HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-22 CDRB Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Tuesday, May22, 2012
6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers -Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval ofMinutes:
a.March 27, 2012
b.April 24, 2012
5. Unfinished Business:
a.Men’s Warehouse, Maplewood Mall Comprehensive Sign Plan, 3001 White Bear
Avenue
6.Design Review:
a.Cottagewood Town House Development,Revised Building Elevations –South of
Highwood Avenue, east of Dennis Street, west of I-494
b.East Metro Public Safety Training Center,Design Review –MN Highway 120
(Century Avenue)and MN Highway 5
c.Ordinance Amendment Regarding Reinforced Turf Parking Lots—Section 44-17
7.Visitor Presentations:
8.Board Presentations:
9.Staff Presentations:
a.Combining PC & CDRB
10.Adjourn
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ledvinacalled the meeting to order at6:02p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Boardmember, Jawaid AhmedPresent
Boardmember,Jason LamersPresent
Chairperson,Matt LedvinaPresent
Absent
Boardmember,Ananth Shankar
Absent
Vice Chairperson,Matt Wise
Staff Present:
Michael Martin, Planner
3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
BoardmemberLamersmoved to approve the agenda as submitted.
BoardmemberAhmedsecondedthe motion.Ayes -All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BoardmemberLamersmoved to approve the January 24, 2012,CDRB minutes as submitted.
Chairperson Ledvinasecondedthe motion.Ayes –Chairperson Ledvina,
& Boardmember Lamers
Abstention–Boardmember Ahmed
The motion passed.
Due to lack of members the February 27, 2012, CDRB minutes were tabled.
5.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
6.DESIGN REVIEW
a.Maplewood Town Center –Exterior Remodel Revision, 1845 County Road D East
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
ii.Dan P from Pope Architects
March 27, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
1
Boardmember Ahmed moved to approve the architectural plan and signage revisions date-
stamped March 16, 2012, for the proposed changes to the east and north building elevations at
Maplewood Town Center shopping center, 1845 County Road D East. Approval is subject to the
applicant complying with the following conditions:
1.Complying with the community design review board conditions of approval dated February 28,
2012, for this building remodeling, unless stated otherwise below.
2.Though the rear-elevation detail is shown on the plans as an “Alternative,” it should be
considered the approved, required building design detail.
3.The rear elevation wall signs are approved as revised. The allowed sign criteria for these wall
signs shall be as follows: The DSW sign and the “vacant tenant” sign shall not exceed a letter
height of three feet if a single line of sign copy is used. Iftwo lines of signage are used, each
line shall not exceed 18 inches in height with up to an eight-inch space in between for a total
sign height of 44 inches.
4.The community design review board shall approve major changes to these plans. Minor
changes maybe approved by staff.
Seconded by Boardmember Lamers.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
b.LA Fitness
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
ii.Steve Johnson, Solomon Real Estate Group addressed and answered questions of the
board.
Boardmember Lamers moved to approvethe architectural, site and signage plans date-stamped
March 15, 2012, for the proposed remodeling of the proposed LA Fitness health club at 1940
County Road D East. Approval is subject to the applicant complying with the following conditions:
1.Repeating this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project.
2.The property owner shall comply with all requirements of the Fire Marshal, Building Official,
Health Official and Engineering department. Refer to the conditions of approval noted in the
engineering review by Steve Kummer, Staff Engineer, dated March 15, 2012.
3.The applicant shall meet the .4 footcandle maximum of site-lighting illumination at the
property lines.
4.The proposed LA Fitness wall signs shall comply with the required 150 square foot maximum.
The mural is approved as proposed. The pylon sign may be used if the same sign cabinet is
kept. If the applicant alters this sign, it would be held to the 100 square foot maximum
required by ordinance.(Staff approval on the mural sign if and when its changed out)
5.The applicant shall submit a landscape plan to staff for approval providing for landscaping on
the north side of the building and trash enclosure.
6.The trash enclosure fence shall be repaired.
March 27, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
2
7.The community design review board shall approve major changes to these plans. Minor
changes may be approved by staff.
