posted the street as no parking because of the issues that have arisen because of people parking on both sides of the street. He stated that when there are overlapping games there are issues with parking and concern for the safety of the children. He noted that the streets in the development were never intended to have parking on both sides. He did not believe that expansion should occur of the park facilities without increasing parking. He stated that there is land to add more parking in the park. He stated that people should also be made aware of the Mill Street entrance to the park. Nielsen asked how many times during the summer there was a significant problem with parking. Holm stated that the issue occurred Tuesday through Thursday for the spring little league season. He suggested a few places near the sliding hill where parking could be added. Piper asked if there is land that could be converted to parking. Christopher Sele, 4865 Brockton Lane, stated that when sitting on his deck he can watch the sunset but if the grandstand is built, he would no longer be able to do that because it would be blocked. He commented that he is a baseball player and coach and supports the Hamel Hawks. He stated that he supports the park but is concerned with the lack of data that seems to be utilized to inform this process. He stated that this would increase the seating of the park, but it has been stated that this will not impact parking. He stated that he does not want this grandstand in his backyard. He stated that he has three children, one of which has special needs, and it has been a battle to deal with the noise from the business and park. He stated that the increased capacity would equate to the park being 180 stalls short for parking in order to support that increased capacity. He commented that one of the areas mentioned for additional parking is where ice skating occurs in the winter and where people play fetch with their dogs. He stated that the only feasible location for parking would be to purchase homes and turn that area into parking. He commented that the fields are being used more than three nights per week. He stated that he was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, which was a rough recovery and not made easier by the park noise and parking issues. He realized that he could live somewhere else but noted that he purchased his home because he and his family enjoy the park. He stated that he now has epilepsy and has had to have police and fire to his home multiple times because of his seizures and therefore he needs to have access for emergency services to his home. He stated that parking, safety, noise, and lights are all concerns that he feels should have more information. He stated that when Fox 9 was at the park, he had no less than 50 people walking through his yard to get to the park which resulted in damage. He stated that he called the police 1.5 weeks ago because some kids were getting 5 into an argument and the lights were being turned off and on, which led to arguments at Inn Kahoots. He noted that he has called the police many times because of concerns for safety and negative activity at the park. He believed that more data should be provided to support the request. He stated that the visibility from the bleachers is fine as he often watches games. He stated that he is working with his real estate attorney to determine the diminishing value of this property as a result of this project. He highlighted conditions recommended for the CUP that he did not believe were accurate. Jacob commented that the park is a busy place whether it is baseball or just general use. Brad Sanke, 4665 Brockton Lane, stated that his neighbor was the previous speaker and highlighted many of the concerns that he shares. He stated that his backyard also faces the proposed grandstand which would be 100 feet or less from his property. He stated that he has emailed the City and HAC with complaints about trash. He stated that at the end of the adult games there are beer cans and beer cases outside of the trash cans. He commented that he often picks up bottles and cans when he is out walking his dog. He provided an example of a situation he experienced waking up to find the electrical panel at the park wide open because there is not a safety lock on the panel. He stated that he walked the park to inventory the available parking in different locations throughout the park. He asked how there could possibly be enough parking for the families using the park. He commented that the issue is not just happening Tuesday through Thursday. He noted on September 6th he walked the parking lot and counted the number of adults and provided that data. He asked where additional parking could be added. He noted that his home and those of his neighbors could be purchased and parking could be added in that location. He stated that he has asked the police to sit in his driveway on three occasions to observe these issues. He provided an example of a safety concern he witnessed with children attempting to get into their parent’s vehicle. He believed that more handicap parking would also be needed. Barb Northway, resident of the Villas at Copper Creek, stated that she serves on the neighborhood Board, and they all use and enjoy the park and want to be good neighbors. She commented that her concern is related to parking as she feels the park is over programmed. She noted that on some nights there are ten fields being used. She stated that perhaps the programming is spread to other parks, spread across more days, or maybe less children are accepted into the program. She asked if a parking study has ever been done on the park to determine whether the parking supports the programing. She did not believe the park could handle additional visitors to the grandstand. Nielsen asked if the park has been busier because Hunter Park was shut down this year. Finke acknowledged that was a factor this year, but definitely not the main issue. Northway commented that the four smaller fields were previously in the soccer area rather than the outfield area which has brought more parking demand to the east where it was previously shared by the west. Greg Swenson, 19015 45th Avenue, stated that 360 seats will be added and asked if the existing bleachers would be removed. It was confirmed that this would replace the bleachers. He noted that parents should be provided information on where parking can occur and therefore park in the closest location. He stated that if parking were added where the ice- skating rink is, could that still be used for skating in the winter. Sanke referenced a letter from Pat Truax which stated that use of Hunter Park would unload 10 percent of the traffic from this park. 6 DeVos stated that they have been working to keep town ball available in Hamel. He stated that they are aware of the issues with traffic and HAC has worked with Medina police in the past to assist in traffic management. He commented that there are over 