HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/25/2001 AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
September 25, 2001
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: August 28, 2001
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Unfinished Business
6. Design Review
a. Maplewood Toyota Building Addition/Expansion - 2783 and 2889
Maplewood Drive
b. Salvation Army Church Addition - 2080 Woodlynn Avenue
c. Sinclair Station Remodel - 2158 Rice Street
7. Visitor Presentations
8. Board Presentations
9. Staff Presentations
a. Reminder: Boardmember Shankar scheduled for city council meeting on
September 24.
b. CDRB representatives needed for the October 8 and October 22 city council
meetings.
10. Adjourn
p:com-dvpt~cdrb.agd
II.
III.
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
SEPTEMBER 25, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ledvina called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Matt Ledvina
Craig Jorgenson
Linda Olson
Ananth Shankar
Present
Present
Present
Present
Staff Present:
Tom Ekstrand,
Assistant Community Development Director
Recording Secretary:
Lisa Kroll
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 28, 2001
Chairperson Ledvina recommended a change to the minutes of August 28, 2001.
Under Approval of Minutes it should read Ayes - Ledvina, Olson, and Shankar. Not
Johnson. And remove Abstention - Jorgenson.
Chairperson Ledvina also noticed an item under Unfinished Business that was not
recognized. A discussion regarding the dock area revisions at 3M that involved the
removal of the existing canopy. A condition was identified that required the applicant to
construct a brick fascia for the south elevation.
Please add this paragraph to the notes for 3M:
Mr. Olfelt made some changes to the front facing which is the west side and the
south elevation of the dock area. He felt the brick was not the best way to go due
to structural reasons. He had revised the plan to carry the roofing element on the
dock. The texturing on the brick itself is similar. He had hoped the board would
agree it blends nicely. There were going to be some complications with the
roofline. There is a scissors lift on the loading dock roof. The roof base would
have a lot of alterations they did not count on. Adding the roof element and
blending the texture was a good solution to the design. Mr. Olfelt proposed to
remove the rubber seal along the entrance to the dock and put a sloped roof on to
match the roofline of the main building. The area in front of the garage door
would be removed. Metal sheeting would be put over the trusses.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
2
Chairperson Ledvina also noticed on page 4 in the 10th paragraph. It should read Ms.
Skogheim added that the enclosUre for the cooler and the dumpster will be screened.
(Please remove "to match the deck") The cedar enclosure will be finished with a
natural sealer with no color; it will be a natural look.
Chairperson Ledvina notice on page 5 second paragraph it should read drain leaders
not liters.
Board Member Olson noticed on page 11 in paragraph 4 she would like it to read
Board Member O/son asked if there were any comments that she could make as a
resident of Maplewood regarding the Hi#crest Redevelopment Project?
(Please strike "potential customer, the Walgreens proposal and the changes
with ").
Board Member Olson moved approval of the minutes as amended for August 28, 2001.
Board Member Shankar seconded.
Ayes---Jorgenson, Ledvina,
Olson, Shankar
IV.
VI.
The motion passed.
APPROVALOFAGENDA
Board Member Jorgenson moved approval of the agenda.
Board Member Shankar seconded the motion.
Ayes -- All
The motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
DESIGN REVIEW
a=
Maplewood Toyota Building Addition/Expansion
2783 and 2889 Maplewood Drive
Secretary Ekstrand said Steve McDaniels, the owner of Maplewood Toyota, is
proposing to add onto his existing building by putting three additions on. There will be
two additions on the north side of the building and one larger addition on the south side
of the building. The southerly addition will be for expanded showroom area, the small
addition on the north side will be a lounge area for employees, and the larger addition
on the north side will be a service area.
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Minutes 9-25-2001
3
The second proposal is to develop a new parking lot/display area across the street from
the dealership on the northwest corner of Highway 61 and Beam Avenue.
Mr. McDaniels is asking for a conditional use permit to expand a nonconforming use
and also a conditional use permit for the storage of motor vehicles on a property in the
M-1 (light manufacturing) zoning district. Both of these items were reviewed by the
planning commission on September 17, 2001, and will be going to the city council for
final approval or denial.
Staff would like to see the landscape plan expanded to fill out some of the areas along
both street frontages. Mr. McDaniels brought revised landscape drawings and
presented them to the board.