Seconded by Boardmember Ahmed.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
c.Veteran’s Memorial Park
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
Boardmember Lamers moved to approvethe comprehensive sign plan to allow for eight-foot by
four-foot temporary sports facility sponsorship banner signs to be hung on the outfield fences at
Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1980 North Saint Paul Road. Approval of the comprehensive sign plan
is subject to the following conditions:
1.Signs must have a white background and no more than two colors for the advertisement.
2.Parks and recreation staff shall approve all signage.
3.Outfield signs must be taken down at the end of the softball season.
4.Signs shall be kept in good condition at all times.
5.Signs may not be illuminated expect by the regular facility lighting during hours of use.
Seconded by Boardmember Ahmed.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None
8.BOARDPRESENTATIONS
None
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Election of Officers
Tabled until the next meeting due to lack of boardmembers that attended the meeting.
b.2011 Annual Report
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
Chairperson Ledvina added comments regarding the 2011 Annual Report.
March 27, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
3
Chairperson Ledvina moved to approve the 2011 CDRB Annual Report.
Seconded by Boardmember Lamers.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
10.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Ledvinaat6:45p.m.
March 27, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
4
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ledvinacalled the meeting to order at6:00p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Absent
Boardmember, Jawaid Ahmed
Absent
Boardmember,Jason Lamers
Chairperson,Matt LedvinaPresent
Boardmember,Ananth ShankarPresent
Vice Chairperson,Matt WisePresent
Staff Present:
Michael Martin, Planner
3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Planner, Michael Martin recommending tablingtheMarch 27, 2012, CDRB minutes due to some
of the boardmembers being absent.
BoardmemberShankarmoved to approve the agenda as amended.
BoardmemberWisesecondedthe motion.Ayes -All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
BoardmemberLamersmoved to approve the February 28, 2012,CDRB minutes as submitted.
Chairperson Ledvinasecondedthe motion.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
Due to lack of members to vote on the March27, 2012, minutes the CDRB minutes were tabled.
5.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a.Saint Paul Hmong Alliance Church, Design Plan Review, 1770 McMenemy Street
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
ii.Mr. PuneexVedi, President, Vedi Associates, Architects & Engineers,addressed the
board and spoke on behalf of the applicant.
Boardmember Shankar moved to approve the design plans date-stamped April 10, 2012, for the
parking lot expansion, new driveway and building additions at the St. Paul Hmong Alliance
Church, 1770 McMenemy Street. The property owner shall meet the following conditions:
April 24, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
1
1.Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a permit for this expansion.
2.Before getting a grading and building permit, the applicant shall provide staff with:
a.A revised site and landscape plan that shows the following:
(1)The applicant shall submit a revised landscape plan that lists the plantings proposed
in the basins. The plan should specify the number, species, and size of plantings.
(2)Location of the underground irrigation system as required by code.
(3)Samples of colors to be used on building.
3.Comply with all conditions of approval from the December 12, 2011, city council meeting.
Seconded by Boardmember Wise.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
6.DESIGN REVIEW
a.Holiday Stationstore –Sign Setback Variances, 280 McKnight Road South
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
ii.Mr. Michael Cronin, representing the Holiday Stationstore addressed and answered
questions of the board.
Boardmember Wise moved to approvethe resolution approving the following sign-separation
(changes to the motion are underlined and in bold)
variances for 280 McKnight Road South:
Northerly Freestanding Sign
Reduction of the spacing requirement from the Ramsey County Regional Park from 200 to
90 feet (110 foot variance).
Reduction of the spacing requirement from the townhome property to the south from 200
to 180 feet (20 foot variance).
Southerly Freestanding Sign
Reduction of the spacing from the townhome property to the south from 200 to 25 feet
(175 foot variance).
Reduction of the side yard spacing requirement from 100 feet to 25 feet (75 foot variance).
Approval of these variances is based on the following findings:
1.Because of the right-angle orientation of the two signs, along with the wooded nature of the
nearby regional park, the proposed sign panels would be in harmony with the general
purposes and intent of the ordinance. This orientation would prevent them from being seen at
the same time and becoming potentially distractingto drivers as could same-orientation signs.
