Loading...
Planning Commission Agenda 09-07-2010AGENDA MONTICELLO PLANNING cCOMMISSION Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 6:00 PM Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center Commissioners: Rod Dragsten, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, William Spartz, and Barry Voight Council Liaison: Susie Wojchouski Staff: Angela Schumann, Ron Hackemnueller, Steve Grittman — NAC Call to order. 2. Consideration to approve the Planning Commission minutes of August 3rd, 2010. 3. Citizen Comments. 4. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. Continued Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for Amendment to Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development for Towne Centre Signage Plan. Applicant: Silver Creek Development/City of Monticello 6. Public Hearing — Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage in an I-2 (Heavy Industrial) District. Applicant: All Elements, Inc. 7. Public Hearing — Amendment to the 2010 City of Monticello Zoning Map. Applicant: City of Monticello Community Development Director's Report. 9. Adjourn. NOTE: A meeting of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee will convene immediately after the regular Planning Commission meeting. Planning Commission Minutes — 7/6/10 MINUTES MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 6:00 PM Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center To be provided under separate cover. Planning Commission Agenda – 09/07/10 1 5. Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for Amendment to Conditional Use Permit for Towne Centre Signage Plan. Applicant: Silver Creek Development A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND The applicant has again requested a continuation of this item to allow time for additional resource information and plan adjustment. The applicant intends to bring forward a final request for the October meeting. In researching the previous approvals in place for the Towne Centre property, it has been determined that Towne Centre was approved under a Conditional Use Permit, not a Planned Unit Development. However, it is anticipated that Silver Creek may request use and enhancement of the existing Towne Centre monument, which is actually on City property. This would then necessitate the creation of a Planned Unit Development. In a related matter, the City of Monticello will be remodeling the Hiway Liquors sign, which was damaged in a recent storm. As part of that remodel, the City will be repairing the base sign and installing an electronic message board and directional sign board. The sign will use the existing structural supports and footings. The base sign message will be approximately 40 square feet, and the new directional placard 12 square feet, for a total of 52 square feet. The electronic message board component will be 32 square feet. The total signage including electronic message board and new directional placard, will be 84 square feet. The proposed sign meets the free-standing sign allowances for the commercial district, which are 100 square feet in area and 22 feet of height. An illustration is attached for reference. As the Towne Centre and Liquor Store are not part of a joint PUD, the Liquor Store site stands on its own for signage compliance. The remodeled sign proposed complies with current regulations; therefore, no formal action is needed by the Planning Commission on the Liquor Store sign. Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 1 6 . Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage in an 1-2 (Heavy Industrial) District. Applicant: All Elements, Inc. (AS) BACKGROUND All Elements, Inc. has applied for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage to allow for the storage of vehicles in the rear yard of the 1347 Dundas Circle property. The subject site is approximately 1.21 acres in size and is zoned I-2, Heavy Industrial. ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting a CUP for Open and Outdoor Storage to allow exterior storage of trailers and equipment related to their primary use as a roofing contracting company. The applicant is proposing to fence and surface their rear yard for this purpose, encompassing a space of approximately 10,400 square feet. Based on research of City and County records, there is currently no conditional use permit in place on the site. In addition to the outdoor storage area, the site includes a concrete parking/loading area on the north side of the property and a building approximately 10,503 square feet in area. Access is provided via Dundas Circle and from Dundas Road. The property is bordered in all directions by properties currently zoned I-2. Conditional Use Permit. Open and outdoor storage is permitted as a conditional use in the I-2 District, provided that: 1. The area is fenced and screened from view of neighboring residential uses or, if abutting a residential district, in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of this ordinance. Comment: The site does not abut any residential uses or residentially zoned property. 2. Storage is screened from view from the public right-of-way in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of this ordinance. Comment: The storage area is proposed to be surrounded by an 8’ steel fence, The site plan illustrates that the fenceline is proposed to placed up to the property line. However, a drainage swale does exist on the property, and as such, the City Engineer will need to approve the final placement of the fence relative to the drainage and utility easement and this swale. Additionally, the height of the fence requires a building permit to verify structural integrity. The applicant’s narrative Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 2 notes that the fence will be constructed of steel similar to the existing building, and will be of a similar color. 3. Storage area is grassed or surfaced to control dust. Comment: The storage area is proposed to be surfaced with crushed concrete or Class 5, which meets the intent of this provision. The applicant may need to spray the surfacing occasionally in the summer months to prevent excess dust with frequent vehicle movement. 4. All lighting shall be hooded and so directed that the light source shall not be visible from the public right-of-way or from neighboring residences and shall be in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [H], of this ordinance. Comment: No additional lighting is proposed for the site as part of the project. If at any time additional lighting is proposed, said lighting shall be required to comply with Chapter 3, Section 2 H of the Zoning Ordinance. 5. The provisions of Chapter 22 of this ordinance are considered and satisfactorily met. Comment: Chapter 22 requires that the applicant conform to the standard Conditional Use Permit process. Parking and Loading. The existing building includes office and warehouse uses. Currently, the site includes 19 total striped parking spaces and an approximately 4,000 square foot surfaced area on the northern portion of the site. The current parking requirement for office uses is three spaces plus one space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area (minus 10 percent). The parking requirement for manufacturing/warehouse uses is at least eight (8) spaces plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees on each shift based on maximum planned employment or at a minimum at least eight (8) spaces plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500) square feet of floor area. Based on information provided by the applicant, the parking requirement for the site is as follows: Use Floor Area Spaces Required Office Space 2100 square feet 12 spaces Warehouse/Storage 8305 square feet 24 spaces Total Required 36 spaces As illustrated, these raw numbers would require 36 total spaces. However, the large surfaced area to the north could be paved and striped for proof of parking to accommodate the balance of the required parking stalls (17). As condition of Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 3 approval, the applicant should provide a site plan illustrating proof of parking on site sufficient to meet parking requirements. This condition is adequate given that the primary use of the facility involves employees who work off-site, and that additional impervious surfacing given this type of warehouse (not manufacturing) use is not recommended. The applicant has indicated that it is their intent to provide an access to the enclosed storage area at the northwest corner. The applicant is asked to verify that the gate will open to the paved area leading to the Dundas Circle access. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Regarding the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage, the City has the following options: 1. Motion to recommend approval of the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage for 1347 Dundas Circle, based on a finding that the proposed use is consistent with the conditions of approval and the performance requirements for the I-2 District, subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit Z. 2. Motion to recommend denial of the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage, based on a finding that the proposed use is not consistent with the performance requirement of the I-2 District. RECOMMENDATION Regarding the requested Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage, staff recommends approval of the request. The proposed use is consistent with the conditions of approval, and the intent of the I-2 District. Staff recommends approval, subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit Z. SUPPORTING DATA: Exhibit A: Applicant Narrative Exhibit B: Site Location Map Exhibit C: Site Plan Exhibit D: Site Photos Exhibit E: Zoning Map (see item 7) Exhibit Z: Conditions of approval Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 4 Exhibit Z Conditions of Approval 1347 Dundas Circle 1. The applicant shall revise the site plan to illustrate proof-of-parking for 17 additional stalls as noted in the Planning Commission report date 9/7/10. 2. Applicant is to verify exact location of proposed gate on the site plan. 3. All materials stored outside on the site shall be stored within the fenced storage area at all times. 4. The proposed fenceline will not encroach into the Dundas Road or Dundas Circle right of way. 5. The applicants shall apply for a building permit for the proposed fence. The CUP is subject to approval of the proposed fence. 6. The City Engineer will approve the final placement of the fence relative to the drainage and utility easement and the drainage swale on site. Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 1 6 . Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage in an 1-2 (Heavy Industrial) District. Applicant: All Elements, Inc. (AS) BACKGROUND All Elements, Inc. has applied for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage to allow for the storage of vehicles in the rear yard of the 1347 Dundas Circle property. The subject site is approximately 1.21 acres in size and is zoned I-2, Heavy Industrial. ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting a CUP for Open and Outdoor Storage to allow exterior storage of trailers and equipment related to their primary use as a roofing contracting company. The applicant is proposing to fence and surface their rear yard for this purpose, encompassing a space of approximately 10,400 square feet. Based on research of City and County records, there is currently no conditional use permit in place on the site. In addition to the outdoor storage area, the site includes a concrete parking/loading area on the north side of the property and a building approximately 10,503 square feet in area. Access is provided via Dundas Circle and from Dundas Road. The property is bordered in all directions by properties currently zoned I-2. Conditional Use Permit. Open and outdoor storage is permitted as a conditional use in the I-2 District, provided that: 1. The area is fenced and screened from view of neighboring residential uses or, if abutting a residential district, in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of this ordinance. Comment: The site does not abut any residential uses or residentially zoned property. 2. Storage is screened from view from the public right-of-way in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of this ordinance. Comment: The storage area is proposed to be surrounded by an 8’ steel fence, The site plan illustrates that the fenceline is proposed to placed up to the property line. However, a drainage swale does exist on the property, and as such, the City Engineer will need to approve the final placement of the fence relative to the drainage and utility easement and this swale. Additionally, the height of the fence requires a building permit to verify structural integrity. The applicant’s narrative Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 2 notes that the fence will be constructed of steel similar to the existing building, and will be of a similar color. 3. Storage area is grassed or surfaced to control dust. Comment: The storage area is proposed to be surfaced with crushed concrete or Class 5, which meets the intent of this provision. The applicant may need to spray the surfacing occasionally in the summer months to prevent excess dust with frequent vehicle movement. 4. All lighting shall be hooded and so directed that the light source shall not be visible from the public right-of-way or from neighboring residences and shall be in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [H], of this ordinance. Comment: No additional lighting is proposed for the site as part of the project. If at any time additional lighting is proposed, said lighting shall be required to comply with Chapter 3, Section 2 H of the Zoning Ordinance. 5. The provisions of Chapter 22 of this ordinance are considered and satisfactorily met. Comment: Chapter 22 requires that the applicant conform to the standard Conditional Use Permit process. Parking and Loading. The existing building includes office and warehouse uses. Currently, the site includes 19 total striped parking spaces and an approximately 4,000 square foot surfaced area on the northern portion of the site. The current parking requirement for office uses is three spaces plus one space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area (minus 10 percent). The parking requirement for manufacturing/warehouse uses is at least eight (8) spaces plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees on each shift based on maximum planned employment or at a minimum at least eight (8) spaces plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500) square feet of floor area. Based on information provided by the applicant, the parking requirement for the site is as follows: Use Floor Area Spaces Required Office Space 2100 square feet 12 spaces Warehouse/Storage 8305 square feet 24 spaces Total Required 36 spaces As illustrated, these raw numbers would require 36 total spaces. However, the large surfaced area to the north could be paved and striped for proof of parking to accommodate the balance of the required parking stalls (17). As condition of Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 3 approval, the applicant should provide a site plan illustrating proof of parking on site sufficient to meet parking requirements. This condition is adequate given that the primary use of the facility involves employees who work off-site, and that additional impervious surfacing given this type of warehouse (not manufacturing) use is not recommended. The applicant has indicated that it is their intent to provide an access to the enclosed storage area at the northwest corner. The applicant is asked to verify that the gate will open to the paved area leading to the Dundas Circle access. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Regarding the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage, the City has the following options: 1. Motion to recommend approval of the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage for 1347 Dundas Circle, based on a finding that the proposed use is consistent with the conditions of approval and the performance requirements for the I-2 District, subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit Z. 2. Motion to recommend denial of the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage, based on a finding that the proposed use is not consistent with the performance requirement of the I-2 District. RECOMMENDATION Regarding the requested Conditional Use Permit for Open and Outdoor Storage, staff recommends approval of the request. The proposed use is consistent with the conditions of approval, and the intent of the I-2 District. Staff recommends approval, subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit Z. SUPPORTING DATA: Exhibit A: Applicant Narrative Exhibit B: Site Location Map Exhibit C: Site Plan Exhibit D: Site Photos Exhibit E: Zoning Map (see item 7) Exhibit Z: Conditions of approval Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2007 4 Exhibit Z Conditions of Approval 1347 Dundas Circle 1. The applicant shall revise the site plan to illustrate proof-of-parking for 17 additional stalls as noted in the Planning Commission report date 9/7/10. 2. Applicant is to verify exact location of proposed gate on the site plan. 3. All materials stored outside on the site shall be stored within the fenced storage area at all times. 4. The proposed fenceline will not encroach into the Dundas Road or Dundas Circle right of way. 5. The applicants shall apply for a building permit for the proposed fence. The CUP is subject to approval of the proposed fence. 6. The City Engineer will approve the final placement of the fence relative to the drainage and utility easement and the drainage swale on site. Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2010 1 7. Public Hearing - Amendment to the 2010 City of Monticello Zoning Map. Applicant: City of Monticello (AS) BACKGROUND The Planning Commission is asked to recommend adoption of an amended 2010 City of Monticello Zoning Map. Since the Planning Commission’s initial review of the map staff have found that there are locations where zoning designations were incorrectly shown. These include the designation for 307 Chelsea Road, which should be shown as I-1A, and the adjacent parcel to the east, which should be shown as B-4. (Letter A, Exhibit B) This mis- classification was made primarily due to the fact that the underlying parcel map was not current based on County records. Staff has also made a correction in the area of Otter Creek, where property has been annexed and needs to reflect an A-O zoning classification. (Letter B, Exhibit B) In making these clarifications, staff has found other portions of the map that require clean-up. These are areas where the zoning shape did not match the parcel lines. It is noted that the Zoning Map will be further amended as part of the Zoning Code revision project. However, as Monticello’s code indicates that the map actually controls the actual zoning designation of a property, the City Attorney recommends adopting this updated map. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Motion to recommend adoption of the revised 2010 City of Monticello Zoning Map. 2. Motion to recommend tabling of action on the 2010 City of Monticello Zoning Map for further study. 3. Motion of other. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends calling for the public hearing on the City of Monticello Zoning Map as proposed. Planning Commission Agenda- 09/07/2010 2 SUPPORTING DATA Exhibit A: Current 2010 Zoning Map Exhibit B: Proposed 2010 Zoning Map R1 I2 R1 B3 R1 I2 R1 AO R2 CCD B4 I1 I1-A R2 R2 PZ-M R1 R1 B4 B4 R1 R1 B4 R1 R2 R1 R1 R4 B3 B2 PZ-M R-1A R1-A I1-A I1 R3 R2 R-2A R3 PZ-M R2 PS R2 R2A AO R2 R2 AO B3 I1 R3 R-PUD PZ-M R1 PZ-M PS PZ-M PZ-M R2 R1 PZ-M B3 B1 B2 B4 R-PUD PS PS R-2 R2 B3 R1 R1 R1 I1-A I-2 R4 AO R1 B4 B4 B4 R1 B4 R1A R4 AO R1A I2 B4 AO 90 th S t SE Fe nn i ng A v e N E M i s s i s s ip pi R iv er M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Otter C r e e k First Lake Mud Lake R1 AO 01,2002,400600 Feet Legend Lakes CityBoundary Parcels Zoning Districts Agriculture - Open Space Single Family Residential Single Family Residential - A Single Family and 2 Family Residential Single Family and 2 Family Residential - A Medium Density Residential Mobile Home Park Residential Planned Unit Development Performance Zone - Residential Performance Zone - Mixed Neighborhood Business Limited Business Highway Business Regional Business Central Community District Light Industrial - A Light Industrial Heavy Industrial Public - Semi-Public PUD AO R1 R1-A R2 R2-A R3 R4 PZ-R PZ-M B1 B2 B3 B4 CCD I1-A I1 I2 PS PUD     !"b$ !"b$ !"b$ !"b$ Sg ?¾A@ ?¾A@ SÊ SÊ S} S} 9 0th St S E Fenning Ave NE Mississippi River M is sis s i p p i R i v e r O tte r C r e e k FirstLake MudLake R1 AO ¹ 0 1,200 2,400Feet Legend PERIMETER Lakes CityBoundary Parcels Zoning Districts Agriculture - Open Space Single Family Residential Single Family Residential - A Single Family and 2 Family Residential Single Family and 2 Family Residential - A Medium Density Residential Mobile Home Park Residential Planned Unit Development Performance Zone - Residential Performance Zone - Mixed Neighborhood Business Limited Business Highway Business Regional Business Central Community District Light Industrial - A Light Industrial Heavy Industrial Public - Semi-Public PUD AO R1 R1-A R2 R2-A R3 R4 PZ-R PZ-M B1 B2 B3 B4 CCD I1-A I1 I2 PS PUD     Planning Commission Agenda – 09/07/10 1 8. Community Development Director’s Update. (AS) Live Wright The City of Monticello will be submitting a grant proposal to Live Wright, which is the Wright County component of the Statewide Health Improvement Program, for park and trail planning and promotion. Live Wright has over $400,000 available in grant funds for allocation to projects which support long-range policy, systems and environmental changes in the community for health and fitness. Monticello’s grant is focused on an updated to the Park & Trail plan (last updated in 1996) and creating and updating resources to build use of the park and trail facilities. The grant does not require a cash match, but recommends an in-kind match of approximately 10% The grant application was due Sept. 3rd, before formal review by the Parks Commission and Council. Should the Parks Commission or Council seek to make changes to the scope, these items can be adjusted. Planning Commission is also welcome to comment. The grant application is attached for reference. Hunters Crossing in Foreclosure The City has received notice that the Hunters Crossing development is in foreclosure. The City has been included in the foreclosure proceedings due to claims possible against the existing letters of credit for Hunters Crossing 1st and 2nd Addition. Staff has researched the status of Hunters Crossing 1st and 2nd Addition relative to the letters of credit. Both additions have been fully accepted, with all punch list items completed. The warranty period for the improvements has passed, the warranty deed for the park has been recorded, and all as-builts are on file. As such, the City believes that any letter of