Staff is recommending site lighting be no more than 25-feet tall as proposed in the new
outdoor lighting ordinance. Mr. McDaniels has assured staff the plans are to install the
shoebox style lighting that he has on his current site. Because this property is within the
Kohlman Lake shoreland boundary area, the applicant has to install a NURP pond on
the northerly property. They also need to stay within the 50 percent impervious-surface
coverage requirement.
Staff also recommended that the proposed easterly curb cut be closed. The city
engineer felt it was too close to the intersection. But in doing so, the city engineers
recommends that the westerly curb cut be widened 30 to 36 feet to have a better turning
radius for vehicles coming and going from that site.
The applicant is hoping this will improve the traffic circulation in the neighborhood with
the proposed parking lot addition and proposed building expansion.
Chairperson Ledvina asked the applicant to come forward.
Mr. Steve McDaniels, the owner of Maplewood Toyota introduced himself.
Mr. McDaniels said he has no comments regarding staff's comments. He feels
eliminating the residential driveway and building the proposed parking lot addition will
alleviate the traffic congestion problems on Beam Avenue.
Board Member Shankar asked Mr. McDaniels if this proposed parking lot will be for
customer parking or is it for cars for sale?
Mr. McDaniels replied it will be for employee parking and new car inventory parking.
Board Member Shankar asked if customers will have to cross Beam Avenue from the
showroom to look at new cars for sale in the proposed parking lot?
Mr. McDaniels answered if they don't have a duplicate car in the showroom or on the
lot, they would be escorted over across the street with a salesperson.
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4
Board Member Olson stated she is concerned about the residential house with the
driveway coming out through the proposed parking lot. If you have new car inventory
are you going to have a secure fence around this facility and how are you going to
manage this with private access?
Mr. McDaniels said he owns the house. The gentleman that is currently renting the
house was the pumpkin patch man that was on the corner of Highway 61 and Beam
Avenue. They have known him for 15 years now and don't have a problem with him.
Where the drive comes out is where the employees will park in the daytime. There will
not be cars parked there in the evening. He will be going through the proposed parking
lot during the day once in awhile. They normally rent to someone they know really well
or to an employee.
Board Member Olson asked Mr. McDaniels if this property served as potential
expansion space for Maplewood Toyota where the house is located?
Mr. McDaniels said absolutely not, it has to remain green space. This is a benefit for
the neighborhood and we have no intention of expanding.
Board Member Olson asked Mr. McDaniels what he plans to do for new car security?
Mr. McDaniels said they don't have a big problem. They use security lights and will put
a small 4-foot fence up.
Chairperson Ledvina asked Mr. McDaniels what is the rational for the fencing along
Beam Avenue and not on the other sides?
Mr. McDaniels said the other side is connected to the other building on the north, there
will be a berm going from the south to the north where the house is located. Along
Highway 61 there is a ditch and there is no walking traffic. He said he would take the
fence out if staff doesn't want it there. For security he would like to keep it so people
don't drive through the lot and try to steal cars. The fence doesn't keep people from
stealing cars but if there is a fence up, and it gets torn apart, at least he knows a car
was stolen. Without a fence unless you count cars every day, you really can't tell
immediately that one was stolen over night.
Board Member Jorgenson asked what he will do if the individual that rents the house
moves? And what does he plan on doing to keep the home maintained?
Mr. McDaniels said the gentleman is on a 30-day lease if he wanted to move. He would
find somebody else he knew well or an employee to rent the home. Any rental
agreement would state the parking lot situation. He just remodeled the whole inside of
the home and plans on keeping the appearance up. He said he keeps the buildings and
properties looking nice. He also anticipates the gentleman would keep renting until he
can't afford it any longer since he rented his last house for 15 years.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
5
Board Member Shankar said it looks like the current Toyota building parking lot is pretty
crowded already, now you are proposing a building addition, what changes are you
proposing on the site for parking?
Mr. McDaniels said they are going to build the proposed parking lot first and then build
the additions. There are 75 employees and their cars will be parked across the street at
the proposed parking addition. That will open up the whole lot and it will no longer be
crowded. They are not doing the additions to add inventory or add employees, they are
doing it to spread things out more and make traffic flow more smoothly.
Board Member Shankar asked Mr. McDaniels why he needs signage both on the south
and the east side of the building expansion?
Mr. McDaniels said he is just balancing the look of the signage on the building by
adding Maplewood to the Toyota sign.
Chairperson Ledvina asked staff to clarify that the community design review board is not
approving signs at this meeting?