April 24, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
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2.The proposed dynamic display sign panel on the north pylon sign is set at a right angle to the
wooded open space across Lower Afton Road making it less noticeable from that direction.
3.The two proposed signs would be consistent with the comprehensive plan. They provide
commercial-development elements that would be compatible with this commercial site and
conform to the goals of the comprehensive plan.
4.There are practical difficulties in complying with the spacing requirements of the ordinance.
According to statute, practical difficulties mean tha the applicant would use the property in a
“reasonable manner” not permitted by the ordinance. In this case, it seems reasonable to
staff to allow both signs, because:
The evergreens on the south side of the property would buffer the proposed sign from the
nearby neighbors.
The two proposed Holiday dynamic display signs would be set at right angles to each
other preventing the appearance of “sign proliferation,”“sign clutter” or adding to “sign
distraction.”
The abutting part of the Battle Creek Regional Park is a non-active park. The sign would
not be a detraction since this is a wooded area and the only active element is a trail
section within the woods.
The site is extensively developed with a commercial building, fuel islands, fueling center
and lighting. It is also affected by a significant amount of commercial activity.
Considering that, two four by eight foot signs would not be a significant addition ot this
existing commercial site.
Approval is subject to compliance with the following condition:
1.All of the evergreen trees on the south side of the site and south of the southerly pylon sign
shall remain. If these evergreens are removed for any reason, whether by the natural death
of the trees or by their intentional removal, the south-facing dynamic display sign panel shall
There shall be 100 percent opaque screening from the south pylon sign
be removed.
maintained at all times for the residential dwelling windows to the south.
Turn all power off to both signs on McKnight Road and Lower Afton Road outside of
2.
the store’s normal operational hours.
Boardmember Shankar made afriendly amendment for condition #2 to include both signson
McKnight Road and Lower Afton Road.
Chairperson Ledvina made a friendly amendment to condition #1, adding 100 percent opaque
screening from south pylon sign shall be maintained at all times for the residential dwelling
windows to the south.
Seconded by Boardmember Shankar.Ayes –Boardmember’sShankar &
Wise
Nay–Chairperson Ledvina
April 24, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
3
Chairperson Ledvina voted nay because of the impact to the park space and to the residential
properties.
The motion passed.
The public hearing will be heard May 1, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the Planning Commission meeting.
b.Men’s Warehouse, Maplewood Mall Comprehensive Sign Plan, 3001 White Bear Avenue
i.Planner, Michael Martin gave the report and answered questions of the board.
ii.Mr. Rick Fox, Crosstown Sign, representing Men’s Warehouse addressed and answered
questions of the board.
Boardmember Wisemoved to table the Men’s Warehouse, Maplewood Mall Comprehensive Sign
Plan and request that the owner of Maplewood Mall, Simon Properties come to afuture CDRB
meeting with a comprehensive approach for signage at the mall.
Seconded by Chairperson Ledvina.Ayes –All
The motion to table passed.
3.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a.3M Monument Sign Presentation, 3M Center
i.Planner, Michael Martinintroduced the 3M Monument Sign item and introduced the
speaker.
ii.Brendan Sapienza, Meyer Scherer and Rockcastle,representing 3M addressed the board
and gave a presentationregarding the 3M monument sign at 3M Center.
The boardmembers offered comments and input to the presenter for the 3M signs.
4.BOARDPRESENTATIONS
None
5.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Election of Officers
Boardmember Shankar moved to nominate Matt Ledvina as Chairperson and Matt Wise as Vice-
Chairperson.
Seconded by Boardmember Wise.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
6.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Ledvinaat7:49p.m.