credit obligation relating to the public improvements has been met. In 2006, staff completed a final reconciliation of cash escrows relative to expenses for 1st and 2nd Additions at Hunters Crossing. The City currently holds $10,000 in cash securities to guarantee erosion control and final compliance with landscaping requirements. The City will continue to hold these funds in escrow for those purposes. Therefore, the City will not be filing a claim in relationship to the foreclosure proceedings. In regard to the property itself, Hunters Crossing was to be platted in four phases. The balance of the development outside of 1st and 2nd Additions are currently platted as outlots. The Conditional Use Permit for PUD and the preliminary plat are still valid and in place for the balance of the development. When the bank seeks to sell remaining lots within 1st and 2nd Addition and sell or develop the balance of the site, compliance with the preliminary plat and PUD will be required, or an amendment will be needed. Planning Commission Agenda – 09/07/10 2 Development Audit The Commission will recall that staff are working on preparing an update on the current standing of the following developments: Autumn Ridge Carlisle Village Featherstone Hillside Farms Hunter’s Crossing Nathan’s Court Parkside 2nd Pineview Spirit Hills Timber Ridge Otter Creek Union Crossings Community Development and Engineering staff have completed the first step in the development audit process, which was to inventory the status of public improvements, level of acceptance, and final plan documentation on file with the City. The second step will be to verify streetlight, mailbox and conservation easement post locations within the developments and complete any needed financial reconciliations. A final report will be provided with the next green sheet. Engineering & Public Works Notes 2010 Street Reconstruction Project The project is still on schedule, and all work should be completed around mid-September. Four construction progress newsletters summarizing the work completed to date, as well as the work that will be completed in the next week or two, have been mailed to the residents and businesses throughout the project. All trunk utilities work is complete, with the exception of the sanitary sewer lining work, and some work on utility service lines remains to be completed. Phase 1 of Area 4A was paved late last week. The remainder of the project will be paved over the next two to three weeks. Third Street Parking Lot Work on the Third Street parking lot will begin within the next week or two. Crews will remove the existing pavement section and any damaged curb and gutter, after which they will re-pave the parking lot in its current location. Several of the businesses surrounding this parking lot had the paved area behind their business reconstructed as well. The masonry dumpster enclosure(s) for the common-use dumpsters will be constructed through a separate project. The enclosures will be located in the center island delineators Planning Commission Agenda – 09/07/10 3 between the double row of parking stalls and the alley. 2010 Street Lighting Improvements This project is being completed in two phases. Phase 1, which was completed over a week ago, included all underground construction including conduit, wiring, and pole bases. Phase 2 will include all aboveground construction including poles, mast arms, fixtures and cabinets. Work on this phase will begin once the materials have been delivered to the site. It was originally hoped this project would be completed before school started up this fall. However, it now appears that the project will not be completed until the middle of September. The delay is due to a longer than anticipated materials delivery schedule, as well as Xcel Energy’s schedule for ordering the removal of their existing poles, of which several are located in the same location that our proposed poles need to be installed in. While preparing the final lighting layout we were informed by Great River Energy that we would need to provide them with detailed survey information for both their overhead transmission facility and our proposed lighting assemblies. Without this survey information they said they would not be able to approve the installation of any of our lighting assemblies within their easement area. In order to minimize delays we paid GRE to complete this work, after which they informed us that we needed to move one pole, which was located in the northwest corner of Fallon Avenue and School Boulevard. This pole was subsequently relocated to the southwest corner of the intersection. “The mission of Live Wright is to partner with Wright County citizens to increase physical activity, healthy eating and reduce tobacco use by changing behaviors in the environment where we live, learn and work.” When you think of your community and the environment around you, does it foster or hinder the opportunity of people to live a healthy lifestyle? Our perceptions may not always reflect reality: - 63% of adults in MN are overweight or obese - Only 50% meet the recommendations for physical activity - MN: 4 out of 5 adults consume less than 5 fruits and vegetables per day - The prevalence of obesity has doubled in children, tripled in adolescents since 1980 - U.S.: 1 in 3 children born in 2000, will develop diabetes in their lifetime - MN: 1 in 4 male students and 1 in 6 female students are obese - MN: 17% of adults smoke and 27% of students used tobacco in the past 30 days - Annually, smoking costs Minnesotans $2 billion in direct health care costs We Need to Start Planning for the Future Most of us start life healthy… Yet The current generation of children is the first generation projected to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Our Environment Supports Sedentary Lifestyles & Poor Diets A Focus on Individual Responsibility Just Doesn’t Work With so Many Community Barriers It’s time we shift our focus from Diet Books and Pedometers to Policy, Systems and Environmental Changes that support Active Living and Healthy Eating! Policy Interventions may be a law, ordinance, resolution, mandate, regulation, or rule (both formal and informal). Systems Interventions are changes that impact all elements of an organization, institution, or system. Environmental Interventions involve physical or material changes to the economic, social, or physical environment. Behavior Change on a Community Wide Level is Needed to Help Children and Adults be Active and Eat Healthier What is Active Living? Active Living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. The goal is to accumulate at least 30 minutes of activity each day. What is Healthy Eating? Healthy Eating is a way of life and is influenced by what we eat, how much we eat and how it is prepared. A healthy diet should be moderate in calories and nutrient dense (rich in vitamins and minerals). Complete Streets: Is when streets are planned to be safe and accessible for pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists, and drivers—all users, regardless of age or ability. Complete Streets don’t all look the same, to learn more visit the Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition; http://www.mncompletestreets.org/ Minnesota Department of Transportation: Pedestrian transportation resources: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/peds Bicycle transportation resources: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike Safe Routes to School: Safe Routes to School programs enable community leaders, schools and parents across the United States to improve safety and encourage more children, including children with disabilities, to safely walk and bicycle to school. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes/ http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/ Farmer’s Markets: are public spaces where farmers sell produce directly to the customer. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/farmmarket.pdf www.iatp.org/iatp/publications.cfm?accountID=258&r efID=103490 Community Gardens: A community garden is any piece of land gardened by community members. Benefits include: Produces nutritious food, reduces family food budgets, conserves resources and preserves green space. http://www.communitygarden.org/ Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy/Farm to School: Farm to School offers foods that are fresher, less processed and healthier. Introduces kids to new food options and supports academic performance. http://www.iatp.org/iatp/press.cfm?refid=107269 http://www.mnfarmtoschool.umn.edu/getting_started _2.html Live Wright Mini-Grant: Active & Healthy Communities, Active & Healthy Schools INTRODUCTION: On behalf of the Live Wright Community Leadership Team, Wright County Public Health (WCPH) is requesting proposals from members of the community for initiatives that support Policy, System, and Environmental (PSE) changes in Wright County through the current Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). Initiatives proposed must serve the cities of Buffalo and/or Monticello. Preference will be given to organizations located in these cities. Applicants would typically request up to $50,000 for this grant but exceptions for up to $100,000 would be considered providing the project would impact a wider population and established partnerships are in place. SHIP strives to help Minnesotans lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use/exposure. SHIP seeks to create sustainable and systemic changes in schools, worksites, communities and health care organizations that make it easier for Minnesotans to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily lives. For more information, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship. SHIP/LIVE WRIGHT GOALS: Although these mini grants are short term, Live Wright seeks projects that fit into our long term goals for our communities. Over the next fifteen years, Live Wright will work to: Increase the amount of physical activity in residents’ daily lives. More students will walk or bike to school. Increase the availability of healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables, to residents and students. Have healthy foods more available in worksites in the county. Reduce tobacco use among residents. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR GRANT: PSE changes provide a foundation for population wide change. While programs can be effective, they may not be as far-reaching and sustainable over the long term unless they are institutionalized. PSE changes continue to work without the need for funding, such as a tobacco free ordinance while a tobacco cessation program would cease to exist without funds. An effective proposal will be able describe what PSE change is the overarching goal of the project. Details of how it will be done, when the PSE change will occur, who will be involved and the population impacted are all essential components for a proposal to be approved. Characteristics of Events/Programs Characteristics of PSE Changes One time Additive: often results in only short- term behavior change Focus on individuals Not part of ongoing plan Short term Non-sustaining Ongoing Foundational: often produces behavior change over time Focus on populations Part of an ongoing plan Long term Sustaining Below are some examples of possible projects to consider. Th is list is not exhaustive but may give a clearer example of Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) changes; 1. COMMUNITIES Physical Activity: Promote/Support alternative forms of transportation such as walking, biking. Updating park, trail, bikeway, pedestrian plans. Increase access to existing recreation facilities in the community. Determine bike rack needs in the community. Nutrition: Increase availability and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the community. Improve accessibility to Farmers Markets and fresh food outlets for populations with limited transportation options. Develop or support community gardens. Promote/Support Farmers Markets and other sources of fresh produce such as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). 2. SCHOOLS Physical Activity: Promote or increase opportunities for walking, biking and other alternative forms of transportation to-and-from school (ex: Safe Routes to School). Increase access to school recreation facilities. Increase opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day. Nutrition: Support or implement nutrition policy and/or practice changes in areas such as breakfast promotion, holiday/birthday celebrations, fundraising, concessions, and foods at school. Dietary assessment of foods available in schools and increase healthy alternatives. Tastings and experimentation with foods that could lead to school menu changes. Facilitate Farm-to-School initiatives, school gardens, student growing initiatives. RESPONSES TO THIS RFP MUST: 1. Focus on one of the two proposal areas described above (Communities or Schools). 2. Be in line with current SHIP efforts underway in Wright County. 3. Produce or support PSE change in order to be considered for funding. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS: ALLOWABLE USE OF FUNDS: Funds can be used for costs associated with initiatives that are designed to lead to sustained PSE changes, such as: Assessments/studies Staff training Convening stakeholders Signage that supports PSE change Education and promotional materials directly related to the proposal area and initiative (newsletters, media, etc) Development of evaluation plans/tools FUNDS CANNOT BE USED FOR: Conducting one-time unsustainable programs or activities that are not a part of a larger coordinated plan for policy, systems and environmental changes. SHIP funds may not be used to purchase any individual piece of equipment that costs more than $5000. Additional examples of items that will not be funded (included, but not limited to); Refrigerators, freezers, benches or picnic tables, sheds, exercise equipment, e APPLICATION TIMELINE AND PROCESS Instructions for Submission: The application documents are included in this packet and can also be at www.co.wright.mn.us (search with key word “SHIP”). Completed applications include the application form, narrative summary and budget form which are to be submitted either electronically or by mail to Joel Torkelson or Catherine Main (contact information below). Workshop: Writing an Effective Live Wright Grant & PSE Change All interested applicants are encouraged to attend this free informational workshop. Wright County Public Health staff will present on how to write an effective grant, outlining the goals and intended outcomes with these grants. Information will also be shared to help applicants better understand what “Policy, Systems and Environmental Change” really means. Time will also be set aside to ensure all applicants in attendance have the opportunity to ask questions of Wright County Public Health staff. This workshop is scheduled for August 6, 2010, from 9:00am to 11:00am. The workshop will be at the Human Services Building in Buffalo. Interested applicants, contact Jennifer Carlson to register; (763) 682-8931 or jennifer.carlson@co.wright.mn.us. Proposals Due: 4:30 p.m. September 3, 2010 Grants Announced: Awards will be announced by the end of September 2010. Grant Period: October 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 Evaluation: All grantees agree to work with Wright County Public Health and Minnesota Institute of Public Health on ensuring all grant work is effectively