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12-02-14 Planning Comm Mtg AgendaCITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2014 CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 18 November 2014 AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL / (LIAISON) SCHEDULE STUDY SESSION GENG (Nov) LABADIE (Dec) MADDY (Jan' I5) MUEHLBERG (TBD) DAVIS (Feb' 15) 1. DISCUSS GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM - TREE CITY USA 2. CONTINUED DISCUSSION — ZONING: PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR 4. OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS 5. DRAFT NEXT MEETING AGENDA 6. REPORTS Liaison to Council SLUC Other 7. ADJOURNMENT CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Geng called the meeting to order at 7:12 P.M. ROLL CALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. Present: Chair Geng; Commissioners Davis, Labadie, and Maddy; and, Planning Director Nielsen Absent: Commissioner Muehlberg APPROVAL OF AGENDA Maddy moved, Labadie seconded, approving the agenda for November 18, 2014, as presented. Motion passed 4/0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 21, 2014 Maddy moved, Davis seconded, approving the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2014, as presented. Motion passed 4/0. STUDY SESSION MINNETONKA COUNTRY CLUB PROPERTY Director Nielsen noted that the Minnetonka Country Club (MCC) property is up for sale. He stated one developer has indicated they have purchased the property. The meeting packet contains some background information about the site and the zoning of it that he had assembled for a November 4, 2014, City Council Executive Session. That information is available on the City's Nvebsite and it Nvill be updated Nvhen new factual information is available. There Nvill likely be a link on the Nvebsite home page. Nielsen Nvent through the background material. The highlights are as follows. The MCC property is the largest single parcel of land in ShoreNvood. It is 116.9 acres in size. The Comprehensive (Comp) Plan categorizes the proposed land use of the property as semi- public. That is what a golf course is considered. The property is zoned R -IA, Single - Family Residential. The first thing a developer Nvill have to do is submit an application for the City to amend the Comp Plan. That process is a two -stage process — a pre- application stage and the formal application. During the pre - application stage the developer Nvill informally come before the Planning Commission and Council and present Nvhat they are considering, Nvhat the process might look like and Nvhat issues they Neill be faced Nvith during development. That stage does not involve a public hearing. CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2014 Page 2of7 The property Nvill be developed as some sort of Planned Unit Development (PUD). The underlying density may remain R -IA. Under R -IA zoning, the site could potentially be subdivided into 100 lots. But, not all of the site is suitable for lots. There is a fair amount of poor soil (deep peat) on the property. The lots Nvould be clustered on a portion of the site. He thought the transportation component will dictate what happens on the property. He spoke about the PUDs in Shorewood. Boulder Bridge — it basically has R -IA lots and open space and it allowed for multiple boat slips for almost all of the lots (including lots that do not front Lake Minnetonka). Marsh Pointe — through the PUD process the site Nvas able to use the R -IA density of one unit per acre (40,000 square feet). Some smaller lots Nvere allowed as Nvell. Because of the smaller lots the City obtained various sized setbacks around the Nvetland area. This development Nvas the impetus for updating the Nvetland ordinance to require setbacks. Watten Ponds — the site Nvas zoned R -IA and the PUD process allowed some smaller lots (close to high 20,OOOs square feet) and some lots Nvere larger than one acre. This development Nvas the impetus for adopting a tree preservation ordinance. Shorewood Pond — it is a senior housing development and per the City s Ordinance it Nvas required to be developed as a PUD. It is essentially single - family houses clustered together. The clusters are four. It is located in essentially what is a single - family district. More units Nvere constructed because it Nvas senior housing. The main roadwaN- going through the development is public and the other roadwa -,Ts are private and maintained by the association. Amesbury — it Nvas the Citv's first PUD. It Nvas developed in the mid to late 1970s. It basically had one unit per acre density. The City approved increasing the density to two units per acre. Patio homes (two single - family attached houses sometimes called twin homes) and townhouses Nvere built. The main roadwa -,T through the site is public and the rest are private. The roadwa -,T Nvas built to a lesser standard and the structures Nvere built closer to roadways. Amesbury West — it Nvas an expansion of Amesbury and Nvas developed under the current PUD Ordinance. Some townhouses Nvere developed. Barrington — the original zoning allowed a certain density but the City allowed a little higher density. It alreadv allowed for double homes. The dwellings are two - family rather than single - familV. Those residents take care of the private roadwa -,T. The Seasons — it is a senior housing project. The dwellings are all tv n- homes. Robert S. C. Peterson Addition — it Nvas one of the better uses of the PUD process. The underlying zoning Nvas R -IA. The zoning for this site did not