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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-03-28 Evironmental Quality Commission Meeting MinutesAGENDA EDINA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION Monday, March 28, 1977, at 7:30 p.m. Edina City Hall I. ,Roll Call. II. Approval of the February 28, 1977, EQC minutes. III. Old Business: A. Colonial Church of Edina. B. Board and Commission Reorganization Plan. IV. New Business: A. Findell Second Addition. Rezoning R-1 and R-3 to PRD-3. B. Re-adoption of Ordinance No. 815 and 815-Al, Flood Plain Manage- ment Ordinance. C. Muir Woods 2nd and 3rd Additions. V. Reports: A. Committee Reports. B. Watershed District Proceedings. VI. Other Business. VII. Others Wishing to be Heard. VIII. Adjournment• EDINA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL I. Members Present: John Telfer, Chairman Pro Tem, James Bentley, Ron Hays, C. Johnson, G. E. McCracken, Paul Mucke, D. Johnson, and Wendy Weden. Staff Present: Gordon Hughes, Environmental Planner, and Nancy Rust, Secretary. II. Approval of the February 28, 1977, EQC Minutes. Mr. Telfer noted a correction in the March 28, 1977, EQC minutes under the Reorganization of Boards and Commissions wherein he said he did not introduce him- self as a representative of the EQC at the February 12, 1977, special City Council meeting, but rather as a member of the EQC. Also, he stated he did not actually object to the reorganization of boards and commissions but expressed concern that if the EQC was combined with the Planning Commission, the influence of the EQC in environmental matters would lessen considerably, Mr. Mucke moved for approval of the March 28, 1977, EQC minutes as cor- rected. Mr. C. Johnson seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried. III. Old Business: A. Colonial Church of Edina. Mr. Hughes recalled the EQC reviewed approximately two years ago a preliminary rezoning request by the Colonial Church of Edina and at that time, the EQC recom- mended approval. The request subsequently went to the Planning Commission, who also recommended approval, and to the City Council, who granted preliminary rezoning approval.• Mr. Hughes explained the site in question is located north of the Cross- town Highway and west of the Edina Fire Department and Countryside Park. He said after the Church received preliminary rezoning in 1975, they were unable to com- plete final plans and return to the City in the year's time specified in the ordi- nance. Thus, because the time period has lapsed, Colonial Church is now repeating the rezoning process and requesting a rezoning for a PRD-1 change in development plans. Mr. Hughes noted that the plans which have not been presented are essenti- ally the same as those presented two years ago. He said Pemtom, Inc., had pre- vious ownership and had regraded a portion of the property and constructed ponds for a townhouse development. Staff recommended approval of the proposed project and flood plain permit for the following reasons: 1. Flood plain encroachment is within accepted standards. 2. Erosion control measures shown on the plans are adequate. 3. The ponds on the site are properly used for storm water storage. 4. The proposed development is essentially identical to that previously approved. Mr. Hughes indicated that a net flood encroachment of 18.5 percent will result but that it will be partially offset by the construction of the parking lot below the flood plain elevation. The ponds on the site will be used for storm water drainage from the parking lot and church, as well as for settling basins for erosion during construction. Also, a hay bale dike will be constructed at the outlet of the ponds to prevent sediments from entering Nine Mile Creek. 3-28-77 EQC Minutes, Page 2 Mr. Goulet of Hammel-Green-Abrahamson Architects, the architects for the pro- posed church, was present and proceeded to show a drawing of the proposal ex- plaining the configuration of the ponds and property, In response to Mr. Hays, Mr. Goulet said the church would pay for the cost of the road, but when it is completed, they will turn it over to the City, who will maintain it as a public road. He then proceeded to show the EQC a 1939 topography drawing which deline- ated the original flood plain area of the site, Mr. Goulet said a primary ob- jective is to satisfy adjacent residences who consider a parking lot undesirable. He said the best way to conceal it is to grade down the bank so the lot will not be very significant from a visual standpoint. This is, however, more costly from a construction standpoint. Mr. Goulet said the road would be narrower than a resi- dential street; however, they expect it to be two-way traffic. He explained that Pemtom had secured approval for a 26-foot roadway rather than the required 32 feet. He said there would be no parking on the roadway because of its width, Mr. Goulet said the location of the church lessens the amount of activity and noise due to the park. Mr. Telfer said