Secretary Ekstrand said that is correct. Approval of signs is not in the motion. But it
should probably be added as a standard condition that the applicant must apply
separately for any sign permits for any sign changes. Just so it is clear, the board is
reviewing building design and site layout only.
Board Member Shankar asked Mr. McDaniels if he is adding two new garage doors on
the north side of the building?
Mr. McDaniels said there would be one more garage door. There is a current garage
door on the north side where there is a service lane. They are just bringing the garage
door out so there is a little more space inside. To the east of that there will be another
garage door for parts deliveries.
Chairperson Ledvina asked Mr. McDaniels if he had any comments regarding the
conditions that were required?
Mr. McDanieis said he has no problems with any of the conditions.
Secretary Ekstrand said just as a point of clarification, the planning commission-handled
items A and B on page 5. At this meeting items C and D will be handled. Item C
represents the three building additions and that is where he recommends the additional
condition specifying their signs are subject to permit review and not part of this
approval. Item D., beginning on page 6, is the recommendation for the parking lot site
north of Beam Avenue.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
Board Member Olson asked staff if there was a requirement for handicap parking?
Secretary Ekstrand said yes there is. The handicap-parking requirement would not
apply when you have inventory parking for cars for sale. Based on customer and
employee parking, they would need to comply with the ADA requirements. He is just
not sure how many handicap spaces would be required at this time. The handicap
parking would need to be on the existing site and not across Beam Avenue in the
proposed parking lot.
Board Member Olson asked if staff is recommending that the curb cut to the east be
eliminated and the curb cut to the west be expanded?
Secretary Ekstrand said that is correct, the city engineer said the curb cut to the west
should be expanded from 30 feet to 36 feet. The applicant's proposed westerly curb cut
shows 36 feet from the revised plan. Secretary Ekstrand also has a revised landscape
plan submitted this evening showing that the applicant has filled in the center areas
along Beam Avenue and Highway 61 street frontages.
Chairperson Ledvina said he had one item to discuss with the board as it relates to the
fencing to the south side of the parking lot. The applicant had indicated a 4-foot high
fence. Chairperson Ledvina believes that it should be eliminated.
Board Member Jorgenson agreed that the fence should be eliminated. The new
landscape plan also breaks things up.
Chairperson Ledvina said the landscaping will provide some degree of security as well.
If there are trees in the way that would provide security, obviously if a person wants to
steal a car they will drive through a fence whether it will be a 4-foot high fence or a 10-
foot high fence if they want it that bad.
Chairperson Ledvina said that since the driveway is being eliminated for the residence it
should state that the applicant restore the driveway surface to a vegetated state with
seed or sod.
Frederick Richter, the vice president of Steiner Development, clarified the new
landscaping plans for Maplewood Toyota. The new landscaping is snowdrift crabs,
spirea, daphnia, arborvitae and wild flowers. The landscaping starts in the west, which
is a screened wall of evergreens along the berm and the NURP pond. The corners of
the property the lot will have evergreens and deciduous trees. The landscaping
between the corners will be more ground cover with spreading junipers, perennial
flowers, and the snowdrift crab trees. The objective is to meet the landscaping
conditions and at the same time ensure the public sees the inventory.
Community Design Review Board 7
Minutes 9-25-2001
Mr. McDaniels asked if he could address the fence issue? He is concerned if he does
not gate the entrance to the parking lot people will be able to drive through the lot. He
would like to fence part of the area and attach a gate to it when they are closed. It's a
small deterrent but at least he would know if someone stole a car or not.
Board Member Olson asked how the resident would get into the parking lot when they
are closed? Will the resident have access or a key?
Mr. McDaniels said he would have to give the gentleman the access code.
Chairperson Ledvina said he has no problem with the gate they are looking for
alternatives to cyclone fencing. If it can be done with planting or landscaping or a little
berming to provide additional security that is what he would like to see.
Board Member Olson told Mr. McDaniels that the plans that members are looking at
shows the fence as stopping at the westerly entrance, with no gate.
Mr. McDaniels said that was an omission on the designer's part. He would put a gate
on the part of the fence that they are going to retain. We would like to put some type of
a fence that would be acceptable to staff.
Mr. Richter said it has been his experience that a black vinyl chain linked fence at about
4 feet in height looks nice.
Chairperson Ledvina said he wonders what the purpose of the gate is? He understands
it would be for security but what about using the landscaping to deter people?