600 kids in the HAC program and over 200 additional children were denied. He stated that HAC does realize there is not enough space and they have been working with the City to address that issue. He noted that the field is open for public use and there are neighborhood kids that use the fields and do not properly maintain the fields. He stated that the grandstand would be moved 40 feet closer to home plate which would be further from the homes than the existing bleachers. He stated that after every game, the coaches and ball players pick up trash. He stated that there are not enough trash containers, and they are working with the City to get additional containers. He recognized the Fox 9 event and stated that he was not aware of any problems that occurred that night, noting that they even had people park at the VFW and shuttled them from there. He stated that the grandstand would improve the viewing and some of those viewers would walk to the games. He stated that the LED lights are downcast and do not shine into homes. He stated that they have the correct number of ADA seats and parking stalls. He noted that they do have a lock on the electrical panel and will follow up to ensure that lock is still operational. He stated that they are attempting to make the experience better for fans with the grandstand seating. Roh Khana, Villas resident, commented that there is an undertone of pleading from the residents. She stated that if there is somewhere else, they should be voicing their concern, they would be open to that as their concerns thus far seem to fall on deaf ears. She stated that the residents love where they live and love the park, but there needs to be a balance. Nielsen closed the public hearing at 8:29 p.m. Nielsen thanked the residents for the input. She stated that regardless of the decision tonight, the issues brought up will not change as those issues already exist. She stated that the City is working to address those issues. Finke commented that this is a unique situation because regardless of the land use decision, this is a City park. He noted that even if the CUP standards are met, it is a City park, and the Council can still make the decision as to whether or not to allow the improvement in the park. Nielsen stated that the Commission is a recommending body, and the City Council will make the final decision. Jacob noted his experience with the Park and a former member of the Park Commission. He stated that the HAC baseball program includes children from Medina and other neighboring communities such as Plymouth. He stated that there are some housekeeping issues that need to be resolved such as security for the lighting system to ensure users cannot turn lights on and off. He stated that the issue with trash is also something that could be remedied quickly. He stated that he would love to see HAC and the neighbors have some sort of a neighborhood meeting to develop solutions for the parking problem. He stated that perhaps other parks are leveraged in the area to move some of the programming to other locations and take pressure off this location. He believed that the grandstand could be a great thing and a cool feature for the park. Nielsen asked if there are ballfields at other parks. Jacob stated that Morningside has fields but those are often used by Orono. 7 Rhem commented that his sons play little league in the small outfield fields, and it is maddening to find parking. He did not believe parking was the issue before the Commission today. He commented that the grandstand is a nice improvement for the park but the challenge he would have is that the park is already overutilized as it is. Popp agreed and stated that while he would love to have the grandstand and the benefit of that amenity, there are programming and park issues that need to be addressed. He stated that if those issues could be addressed, the grandstand would be a benefit to the park. Piper commented that she raised five children and often struggled to find parking for activities. She was empathetic to the concerns of the neighbors related to parking. She was unsure that all the users of that park could sit down and discuss the issues that are being experienced. She stated that she is tempted to deny the request and ask that those users meet to discuss this on a bigger level. Nielsen agreed that there are a lot of issues, and it comes down to whether the grandstand will increase those issues. She noted that the grandstand would add at least 150 seats and that likely would increase traffic. She stated that she would also support a neighborhood open house meeting. Piper asked if the Commission could vote on the grandstand and then have a separate motion that would require a public neighborhood open house meeting within the next 60 days to review these issues. Jacob comments that this has been a meeting where public input has been received and perhaps the City Council then provides direction to staff, the Park Commission, and HAC to program the fields. Piper asked what would happen if the project were delayed 60 to 90 days. DeVos replied that the concrete would need to go down this fall and the remainder of construction would occur in the spring. He stated that they presented the City with a five- year plan. He stated that they have raised funds and the chance is that prices would increase if this does not move forward. Rhem suggested that the Commission vote on the merit of the CUP, noting that the Council will review the input from the public as part of the record from this meeting. Motion by Rhem, seconded by Piper, to recommend denial because of the parking and programming issues described. Motion carries 4-1 (Jacob opposed). (Absent: Grajczyk) 8. Tim and Megan Elam – 1582 Homestead Trail – Conditional Use Permit for Construction of Accessory Building – Public Hearing Dion presented a request from the property at 1582 Homestead Trail for a CUP amendment to construct an accessory building that would be used for storage. She provided details on the property, which received a CUP in the past for an accessory home which is occupied by other family members. She highlighted the proposed location for the accessory building and noted that the existing accessory buildings blend well into the site. She reviewed the details of the request and highlighted elements of the proposed landscaping. She provided details about the design and building materials and noted that the site would still remain well under the 40 percent hardcover allowed. She stated that the applicant proposes a raingarden to treat 8 stormwater as part of this project. She noted that one letter was received from a neighbor that had concerns with the sightlines. She explained that the neighboring property is higher in elevation and looks straight down the driveway. She noted that the applicant would be willing to move trees in order to better screen the view of the neighbor. She stated that the staff report details how the request meets the criteria of the