HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/27/1999AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
July 27, 1999
6:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers
Maplewood City Hall
1830 East County Road B
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes:
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Unfinished Business
6. Design Review
June 8, 1999 and June 22, 1999
a. Building Addition - Excel Air Systems, 2075 Prosperity Road
b. School Campus Proposal - Waldorf School, 70 E. County Road B
Visitor Presentations
Board Presentations
Staff Presentations
a. CDRB Membership Interviews -Applicants: James Cownie and Craig
Jorgenson
b. CDRB Volunteers for August 9 and August 23 City Council Meetings
10. Adjourn
p:com-dvpt~cdrb.agd
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
JULY 27, 1999
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ledvina called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Matt Ledvina Present
Marie Robinson Present
Ananth Shankar Present
Tim Johnson Present
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 8, 1999
IV.
VI.
Boardmember Robinson moved approval of the minutes of June 8, 1999, as submitted.
Boardmember Johnson seconded. Ayes--all
The motion passed.
June 22, 1999
Boardmember Johnson moved approval of the minutes of June 22, 1999, amended to have
A. 2. b. on page 2 read "showing additional semi-circle windows over the two middle windows..."
and C. 2. b. on page 5 read "have an imprinted brick pattern..."
Boardmember Shankar seconded. Ayes--all
The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Boardmember Shankar moved approval of the agenda as submitted.
Boardmember Robinson seconded.
The motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
DESIGN REVIEW
A.
Ayes--all
Building Addition--Excel Air Systems, 2075 Prosperity Road
Secretary Tom Ekstrand summarized the staff report. Alma Fitzloff and Garth Ristow were
present representing the applicant. Mr. Ristow said that their plan is to basically enclose the
existing trash dumpster. He explained that the weather had changed the color of the existing
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block but the new block will be a "very good match." Mr. Ristow confirmed that it would be
the same product. Boardmember Marie Robinson noted that there were numerous pallets
laying around the property. Mr. Ristow said the addition would provide for more storage and
warehousing inside the facility. This will enable them to clean up the outside area and screen
the trash enclosure.
Mr. Ristow said Excel Air Systems normally operates from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. He mentioned
that the conditional use permit regulates the business hours and does not allow Saturday
work. Mr. Ristow said this is a heating and ventilation business that specializes in commercial
air conditioning. No one in the audience had any comments on this proposal.
Boardmember Shankar moved the Community Design Review Board:
B. Approve the plans date-stamped June 23, 1999 for the 7,570-square-foot addition to
Excel Air Systems, 2075 Prosperity Road. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
2. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building:
a. Provide continuous concrete curbing around the perimeter of the proposed
parking lot and driveway.
b. Screen any new rooftop mechanical equipment that would be visible from
residential properties. (code requirement)
c. An inground lawn-irrigation system shall not be required for the landscaping since
the site is landscaped now and is well maintained.
Provide site-security lighting as required by the code. The light source, including
the lens covering the bulb, shall be concealed so not to cause any nuisance to
drivers or neighbors. The applicant shall submit a lighting plan to staff for
approval. (code requirement)
e. Install a handicap parking sign for the handicap parking space. The handicap
space must comply with ADA requirements. This space must be van accessible.
Construct a trash dumpster enclosure to match the building with a 100 percent
opaque gate. (code requirement)
3. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
a. The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or
welfare.
The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the required
work. The amount shall be 200 percent of the cost of the unfinished work. Any
unfinished landscaping shall be completed by June 1 if the building is occupied in
the fall or winter or within six weeks if the building is occupied in the spring or
summer.
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4. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may
approve minor changes.
Boardmember Johnson seconded.
Ayes--all
The motion passed.
B. School Campus Proposal---Waldorf School, 70 County Road B East
Secretary Tom Ekstrand presented the staff report. He said the engineering department
reconsidered the drainage issue on this property and concluded that, if the runoff rates do not
increase, the city does not have a problem with permitting the drainage to run into the pond
on the adjacent property. This would be subject to the city engineer's approval. Mr. Ekstrand
noted that the Maplewood assistant city engineer felt quite comfortable that there would not
be a problem with all the additional rainwater ponds that the applicant is proposing.
