120418 Planning CommissionCITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 4, 2018
City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Planning Commission met in regular session pursuant to
due call and notice thereof; Chair Schmidt called the meeting to order at
7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Scott Clark, Jim Brinkman, Matt Mannix, Chris Hanson,
Tom Schmidt, Roger Landy, Michael Redden, Matt
Korkowski
Absent: Bill Smith
Also Present: Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development; Jeff
Alger, Community Development
Coordinator/Management Analyst; Stacy Woods, Assistant
City Attorney; Bob Kirmis, Planning Consultant; Jessi
Weber, Recording Secretary
NEW BUSINESS Planning Commission member Matt Korkowski was officially sworn in
by Recording Secretary, Jessi Weber.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Case 18-28
Item 4.1
Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.1, site plan review for construction of
new pool, bathhouse, mechanical building, and theater and
reconfiguration of Civic Center park at 4401 Xylon Avenue North, city of
New Hope, petitioner.
Mr. Jeff Alger, Community Development Coordinator/Management
Analyst, gave background on the case. In 2016, Wold Architects
recommended the Police Station and City Hall be located at the current
construction site. In 2017, the majority of City Council voted to proceed
with the construction plan, and shortly after, park and pool committees
made up of New Hope residents were formed to discuss different
options available. In 2018, a bonding bill was signed that included a $2
million request to help fund an eight-lane, 50-meter outdoor pool. The
preliminary pool concept was approved in 2018, and since then Stantec
Engineering has been finalizing the plans.
Next, Alger showed pictures of the proposed park and pool features and
explained that the plans submitted represent general concepts depicting
anticipated location, materials, and appearance of the proposed
building and facilities. Any changes to the proposed aspects of the plan
would be finalized by the City Council. Alger reviewed the locations
and proposed appearance of the theater, proposed picnic shelter, pool
schematic, bathhouse, mechanical building/water slide, proposed skate
park, and proposed hockey rink. There will be 213 parking stalls and 7
disability stalls. The parking lots will include a rock trench and the storm
water will be treated with a drain tile system before entering the pond
northeast of the site. As part of the landscaping plan, 59 trees will be
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Planning Commission Meeting December 4, 2018
removed with 150 new trees being installed.
Alger concluded that proper legal notice and mailing notice were given.
Staff did hear from residents with questions related to the outdoor
skating rink and new theater. Staff recommends approval of the site plan
review with the condition outlined in the report.
When Chair Schmidt questioned whether any of the Commissioners had
any questions for staff, Commissioner Brinkman asked how many lanes
the 50-meter pool consisted of. Mr. Alger replied it is an eight-lane pool.
Commissioner Landy added a clarification to the report. The citizen task
force presented their recommended location of the new Police
Station/City Hall to Wold, who then submitted the recommendation to
staff. Landy also stated disappointment in the steps of the planning
process. Many changes in feature locations were made from the original
plan the park and pool committees had submitted. Landy felt it would
have been beneficial to have the committee review the updated plans so
they could continue to be aware of the decisions being made.
Commissioner Landy suggested city staff work with groups utilizing
the new theater to ensure ending time for rehearsals and events is at
10:00 pm. Landy also asked for an update of the current budget and if
the proposed park and pool are currently on budget.
Mr. Sargent stated staff did take the input from the committees as a good
starting point and looked at feasibility of locations of features in regards
to soil conditions, budget, and the overall functionality of the park
features for all residents within New Hope. Sargent explained that $10
million was bonded for 2018, as that was the maximum allowed per
year. There is an understanding more would need to be bonded in 2019
to cover the entire expense. Sargent asked the City Engineer to address
the budget question. Chris Long, City Engineer, Stantec gave an
overview of the budget for each category. There is an $18 million budget
for the entire project including landscaping and parking lots. Currently,
the budget is a couple hundred thousand dollars higher than the original
budget. Park improvements are right around budget; pool
improvements were estimated at $11 million and the budget is currently
at $12.2 million; theater budget estimate was at $500,000 and the budget
is currently at $800,000. There are about half million in alternates to
provide options for Council. Commissioner Landy also mentioned
there was contingency built into the budget that could cover some of the
extra costs, to which Chris Long agreed.