the main point of interest on the site was the natural features and felt it would be undesirable to lessen the heightofthe hill. Mr. Mucke pointed out that from a traffic standpoint it would be desirable to have two methods of entrance into the parking lot. Mr. Hughes noted that the proposed road would help to more evenly distribute the traffic flow in the neighborhood rather than have the traffic in one specific area. This was a major concern by the neigh- borhood. Mr. C. Johnson moved for approval of the. request for the reasons as stated in the staff report. Mr. D. Johnson seconded. All voted aye with the excep- tion of Mr. Telfer, who voted nay. Motion carried. B. Board and Commission Reorganization. Mr. Hughes noted that attached to the staff report was a letter and proposal from Councilman Fred Richards regarding board and commission reorganization which was presented at the February 12, 1977, special City Council meeting. He said the Mayor had asked Mr. Richards to put together some thoughts on how boards and commissions could be consolidated thus allowing a faster process and avoiding dupli- cation. He continued that according to the letter, the City Council would like any comments and suggestions from the EQC by their April 4, 1977, meeting. Mr. Hughes said the proposal leaves the Heritage Preservation Board, Board of Appeals and Adjustments, Recycling Commission, and the Board of Appeals-Building Construction Board intact. The Planning Commission and EQC would be consolidated into one commission and the Park Board and Human Relations Commission would be- come the Human Resources Commission. He felt the relationship between the Planning Commission and EQC was adequate; however, there was less of a relationship be- tween the Park Board and Human Relations Commission and their consolidation may be more difficult. He said one suggestion by Councilman Richards was to expand the membership of each commission to 15 members in that the City can still main- tain the same number of citizens who presently serve on the advisory commissions. Mi. Hughes further stated the function and duties ofEdina.s participation in South Hennepin Human Services Commission would be transferred to the consolidated Park Board and Human Relations Commission and the Housing Commission responsibilities would be transferred to the consolidated Planning Commission and the H.R.A. would become a part of the City Council. A new commission would also be formed on governmental operations and futures. Mr. Richards also recommends the commission and board members serve a maximum of four terms, 3 years each term, so as to eli- minate long-time veterans on the commissions, that an elected member of each board and commission attend. each Council meeting, and that each commission meet monthly,' 3-28-77 EQC Minutes, Page 3 Mr. Hughes said that he does not look at the consolidation as the abolish- ment of the EQC but rather the intent is to consolidate ,and avoid duplication and resolve differed viewpoints at one meeting rather than bring the varied opinions to the City Council, who acts as a referee. A second point he stated concerned membership wherein he felt 15 members was rather large and recommended that nine members may be more appropriate. He indicated there will be a lot more committee work within each commission because the commissions will have much broader responsibilities. Mr. Hughes recommended against forming a commission of seven EQC members and seven Planning Commission members. He suggested that three members from each commission serve on the new commission with the remaining members new members, thus causing a more unified commission. Mr. Hays made a motion that the EQC recommend to the City Council that the new commissions consist of nine members rather than the proposed 15 and that three members be chosen by the EQC along with three members. of the Planning Commission to assist in drawing up theordinance regarding the reorganization of boards and commissions. After further discussion, Mr. Mucke seconded,the motion., All voted aye. Motion carried. IV. New Business: A. Findell Second Addition. Rezoning R-1 and R-3 to PRD-3. Mr. Hughes said that four or five months ago the EQC reviewed the preliminary plat of Findell Second Addition and at that time requested the developer come back with more details on what he proposed as the use of the property prior to their approval. Outlot B was dedicated to the City as open space when the plat received final approval as was recommended by the Open Space Committee, The developer, how- ever, it now back requesting a rezoning from R-1 and R-3 to PRD-3. Mr. Hughes proceeded to show the location of the requested rezoning, He said the site is characterized by some steep slopes and 80 large trees, Mr. Hughes said the proponent is requesting 40 apartment units and 38 townhouse units on the site, all two stories in height. Access for the apartments and the townhouses on Lot 1, B1oCk 1, would be obtained from the proposed Amundson