Mr. McDaniels said it would be for security. If someone wants to steal a car they will
drive right over the landscaping. Someone went through a 1,000 pound gate once and
ruined the truck and couldn't steal it and they left it right out on Beam Avenue. The
fence won't deter the professional but it will deter young teenagers from trying to steal a
vehicle.
Board Member Shankar asked Mr. McDaniels how the fence would work with the
pedestrian pathway shown on the plans?
Mr. McDaniels said it would be an open walkway with a 4-foot opening in the fence
enclosure. He would stripe off the area in the parking lot so people can walk through to
see cars on the lot.
Chairperson Ledvina said to Mr. McDaniels, just for clarification, you said you need the
fence for security and you can't do that with just landscaping is that correct?
Mr. McDaniels said he needs some kind of fence. It doesn't necessarily need to be a
chain-linked fence if the community design review board is opposed to chain linked
fences.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
Chairperson Ledvina said certainly a fence is not as appealing as a landscaped area.
The board looks at these site plans to enhance the areas, and the features that are
there. There are maintenance issues with the fence down the road.
Mr. McDaniels said he has seen some of the car dealerships bury the posts to come out
of the ground about 3 feet and just space the posts without a fence so they are close
enough so a car can't get through.
Chairperson Ledvina said that would be fine.
Mr. McDaniels said then he would also need to gate the driveway; he just doesn't want
the cars to be freely driven off the lot if someone decides to steal from his car lot.
Mr. McDaniels said people hot wire two cars just to get the truck or car that they want
and drive right over the curb or landscaping.
Board Member Olson said she has no objection to a black vinyl coated chain-linked
fence with landscaping in front of it, especially since this is going to incorporate
employee parking.
Chairperson Ledvina said maybe we could ask the applicant to work with staff at
alternatives to the chain-linked fence. He thinks staff has a good feel for what the
members have in mind.
Mr. McDaniels said that would be fine with him.
Board Member Jorgenson asked if they could berm it a little bit and do a retaining wall
there?
Mr. McDaniels said that would cause drainage problems and also snow plow removal
problems.
Chairperson Ledvina asked if there is a motion?
Board Member Olson said she moves they approve the expansion plans for Maplewood
Toyota presented on September 25, 2001 and the plans for the site south of Beam
Avenue date stamped August 22, 2001 incorporating items C and D on pages 5,6,7,8.
With a note that the sign permit shall be applied for separately and that the east side
curb cut shall be eliminated on the proposed parking lot to the north of Beam Avenue.
Also, the west entrance be expanded from 30 feet to 36 feet per engineering
recommendations, that the fence, (item 4 b.) be negotiated with city staff to meet board
specifications and that the end of the pedestrian path be striped off with a minimum 4
foot open walkway gap in the fence at that area.
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Minutes 9-25-2001
Chairperson.Ledvina made a friendly amendment to item D. 4. and D. 5. on page 7 that
would state the applicant shall restore the turf for the area where the residential drive is
removed. He would also like to clarify that members are looking at plans date stamped
August 22, 2001 and also the landscape plan, submitted to the community design
review board on September 2,5, 2001. Also, clarifying that the signs that are indicated
on the proposed plans are not approved at this time. The applicant must submit a sign
permit for specific plans on the building.
C. Approve the plans (date stamped September 25, 2001) for three building additions to
Maplewood Toyota. This approval is based on the findings required by the city code.
The approval shall be subject to the applicant or owner meeting the following conditions:
1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
2. Before the city issues a building permit, the applicant shall:
ao
Provide a plan for city staff approval for any roof-mounted equipment
that may be added on top of the proposed additions. (code
requirement)
Provide a lighting plan for city staff approval for any additional
exterior security lighting that may be needed.
Ce
Submit the following for staff approval before the city issues a
building permit:
(1)
Final parking lot, grading drainage, utility and erosion control
plans. These plans shall meet the requirements of the city code
and the city engineer. These shall include:
(a) Showing all drive aisles at 24 feet in width.
(b) Having handicap-parking spaces that meet the requirements
of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
(c) All customer and employee parking areas meeting city code
standards.
3. Complete the following before occupying the additions:
a. Restore and sod damaged boulevards.