April 24, 2012
Community Design Review Board Meeting Minutes
4
MEMORANDUM
TO:James Antonen, City Manager
FROM:Michael Martin, AICP,Planner
Men’s Warehouse Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment,
SUBJECT:
Maplewood Mall
LOCATION:3001 White Bear Avenue
DATE:May 16, 2012
INTRODUCTION
At the April 26, 2012 community design review board (CDRB) meeting, Rick Fox, of Crosstown
Signs representing Men’s Warehouse, requestedapproval of a comprehensive sign plan
amendment for the Maplewood Mall, located at 3001White Bear Avenue. The CDRB tabled this
request until its May meeting asking the Maplewood Mall for additional information about how it
allots exterior signage.
SimonProperties ownsthe mall and supports this request.The site currently has a
comprehensive sign plan in place that regulates the placement of signs for the mall.
Comprehensive sign plans are required for commercial buildings with five or more tenants.
Request
The applicant is proposing to install awall sign for the Men’s Warehouse.
DISCUSSION
The Maplewood Mall does not have set criteria for exterior wall signage. Rather the
comprehensive sign plan for this site requires every sign to come before the community design
board for approval. Historically, only the four major anchors had exterior signage, besides the
Maplewood Mall’s own signage. More recently, exterior signs have been approved for tenants
such as Barnes and Noble and H & M. Barnes and Noble has a direct access point to the mall
parking lot where H & M does not.
The proposed Men’s Warehouse exterior sign would be in the northwest corner of the mall
building between Macy’s and Kohl’s. The Men’s Warehouse will not have a direct access point
to the mall parking lot but is the first store as you enter the common mall entrance. Men’s
Warehouse will be located on the first floor directly adjacent to Macy’s. Staff finds the proposed
exterior wall signage acceptable.
Staff contacted Maplewood Mall management after the CDRB’s April meeting asking for specific
criteria for when it allows exterior signage. Jennifer Lewis, the mall’s general manager, stated
that signage is a negotiated term between the mall and potential lessees and that it does not
have specific requirements for when a store is allowed exterior signage. Simon Properties
states it would like to continue to review signage on a case-by-case basis. Simon Properties is
also drafting a letter outlining its stance but it was not ready at the time of this report and will be
handed out at the May 22 CDRB meeting.
Appeals
For reference purposes, the applicant, staff and city council may appeal the CDRB’s decision.
An appeal shall be presented within 15 days of the CDRB decision. If the decision is appealed,
staff will schedule a hearing with the city council.
RECOMMENDATION
Approvetheplans date-stamped April 9, 2012for a comprehensive sign planamendment to
allow an exterior wall sign for Men’s Warehouse at the Maplewood Mall,3001White Bear
Avenue.
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REFERENCE INFORMATION
SITE DESCRIPTION
Site size: 68.78acres
Existing Use: Regional Mall
SURROUNDING LAND USES
North:Commercial properties
South:Commercial properties and Metro Transit Park and Ride Ramp
East:Commercial properties
West:Commercial properties
PLANNING
Land Use Plan: C (commercial)
Zoning: BC (business commercial)
APPLICATION DATE
Staffreceived the complete application and plans for this proposal on April 10, 2012. State law
requires that the city take action within 60 days of receiving complete applications. A decision
on this request is required by June 9, 2012, unless the city extends this review period an
additional 60 days.
p: sec 2N\MensWarehouse_Sign Plan Amendment_052212
Attachments
1.Location Map
2.Mall Site Plan
3.Proposed Exterior WallSign
4.Mall Entrance Rendering
3
Attachment 3
Attachment 4
MEMORANDUM
TO:James Antonen, City Manager
FROM:Michael Martin, AICP, Planner
SUBJECT:Cottagewood Town House Development–Revised Building
Elevations
LOCATION:South of HighwoodAvenue, east of Dennis Street, west of I-494
DATE:May16, 2012
INTRODUCTION
Project Description
Tom Wiener of Cardinal Homebuilders isrequesting to revise the approved building elevations to
include five more home styles within the Cottagewood Town House Development. The 15
detached town houses are ona 3.71-acre site on the south side of Highwood Avenue, east of
Dennis Street. Refer to themaps and plans attached to this report.
The community design review board (CDRB) approved the current design plans for Cottagewood
on April 26, 2011.
