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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-31 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1996 7:30 P.M., EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: January 3, 1996 II. NEW BUSINESS: C-96-2 Conditional Use Permit City of Edina Paramedic (EMS)/Fire Station Yorktown Park III. NEXT MEETING DATE: February 28, 1996 IV. ADJOURNMENT MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1996 7:30 P.M., EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairman David Runyan, Lorelei Bergman, Geof Workinger, Helen McClelland, Nan Faust, David Byron MEMBERS ABSENT: Ann Swenson, Charles Ingwalson, Gordon Johnson STAFF PRESENT: Craig Larsen, Ten Paulfranz, Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Commissioner Byron moved approval of the January 3, 1996, meeting minutes. Commissioner Bergman seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: C-96-2 Conditional Use Permit City of Edina Paramedic (EMS)/Fire Station Location: Yorktown Park 73rd and York Avenue Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the City of Edina is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of a Paramedic/Fire Station in Yorktown Park. Yorktown Park is classified as a neighborhood park and has an area of about 3 '/ acres. The park contains a softball field, tennis courts and a city pumping station. The tennis courts would be removed when the new station is constructed. Yorktown Park and all City parks are zoned R-1, Single Dwelling Unit District. The Zoning Ordinance allows governmental buildings in all zoning districts subject to a Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Larsen explained the proposed station would have a first floor area of 4000 square feet with a mezzanine level containing an additional 825 square feet. The building contains three garage stalls and facilities for paramedics. The building exterior would be a combination of brick and stucco (drivet) with a standing seam metal roof. Mr. Larsen included staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit. The new fire station meets Zoning Ordinance requirements for a governmental Conditional Use. The location of the new station will improve service in a high demand area of the City. Mr. Ted Paulfranz, Edina Fire Chief was present to respond to questions. Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Paulfranz if there are plans to landscape the new station. She pointed out the frontstreet setback is deep enough to accommodate plantings. Continuing, Commissioner McClelland questioned if a majority of the emergency calls come from our senior population. Mr. Paulfranz responded there is a landscaping plan that will be incorporated on the site. Continuing, Mr. Paulfranz told the Commission a majority of the emergency calls do come from Edina's senior population. We have a number of calls regarding falls and possible heart attacks/strokes. Commissioner Runyan asked Mr. Paulfranz to outline a typical day at the fire hall, and how a new EMS station will be incorporated into the system. Mr. Paulfranz explained the Tracy Avenue fire station is a 24 hour manned operation, and the proposed EMS station will be manned daily for an 8 to 12 hour shift. Continuing, Mr. Paulfranz reported a majority of the emergency calls that come into the Tracy station are placed during peak traffic hours 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a significant drop in calls after 8:00 p.m. Mr. Paulfranz noted a number of these calls originate from east Edina. Mr. Paulfranz told Commission Members it is difficult for emergency vehicles leaving the Tracy station to access cross-town highway traveling east during peak hours, resulting in the use of local streets, which adds time to a run. The proposed EMS station will better serve the residents of east Edina during these crucial peak hours, and will reduce response time for those calls where minutes can make a difference. Commissioner Faust asked Mr. Paulfranz if he has any safety concerns during the hours the building is unmanned. Mr. Paulfranz noted a majority of fire stations are unmanned during parts of the day and evening. Many communities have volunteer fire departments so activity is sporadic in those buildings, and they are unmanned a majority of the time. He concluded by saying he is confident the building will be secure when it is unmanned. Commissioner Runyan asked if they feel there will be walk-in traffic at the new station. Mr. Paulfranz said he does not think this station will have as much walk-in activity 2 as the Tracy station. Continuing, Mr. Paulfranz said Tracy Avenue is manned 24 hours a day, and certain walk-in services are offered to the community. Blood pressure checks are common, and on occasion this walk-in service has saved lives. Continuing, Mr. Paulfranz added because of the pro)amity to the freeway many people pull off the freeway with medical emergencies, or are lost and need directions. Concluding Mr. Paulfranz said Tracy is a very busy operation, and staff does not believe the location of the proposed EMS station will create the number of walk-ins similar to those received at Tracy. Commissioner Byron asked Mr. Paulfranz if he anticipates longer shifts at the new station in the future. Mr. Paulfranz said he does not see that happening. He stated the proposed EMS station is not going to be constructed to accommodate a 24 hour, seven day per week operation. It is not needed, and a change in operation is not anticipated. Concluding Mr. Paulfranz pointed out east Edina is completely developed, and staff does not visualize population changes in this area in the future. Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Paulfranz if he believes more staff will be required to man the new station. Mr. Paulfranz said at this time it is felt that no new staff will be required. Crews will report to both stations. Commissioner Runyan noted the storage area located in the building, and questioned what will be stored in that space. Mr. Paulfranz said a majority of storage is dead storage for record keeping. All runs have to retain their records, which ends up to be a lot of paper. Commissioner Runyan questioned if the proposed facility is required to meet ADA standards. Mr. Paulfranz said the facility needs to meet all ADA requirements. Commissioner McClelland questioned if a need arises for more paramedics at the new station, can more be hired. Mr. Paulfranz said that is an issue the Council would address. Commissioner McClelland asked if trouble responding to calls is anticipated during evening hours if the new station is unmanned. Mr. Paulfranz reiterated after 8:00 p.m. emergency calls drop significantly, and after midnight almost no calls are received. Mr. Paulfranz concluded staff is confident the Tracy station can handle calls received after 8:00 p.m.. Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Paulfranz how many ambulances are in operation at one time. Mr. Paulfranz said the City has three ambulances, which can be operating at the same time. Commissioner Byron moved to recommend Conditional Use Permit approval. Commissioner McClelland seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. 3 III. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.