HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 05-10 Planning Commission Minutes Draft Minutes❑
Approved Minutes®
Approved Date: 5/25/2017
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Planning Commission
r- in i,
- Edina City Hall Council Chambers
'. 1 Wednesday, May 10, 2017
7:00 PM
I. Call To Order
Chair Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
II. Roll Call
Answering the roll were: Commissioners Lee, Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube,
Chair Olsen. Student Members, Kivimaki and Jones. Staff, City Planner, Teague, Assistant Planner, Aaker
Sr. Communications Coord. Eidsness, Support Staff, Hoogenakker
Absent from the roll: Hobbs
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Chair Olsen asked the Commission to amend the agenda to hear Reports/Recommendations - A.
Consideration of a Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding Temporary Health Care Dwellings first. The
public hearing would be heard second.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to amend the agenda as stated. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the minutes of the April 26, 2017
meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The
motion carried.
V. Reports/Recommendations
A. Consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Temporary Health Care
Dwellings.
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Staff Presentation
Planner Teague reported that in 2016 the City of Edina opted out of the State Statute that would allow
Temporary Health Care Dwelling Units in the City of Edina. However, the City Council also requested
that the Planning Commission and Community Health Commission further consider and evaluate allowing
these types of uses with regulations specific to Edina. Teague stated the Council added consideration of
Temporary Health Care Dwelling Units to both Commission's 2017 Work Plan.
In Summary Teague explained an Ordinance was drafted, adding staff is looking for feedback on the
proposed Ordinance from the Commission. He also noted the Health Commission has recommended
support. Teague further noted Edina would adopt the Minnesota State Statute; however, with several
amendments that would customize some of the regulations for Edina.
Teague introduced Jeff Brown Edina staff liaison with the Community Health Commission.
Brown informed the Commission the Community Health Division has been studying this topic for some
time and the Edina Community Health Commission is a proponent of the Temporary Health Care
Dwelling Ordinance.
Brown noted that while the Health Commission supports the Ordinance he acknowledged there are
"conditions" added to the State Statute that could create a timing issue for those in need of the temporary
housing unit.
Continuing Brown reiterated the Health Commission supports Edina's additional conditions to the
Ordinance; however, suggest the following options:
• That a site plan is acceptable instead of a survey. Brown pointed out a survey can take time and in
many instances, time is important.
• Exempt the temporary unit from the lot coverage requirement.
Brown concluded that minor edits and rewording need to be made. Brown introduced to the Commission
the following Community Health Commissioners - Dr. Greg Wright, Christy Zilka and Andrew Johnson-
Crowley.
Discussion/Comments
Commissioners raised the following:
• What was the reason for staff recommending increasing the temporary unit limit from one to 2
years. Dr. Wright explained that the medical profession does not have an exact science on
predicting death or how long rehabilitation could take, adding he felt a 2-year limit would resolve
any issues with the temporary unit placement.
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• Commissioners questioned the process and if the process was too lengthy, noting much of the
need appears to be time. Brown explained that an application process is required with a
physician's written statement that this is the best choice for the family and the occupant of the
temporary unit. Brown said once the wheels are in motion the process should move quickly.
• Commissioners acknowledged the process of receiving written orders from a physician might be
quick, but actually getting the structure, the required building permits, zoning issues, addressed,
etc. would be another issue. Brown agreed that the process may be slow at first; pointing out
this is a learning process for all involved, adding he believes as staff and everyone involved in the
process get familiar with it, it is hoped the end result would be a quick turnaround.
• Some Commissioners indicated they were uncomfortable with allowing the temporary structure
to be located in the front yard. It was pointed out that in Edina there are a number of small lots
and moving a "tiny structure" into the rear or side yard would not be possible. The front yard
may be the only place available. It was further noted that while the temporary structure in the
front yard may be an inconvenience or an eyesore there are a number of temporary
inconveniences homeowners withstand (i.e., tear-down rebuild, street reconstruction,
etc.)Moreover, the benefit would outweigh the negative aspects of the structure.
A discussion continued on the issue of allowing the unit to be placed in the front yard with some
Commissioners indicating they were uncomfortable with allowing the unit in the front yard setback area.
It was suggested if the Amendment proceeds as written allowing units to be placed in the front yard
setback area that neighboring property owners be notified. Brown reported that the State Statute
requires neighbor notification. Commissioners further indicated their support for exempting the
temporary unit from lot coverage and setback requirements.
The discussion ensued on if the unit would be sufficiently insulated. It was noted that Building Code
requires the unit to be insulated to code and Edina Amendment 2 requires the unit to meet all Minnesota
State Building Codes.