Requests
Mr. Wiener is requesting that the city approve the additional building elevations.
The project plans show that the additional housing would have a mix of exterior treatments. These
include horizontal-lap vinyl siding, vinyl board and batten accents, aluminum soffits and fascia and
brick or stone veneer accents near the garage doorsand on the base of the columns.In addition,
each town house unit would have a two-car garage.
BACKGROUND
On August 28, 2006, the city council made several approvalsfor this development. They included a
revision to the planned unit development, a preliminary plat and a resolution ordering the public
improvements. These approvals weresubject to several conditions.
On September 19, 2006, the community design review board approved the design plans for
Cottagewood (subject to several conditions of approval).
On March 12, 2007, the city council approved the final plat for Cottagewood.
On April 26, 2011, the community design review board approved the design plans for Cottagewood
(subject to several conditions of approval).
1
DISCUSSION
Townhouses
The developer is requesting five more housing styles be added to the two styles that are currently
approved. Staff felt the proposed elevations were enough of a departure from the currentapproved
elevations that it required additional review by the CDRB. They would have a mix of exterior
materials that include horizontal vinyl siding with a stone veneer near the garage doors, on the
column bases and on the fronts, and the roofs would have asphalt shingles.
Staff does not have any major concerns about the proposed town house elevations since this
development will be on a cul-de-sac and would be somewhat isolated. In fact, only the buyers of the
town houses would be able to see the fronts of the new buildings. However, staff does feel that one
of the building elevationsis out of character and would recommend that the elevation shownon
attachment 8not be approved. Staff is comfortable with the other proposed elevations.
Any additionally approved building elevation would be required to meet all the existing setbacks and
meet any and all previously approved conditions of approval.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the building elevationsshown on attachments 4, 5, 6, and 7for theCottagewood PUD.
The developer is also to abide by the 2006 CDRB approved site plan, grading and drainageplans
and 2011CDRB approved building elevations and design plans.This development will beon the
south side of Highwood Avenue, westof I-494and east of Dennis Street.
2
REFERENCE INFORMATION
SITE DESCRIPTION
Site size:3.71 acres
Existing land use: Formerly a single dwelling and accessory buildings
SURROUNDING LAND USES
North:New Century PUD across Highwood Avenue
South:Interstate 494
West:Houses along Dennis Street and fronting on Highwood Avenue
East:House at 2684 Highwood Avenue and cellular telephone tower
PLANNING
Existing Land Use Plan designation: Medium Density Residential (MDR)
Existing Zoning: Planned Unit Development (PUD)
p:sec 13-28\Cottagewood\Cottagewood Design Review_CDRB_052212
Attachments:
1.Location Map
2.Site Plan
3.Current Approved Building Elevations
4.Elevation A
5.Elevation B
6.Elevation C
7.Elevation D
8.Elevation E
3
Attachment 1
Applewood
Applewood
Neighborhood Preserves
Park
9
:
25
9
:
74
SITE
9
:
72
§
¨¦
494
Pleasantview
Park
Location Map
Cottagewood
page #2
Attachment 4
Attachment 5
Attachment 6
Attachment 7
Attachment 8
MEMORANDUM
TO: James Antonen, City Manager
FROM: Michael Martin, AICP, Planner
SUBJECT: East Metro Public Safety Training Center – Design Review
LOCATION: MN Highway 120 (Century Avenue) and MN Highway 5
DATE: May 15, 2012
INTRODUCTION
The city is proposing to build a public safety training center which will be used by several
jurisdictions in the area. The project will be completed in phases. Phase 1 will include a burn
building; a training and tactical building for prop storage, simulations and setup; hydrant/hose relay
facilities and a fire equipment driver training areas. Future phases of the Training Center
improvements will include a classroom training building; and a training and burn tower that can also
be used for repellingand burn training. As part of this project the marshlands on the site will be
used as a demonstration site for sustainable landscape design and natural resources restoration
and will work to better connect the surrounding neighborhoods.
Requests
To build this project, the city is requesting approval of the project design plans for the site and
buildings.