change. The City allowed some smaller lots and therefore had some common open space protected. The process Nvas a PUD conditional use permit (C.U.P.). Waterford — it is the best example of a PUD district. It is a mixed use development. There are large lot single - family houses, a strip of twin -homes and then a commercial component along Highwa -,T 7. As part of the project a new intersection Nvas built at Old Market Road. Nielsen stated from his perspective, for the commercial component the City chose not to express what it wanted to see on that property. He thought the commercial component could have been much nicer. Silver Ridge — it is similar to the Robert S. C. Peterson PUD. Near Mountain — it is the biggest PUD in Shorewood. For the street that runs along Silver Lake those abutting lots are 30,000 square feet in size. To the east of that the lot sizes decrease to 10,000 square feet. He noted the PUD process is a three stage process — the Concept Stage, the Development Stage (it coincides Nvith preliminary plat) and the Final Plan Stage (it includes the final plat, the development agreement, getting the letters of credit together and recording what Nvas approved). He stated staff has met CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2014 Page 3of7 Nvith four developers who Nvere interested in Nvhat Nvas possible for the property. Staff informed them that it Nvould likely be developed as a PUD. He told them it is possible to combine the Concept Stage and Development Stage but he recommended against doing that. He also noted that Council has decided to hire a planning consultant to assist people. The scope of that effort has not been determined. Staff Nvill be intervieNving some consultants the Nveek of November 24. Hopefully, they Neill appear before Council during Council's December 8 meeting. He stated the Planning Commission Nvill have a busy next six to twelve months. Chair Geng asked if it is possible that the Planning Commission Nvill have to meet more than once a month. Director Nielsen responded it is. Director Nielsen stated the planning consultant Nvill be asked to manage public information dissemination. He thought there Nvill be some type of informal open house before the MCC property redevelopment process advances very far along. Residents Nvill be told that the ovmers of the MCC property have a right to develop it and use it. The City Nvill solicit feedback about concerns residents have about the redevelopment. The MCC Golf Course is located in one planning district, the property to the north of it is another planning district and the property to the east of it is in another planning district. It is likely that residents living in the three different planning districts will be notified at least for certain aspects the process. Nielsen then stated, for example, if all of the lots Nvere to be on one -half of the MCC property the lots Nvill be smaller. And, the setbacks that go along Nvith that Neill not be R -IA setbacks; they Nvill be correspondingly smaller. The setbacks Neill be internal to the PUD and therefore Nvon't affect the surrounding properties. The PUD allows that to happen. It is a negotiated through the PUD process Nvhich allows for some flexibility in how the lots are created Nvithin the project area. Nielsen explained developers have been told that because there are plans to extend the SmithtoN -,n Road sidewallc to the east it would not be unreasonable for the City to expect some type of looped sideNvallc/trail around the perimeter of the site. One developer he spoke Nvith said that Nvould not be a problem; it Nvould benefit the project. He stated he thought there is an opportunity for the City to get some things it Nvould like (e.g., protection of the sensitive parts of the site). He reiterated that transportation Nvill be a real issue. He stated staff anticipates a traffic study NN 11 be done relative to the project and to help determine how to mitigate the impact of the increased traffic flow on Country Club Road and Lake Linden Drive. He commented that if Country Club Road Nvere moved to the Nvest and if it made it a little less convenient for the drivers that Nvant to cut thru to get to Highway 7 then that reduction in traffic could help mitigate the impact of the new traffic. Commissioner Davis asked Nvhere the poor soils are on the property. Director Nielsen responded mostly on the south end. Director Nielsen stated that drainage is also a concern for the redeveloped site. He noted the area is Nvell served Nvith municipal Nvater and sanitary seNver. He stated there are issues Nvith public open space. Commissioner Maddv asked if staff has formally spoken Nvith the current ovmers of the MCC property. Director Nielsen responded no. Director Nielsen noted that the City Ordinance requires that a developer has to have control the property before they can make an application. They have to at least have a purchase agreement that Nvill last as long as the process Nvill take. He explained the City already requires escrows to cover the cost of the CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2014 Page 4of7 City's expenditures for processing a request. But, for the size of the MCC project it is not enough. Therefore, the Shorewood City Attornev Nvill develop a predevelopment agreement to ensure the developer covers the City ,s cost of processing a request. Nielsen stated the Near Mountain PUD Nvas 273 units. The Waterford PUD Nvas also larger than Nvhat the MCC PUD Neill be. Chair Geng stated he assumes a lot of trees on the MCC property Neill be lost. Director Nielsen stated the goal of a PUD is to site lots and houses to save as mariv trees as possible. Nielsen noted the trees tend to be on the better ground in the MCC property. Director Nielsen commented that he assumes that there Neill be a joint meeting of the Council and Planning Commission to provide the Commission Nvith direction. Nielsen stated the City Attorney Nvill draft some guidelines for Council that Nvill also apply to the Planning Commission about how to communicate Nvith the press and residents. It Nvill lay out Nvhat can be said and Nvhat should not be said. For the Summit Woods PUD the Attornev eventually advised members of the Council and Planning Commission to encourage residents to present their questions and concerns at public meetings about the project so that even-one hears the same thing. 