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City Council Minutes 09-04-2012 Special JointMINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - 5:00 p.m. Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center Present - Council: Mayor Clint Herbst, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta Present - PC: Chairman William Spartz, Brad Fyle, Charlotte Gabler Absent: Brian Stumpf Other: Angela Schumann, Ron Hackemnueller, Steve Grittman, Steve Rohlf (Cornerstone Chevrolet) 1. Call to order Mayor Herbst called the Special Joint Meeting to order at 5:14 p.m. 2. Purpose of Meeting: Collaborative Stage PUD — Commercial Planned Unit Development Steve Grittman explained that this meeting is to hear from the Cornerstone Chevrolet group about plans for development of the old Ford site. 3. Consideration of a request for the initiation of a collaborative process and creation of a Public Values Statement for a commercial Planned Unit Development (PUD). Applicant: Cornerstone Chevrolet Steve Grittman discussed the process for the current application, which is to create a new Planned Unit Development, extracting two parcels from the existing PUD. The City's first step in the PUD process is for a Collaborative Stage to review the changes being proposed and determine the public values to be achieved on the site. Steve Grittman indicated that the shared use access between West Metro and the Ford site will remain in place regardless of what happens to the PUD, as it exists by separate agreement and CUP. The discussion for the Collaborative Stage application for this PUD will involve the plans for building exteriors, Cornerstone's plans for the property, establishment of goals for the development, and development of a public values statement for the proposed use. Steve Grittman noted that there may be some questions in the collaborative process that may not apply since the property had a similar use previously. However, the discussion should provide input that will guide the PUD. Glen Posusta noted that he has some concerns about the landscaping. Lloyd Hilgart asked what the purchase would include; Steve Grittman explained this would include property on the east and west side of Sandberg Road. Special Council /Planning Commission Joint Meeting Minutes — September 4, 2012 Page 1 Steve Rohlf from Cornerstone Chevrolet was introduced and started off the discussion by showing a drawing of the 2 lots that they are purchasing. He noted that they are expected to meet GM standards in the development of the new store. They will be required to use strict specifications for both the interior and exterior portions of the building. He is working with the GM Company for any exceptions for which he might be able to get approval. Steve Rohlf is currently working with an electrician to redo the building's electrical service, particularly in the service and repair area, which may affect some other structural elements. Steve Rohlf talked about the entrance that faces Hwy 25 and noted some changes being planned to meet the GM standards. Glen Posusta suggested that Steve Rohlf may want to talk with West Metro about some of the standards he is working on as there may be some similarities in the process. Steve Grittman asked if there were any concerns about the layout of the site in terms of a major commercial area. Clint Herbst feels this plan will be an improvement over the previous proposal. Brad Fyle noted that he has questions about a sidewalk along Hwy 25, the fire safety inside the building, and the size of the large billboard -type sign that is proposed. He indicated that he would like to see research on the impacts a message center of this size and type may have on traffic and drivers. Charlotte Gabler expressed concern about the size of the electronic sign and feels it is too large for the area. Steve Grittman asked for further comments to address the concerns about the size of the sign. Brad Fyle asked if the sign would be allowed under current ordinances; Steve Grittman noted that it would be allowed only if agreed upon with the PUD agreement to be developed. Angela Schumann pointed out what would be allowable for a message board and a freeway bonus sign in the ordinance. Steve Rohlf explained that the sign is proposed at 75 sq ft. A separate sign with a 200 square foot message center is also proposed. He pointed out the reasoning behind the choice for that particular sign. Angela Schumann noted that the site would be allowed 2 free - standing signs, and Cornerstone is asking for 3 signs. Lloyd Hilgart stated that technically they could have a sign up to 200 sq ft with up to 100 sq ft of message board. Steve Rohlf stated that he would trade a monument sign for a 200 sq ft message board. Brad Fyle asked if the entryway that stands free of the building would be considered a free - standing sign; Angela Schumann confirmed that would not be treated as a sign. Tom Perrault also expressed some concern about the types of signs that are proposed. Angela Schumann will be looking into data regarding signs and results of studies on traffic effects related to message boards. Steve Rohlf noted that their business in Elk River has not experienced any traffic issues related to the large message board they installed. Steve Rohlf talked about some of the plans for landscaping. They would like to plant some ornamental trees along the west and south side of the site, but do not want to add trees in other areas where visibility would be affected. Brad Fyle asked if there would be issues with loading and unloading vehicles from the transport trucks such as blocking the street, which was a problem when the Ford dealer Special Council /Planning Commission Joint Meeting Minutes — September 4, 2012 Page 2 occupied the site. Steve Rohlf commented on the area for loading and unloading and concern about the size of the designated area. He guaranteed they will not unload in the street and will be looking for an appropriate area that can be used, perhaps in part of the lot on the west side of Sandberg Rd. Ron Hackemnueller asked about plans for the area where vehicles are now being parked in the dirt. Steve Rohlf is aware that parking is illegal in this area and they are willing to address it. Brad Fyle mentioned that he would like a sidewalk extended for pedestrians along the property next to Hwy 25. Angela Schumann suggested this contingency could be reserved in the PUD agreement for future consideration. Steve Rohlf stated that they don't really want to have to deal with the expense to put in sidewalk; they might be willing to talk about a bituminous pathway. Brad Fyle noted that he would like to see that building occupied again and feels this is a worthy proposal and would like to continue discussions. Tom Perrault asked if the City could reserve right -of -way for future sidewalk, which Angela Schumann confirmed. Steve Grittman asked if there is a consensus to move forward with this project. Council members and Planning Commission members both are interested in pursuing this development. Steve Rohlf noted several concerns of his: (a) may need a quit claim deed to straighten out a small area of property line; and (b) a blanket drainage easement crosses West Metro property and this would create problems so they may need to redo drainage and utility easements. Angela Schumann noted that there will be a Public Hearing called for October to considering approving the PUD concept and development stage plans. She also noted that under the City's zoning ordinance, the site would need to be rezoned PUD. 4. Adjourn LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING AT 5:57 P.M. TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman o7r-,o.� Approved: September 10, 2012 Attest: City t strator Special Council /Planning Commission Joint Meeting Minutes — September 4, 2012 Page 3