The discussion focused on one of the Amendments to the proposed Ordinance having to do with
anchoring the unit to the ground and that a licensed Engineer must submit a plan for the anchoring. It was
acknowledged that this requirement could become an issue. It was pointed out at the State level anchoring
was not a requirement. It was further noted that time and cost to deploy the unit could become an issue,
adding time is an important element of this Ordinance. Commissioners noted that in this instance the
City should meet State Statute and not be more restrictive. Brown told the Commission this Amendment
was at the request of the Building Official. Brown noted that the units are substantial and erection of the
unit would be to manufacturer's standards. The majority of Commissioners were in support of deleting
the requirement to anchor the structure. Brown said he would bring this up again to the Building Official.
A discussion proceeded on survey vs. site plan with the majority of Commissioners indicating they could
support requiring a site plan not a full survey.
Chair Olsen asked Planner Teague what staff is requiring of the Commission. Teague responded staff is
seeking input on the Draft Ordinance and would make any changes deemed appropriate by the
Commission. Teague added staff would revise the Ordinance and the Commission would hold a public
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hearing sometime in June on the Temporary Family Health Dwellings. Teague said if he understands
correctly from the discussion the majority of the Commission would be comfortable with him striking
from the Ordinance the requirement of" anchoring the unit" and that a "site plan would be sufficient
instead of a full survey".
Chair Olsen thanked Planner Teague and Community Health Administrator Brown for their work on this
Ordinance.
VI. Public Hearing
A. Variance Request. 5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN. Edina Public Schools
Staff Presentation
Planner Aaker reported that the Edina Public Schools - ISD#273 on behalf of South View Middle School
is requesting variances regarding three items as part of the implementation of 2015 referendum at the
South View site. The following variances are requested for the South View Middle School site as a
continuation of the over-all referendum work: I.) Setback of school bus parking area from the street, 2.)
Screening of off street bus parking area from the street, and 3.)An additional exterior wall sign exceeding
the maximum.
As part of the Edina Public Schools 2015 referendum, work the office and main entrance of
South View Middle School will be relocated to the south entrance adjacent to the south parking
lot creating a new secure main entrance. New wall signage identifying the south entrance as the
main entrance is proposed. The south parking lot will become the designated parent drop-off
and pickup zone. A new bus entry loop will be located on the north side of the site to alleviate
congestion and improve safety. The new bus drop-off pick up loop requires a setback variance
from South View Lane to bring the parking area up to the lot line. A variance from the parking
lot screening requirement is also requested. There will be a low, 2-foot retaining wall along the
street separating the bus loop from the street. Currently buses line up single file on the north
side of the property with parent drop-off/pick-up along the street causing congestion with
students crossing on foot and bike between cars, buses and lanes of traffic. The current layout
lacks clarity and poses safety concerns. Dedicated, angled parking is the preferred method for
bus loops and has already been created and successfully implemented at other buildings on the
site. This proposed project is the final step on this campus to greatly improve safety and site
flow as a goal to be achieved as part of the referendum.
South View Middle School is also proposing to provide building way-finding signage on the school's south
elevation in conjunction with the recent building referendum. The sign proposed is 87 square feet in
area.
City Code as the smallest rectangle, which can be made to circumscribe the letters, message, symbol,
logo, defines sign Area or figure inscribed into or directly onto a building. When evaluating a sign with
individual letters, the tallest portion of a sign, to include ascending or descending letters, dictates the
height of the entire sign.
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Edina's sign code#36- 1711 provides for one wall sign per building for schools that are located in the R-
1 Single Dwelling Unit District.The code also allows for one wall sign per building not to exceed 24 square
feet in area and one freestanding sign per frontage not to exceed 36 square feet in area. Currently,there
is one freestanding sign that complies with the sign code; however, two wall signs exceeding the 24
square foot size criteria were allowed through a variance in 2007. The first variance approved wall sign
on the west elevation identifies"Southview Middle School Dr. Kenneth A. Dragseth Wing" and measures
84 square feet in area; the second variance approved sign on the north elevation identifies Southview
Middle School and measures 39 square feet in area.
Planner Aaker concluded that staff recommends approval of the requested variances based on the
following findings and the proposal meets the required standards for a variance, because:
1. The practical difficulty is based on the large size of the site with multiple buildings and uses. South
View Middle School is limited in opportunity to allow for separated bus and car drop-off and pickup
without the benefit of a setback variance.
2. The proposed variances are reasonable since the proposed wall signs will provide necessary way
finding and the sign has been designed to be in proportion to the facade where are proposed.
The site must be developed and maintained in conformance with the following plans:
Site plans and building elevations Dated: April 10, 2017.
Appearing for the Applicant
Vaughn Dierks, Wold, Tim Anderson, Principle Edina Public Schools
Comments/Questions
Commissioners commented that it appears accommodating large campuses are difficult to address with
the current City Sign Ordinance. Planner Aaker agreed.