Paint all rooftop mechanical equipment to match the uppermost part
of the building. The owner or contractor shall screen any new roof-
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
]0
mounted equipment that is visible to residential
requirement)
property. (code
Stripe any new customer and visitor parking spaces at a width of 9¼
feet and the employee vehicle parking spaces at a width of nine feet.
Install fire protection and alarm systems as required by the fire
marshal.
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.
b. The city receives cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the
required work. The amount shall be 150 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 of occupancy if the building is occupied in the spring or
summer.
The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete
any unfinished work.
5. All work shall follow the approved plans.
may approve minor changes.
The director of community development
The applicant shall apply for sign permits
6. This approval does not include signs.
for any proposed sign changes.
D. Approve the plans (date stamped September 25, 2001) for a motor vehicle sales and
display lot on the northwest corner of Beam Avenue and Highway 61. This approval
shall be subject to the findings required by the code and 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 get a demolition permit from the city for the house at 2889
Highway 61.
3. The applicant's engineer shall provide the city engineer with the drainage
calculations and design criteria for the proposed NURP pond.
4. Before the city issues a grading permit, the applicant shall:
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
]!
Combine the two parcels for tax and identification purposes. The
applicant shall record the paper work for this combination before the
city approves the permits for this project.
Work with staff to develop a fence plan to meet board specifications.
The end of the pedestrian path shall be striped with a minimum 4-foot
open walkway gap in the fence at that area.
c. Revise the plans for staff approval as follows:
(1) For the parking lot, show:
a. Paving of the new driveway to the house and garage at
1241 Beam Avenue with bituminous.
bo
The elimination of the driveway nearest Highway 61 and
revising the westerly driveway so that it is 30-36 feet
wide. This driveway on Beam Avenue shall have an
entrance lane, a left-turn exit lane and a straight exit.
These lanes shall be marked with painted arrows on the
pavement depicting the turning movement.
All drive aisles at 24 feet in width and all customer and
employee parking areas meeting city code standards.
The city will not regulate the width of parking spaces for
the vehicle sales lot. However, the city will require
striped spaces for the neat and orderly parking and
storage of vehicles.
Submit a photometric-lighting plan that meets the standards of the
city lighting code for staff approval. This plan shall show:
(1)
The light spread and fixture design. The lense covering the bulb
shall be concealed or aimed so not to cause a nuisance to drivers
or to neighbors.
(2) That the site lights will not exceed 25 feet in height.
d. Make changes to the landscape plan for staff approval including:
Showing an in-ground irrigation system for all landscape
areas. This shall include the landscape areas around all
sides of the parking lot and for the boulevards along Beam
Avenue and Highway 61.
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Minutes 9-25-2001
Adding several ornamental trees and shrubbery along
Highway 61 frontage between the proposed tree planting
areas on the corners.
Showing a variety of materials along Beam Avenue between
the westerly driveway and the highway. This should include
shrubs, ornamental trees and planting beds with perennials,
along with coniferous trees, along Beam Avenue.
Showing that the screening on the west side of the proposed
NURP pond will be at least six feet tall and at least 80
percent opaque.
Get a building permit for the proposed retaining wall if any part of
the wall is more than four feet tall.
5. 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.
The city receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for
the required work. The amount shall be 150% of the cost of the
unfinished work.
The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete
any unfinished work.
The future proposed building shown in the parking lot is not approved. If the
applicant chooses to construct this building, they must submit the plans to the
city for approval.
7. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development
may approve minor changes.
8. The applicant shall restore the turf for the area where the residential drive is to be
removed.
9. The pedestrian walkway shown be moved 40 feet to the east both on the north
and the south side of Beam Avenue.
Board Member Jorgenson seconded the motion.
Ayes - All
The motion is passed.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
b=
Salvation Army Lakewood Temple Addition
2080 Woodlynn Avenue
Secretary Ekstrand stated Salvation Army is proposing to expand their building at 2080
VVoodlynn Avenue to improve their adult day care center services. The addition
proposed is 3,457 square feet and will house an activity room, beauty shop, laundry
facility, office, and storm shelter.
The community design review board will be considering the design elements, site layout
and landscaping issues. On September 17, 2001, the planning commission considered
the conditional use permit for this expansion.
The exterior of the proposed addition will match the existing building. There is more
parking than the code requires, there are 86 existing parking spaces and the total
requirement is 57 parking spaces.