2. DISCUSS GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM Director Nielsen stated the Planning Commission last discussed the GreenStep Cities Program during its August 5, 2014, meeting. During that meeting there Nvas a review of the things the City had done since it received its first GreenStep aNvard. He also attempted to identify things the Planning Commission can do in that Program. He noted that Council Nvill interview consultants to conduct an alternative (green) energy study for the City. One of them Nvill be selected to do the study and present to Council Nvhat the City could potentially do from a cost effective perspective. He clarified he is not sure what involvement the Planning Commission Nvill have Nvith that. He explained the City Ordinance addresses solar energy quite Nvell. It does not address Nvind energy as Nvell. He recommended Staff and the Planning Commission come up with an ordinance to address Nvind generators. There have been a few inquiries into individual residential Nvind generators. Consultants have indicated that is not very cost effective for this area. Some cities have adopted ordinances that regulate Nvind generators. He stated during the August 5 meeting it Nvas noted that there may be other Best Practices (BPs) under Urban Forests section in the GreenStep Cities Program that the City has or could easily implement to qualify as Tree City USA. The City used to be qualified as such. He does not think it takes a lot of effort to be in it. He explained BP 16.2 talks about adopting as policy Minnesota Tree Trusts' BPs and using the guidelines in at least one development project, such as the Minnetonka Country Club (MCC) redevelopment, to get the City more credit on its GreenStep Cities Program. That could be discussed during the December 2 Planning Commission meeting. He noted that BP Local Air Quality 23.2 can be marked as done because the City already regulates recreational burning and outdoor Nvood boilers. He stated that during the August 5 meeting Commissioner Davis stated the City should be able to get CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2014 Page 5of7 credit for backyard gardening and chickens; BP Local Food 27.4.b. He then stated the Planning Commission's greatest efforts regarding the GreenStep Cities Program over the next few months Nvill be related to trees and alternative energy. In response to a question from Chair Geng, Director Nielsen stated the alternative energy study Nvill take six to eight months. Director Nielsen explained that very early this Near he and Mayor Zerby met Nvith representatives from a company who Nvanted to put in a solar array at Badger Park. The company Nvould put in the infrastructure at no cost. It Nvould guarantee that the Citv's electrical rates would not increase more than a small amount for a number of Nears. The structure Nvould generate power for certain parts of the City Hall Campus. A representative made a presentation to Council. The firm Nvould have been eligible for tax incentives for doing that if it Nvould move fonvard quickly. Some members of Council did not Nvant to move fonvard Nvith that offer quickly. That is where the impetus for the study came from. Chair Geng asked if the consultant Nvould address Nvind energy. He suggested having the Planning Commission's consideration of Nvind energy dovetail Nvith that. Director Nielsen suggested asking the consultant what their perspective is about Nvind energy for a single residential lot. Chair Geng stated being proactive on Nvind energy Neill hopefully keep the City out of the situation that the City of Orono is in Nvith one of its property owners. He asked if there is a sense of urgency in amending the Ordinance to address Nvind energy Nvith regard to the GreenStep Cities Program. Director Nielsen stated it Nvould not get the City a step by regulating Nvind energy. Director Nielsen suggested the Planning Commission Nvait on Nvind energy and give the consultant some direction to provide insight on the effectiveness of single residential lot Nvind energy. Geng clarified Council may not Nvant the consultant to focus on that. Nielsen recommended the Commission suggest to Council that it Nvould like the consultant to provide insight on small lot Nvind energy. Commissioner Maddv stated it is clear the economics are not there for that which is whN- there is no push for it at this time. 3. DISCUSS REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY RECYCLING Director Nielsen clarified that one member of Council asked that the Planning Commission discuss the requirements for commercial property recycling and multi - family dwelling unit recycling. He explained that the City already has recycling for single - family residents. It does not require commercial and multi - family