Chairperson Ledvina asked for clarification of the portable classroom concept. Mr. Ekstrand
described them as temporary, modular-type structures that would probably only be used until
Phase II of the construction begins. He showed the board brochures of various temporary
buildings that were given to him by the applicant.
Paul May, a principal with Rafferty, Rafferty, Tollefson, Architects (the architect for the
project), and Stuart Nielsen, a parent and chair of the building committee for the Minnesota
Waldorf School, were present for the applicant. Bruce Chamberlain, principal with Hoisington
Koegler Group, Inc. (landscape architects and planners), was also in attendance to answer
any stormwater and planting questions.
Mr. May presented a schematic model of the building. He noted a number of items: (1) this is
a single-story design, (2) the current building will be renovated, expanded and used, (3) it will
have a wood frame and be fully sprinklered, (4) the exterior and interior will be handicap-
accessible, (5) the project would be phased, (6) wood will be the primary exterior material with
board and batten similar to the existing building, (7) the roof will be asphalt shingles with
some metal roof for accent, and (8) glass windows will be added around the front entrance.
Mr. May explained the phases. The first phase will encompass the main building, the first four
classrooms on one wing, the first three on another wing, and two of the three kindergarten
rooms. The second phase will include the gym. These will all be permanent buildings. Mr.
May said they intend to develop the whole site, including the parking area and paths. He
hoped that Phase I could begin this fall and be completed for opening in the fall of 2000.
Phase II will hopefully begin within three to five years.
Bruce Chamberlain, a landscape architect, said one of the goals of the site design is to work
with the existing topography and vegetation on the site. According to Mr. Chamberlain, they
aim to restore the habitat quality. He said there is a lot of erosion along the steep hillside and
that a lot of soil has been added to the site so the grading is "fairly contrived." Much of the
parking lot was placed to the north side of the site to minimize vehicle traffic and reduce the
amount of paved surface. Mr. Chamberlain spoke about the stormwater gardens along the
walk from the parking lot to the building. These gardens will be helpful in controlling
stormwater runoff.
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Mr. Chamberlain said one change to the plans will be the addition of a NURP pond on the
site. All drainage from the site will be incorporated into this pond in an effort to control rate
and quality of the runoff that is entering the wetland at the northeast corner of the property.
Mr. Chamberlain described the service road to the southwest corner as having driving lanes
that would basically accommodate tire tracks with a center portion of turf or groundcover. He
said deliveries will be limited because the school has a maximum of about 250 students and
no hot lunches are served. Boardmember Robinson clarified that the pond was located in the
northeast corner. The applicant had no questions about the conditions in the staff report.
Boardmember Shankar preferred to approve only the site plan at this meeting. He felt the
elevations submitted were too small a scale for a project of this size. He requested that the
applicant return with a larger scale plan. Chairperson Ledvina also asked for samples of the
building material and color.
Mr. Ledvina recognized that the applicant wanted to improve the environmental features of
the site, but he said the board could not approve any activities within a wetland. He
requested a detailed outline of specific projects, i.e. trees and vegetation being removed or
changed, that were planned for the wetland. Mr. Ekstrand said a watershed district is just
being formed to cover this area. He recommended that the Ramsey-Washington Watershed
Board be used for advice and guidance in reviewing this. Mr. Chamberlain said the only
activity planned within the wetland and the buffer is to revegetate with native plant species.
No hydrology changes will be made.
Mr. Ledvina noted that the landscape plan did not address the severe erosion on the slopes
on the south and east side of the site. He felt it was appropriate to incorporate a remedy for
this erosion in the plan.