BACKGROUND
The city has worked a number of years on developing a plan for the use of the property at the
Highway 5 and Highway 120 intersection of which the majority is owned by MnDOT. MnDOT has
stated their willingness to convey this site to the City. Both parties have developed and reviewed a
Cooperative Agreement to facilitate this land transfer. Approximately 6.2 acres would remain in fee
titlewith MnDOT to allow for their continued maintenance operations.
In addition various concepts for the marshlands improvements have been discussed in past years
including creating natural areas, providing for trails, and educational components. The marshlands
concepts are intended to be phased into the development of the joint use fire training facility.
A joint work group comprised of the City Engineer, Maplewood Fire Chief, Oakdale Fire Chief, SEH
project representative, and MnDOT staff has worked towards an acceptable layout for the site. The
MnDOT representatives consist of personnel representing land management/right-of-way office,
maintenance, and environmental. This group has met officially twice to ensure maintenance needs
are met and the needsof the training facility and environmental component are met.
The East Metro Public Safety Training Facility will require several land use permits including a
comprehensive land use designation (designate right-of-way to Government Land Use), zoning
(zone right-of-way), conditional use permit, and design review.
There are two small wetlands located in the center of the site which were developed incidentally as
a result of the activities associated with the grading and fill material completed by MnDOT in the
1970s. The incidental wetlands may be impacted by development of the site. The wetland
delineation report for the site found the wetlands to be incidental, and as such the watershed district
1
will remove them from their wetland maps and from their regulatory review. The City will also need
to formally remove the incidental wetlands from its wetland map prior to development. The large
wetland located to the north and west of the site is classified as a Manage B wetland and will be
protected and enhanced as part of the project.
The Marshlands will be one of Maplewood’s key demonstration sites for sustainable landscape
design and natural resources restoration. The concept includes four main components.
1.Sustainable landscaping. The site design and landscaping will use sustainable landscaping
principles and include rain gardens, planted parking lot medians, drought-tolerant, low-
maintenance plantings, and plantings designed to lessen building energy usage.
2.Natural area restoration. Portions of the site that are not developed will be restored to
native prairie and woodland. Areas of wetland buffer will be enhanced.
3.Trail Connections. A rustic trail will connect the Marshlands site to Southwood Nature
Preserve north of Holloway Avenue and to the Sterling Street Trail west of the site. Most of
the trail will be on Ramsey County Open Space, with short segments through Hill-Murray
land and the Marshlands.
4.Environmental Education. Maplewood Nature Center will schedule educational events at
the site such as naturalist-led hikes. There is opportunity for some unique environmental
programming in collaboration with firefighters.
At this point, Ramsey County Parks is not interested in building or maintaining a trail on the county
open space, but they would give the city a trail easement across county land. Hill-Murray School is
supportive of the trail connecting to Sterling Street Trail, across the northwest corner of their site.
Other trail connection options are being explored as part of the plan.
Regarding the training facility; asteering committee has been formed made up of four area Fire
Chief's, two from Ramsey County and two from Washington County; Tim Boehlke from Lake
Johanna, Stu Glaser from Stillwater, Jeff Anderson from Oakdale and Steve Lukin from
Maplewood. The steering committee will be directing the project until it is ready to open at which
time the steering committee will turn all authority and responsibility over to the members of the JPA
board. The committeecontinues with the development of a partnership with Century College to
provide training programs and determine what role they will play regarding the ongoing operating
expenses. In addition the committee continues to lookat other possible partnerships and revenue
streams. The committeemet with Ramsey County police Chiefs Association, the Washington
County Sheriff and the Ramsey County Sheriff for their input.
Over the course of the past six months 15 area fire department training officers have been meeting
to plan and determine the needs of the training facility. At this time the type of props and their
designs are being done in regards to a five-story burn toweranda two-story residential home with
an attached two-car garage burn building. Each of these buildings will have the capability of utilizing
both a Class A burn which is done utilizing bales of hay and wooden pallets and the other is a class
B burn utilizing props fueled by propane and fake smoke. The third structure to be built is a storage
facility with the capability of doing training inside utilizing full-size vehicles and large training props.