properties to recycle. Some cities do have ordinances that require that. If the Citv Nvere to move fonvard Nvith such an ordinance it Nvould be modeled after some other citv's ordinance. Most of those ordinances are one page long. Staff found out that starting in 2016 the State of Minnesota is going to mandate that. He asked the Commission if it Nvants to take this up in the near future or Nvait until a mandate goes into effect. He stated if there Nvould be push back when the mandate goes into effect then the City can use the mandate as an out. If the City implements that requirement up front the City has to defend against any push back. He noted he is not sure whN- the City does not have commercial reeveling. It Nvould make sense to do that. He stated when the City moves fonvard Nvith that it has to make sure it recycles in its parks. Currently any recycling done there is handled by the Recycling Coordinator. CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2014 Page 6of7 He noted that commercial recycling should earn the City some steps on the GreenStep Cities Program. Nielsen also noted that he and Chair Geng talked about the timing of implementing that. Nielsen stated Geng had suggested that if the City implements commercial recycling in advance of the mandate that it have an informal gathering of commercial businesses to talk about it and to find out which are alreadv reeveling. Commissioner Maddv asked if staff has anv idea of how many commercial properties are recycling now. Director Nielsen responded he does not know. Maddy stated he does not think there Nvill be much push back. Maddv stated that being proactive could potentially streamline the logistics and reduce the cost. He noted that the Citv has only one residential cycler. Director Nielsen stated he likes Chair Geng's idea of having some type of forum for commercial businesses and multi - family unit developments to talk about the inevitable recycling mandate. He suggested doing that in Februarv. Chair Geng stated he thinks people like to be asked about their perspectives. 4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR There Nvere no matters from the floor presented this evening. 5. OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS 6. DRAFT NEXT MEETING AGENDA Director Nielsen stated for the Planning Commission's December 2, 2014, meeting there Nvill be discussion about the tree ordinances he referred to during the discussion about the GreenStep Cities Program. He noted the State has developed a model solar energy ordinance. He stated he Nvill provide the Commission Nvith a copy of that, but it may be more effective to discuss that after the alternative energy study is started. The meeting Neill likely be a study session. Nielsen encouraged the Commissioners to keep the third Tuesday of the month open in case there is a need to meet more frequently because of the Minnetonka Country Club property redevelopment. 7. REPORTS Liaison to Council Chair Geng reported on the October 27, 2014, and the November 10, 2014, City Council meetings (as detailed in the minutes of those meetings). Director Nielsen explained that during its October 27 meeting Council took action on the proposed amendment to the City Zoning Code relative to senior housing. People thought the amendment Nvas approved on a 2/1 vote only to learn later that a majority- of Council, not just members present, had to approve it so it did not pass. That Neill likely be considered again during Council's December 8 meeting and he hopes it is adopted. (The discussion about concerns about amending the Code to specifically address senior housing on the SmithtoN -,n Crossing Redevelopment Area is documented in the October 27 CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2014 Page 7of7 meeting minutes.) He noted that Rick Fenske, Nvith WEIS Builders, made a presentation about senior housing to Council during its September 8 Nvork session. Nielsen reiterated whN- he thought senior housing / life cycle housing Nvas appropriate for Shorewood in general. Commissioner Davis stated the Sioux community is now building various types of life cycle housing in its new developments. She then stated she thought there Nvill be more focus on the SmithtoN -,n Crossing Redevelopment Area because of the redevelopment of the Minnetonka Country Club (MCC) property. Director Nielsen concurred. Director Nielsen stated that maybe the senior component of the SmithtoN -,n Crossing redevelopment could be moved across the street where there is a little more room and it Nvould not be close to the residential neighborhood in that area. There Nvas discussion about concerns conveyed during the November 10 meeting by residents' about the new Boulder Cover development in the City of Chanhassen. The concerns Nvere primarily about safety and drainage. There Nvas discussion about the future reconstruction of Strawberry Lane and the construction of a trail along side. [During its November 10 Nvork session Council agreed to discuss those items further and the funding for them during the February 2014 council and staff retreat.] SLUC Other 8. ADJOURNMENT Maddy moved, Davis seconded, Adjourning the Planning Commission Meeting of November 18, 2014, at 8:38 P.M. Motion passed 4/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Christine Freeman, Recorder i, --I Why your city should become a Tree City USA Community The Tree City USA program provides direction, assistance, and national recognition TREE CITY USA to your community by supporting the framework for a sustainable urban forest. I J • Reduce COStS for