Road, and access for the townhouses on Outlot A would be obtained from Cahill Road. Staff had encouraged the developer to get together with surrounding property to prepare an overall plan for the area but that this had not been done. The developer will retain 57 of the 80 trees on the site and trees will Only be removed when necessary for the placement of buildings and roadways. Staff recommended approval for the following reasons: 1. The proposal is in conformance with the Southwest Edina Plan. 2. The proposal attempts to minimize the removal of trees on the site as well as disruption to the steep slopes on the site. 3. The proponent has dedicated to the City adequate open space land which is in conformance with the City's open space plan. Approval is conditioned on: 1. The submission of an erosion control plan for the site which details temporary and permanent erosion control measures as well as measures'to protect trees remaining on the site. 3-28-77 EQC Minutes, Page 4 After lengthy discussion, Mr. C. Johnson moved for approval of the request with the condition an erosion control plan be submitted. Mr. Bentley seconded. All voted aye with the exception of Mr. Hays who noted nay. Motion carried. B. Re-adoption of Ordinance No. 815 and 815-Al, Flood Plain Management Ordinance. Mr. Hughes said the re-adoption is merely a bookkeeping matter brought up by the City Attorney but that it will allow for more formal procedures, He said one change has been suggested which essentially is that Section 14 include authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 462,375. Notification of owners of flood plain property and all property owners within 350 feet of the flood plain boundary are planned for the re-adoption process. Mr. Hays made motion to recommend the re-adoption of the flood plain Ordinance No. 815 and 815-Al with the revision of Section 14. Mr. C. Johnson seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried. C. Muir Woods 2nd and 3rd Additions. Mi. Hughes indicated there were numerous letters and petitions sent from surrounding property owners indicating their objections to the proposed subdivi- sions, and proceeded to show their location. He explained the 2nd Addition is lo- cated ease of Comanche Court and the 3rd Addition is the southern two lots off of Valley View Road. He noted that some years ago the two parcels were divided and are now under separate ownership and taxes. Mr. Hughes said the site is characterized by steep slopes of 35-40 percent and is heavily timbered. He said access to the north two lots (Muir Woods 2nd Addition) would be a 20-foot wide private road and access to the south two lots (Muir Woods 3rd Addition) would be off Valley View Road. Mr. Hughes continued that the surrounding property owners were concerned with the preservation of the remaining wildlife on the site, the limited access to the north two lots which could result in a fire hazard, water drainage unto adjoining property in the event of an abnormal rainfall, and the decrease in value of surrounding homes. Mr. Hughes indicated staff was reluctant to recommend approval of the two requests because of the characteristics of the site but said it must be recognized that these parcels were divided legally in the past. Staff thus recommended the 2nd Addition be denied and that a revised plat be approved wherein Muir Woods 2nd Addition owuld be incorporated into Muir Woods 3rd Addition as a third lot, Ap- proval should be contingent on the proponents 1) submitting a soil erosion plan and 2) obtaining a tree-cutting permit. Mr. Mucke asked if it would be possible to hold over the 2nd Addition and approve the 3rd Addition. Mr. Hughes said that for description purposes, he rec- ommended the denial of the 2nd Addition and approval of the 3rd Addition contingent on the inclusion of the 2nd Addition as one lot. Mr. C. Johnson moved for denial of the 2nd Addition and that the 3rd Addi- tion be held over with the suggestion that the proponent resubmit his request for a three-lot subdivision entitled Muir Woods 2nd Addition. Mr. Mucke seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried. V. Reports: None. 3-28-77 EQC Minutes, Page 5 B. Watershed District Proceedings. 1. Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Mr. Hughes reported the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District reviewed the Kenneth request for rezoning and subdivision of Ihterlachen Hills 3rd Addition and that they generally agreed with the action of the EQC and Planning Commission. He said he had received the final draft copy of the Mud Lake report and said it would be possible to construct: open water areas on the site. VI. Other Business: Mr. Bentley questioned whether the disagreement with the special assess- ments on the Gordon Schuster property had been resolved. Mr. Hughes said that it had been resolved and that the disagreement was the result of a misunderstanding. No further discussion. VII. Adjournment. Respectfully submitted Nancy J. Rust, Secretary