Planning Commission Minutes - 04/02/2024 (Joint Workshop)MINUTES
JOINT MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 — 5:00 p.m.
Monticello Community Center
Planning Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Andrew Tapper, Teri Lehner, Rob Stark, Melissa
Robeck
Planning Commissioners Absent:
City Councilmembers Present:
City Councilmembers Absent:
Staff Present:
1. Call to Order
Chair Paul Konsor
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart, Charlotte Gabler, Sam Murdoff, Lee
Martie
Tracy Hinz
Angela Schumann, Steve Grittman, Rachel Leonard,
Hayden Stensgard
Planning Commission Vice Chair Andrew Tapper called the joint workshop of the
Monticello Planning Commission and City Council meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Concept Stage Planned Unit Development Submittal for a proposed multi -use
development including Commercial Lodging, Event Center, and Restaurant facilities on
a parcel currently in the Monticello Township and guided Employment Campus
PIDs: 213-000-183101, 213-000-184203
Legal Description: Lengthy —Contact City Hall
Applicant: Mike Schneider
Community Development Director Angela Schumann provided an overview of the
Concept Stage Planned Unit Development (PUD) joint workshop meeting's purpose and
intent. The purpose was for a concept stage PUD review aimed at providing helpful and
constructive feedback to the development team that presents the concept. Notices
were sent out for this meeting to the surrounding area where the development is
proposed. Ms. Schumann added that the meeting did not involve a public hearing, but if
time allows, residents present may address the group.
City Planner Steve Grittman provided an overview of the agenda item to the Planning
Commission, City Council, and the public. The subject property is roughly 8.3 acres
bounded by Interstate 94 to the north and East Broadway Street to the south. The
concept development proposal for the property consists of a first phase 4-story 76-room
hotel (Grandstay Hotels), a 15,000-square-foot foot event center, and a 6,800-square-
foot restaurant. The applicants have also indicated a second phase of construction on
the site consisting of a 6,000-square-foot shed -style building that would be utilized to
store vintage items similar to a museum.
Mike Schneider, applicant, addressed the group. Mr. Schneider introduced the applicant
team and noted that the three buildings proposed in the first phase of construction rely
on each other for the success of the development.
Tony Dingmann, of Doug Carlson Development Inc., noted they would be the general
contractor for the development, and have constructed the proposed hotel design in
recent years. He also noted the hotel would have a mix of standard -stay and extended -
stay rooms. Roughly 12 of 76 rooms would be extended stay.
Jon Kennedy, President of Grandstay Hotels, addressed the group.
Lisa Shields-Ergen, of Vita Bella Ristorante Italiano, addressed the group regarding the
proposed event center and restaurant.
Planning Commissioner Melissa Robeck joined the meeting at 5:21 p.m.
Councilmember Charlotte Gabler appreciated the applicants bringing forward this
concept and asked if MnDOT was notified of the concept submittal and if they
addressed the expansion of Interstate 94 in this area. Ms. Schumann clarified that
MnDOT was notified of this meeting and the plans submitted for the concept. They
provided preliminary comments that were included in the agenda packet but did not
address the expansion project on 1-94. Mr. Schneider added that he has spoken with
MnDOT representatives, and they said this property will not be affected by the
expansion project.
Councilmember Gabler asked if utility and paving work would be done at the same time
as the three initial buildings were constructed or if it would be done prior. Mr. Schneider
clarified that work will be done at the same time as the construction of the buildings in
the first phase.
Councilmember Gabler asked what type of signage would be proposed on site. Mr.
Schneider said that had not been finalized, but there will be wall signage on the hotel at
the minimum for visibility on the interstate. Mr. Kennedy added that due to the large
amount of visibility of the site, they do not anticipate requesting any flexibility from
what is allowed by ordinance.
Commissioner Tapper noted that there is a section of sidewalk under the interstate
bridge that stops around the west edge of the subject property and would appreciate
the extension of that sidewalk to the east with this project. Commissioner Teri Lehner
concurred.
Commissioner Rob Stark asked what the max capacity of the event center would be. Mr.
Schneider said it would likely fit 80-100 people.
Michelle Weintzetl, of the applicant team, added that the development team is
currently conducting a study that will assist in verifying the event center's needs for size.
Councilmember Gabler asked if all three buildings in the first phase would be
connected. The development team confirmed.
Commissioner Tapper asked if the parking shown just east of where East Broadway
Street ends is necessary for the development, as a portion of it does not appear to be on
the two subject properties. Mr. Schneider said it is necessary for development
circulation and required parking minimums.
Councilmember Sam Murdoff asked whether the stormwater ponds identified on the
site plan would be enough for the concept. Mr. Schneider said that it is likely that the
stormwater area would be enlarged to support the development, but the two locations
identified would work together to support it.
Ms. Schumann addressed the next steps for this concept, including the need for the
property owner to petition for annexation before submitting a formal land use
application. The City Council is required to acknowledge any petitions for annexation
prior to considering development of an eligible property in the township.
No action was taken on the agenda item.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m.
Recorded By: Hayden Ha Stensgard/2�
Date Approved: May 7, 2024
ATTEST:
Angela Schurra
a0mmunity Development Director