energy, storm water man- agement, and erosion control. Trees yield up to three times their cost in overall benefits to the city, averag- ing $273 per tree, • Cut energy consumption by up to 25 %. Studies indicate that as few as three additional trees planted around each building in the United States could save our country $2 billion, annually, in energy costs. • Build Stronger ties to your neighbor- hood and community. Trees and green spaces directly correlate to greater connections to the neighborhood and neighbors. • Honor your community and demon- strate your commitment to a healthier environment through Arbor Day celebrations and Tree City USA recognition. • Boost property values across your Learn More: www.arborday.org(freeCity community. Properly placed trees can increase (888)448 -7337 property values from 7 -21% and buildings in wooded E -mail: TreeCity@arborday.org areas rent more quic1dy and tenants stay longer. (3AXbor Da Foundation" -Z- Z; A If ', m� •;mil .Y 1' 44 _ Benefits of Being a Tree City Tree City USA Is Your Community a Tree City USA? Benefits of Being a Tree City USA Become a Tree City USA Strengthen Your Tree City USA Start Your Online Application State Urban Forestry Coordinators Receive the Building Greener Communities e -news we inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees Page 1 of 3 Benefits of the Tree City USA Program Small towns, boroughs and townships, big cities, villages and military installations have seen the benefits of participation in the Tree City USA program. Whether it's creating a foundation for tree care or expanding an innovative community tree program or project, the benefits are numerous: http:// www. arborday. org/ programs /treecityusa/benefits.cfm 11/25/2014 Benefits of Being a Tree City Download Our Benefits Flyer f Framework for Action Page 2 of 3 The four core standards for becoming a Tree City USA provide the framework and direction for the strategic management of community trees. Many communities use Tree City USA standards as a way to begin caring for the urban forest. Others regularly enhance their management through improved ordinances, innovative programs and increased emphasis on planting and tree care. Education Annual participation as a Tree City USA community provides the opportunity to educate people who care about their community about the value of tree resources, the importance of sustainable tree management and engage individuals and organizations in advancing tree planting and care across the urban forest. Tree City USA status can create a strong working relationship with your state forestry agency and other conservation groups. Public Image and Community Pride Participation in the Tree City USA program helps residents feel good about the place they live and work. Annual recognition shows visitors and prospective residents that trees, conservation and the environment are an important part of life in the community. Pride in public trees also leads to more engaged residents and better care for new and existing trees on private property. Publicity Tree City USA participation presents an opportunity to educate the public about your community's urban forestry program and showcase the benefits of community trees. Recognition can also generate interest from other organizations and http: / /www.arbor day. org / programs /treecityusa/benefits.cfm 11/25/2014 Benefits of Being a Tree City communities that aren't yet managing their trees as well as they might. As one forester put it, "This is advertising that money can't buy — and it is free!" Tree boards, parks departments, public works officials and volunteers, alike, are recognized for the valuable work they provide to the community through sustainable tree management. Many communities share in their Tree City USA recognition across city departments, elected officials, volunteers, students and business leaders. 1- 888 -448 -7337 1 Donate Now I Privacy I About Us I Site Map I Careers I Your State I Blog Page 3 of 3 http: / /www.arborday.org/ programs /treecityusa/benefits.cfm 11/25/2014 Tree City USA Standards Tree City USA Is Your Community a Tree City USA? Benefits of Being a Tree City USA Become a Tree City USA Strengthen Your Tree City USA Start Your Online Application State Urban Forestry Coordinators Receive the Building Greener Communities e -news we inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees Tree City USA Standards To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. These standards were established to ensure that every qualifying community* would have a viable tree management program. Page 1 of 2 http: / /www.arborday.org/ programs /treeCityUSA /standards.cfm 11/25/2014 Tree City USA Standards They were also designed so that no community would be excluded because of size. The Four Standards for Tree City USA Recognition 1. A Tree Board or Department 2. A Tree Care Ordinance 3. A Community Forestry Program With an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita 4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation Page 2 of 2 Need help meeting the four standards? The urban and community forestry coordinator in your state forester's office will be happy to work with communities in taking these first steps toward better community forestry. Request a Tree City USA application TREE CITY USA' 1- 888448 -7337 1 Donate Now Tree City USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program in cooperation with: �f?nC4 CisTq Privacy I About Us I Site Map I Careers I Your State I Blog http: / /www.arborday.org/ programs /treeCityUSA /standards.cfm 11/25/2014