Boardmember Robinson said she was "still a little bit hung up" on the overall design of the
school. She noted that there was not a playground adjacent to the kindergarten rooms. It
was explained that swings, etc. were not included in the play area for kindergarten students in
the Waldorf School. Emphasis is on imaginative play. Play equipment is intended for grades
one through eight. The main building will be used as a central gathering space for various
activities, a bookstore, administrative area and special subject area.
Chairperson Ledvina shared Ms. Robinson's concerns about the play areas, especially the
area to the southwest. He thought the circular turnaround there was "overdone in terms of
the function." He felt it did not serve a real functional purpose if access is being provided here
for emergency and service vehicles. He was also concerned about mixing play activity and
roadways. He was of the opinion that this should be reconsidered in the design. Mr. Ledvina
didn't feel the two-lane drive was appropriate from a maintenance standpoint. Mr.
Chamberlain said the width of the driveway was 14 feet. He specifically stated that it was not
a two-lane roadway--it is essentially a single-lane road of tire patches that is without a curb.
The turning radius is based on the requirements for fire trucks.
Boardmember Shankar said that since this was such a large scale project, he would like to
see a plan of some of the sites at a one inch equals 16 feet scale. He suggested that a plan
of a typical classroom could be at an eighth inch. Mr. Shankar also asked for building
elevations as part of a full package.
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Chairperson Ledvina thought this was a "wonderful use of this site" and he wanted to see it
happen. Secretary Ekstrand concurred with Mr. Ledvina that the board could consider the site
plan at this meeting and then request additional elevation plans. He said staff was fairly
comfortable with the proposal because it is a hidden site. Mr. Ekstrand also thought the
"quality is going to be there." Mr. May was willing to submit these but was concerned that the
conditional use permit be approved so they could continue working on the project. The board
was just not comfortable approving the building design unless they saw the elevations. It was
clarified that the additional information requested included materials, dimensions, floor plans,
and colors.
Boardmember Robinson moved the Community Design Review Board:
Co
Approve the site and landscape plans date-stamped July 8, 1999, for the proposed
Minnesota Waldorf School campus at 70 County Road B East. Approval is subject to the
following conditions:
1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
Before getting a building permit, the applicant shall:
a. Submit grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plans to the city engineer for
approval.
b. Revise the landscape plan to increase the size of the Quaking Aspen and River
Birch trees to 2 ¼ inches in caliper.
Co
Obtain an off-site drainage easement for storm drainage onto the abutting
neighbor's property adjacent to the northeast corner of the site, or retain their
storm water on their own property.
The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building:
a. Provide continuous concrete curbing around all proposed parking and drive
areas.
The trash-dumpster screening requirement is waived unless the dumpsters would
be visible to the public. In that case, an enclosure shall be provided using the
same materials and color as the building.
c. An inground lawn-irrigation system shall not be required because of the remote
nature of this site.
do
e°
Provide site-security lighting as required by the code. The light source, including
the lens covering the bulb, shall be concealed so not to cause any nuisance to
drivers or neighbors.
Install handicap parking sign for handicap parking spaces in compliance with ADA
requirements.
f. Install a stop sign at the exit onto County Road B.
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4. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
a. The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or
welfare.
The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the required
work. The amount shall be 200 percent of the cost of the unfinished work. Any
unfinished landscaping shall be completed by June 1 if the building is occupied in
the fall or winter or within six weeks if the building is occupied in the spring or
summer.
All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may
approve minor changes.
The applicant shall resubmit the building design, along with elevations and materials
being used, such as floor plan, color schemes, and samples of materials and colors, to
the community design review board for approval.
Boardmember Johnson seconded.
Chairperson Ledvina had some concerns about the landscape plan and made a friendly
amendment to add C.7. Require the applicant to submit a proposal to staff that would repair
the erosion damage to the south and east slopes of the site and revegetate these slopes to
maintain long-term stability. The applicant also shall provide more details on the work that will
be undertaken in the wetland as it relates to revegetating or modifying vegetation in the
northeast corner of the site. Boardmember Robinson changed C. 2. c. to read "Obtain an off-
site drainage easement for storm drainage onto the abutting neighbor's property adjacent to
the northeast corner of the site, retain their storm water on their own property, or maintain the
existing drainage flow by not increasing the rate of runoff into the pond on the adjacent
property.