CUP. Piper asked if this is one complete piece of property or whether it was previously two properties that were combined. Dion replied that she could not recall the property ever being two properties. Popp noted that there were a playhouse and chicken coop that were not approved by the previous CUP, yet they exist today and asked how that occurred. Dion replied that those were constructed without knowing a building permit was needed and therefore will be included in this CUP to clean that up. Popp asked if there is running water for this accessory building. Piper asked if the applicant is requesting plumbing for the building. Tim Elam, applicant, stated that they do not plan to put in another well as they already have two wells on the property. He stated that they would run water to the shed. He stated that they have a holding tank that could be pumped out for a floor drain. Piper asked what would be stored in this building. Elam provided details noting vehicles and other mechanical equipment. Nielsen asked if there is assurance from the applicant that no additional structures would be added to the property without proper permitting. Elam confirmed that to be true. Nielsen opened the public hearing at 8:57 p.m. Amy Allworth, 1602 Homestead Trail, stated that her family has lived in the home since 1994 and loves their property and country living. She complimented the Elam’s on the beautiful design of the barn. She stated that it is a lovely structure, but they are concerned with the impact of the size and their enjoyment of their backyard where they created the terrace. She noted that this structure would be within their line of sight. She asked that large trees and plantings help to mitigate the scale of the barn and would also like to see downcast lighting as a condition of approval. She had concerns with additional lighting that could disturb their view. She also had concern with an increase of traffic and noise from the barn. Nielsen closed the public hearing at 9:00 p.m. Popp commented that it is a beautiful barn, and he does not have any concern with the land use and size of the property. He asked if there would be any opportunities to put evergreens on the west side of the property to screen the view of the neighbors. 9 Elam confirmed that they would be willing to plant more trees. He stated that they did plant 40 evergreens already. He noted that the property does slope down from the neighboring property to their property and therefore it will take time for those trees to grow. Piper asked for details on lighting and whether that lighting would be on a timer system. Elam commented that they have lights going up the driveway which remain on all night. He noted that they would have motion lights on the accessory building and inside the building they would have regular LED lighting. It stated that it would be dark outside the barn until someone drove up to it and the motion lights kicked on. He was unsure if they would add landscaping lights, as they do have those around the property, but would be fine not adding those. Nielsen asked if the building could be placed in another location to assuage the concerns of the neighbor. Elam commented that they have 33 acres and therefore could put it in another area, but this area is already connected to an existing driveway. He noted that there is sloping topography in other areas of the property as well. Piper referenced the paving that would occur in front of the building and asked if that would be for parking. Elam provided additional details noting that would be a drive-in door. Nielsen stated that she does not see any issues with the applicantion. Rhem agreed and appreciated the willingness to work with the concerns of the neighbor. Jacob agreed. Motion by Piper, seconded by Jacob, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit subject to the conditions in the staff report. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Grajczyk) 9. Target – 300 Clydesdale Trail – Planned Unit Development Amendment for Additional Signage – Public Hearing Finke presented a requested amendment to the PUD for Medina Clydesdale Marketplace. He stated that there has been a previous amendment for signage and provided background details on that approved amendment. He noted that this amendment would be limited to the Target property. He stated that the proposal was to add two signs to the wall to alert customers to the new drive-up location on the east side of the building. He stated that in addition to the wall signs there would be a number of internal site signs that would be limited in size to four square feet. He stated that the proposal for the drive-up signs would be larger and that is why those are included in the request. He provided details as to the access of the site and where it would make sense to have directional signage. He commented that staff believes that the request is reasonable and perhaps additional flexibility should be considered for signage. Grant Egan, representing the applicant, stated that the additional wall signage and wayfinding signage was not anticipated in 2005 but desired because of the changes in buyer patterns following COVID. He stated that Target has seen a large increase in drive-up service, and they would like to continue to meet that demand and help customers find the appropriate 10 location. He stated that there was a pilot program for drive-up service on the south side and those stalls would be remarked for regular parking as the drive-up service would be moved to the east. He noted that this location would be much safer for Target employees to bring out the orders. Jacob noted that this change would make it so that people do not have to cross the road to load the merchandise and would seem to be safer and more efficient. Nielsen opened the public hearing at 9:13 p.m. No comments. Nielsen closed the public hearing at 9:14 p.m. Rhem stated that he is employed by Target Corporation and wanted to disclose that. He stated that he does not see any issues with the request as it would improve traffic flow and make it easier for employees to bring out orders. Jacob echoed those comments as it will improve safety and traffic flow. Popp stated that this is logical and makes sense. He commented that this would improve ease of use for the customers and employees. Nielsen and Piper agreed. Motion by Piper, seconded by Rhem, to recommend approval of the Planned Unit Development amendment to increase allowed signage at 300 Clydesdale with additional flexibility recommended by staff for additional signs. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Grajczyk) 10. Approval of the August 10, 2022 Draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Motion by Rhem, seconded by Jacob, to approve the August 10, 2022, Planning Commission minutes with the noted corrections. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Grajczyk) 11. Adjourn Motion by Rhem, seconded by Piper, to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.