Planner Aaker was asked if the idea of signage and bus realignment was an effort to make the site safer.
Planner Aaker responded that is correct. She stated the School District believes that these modifications
make the site safer and easier to navigable.
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Dierks addressed the Commission and explained that the goal of the development team was to
"untangle" buses from vehicles and to create a safer campus for not only the pedestrians but for vehicles;
including buses.
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With graphics, Dierks pointed out the following:
• A new main office and entry will be created through the addition at the south parking lot.
• Redefined entries for the South View Middle School
• Creating dedicated bus and parent parking areas.
• Low retaining wall of stone will be constructed along sidewalk edge, providing a buffer between
buses and sidewalk.
With regard to signage the following was noted:
• Main entry sign indicates the South Side and new main entrance for the facility.
• Sign faces the newly designated main entry and parent drop-off/pickup zone
• Sign is located 430-feet from South View Lane.
• Sign is not illuminated.
Mr. Dierks asked the Commission for their support.
Discussion/Comments
Commissioners questioned the angled bus stacking lanes and if the buses need to back up to leave. Mr.
Dierks responded when buses leave there is no backup maneuver buses flow out one after the other. Mr.
Dierks further reported that today it seems like more parents drop off and pick up their children at
school than take the bus so the need to separate parent drop off and bus drop off is important.
Commissioners agreed with that statement, adding the school with need to train parents on the proper
drop off and pick-up procedures.
Commissioners also noted that 9th grade would be leaving the campus, which could be of benefit with
drop off and pick up. A discussion continued on the situation of buses, pedestrian and vehicle traffic
comingling and the importance of safety for all involved.
Tim Anderson told the Commission as school principle he worked hard to find a human solution to the
traffic issues at the campus. Anderson stressed safety is the District's most important issue adding he
believes the solutions presented with bus stacking, signage and the rearrangement of the entrance make
the campus safer and easier to use.
Ryan Carlson, Assistant Principle, said he works closely with parents on the safety of their children coming
to and leaving the school campus. Carlson reiterated, as did Mr. Anderson that safety of students and the
public is of the upmost concern. Carlson further noted that both he and Principle Anderson actively
participate in welcoming children to school and when they leave. Carlson stated he believes this
rearrangement as being a big plus for the campus.
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Public Hearing
Chair Olsen opened the public hearing.
Ted Davis, 4600 Concord Avenue addressed the Commission and shared his concerns and requested that
the District consider additional screening or a fence on the east property boundary
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to close public hearing. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. Motion to close public hearing carried.
Discussion/Comments
A discussion ensued on landscaping and the retaining wall area and if plantings could be incorporated into
that strip of land. It was further suggested that something needs to be done to embellish that low wall
area; maybe design it lower at the ends and higher in the middle was a suggestion. Planner Teague pointed
out in speaking with the Engineering Division extra space in this area is not available because of the bike
lane. Teague said there possibly will be a two-foot strip; adding something may be possible in this strip but
it may be difficult to maintain. Commissioners suggested that the development team look further into this
wall area to create a more appealing wall; possibly introduce a fence to ensure no one uses the wall as a
cut through and again adding planting in the available strip that would work with the Minnesota climate.
A discussion ensued on the signage with Commissioners agreeing that clarification was needed especially
to separate uses.
Motion
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the requested variances for the
Edina Public Schools based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions and the additional
conditions that the plan meets the recommendations of the Traffic Study and that the
applicant and the City work together through the Engineering Division on adding additional
greenspace/boulevard space, and enhancing that space to include decorative fencing/wall or
greenspace to soften the impact of the buses from neighboring properties. Commissioner
Strauss seconded the Motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VI. Community Comment
No comments.
VII. Correspondence And Petitions
Chair Olsen acknowledged back of packet materials.
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VIII.Chair And Member Comments
Commissioner Bennett informed the Commission that Monday the 15th is the 44th and France Kick-off
Meeting. Bennett further informed the Commission the 44th and France Avenue working group would like
to officially add three permanent members (two were previously chosen as alternates) to the working
group and that would require a motion from the Commission.
Chair Olsen said in her opinion it is fine to add additional members; however, it becomes easy to keep
adding members, adding the working group should be mindful of their numbers and be careful.
Motion
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to establish eight members for the 44th and
France Avenue Working Group. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. All voted
aye. Motion carried.
A discussion ensued with Commissioners in agreement that the updating of the Comprehensive Plan is an
important task.
A brief discussion ensued about the role of the Commission with some Commissioners suggesting the
Commission have a retreat.
IX. Staff Comments
Planner Teague reminded the Commission that on June 6th a joint meeting is scheduled between the
Commission and Council.
X. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to adjourn the meeting of the Planning
Commission at 9:05 PM. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion. All vote aye.
Meeting adjourned.
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Respectfully submitted
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