Motion by Commissioner Landy, seconded by Commissioner Mannix,
to open the Public Hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Andrea Lundahl, 8501 44th Avenue North, stated was disappointed about
the location of the proposed hockey rink and had concern with noise that
could potentially be heard from the theater due to the direction it was
facing. Ms. Lundahl asked if testing has been done with noise levels to
determine if they would conform to the city ordinance. Sargent replied
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Planning Commission Meeting December 4, 2018
testing has not been done; testing would yield more accurate results when
done in real life situations. He also stated that programming events at the
theater will take into consideration the neighboring residences and ensure
events end at a reasonable time. Ms. Lundahl commented rehearsals often
last until 11:00 pm and the performances sometimes go later than the
stated end time. Commissioner Landy stated that staff will need to work
with theater to adjust start times to ensure the end time is appropriate. Mr.
Sargent stated that would apply for any group utilizing the theater.
Molly Sanborn, 4301 Zealand Avenue North, thanked Mr. Landy for
comments made and thanked city staff for addressing her concerns and
explaining the park layout. Ms. Sanborn said there is disappointment in
the skate park location and wanted to know how alternates are prioritized
and how it is decided which ones the budget will be used for. Mr. Sargent
stated the City Council would determine which features are built based
on what funding is available at that time. Certain alternate features would
need to be constructed with the initial construction of the pool, so that
factors in the decision making process as well. Sanborn asked how likely
it is that the rink will be developed and if residents can do anything to
help ensure it will be constructed. Sargent explained that based on
resident feedback the rink will not be forgotten about. In a couple years
when the rink comes up for review, the City Council will look at the
budgeting situation to aid in their decision. Sanborn’s last question
regarded the placement and angle of the theater. There is concern sound
will be more audible on Zealand Avenue since the theater is much closer,
and also concern that the performances will be family-friendly and
appropriate for all ages. Sargent responded that many factors were
considered with the orientation of the theater including minimizing sun
glare for the performers and audience members, soil conditions, and
natural slope of the land around the theater for seating. Programming has
always had a family-focus when scheduling events in the parks and will
continue to do so with the new theater.
Chair Schmidt gave an example of a prior planning case that had noise
concerns associated with it. When New Hope Bowl wanted to add a
volleyball court in the summer months many Crystal residents were
worried about the potential for noise disruptions in the evenings. City
Council approved the planning case, and several years later, there have
not been any complaints made regarding noise. Schmidt thinks this will
be a very similar case. If there ever is an issue or concern with noise at the
theater or park, residents should make a report. If residents make staff
aware of an issue, it will be addressed.
Ed Schneider, 4217 Zealand Avenue North, questioned if adult trees or a
wall are in the plans for along Zealand Avenue North to create a noise
buffer. Chris Long stated the theater is set 8 feet lower than the Zealand
Avenue curb. This will act as a natural noise buffer for residents along
Zealand Avenue North. Part of the landscaping plan is to leave as many
mature trees as able. Certain species of trees are on the prohibited tree list
and those would be replaced with an approved species. The new trees that
will be installed are similar to the ones along Xylon Avenue North, with
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Planning Commission Meeting December 4, 2018
the budget allowing for $800 per tree.
Sarah Bickler, 4221 Zealand Avenue North, stated the hockey rink is very
important to neighbors and their families. Ms. Bickler questioned if the
rink would be flooded again this winter and it was verified it is going to
be.
Commissioner Landy asked if grants were available for the hockey rink.
Chris Long said they have been and are currently looking at grants for any
aspect of the park and pool project. Any avenue that can help with the
budget is being considered. He also stated that the rink will be utilized in
the upcoming season.
Commissioner Brinkman asked about the amenities at the hockey rink; if
a warming house and lights would be part of the construction plan. Chris
Long verified lights and dasher board are currently included with the
proposed ice rink. At this time, a warming house has not been identified.
There has been some discussion of utilizing other park facilities as a
warming house.
Motion by Commissioner Landy, seconded by Commissioner Mannix, to
close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Roger Landy asked the commission for thoughts on adding a condition to
specify program end times. Sargent stated if a condition is added the
Council would be aware that was an important item of discussion during
the meeting.