The applicant will be relocating the dumpster enclosure that is presently in the location
of the proposed addition. Staff is recommending that 8 birch trees displaced by the
proposed addition be relocated to the west and south of this addition. Mr. Ekstrand also
mentioned in the staff report it states 6 birch trees will be displaced and that should
actually read 8 birch trees.
Board Member Olson asked if the storm shelter is going to be a single elevation addition
on a slab, or is this a foundation basement underneath it?
Secretary Ekstrand said this project is intended to meet ADA standards and staff
recently experienced that with the Beaver Lake Estates mobile home park that just
added an above grade storm shelter.
Chairperson Ledvina asked the applicant to come forward.
Mr. Ken Nordby the architect from NAI Architects for the Salvation Army addition came
forward.
Mr. Nordby said the shelter for the day care facility is at the same level. Most of these
people are incapacitated and or in wheel chairs. If there is inclement weather they will
be able to go right into the storm shelter.
Board Member Olson asked if the walls would be reinforced?
Mr. Nordby said the walls would be reinforced. In fact NAI Architects also did the storm
shelter at the Beaver Lake Estates mobile home park shelter. It has a concrete
reinforced roof and a separate wall next to the existing building that is also reinforced. It
meets the full FEMA requirements for a storm shelter.
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Minutes 9-25-2001
Chairperson Ledvina asked Mr. Nordby if he had any comments or questions regarding
the staff report?
Mr. Nordby said not at all. The restrooms that you see in the plans supercede any of
the ADA facilities. Remember, most of the clients are unable to use the facilities by
themselves. Therefore, the bathrooms are a little bit larger than what is required.
Board Member Shankar asked Mr. Nordby if a restroom with a dimension of 4 feet and
11% inches meets ADA requirements?
Mr. Nordby said that would be an error on the plans, all the restrooms are at 5 feet or
greater.
Board Member Olson asked about the birch trees. She said they don't transplant very
well. She asked if there was an alternate plans in case they don't make it?
Mr. Nordby said they would like to try to replace the birch trees because they have
about 8-to-10 years of growth already. They may have suffered a little through the
drought but the soil conditions are good and they are hopeful the trees will make it.
Chairperson Ledvina said from his view it seems to be a straight forward proposal and
he doesn't have any further questions or problems with the Salvation Army proposal.
Board Member Shankar made a motion that the community design review board
approve the plans (date stamped August 24, 2001), for construction of an addition for
the Salvation Army Lakewood Temple located at 2080 Woodlynn Avenue. The owner
shall do the following:
a. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
b. Submit the following for staff approval before the city issues a building permit:
(1) Grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plans.
c. Complete the following before occupying the building:
(1)
(2)
Restore and sod damaged boulevards.
Relocate the eight birch trees, which were displaced because of the
addition. The trees should be planted on the west and south side of the
addition.
d. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
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]5
The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health,
safety or welfare.
(2)
The city receives cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the
required work. The amount shall be 150 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 of
occupancy if the building is occupied in the spring or summer.
(3)
The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete any
unfinished work.
All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community
development may approve minor changes.
Board Member Jorgenson seconded the motion.
Ayes - All
The motion is passed.
C=
Sinclair Oil Corporation station remodel
2158 Rice Street
Secretary Ekstrand said Sinclair Oil Corporation is proposing to remove their existing
overhead fuel canopy and fuel islands at 2158 Rice Street and construct a new, larger
canopy and fuel islands in the same location. The canopy will cover 2,700 square feet
and replace an existing 1,850-square-foot canopy. The six existing fuel pumps will be
replaced with four new pumps. These fuel pumps will have two vehicle fueling stations
each, for a total of eight, and will allow for payment at the pump.
The planning commission has already reviewed this and considered a conditional use
permit for the business and a conditional use permit for a nonconforming setback.
Currently the existing canopy is set back 3¼ feet from the Rice Street right-of-way. The
new canopy is proposed to be set back 5 ~ feet from the right-of-way, which is 9 ¼ feet
closer than code allows.
Staff is recommending that a driveway access be eliminated as was suggested by
Ramsey County and the city engineer. The northerly curb cut along Rice Street should
be closed because it is very close to the intersection. The planning commission also
brought the point up about the County Road B exit being closed or moved. The county
engineer has looked at that and felt moving it may in fact upset the traffic flow within the
site causing vehicles to enter closer to the building instead of being able to utilize the
area for parking. Therefore, staff is not recommending a change to the County Road B
driveway.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
Staff is recommending there be four parking stalls striped and one of those four parking
stalls should be handicap accessible. Currently there is room to park north and south of
the building but there are not any parking striped stalls.