These amendments to the motion were acceptable to Boardmember Johnson, the seconder.
Secretary Ekstrand summarized the changes by saying that the building elevations and
design (the items in Condition C.6. ) would need to be resubmitted to the community design
review board but the stabilization of the slopes and the wetland area plans would be
submitted for staff review.
The motion passed.
Ayes--all
VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
VIII.
There were no visitor presentations.
BOARD PRESENTATIONS
July 12 City Council Meeting: Chairperson Ledvina reported on this meeting.
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IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
A. CDRB Membership InterviewsmApplicants: James Cownie and Craig Jorgenson
Secretary Tom Ekstrand said that James Cownie withdrew his application because he is a
candidate for city council and wanted to focus on that. Craig Jorgenson, another review
board candidate, is also running for city council. Jon LaCasse also applied and would like to
be considered for the board. He was present at the meeting and a copy of his application
was given to the board members.
Craig Jorgenson was interviewed first by the board. He said he has been a Maplewood
resident for 7 years and is an instructor for medical assistants and laboratory technicians at
Lakeland Medical Dental Academy. Mr. Jorgenson said he likes the community of
Maplewood and has a personal interest in nature and "lots of green things." The board
members reviewed the time commitment required. This did not present a problem for Mr.
Jorgenson and he had no questions of the board. Mr. Ekstrand said the term would either
expire at the first of next year or the year 2001.
Jon LaCasse said he has worked as an architectural drafter for about nine years. He
expressed a preference for "not too crowded spaces, good landscaping, quality architecture
vs. industrial-type buildings." Chairperson Ledvina outlined the obligations of the design
review board members. Mr. LaCasse thought this sounded reasonable.
The consensus of the board was that both applicants were "valid." Boardmember Robinson
though this might be a good time to offer her resignation from the board. Boardmember
Shankar commented on the enthusiasm of Mr. LaCasse to apply for the board after only
having lived in Maplewood for seven months and, in contrast, another type of enthusiasm
from someone who has lived here for seven years and found things that need to be changed.
Boardmember Robinson would like to take the "thinking of applicant one" and the experience
of applicant two and put them together. She thought this would really complement the design
review board.
Ms. Robinson said, after being on the board for nine years, she was sincere and thought the
presence of these two good applicants would be a good time for her resignation. Mr. Shankar
felt the second applicant had valid experience in some fields but the first applicant appeared
to "have a little bit more passion, especially in landscaping." Boardmember Johnson
preferred Mr. Jorgenson. Mr. Ledvina agreed. Secretary Ekstrand thought both were good
candidates but agreed with the other board members about Mr. Jorgenson's "passion." Ms.
Robinson was willing to remain on the board, if they met in two weeks, until the new members
started.
Chairperson Ledvinda suggested that a recommendation be made to appoint Mr. Jorgenson
to the board at this time and then ask Mr. LaCasse if he would be interested in the event the
other position opened at the end of the year. Ms. Robinson said she would not be staying on
the board until the end of the year. She felt the open position that expires in 2001 should be
offered to Mr. Jorgenson and Mr. LaCasse would get the other position that expires the first of
next year. Ms. Robinson said she would officially be resigning when she knew the applicants
would be going to the city council meeting.
Boardmember Robinson moved the Community Design Review Board accept both applicants.
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In order to simplify the process, Ms. Robinson said she was resigning from the review board
effective this date, July 27, 1999.
Boardmember Johnson seconded. Ayes--all
The motion passed.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
CDRB volunteer for the August 9 city council meeting will be Boardmember Shankar.
CDRB volunteer for the August 23 city council meeting will be Boardmember Johnson.
All the board members will be attending the annual Maplewood tour.