evaluated. Evaluation responsibilities may include collecting data to understand and document the effects of your project. Reporting: All grantees will be required to submit an interim report and a final report after the end of the grant period. Public Health staff will notify all grantees when these reports are due. For Further Information, Please Contact: Joel Torkelson SHIP/Live Wright Coordinator Wright County Public Health 1004 Commercial Drive Buffalo MN 55313 (763) 682-7909 joel.torkelson@co.wright.mn.us Catherine Main SHIP/Live Wright Coordinator Wright County Public Health 1004 Commercial Drive Buffalo, MN 55313 (763) 682-7469 catherine.main@co.wright.mn.us LIVE WRIGHT SHIP MINI-GRANT APPLICATION 2010-2011 Organization Name City of Monticello Address, City, State, Zip 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Contact Name Email Phone Number Angela Schumann, Community Development Director angela.schumann@ci.monticello.mn.us 763-271-3224 Please mark which area your proposal is focused Proposal Area Communities Schools Location of Initiative (Mark all that apply) Buffalo Monticello BE SURE YOUR COMPLETED PROPOSAL INCLUDES: Organization information (boxes above filled in and submitted with your narrative and budget) A narrative with a page limit of 5 pages with 12 point font, 1 inch margins, single-spaced Completed budget form THE NARRATIVE NEEDS TO ADDRESS ITEMS 1-5 IN THE CHECKLIST BELOW 1. Mini-Grant Proposal Summary a) Provide detailed description of your initiative including clear goals. Monticello is requesting Live Wright grant funding to support the development of a Parks & Trails Plan and Resource Update. Monticello’s goal is to complete a two-pronged project yielding both an achievable plan for park and trail expansion and improvement, as well as access enhancement for park and trail users. While Monticello already has a strong parks and trails system and continues to physically expand that system, the community lacks a coordinated vision connecting current/future park resources and actively promoting their use. Monticello last up dated its Park & Trails Plan in 1996. Since that time, the community has grown by over 40%. Through this growth, the community has added to its exi sting inventory of parks and trails by acquiring new open space and paths through park dedication and easem ent requirements. In addition to past growth, the City of Monticello and Monticello Township have agreed to an Orderly Annexation process allowing the City to plan for future growth within a 10,000 acre boundary. Additionally, the City of Monticello and Wright County have partnered to develop a 1,200 acre regional park at the Bertram Chain of Lakes, just outside the current city limits. With these factors i n place, Monticello has a tremendous opportunity to foster community access to a first-class park and trail system. What is needed now is a cohesive plan which builds on these assets, incorporating appropriate infrastructure, providing recommendations for future park/trail development, and integrating area -wide facilities and resources. These facilities need to be safe and accessible for all. The community also needs to be able to provide residents with better access and information. This means more user-friendly information on park and trail facilities. The resource update component will therefore be focused on putting the park plan into action. With these two needs in mind, Monticello is proposing a project which includes two primary components. The first piece, the Park & Trail Plan, represents completion of a clear policy direction for Monticello’s park planning efforts in both the short and long term. The Park & Trail Plan will allow Monticello to better utilize existing resources and more effectively plan for future needs. The second 1. Mini-Grant Proposal Summary segment, the Park Resource Update, provides concrete information sources for residents, which supports immediate access to parks and trails for the community. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to effect change that bridges the gap between "parks in place" and "parks in use". Taken together, these two project elements and the completion of a Parks & Trails Plan and Resource Update will support an active, healthy Monticello for years to come. b) Describe how your initiatives’ goal(s) align with the proposal areas in the mini-grant guidelines. Live Wright's Active Community Goals promote the ability for the community to engage in physical activity through walking, biking, recreation and more. Monticello's Parks & Trails Plan and Resource Update project will support these goals by providing for alternative pedestrian-oriented transportation routes and planning for active recreational opportunities in the community's existing and future parks. In addition, the development and implementation of both web and print tools for residents will further enhance access to parks and trails. Research supports Monticello and Live Wright's goals for healthier lifestyles. A group of studies reviewed in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that “creation of or enhanced access to places for physical activity combined with informational o utreach” produced a 48.4 percent increase in the frequency of physical activity. The same studies showed that easy access to a place to exercise results in a 5.1 percent median increase in aerobic capacity, along with weight loss, a reduction in body fat, improvements i n flexibility, and an increase in perceived energy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 25 percent of American adults engage in recommended levels of physical activity, and 29 percent engage in no leisure -time physical activity at all. This lifestyle is contributing to an increased incidence of obesity along with obesity-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke. As a result of these findings, the CDC itself has called for more parks and playgrounds. It is clear that Monticello's parks and trails play a critical role in engaging residents in physical activity. When people have access to parks, they exercise more. When people are armed with information on the parks and trails, an active lifestyle becomes even easier! This project's dual focus aims to provide both access and information leading to a healthier Monticello. c) Who has been involved in developing this proposal? Who else do you plan to involve if funding is awarded? The City of Monticello has taken the lead on developing the proposal, working across internal departments to create a final s cope of work. However, the depth of the project will require coordination with citizen-led advisory groups, such as the Parks Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Monticello Community Center Advisory Board. The intent to provide regional connectivity will also require that the project have direct involvement from the Monticello Public School District, and the Wright County Parks, Engineering, and Information Services Departments, Finally, and most importantly, the project 1. Mini-Grant Proposal Summary will involve the input and feedback of the community at-large, including various park user-groups, local recreational associations and neighborhood organizations. The plan needs to address an array of user-groups, each with varying accessibility needs. This project seeks to engage stakeholders at every level, ultimately producing a final product that has community support from the ground up. 2. Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) Change a) Describe what PSE changes will occur or that are supported as a result of your initiative. The two components of this project have been specifically designed to building lasting community change. Low-density, automobile-dependent development patterns in Monticello have discouraged health-promoting physical activity. By developing a plan to build and connect existing and future park and trail resources, this grant will help alter that pattern. Specifically, the planning component will generate Policy, Systems and Environmental Change by weaving together local and regional park/trail resources and other community assets. The plan will set out a capital improvement program that outlines a seamles s network of options, connecting community gardens to soccer complexes and everything in between. It will help the City look at streets and movement in a different way. The plan will also focus on the development of facilities that are safe and accessible to all. This will support the use of Monticello’s park and trail resources by more people, more often. Ultimately, the plan will create real opportunity for the community to walk, bicycle and enjoy parks in new ways through increased and direct access to parks, schools, community facilities, shops and employment. The Resource Update will take this vision one step further, supporting Policy, Systems and Environmental Change by improving the usability of park information. New brochures, helpful signage, better maps, and enhanced web features will make it easier to find, navigate and utilize all of the City's park and trail resources. The resources will also reach out to a broad spectrum of users. For example, the program includes a provision for offering higher -tech downloadable mobile device applications (such as trail finders and distance calculators), as well as low-tech City walk/bike brochures. Supporting this system change is recent study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that “creation of or enha nced access to places for physical activity combined with informational outreach” produced a 48.4 percent increase in the frequency of physical activity. The same studies showed that easy access to a place to exercise results in a 5.1 percent median increase in aerobic capacity, along with weight loss, a reduction in body fat, improvements in flexibility, and an increase in perceived energy. The research clearly shows that by educating the community on the resources available, Monticello will be able to make long-lasting, healthy changes. 2. Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) Change The Monticello Park and Trails Plan and Resource Update addresses each primary goal of Live Wright, effecting policy, system and environmental change. These changes will lead to a healthier, more active Monticello. b) Describe how the PSE changes will be sustainable in your community This project is innately sustainable, creating opportunities for on -going Policy, Systems and Environmental change, specifically because it provides a defined plan for implementation and action well into the future. The goal of the Parks & Trail Plans and Resource Update is to create an achievable park and trail plan for development over the long- term, and to increase and encourage the use of those systems. To accomplish this level of sustainability, the final Park & Trail Plan will be adopted as an appendix to the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the City's guide for future growth and development. The City uses the Comprehensive Plan as the bas e for making decisions about land use, including how and where the community will grow. By adopting the plan formally into the Comprehensive Plan, the Parks & Trails plan will become the City 's set policy for the development of both existing and future park and trail planning. The Parks & Trails plan will also be used to supply information for Capital Improvement Plans (CIP). The City's CIP is a fin ancial management tool, allowing the City Council to plan for and budget for park and trail improvements, including those multi-modal improvements made to the streetscape. The Resource Update enables both an immediate an on-going change in park and trail use. In addition to the PSE changes noted above, the Resource Update will provide a baseline of information that can be added to and built as the larger vision is achieved. Developing a baseline of information for park and trail users today will increase the amount of activity in those systems well into the future. 3. Need a) Describe the need in your organization or community for this initiative (identify data sources) and how your initiative will impact the need. Monticello's past and expected future growth make planning for the development and use of parks imperative. As budgets continue to tighten, the need to more effectively and efficiently park for park/trail expansions and improvements has become critical. Parks and trails are often the first places communities cut resources. However, research has shown that these important pieces of infrastructure have direct impacts on the community's social and physical health. Engaging the public now in park and trail planning will ensure continued support for park as trails as an integral part of the communities long-term social and economic health. b) Describe the population that will be impacted by your initiative. The scope of work developed for the project includes the current population of the City of Monticello, as well as the expected population within the orderly annexation area. This impact area speaks to the longevity and sustainability of the park planning compone nt. The scope of work calls for a highly inclusionary process involving served and under-served user groups, neighborhood groups and local associations. In addition, the inclusion of the Monticello School District into planning efforts, as well as provision for c onnection to County and regional park systems, further broadens the population served by the project. 4. Action Plan a) Describe the specific actions you will take to carry out initiative. To accomplish its goal, the City proposed the following action plan, which includes designation of consultant and staff resources. 1. Assessment & Inventory • Identify stakeholders and user groups. • Update geographic identification of all parks and trails. • Update conditions and amenities inventory for all parks. • Inventory partner facilities and opportunities, including the Monticello Public School District and Wright County. • Identify special issue areas (i.e. grade crossings for Highway 25 and I-94). • Identify park and trail barriers: physical, economic, competitive. • Develop baseline use and performance data for parks and trails through survey methods. • Prepare a parks and trails needs assessment for Monticello’s current population, including information for baseline capital improvement planning. 4. Action Plan • Prepare a parks and trails needs assessment for Monticello’s projected growth area population, including clear definition of active and passive areas and infrastructure needs. • Understand Natural Resource Inventory & Assessment information. • Assess current trail and pathway system conditions and connectivity. 2. Analysis A. Parks: • Recommend current park improvement opportunities. • Recommend future park location, spacing, phasing, and type. • Include short and long term planning for the Monticello Community Center as a primary recreational and fitness resource. • Incorporate the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park concept plan into both short and long-term assessment and park plans. • Integrate Monticello School District facilities and other existing community resources (community gardens, far mer's markets) into planning. • Integration of the Monticello Natural Resource Inventory & Assessment into park/ trail planning, including identification of greenway corridors and natural area preservation/restoration education opportunities. • Provide ideas for enhancing public enjoyment of the Mississippi River. • Incorporate park dedication opportunities. B. Trails: • Identify complete street opportunities. • Recommend needed connection points and build in way-finding and Live Wright signage locations. • Specify expansion opportunities for current and future system. • Provide recommendations that address special issue areas. • Develop a regional connection plan which links Monticello’s parks and paths with Wright County ’s existing and future system, as well as neighboring city resources. 