Staff is recommending that the applicant landscape the site by doing something similar
to the Super America station on White Bear Avenue and also on Lower Afton Road with
a wrought iron fence and brick or stone pillars for decoration. Also adding some
landscaping along the length to help enhance the site.
Three areas of concern should also be addressed. There is a tall freestanding sign
located on the northeast corner of the site. The paint on the pole of this sign is chipped
and in need of repainting. Also the trash enclosure does not have a closable gate and
the dumpster is visible. And lastly, the mechanical equipment located in the back of the
building is visible from the street. The repair and maintenance of these items should be
complete prior to the building department's final inspection of the canopy.
Board Member Olson watched the planning commission meeting on TV. There was
discussion about the expansion of the south Rice Street driveway to Highway 36. She
asked if the curb cut should be incorporated into the plans that members are looking at?
Secretary Ekstrand answered no that has not been incorporated.
Board Member Olson would like to make that recommendation. She thinks if that curb
cut is eliminated then there needs to be a wider access on the south.
Chairperson Ledvina asked if Board Member Olson is proposing the expansion because
it is too narrow?
Board Member Olson said that is correct, there are cars that will enter from the north on
Rice Street, turning north from Rice Street, and cars turning south onto Rice Street.
There needs to be space for that kind of traffic and accessibility is important.
Chairperson Ledvina asked staff if the tall pylon sign is a conforming sign?
Secretary Ekstrand said that sign received a variance for height many years ago.
Chairperson Ledvina asked staff how tall the sign is?
Secretary Ekstrand guessed in the 50-foot range. It was a sign that was put up higher
than the code allowed. Staff caught the violation and then the applicant applied for a
variance. The variance was approved. Even though it is too tall according to code, it is
still legal by virtue of a variance.
Chairperson Ledvina asked staff if the height of the sign was open for discussion with
this remodeling.
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Minutes 9-25-2001
Secretary Ekstrand answered no, it is not open for discussion.
Chairperson Ledvina asked the applicant to come forward.
Mr. Larry Feldsien, of the Sinclair Oil Corporation, addressed himself along with his
Retail Supervisor Kevin Kirchberg.
Board Member Olson asked the applicants if they are going to retain the dinosaur?.
Mr. Feldsien and Mr. Kirchberg answered yes.
Chairperson Ledvina asked Mr. Feldsien what was his response to the requested
widening of the curb cut width on Rice Street?
Mr. Feldsien said he is in favor of making it wider.
Chairperson Ledvina said it is not indicated in dimensions on the staff report.
Mr. Feldsien said as an engineer he does not like to break up cement curbs just to gain
2 feet, it may be worth it for 5 or 6 feet.
Chairperson Ledvina said maybe the curb cut dimension is something that could be
addressed with staff.
Mr. Feldsien said what he heard was around 36 feet and that would be three lanes for a
car turning left, a car turning right, and a car turning in.
Board Member Olson asked if 36 feet was excessive?
Mr. Feldsien answered no. He would want to review it with the city engineer and also
with Ramsey County before doing anything.
Chairperson Ledvina asked about the lighting in the Sinclair brochure. Does the lighting
extend below the canopy?
Mr. Feldsien said the photo of the station is from Golden Colorado. He had this
discussion with Ms. Finwall and in the report it says that Sinclair will be recessing those
lights into the deck of the canopy. The proposed lights are like the ones at Super
America on White Bear Avenue.
Board Member Olson asked if that directs the light down rather than out because it has
a cylinder around the fixture?
Mr. Feldsien said that is correct.
Community Design Review Board 18
Minutes 9-25-2001
Board Member Olson asked if he understood that Ms. Finwall wanted Sinclair Oil to
have the lights flush mounted?
Mr. Feldsien said yes.
Board Member Olson asked if that's for maintenance purposes?
Mr. Feldsien said it is for lighting and for glare from the side.
Secretary Ekstrand clarified the lighting ordinance states the fixture protrusions are not
a problem. The problem is the lense drops a few inches below the wrap-around can
portion of the fixture. The lighting code states, a totally flush mount lense does not drop
beneath the bottom level of the canopy at all.
Mr. Feldsien said where the lense drops down it actually deflects the light out sideways.
In other locations they have put in a straight fiat lense and therefore you don't get this
side reflection from the actual fixture.