This building will also have a small classroom and will be able to accommodate other types of
training for both police and fire year-round. The fourth structure on-site will be the training
classroom building. This building will have a large 100 seat classroom, 2 to 3 breakout classrooms
and a simulation lab training area. At this time the basement area of this building will be left open
for future expansion. In the next few months a neighborhood meeting will be scheduled and we will
be meeting with city of North St. Paul and Oakdale city councils to update them on the project.
2
Fire Chief, Steve Lukin, recently held an open-house style meeting with residents in the area of the
proposed facility.
DISCUSSION
Site Layout
The project plans show access to the site coming off MN Highway 120 in what will be a
reconstruction traffic signal with MN Highway 5. The first phase of the East Metro Public Safety
Training Centerwill consistof building the burn building. A schematic of the burn building is
provided in Figure 4attached to this report. The building will be slab on grade without an actual
basement, but will be designed to simulate basement fires within the structure. Each level will be
set up with severaldifferent rooms to simulate residential fires. The roof will be designed with low
and steeppitches with roof penetration panels and an access/observation walkway. A two-stall
garage will be attached adjacent to the ‘house’ and a single-stall garage will be includedfor Class
‘A’ burns and storage.
The second structure built with the initial phase of implementation will be the Simulationand
Training Building. As shown in Figure 5of the attachments, the approximate 7,800 square foot
building will provide a work shop, self-contained breathing apparatus room, individualstorage areas
for each jurisdiction using the facility and a large open area for simulations, propconstruction and
set up, training and storage. The building will include a 2,100 squarefoot area that will include
space for on-site pre- and post-training briefings, two smalloffices, restroom facilities and
mechanical/electrical support. Both structures to be built in Phase 1 will be located toward the
western perimeter of thesite as shown in Figure 3of the attachments. The locations of these
structures will allow adequate room forstaging trucks and equipment during training operations.
The training yard layout willaccommodate installation of the Training Tower to be completed in a
future phase, or inPhase 1 if funding is available. A schematic of the Training Tower is provided in
Figure 6of the attachments.
The Training Center yard area will be accessed from a bituminous entry drive withconcrete curb. A
10-foot high chain link fence with lockable access gates will enclose theTraining Center yard area.
Hydrants for hose relay training will be installed along theproposed fire equipment driving course.
Lighting will be installed along the entry driveand within the training yard for security and for
nighttime training sessions. Lighting within the yard area will be used primarily for set-up and clean-
up of night time trainingsessions, with the yard lighting turned off during active training sessions to
bettersimulate live conditions.
Several sustainable design features will be integrated into the training Center to meet Cityof
Maplewood Sustainable Building goals as well as addressing the B3 SustainableBuilding
Guidelines as required for State funded buildings. The site will be investigatedfor the opportunity to
incorporate geothermal heating and cooling in the Simulation andTraining Building and the future
Classroom Building.Landscaping will be designed to integrate sustainable concepts into the entry
drivefeatures, screening and in the buffer areas surrounding the site. The goal is for thecompleted
site to serve as another demonstration site for sustainable landscape designlike the Maplewood
Nature Center and City Hall. Features will include rainwatergardens for natural infiltration and
filtration areas, passive solar and energy-scaping andsustainable plantings with low maintenance,
drought tolerant species and little to no lawnarea. Rain water gardens and bioretention areas are
planned to control and filter runoffand natural landscaping and plantings will be incorporated.
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Phase 2 will consist of the training tower and main classroom building will be on the northeast
portion of the site. The classroom building will have 70 parking spaces.The proposed site plan
appears to not be meeting the 15-foot parking lot setback from the MN Highway 120 setback. The
applicant will be required to submit a revised site plan showing this setback being met. All other
parking lot requirements are being met. Building materials for the classroom building have not
been proposed yet and it is recommended that as a condition of approval the CDRB requirethe
building materialsand elevations be brought back for approval.