3. Public Involvement • Actively engage the general public, including on-site neighborhood meetings, and use of interactive media strategies. • Assessment surveys, as noted above. • Coordinate with local stakeholders and user groups, including athletic associations. • Allow for direction and involvement by the Parks Commission, the Monticello Community Center Advisory Board, Planning 4. Action Plan Commission and City Council. • Hold workshops and hearings as noted below. 4. Plan Preparation & Adoption • The final plan will include the following documents, which directly result from assessment/inventory and analysis information. o Policy Statements o Park Facilities Plan o Trail & Pathway Plan o Greenways Plan o Phasing and Capital Improvement Plan o Appendix: Data • The final plan will be reviewed and finally adopted after a series of public events and hearings as follows: o Workshop – Stakeholders o Workshop – Review Plan with General Public o Workshop – Public policy-makers (Parks, MCC Advisory) o Public Hearing – Consideration of Plan by Planning Commission o Adoption - City Council 5. Implementation & Resource Update • Provide a detailed Capital Improvement Plan for Park & Trail Plan as proposed. • Develop a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layer which includes all parkland and proposed park areas , trailways, connecting sidewalks and regional connection points. • Implement a web interface utilizing the GIS layer as a base, further enhanced with user -friendly features such as distance, amenity and condition information. • Provide internet and mobile device applications for promotion (example: for the community to enhance their use of enjoyment of existing and future resources. • Create a complete Monticello Park & Trail guidebook. • Update current park and trail pages on the City website. To complete this workplan, the City proposes to utilize planning and engineering consultants. The project will be directed by 4. Action Plan Monticello's Community Development Director, with the assistance of the Parks Superintendent and Community Center Director. The City has developed a relationship with Northwest Associated Consultants and will seek to utilize their services for completion of this project. NAC has on staff an experienced group of land use planners, park and recreation planners, research professionals and landscape architects who can provide a high level of experience in meeting the scope of work defined above. The City will also utilize its designated engineering consultant, WSB & Associates. WSB currently administers the City's mapping and GIS functions and can facilitate in the geographic and technical areas of this project. Lastly, the City's current web provider, GovOffice, will be involved with assistance related to providing the GIS/Web interface. b) Outline the timeline for the actions you plan to take. October 1st, 2010: Begin assessment and analysis October - November, 2010: Continue assessment and analysis, hold neighborhood meetings November - December, 2010: Continue assessment and analysis, hold community workshops December, 2010 - March, 2011: Finalize analysis, prepare final plan documents and map data March - April, 2011: Prepare resource updates (GIS, web, multi-media) May, 2011: Community Open House and Public Hearings for Adoption, Comprehensive Plan Amendment June, 2011 - On-going: Implementation and continuous resource updates 5. Evaluation a) Describe the specific outcomes you plan to achieve with your initiative. Adoption of the updated Plan and Resources accomplish the following key outcomes: A. Provides a concrete park and trail development plan that meets the current and future needs of the community. B. Provides parks and trail development that functions both as recreational resource and a system which provides multi- modal access to the entire community. C. Creates and continues partnerships with other entities providing recreational opportunities. D. Identifies valuable environmental resources for protection, preservation, access, restoration and education as appropriate. E. Provides user-friendly resources which encourage and promote immediate and on-going access to parks and trails. 5. Evaluation DELIVERABLES - Final Parks & Trails plan provided digitally in Publisher/Word and .pdf version, including all plan documents as noted above Parks and Trails Survey (for on-going use) in Word and .pdf format GIS base layers for parks, trails, sidewalks, regional facilities Park & trail guidebook in Publisher/Word and .pdf formats Web/GIS interface with route mapping options Web and mobile device application resources b) Describe how you will measure your outcomes. Outcomes will be measured by the following benchmarks: 1. Level of initial community participation in assessments and workshops. 2. Recommendations made for adoption of the plan by stakehodlers and policy groups. 3. Adoption of the plan by the City Council. 4. Online statistics capturing, including IP addresses and page views. 5. On-going budget commitment. 6. On-going park use surveys. Budget Form PLEASE FILL OUT THE BUDGET FORM BELOW Expense Item-please describe item Request Total In-Kind total Brief explanation of use of funds (limit to 1 paragraph) Salary and Fringe Parks & Trails Plan $14,500 $4,000 $5,000 $1,500 $1,500 The line item includes basic evaluation, inventory, assessments, and system planning, as well as CIP component development. Includes in-person physical assessment with Park Commission members, and utilization of existing Park Dept. data, Natural Resource Inventory & Assessment data, and other existing sources for the background resource information. The line item incorporates engagement of other facility providers, including Wright County and the Monticello School District. Public engagement tasks, including workshops, on-site interviewing, including set-up and evaluation, and finally hearing and adoption. Also includes pre- workshop discussion/training for Park Commission involvement. Survey component, which may be online and/or mailed, including question design and testing, tabulation, and cross-tab analysis. In-kind services will include meeting coordination, preparation of internal background data and information, interview assistance and mailing support. Resource Update $4,000 $10,000 $2,000 Line item includes design of print and web-ready promotional pieces (brochure, guidebook, signs), and delivery of related mobile device application information. Creation of the City's GIS park and trail base layer, including web-ready programming. The City also expects to coordinate the City-specific GIS information with County GIS. In-kind assistance will include in-house printing/assembly and the update of basic text/.pdf information on the City website. Web Interface/Applications $15,000 Support and launch of public GIS park and trail application online. Will also includes technical programming to support other web/mobile device links related to the project. Supplies/Materials Phone/Postage $200 City will provide all mailing services for public meetings and events. Print/copy $500-1000 City will produce all print versions of final plan, maps, etc. Contract services Mileage ($0.50)/mile Other (specify) Total Total Amount requested Total In-Kind Contribution $57,200 $52,500 $5,700 - 6,200