Motion
Item 4.1
Motion by Commissioner Landy, seconded by Commissioner Clark, to
approve Planning Case 18-28, site plan review for construction of new
pool, bathhouse, mechanical building, and theater and reconfiguration of
Civic Center Park at 4401 Xylon Avenue North, City of New Hope,
petitioner, with the following conditions:
1. Provide photometric plan meeting minimum lighting
standards for buildings, parking lots, and pedestrian areas.
2. All park programming and events shall conclude by 10:00 p.m.
unless otherwise approved by the City Council.
Voting in favor: Clark, Brinkman, Mannix, Hanson, Schmidt, Landy,
Redden, Korkowski
Voting against: None
Absent: Smith
Motion approved 8-0
Chair Schmidt stated the case will move forward to the December 10,
2018 City Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Case 18-29
Item 4.2
Chair Schmidt introduced Item 4.2, text amendment to Sections 1-2, 2-60,
4-3, and 9-11 of the New Hope City Code related to the abatement of
public nuisances and other code violations including impounding of
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Planning Commission Meeting December 4, 2018
vehicles or recreational vehicles as alternative enforcement option.
Mr. Jeff Sargent gave background on the case. This ordinance would
permit the city to take steps to deal with public nuisances in an
expedient manner. The current process involves mailing an
Administrative Notice, and if the violation is present after 10 days,
Administrative Citations are mailed. This process can continue
indefinitely if the violation remains. Mr. Sargent commented that most
property owners take corrective action after receiving an administrative
citation but there are a few property owners within the city that have
failed to comply with city code even after receiving several
citations/fines. Sargent explained the new process would involve
mailing an Administrative Notice followed by two Administrative
Citations. After this proper notice, if the violation remains the city would
hire a contractor to go onto the property and correct the violation. He
stated any fees incurred by the city to remove materials or vehicles
would be assessed to the property owner.
The City Council approved the ordinance at the November 13, 2018 City
Council meeting. After that meeting, the city attorney decided the
amended sections of the zoning code would require a public hearing. This
Planning Commission meeting is serving as the public hearing for the
approved ordinance. The ordinance will go back to the City Council at the
December 10, 2018 meeting for final approval.
When Chair Schmidt questioned whether any of the Commissioners had
any questions for staff, Scott Clark asked for clarification if construction
equipment/vehicles would also be part of the ordinance. Mr. Sargent
confirmed that is correct.
Motion by Commissioner Redden, seconded by Commissioner Landy,
to open the Public Hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
No one from the audience wanted to address the commission.
Motion by Commissioner Landy, seconded by Commissioner Redden, to
close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Motion
Item 4.2
Motion by Commissioner Redden, seconded by Commissioner Landy, to
approve Planning Case 18-29, text amendment to Sections 1-2, 2-60, 4-3,
and 9-11 of the New Hope City Code related to the abatement of public
nuisances and other code violations including impounding of vehicles or
recreational vehicles as alternative enforcement option
Voting in favor: Clark, Brinkman, Mannix, Hanson, Schmidt, Landy,
Redden, Korkowski
Voting against: None
Absent: Smith
Motion approved 8-0
Chair Schmidt stated the case will move forward to the December 10, 2018
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City Council meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Design and Review
Committee
Item 5.1
If there should be a meeting, it will be scheduled for December 13, 2018.
Staff will update committee.
Codes and Standards
Committee
Item 5.2
There currently is no meeting scheduled.
NEW BUSINESS None
OLD BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes
Item 7.1
Motion by Commissioner Landy, seconded by Commissioner Mannix, to
approve the Planning Commission minutes of October 2, 2018, Motion
carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Sargent explained the city council meeting on December 10th will not
be a public hearing for the site plan review for Planning Case 18-28 as the
December 4th Planning Commission meeting served as the public
hearing. The Mayor will determine if the City Council meeting should
serve as a public hearing if need be.
Sargent also extended his congratulations to Commissioner Korkowski.
Commissioners discussed the sub-committees, and Commissioner
Korkowski will join the Codes & Standards sub-committee and
Commissioner Landy will hold the float position.
ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:02
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessi Weber, Recording Secretary