Landscaping
Theapplicant did notsubmit a fully developed landscape plan but is coordinating with the city’s
naturalist for the immediate site and the surrounding marshlands. It is recommended that as a
condition of approval the CDRB require the landscape planbe brought back for approval.
City Engineering Department Comments
Michael Thompson,the city’s engineer, is the project lead for the city andhas reviewed theplans
and has no additional comments.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the designplansdate-stamped May 14, 2012, for theEast Metro Public Safety Training
Center. This development will beon the westside of MN Highway 120 at its intersection with MN
Highway 5. The city bases this approval on the findings required by the code. The developer or
contractor shall do the following:
1.Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
2.Complete the following before the city issues a building permit:
a. Complyor continue compliance with all engineering requirements.
b. Submit a certificate of survey for all new construction and have each building staked by
a registered land surveyor.
c.Submit a landscape plan to the CDRBfor approval.
d. Get the necessary approvals and permits from the watershed districtand provide the
city verification that all watershed district provisions are met before the city issues a
building or a grading permit for the site.
e. Submit a site lighting plan for citystaffapproval. This plan shall show the installation of
all lightsandhow the lighting on the buildings would add to the site lighting. This plan
also shall show details about the proposed light fixtures to ensure they are a design
that hides the bulb and lens from view to avoid nuisances. This plan shall show the
height and style of all outdoor lights and that the light illumination from outdoor lights
does not exceed 0.4 foot candles at all property lines.
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f. Have the Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) approve the proposed utility
plans.
g.Submit revised, detailed building plans and elevations for each building type to the
CDRBfor approval. These elevations shallshow or include (but are not limited to):
(1)the colors of all materials,
(2)all elevations of all buildings
(3)material to be used
3.Complete the following before occupying each building:
a.Replace property irons that are removed because of this construction.
b.Restore and sod damaged boulevards and sod all turf areas.
c.Install the required concrete curb and gutter.
d.Install all the required exterior improvements, including all exterior lighting.
e.Show that Ramsey County has recorded the land as a legal parcel.
f.The developer or contractor shall:
(1) Complete all grading for the site drainage, complete all public improvements and
meet all city requirements.
(2) Place temporary orange safety fencing and signs at the grading limits.
(3)Remove any debris or junk from the site.
4.If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if the city
determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or welfare.
5. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may
approve minor changes.
6.This approval does not include signs. Any signage will be reviewed by city staff through the
sign permit process.
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REFERENCE INFORMATION
SITE DESCRIPTION
Site size:6.20acres
Existing land use: MnDOT Maintenance Area
SURROUNDING LAND USES
North:Ramsey County Open Space
South:Ramsey County Open Space
West:Ramsey County Open Space and MnDOT Maintenance Area
East: MN Highway 120
PLANNING
ProposedLand Use Plan designation: Government (G)
ProposedZoning: Light Manufacturing (M1)
Application Date
p:sec 13-29\East Metro Public Safety Training\ East Metro Public Safety Training Design
Review_CDRB_052212
Attachments:
1.Burn buildings rendering
2.Project Plansdate-stamped May 14, 2012(separate attachments)
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MEMORANDUM
TO:James Antonen, City Manager
FROM:Michael Martin, AICP, Planner
ChuckAhl,Assistant City Manager
Combining PC&CDRB
SUBJECT:
DATE:May 2, 2012
INTRODUCTION
This past March,at their annual retreat, the city council established economic
development asits primary goal. City staff has been discussing ways to
implement and support economic development and feels that one facet of this is
to streamline the development review process. One idea is combining the PC
(planning commission) and the CDRB(community design review board). The
HRA (housing and redevelopment authority) and BEDC (business and economic
development commission) are also being discussed for possible combining.
Discussion Scheduled
The city manager has scheduled an upcoming council/manager workshop to
discuss economic development, including the possible combination of
commissions. The date of this discussion is June 4, 2012.
RECOMMENDATION
Advise the city council on whetherthe CDRBwould support a combination of the
PCandCDRBadvisory groups.
p:CDRB\PC&CDRBCombined Commissions May 2012