Secretary Ekstrand said that would meet the intent of the lighting ordinance.
Chairperson Ledvina commented that the lighting fixtures would look nicer if they were
flush with the canopy. He is not sure if that is possible or not. In his opinion the Texaco
station on McKnight and County Road B has done a very nice job with their lighting. It
is very pleasing to the eye and produces very little glare. It may be worth driving over
there to see what they have done at that station.
Mr. Feldsien said the handout submitted to the community design review board was
really only given out to show the large Sinclair sign and the colors. Everything else is
not intended for this particular site.
Board Member Olson stated that she has been out west and has seen the truck stops or
stations that are open 24 hours and the lighting that drops down like the lights in the
brochures. She feels the lighting is quite pleasing and welcoming. She asked if they
are going to be closing at 10:00 p.m.?
Mr. Kirchberg, the retail supervisor answered, currently they are not open all night but
as the competition is open we would like to keep that option open. But we are open
until 10:00 and no later than 11:00 p.m.
Board Member Olson asked if they intended to maintain those hours?
Mr. Kirchberg said they would like to keep the option open but currently they are going
to stay with the hours open until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.
Chairperson Ledvina pointed out that this is a conditional use permit based on their
proximity to a residential dwelling so that is the reason for the limited hours of operation.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
Mr. Feldsien said they are having a problem with the wrought iron fence proposal. They
don't see the need for it and they have some preliminary inquiries about the fencing. It
can be very expensive especially with the stone columns. September 25, 200'1, Mr.
Feldsien called Ramsey County and he asked if he could put a fence on their right-of-
way? A gentleman named Joe Paroutka said no fence, no trees, and no bushes on the
right-of-way. So from the property line and the pavement that leaves about 3 feet of
space. If a fence was put that close to a driving area it will get driven into and knocked
over as it does at their other station in Shoreview. They feel it is going to be a
maintenance problem and depending how it is routed around their sign they will have to
crawl over the sign to change the prices. The fence has become a thorn in their side
and they are not really in-sync with staff's proposal.
Board Member Olson doesn't see where the fence would be on the plans. Could
someone clarify that for us?
Secretary Ekstrand said staff was considering the fence to wrap around to the curb cut
on County Road B.
Board Member Shankar asked staff what the purpose of the fence was?
Secretary Ekstrand said it was for decoration. Secretary Ekstrand displayed the photo
of Super America's fence addition with the wrought iron fence and stone columns to
give members an idea of what staff had in mind to add some decorative enhancements.
It is feasible to just continue the landscaping along that area.
Mr. Feldsien said in lieu of the fence they could do some extra landscaping in the front
of the lot.
Mr. Kirchberg added that the distance from the right-of-way to the curbing is probably
1~-to-2 feet wide. That probably leaves a foot or so left and a car would be opening
their door into the pillar columns. It would also represent some difficulty in snow
removal as well.
Board Member Olson said that Mr. Feldsien reported that Ramsey County insisted there
be no vegetation or landscaping installed in their right-of-way.
Chairperson Ledvina said he thought ground cover and landscaping would be
acceptable in that area.
Mr. Kirchberg said they support the landscaping idea to improve the appearance of that
area.
Board Member Olson said she personally doesn't see the proposed fence in this
location; it doesn't look very friendly or accessible to her, and would agree with Mr.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
Feldsien that it is going to be more of a hazard.
as well.
The fence could be hit by the snowplow
Mr. Kirchberg spoke with Super America about the aspect of winter on their fence with
regards to snowplows and they responded they didn't know yet, because they haven't
had to go through winter with this fence. They are concerned about what condition it
will end up in.
Chairperson Ledvina said he likes the idea of a fence but can certainly understand the
applicant's points-of-view in this instance. The extra landscaping may be a more
practical solution to dressing up the area rather than the fence.
Board Member Olson said she sees the landscaping as a very preferable alternative to
the fencing.
Board Member Shankar made a motion to approve the plans (dated August 21, 2001)
for the construction of the new canopy and fuel islands for the Sinclair fuel station at
2158 Rice Street. The owner shall do the following:
a. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
b. Submit the following for staff approval before the city issues a building permit:
(1)
A revised site plan showing:
(a)
Removal of the most-northerly driveway on Rice Street. The
applicant shall reconstruct the curbing to standards of Ramsey
County.
(b)
At least four parking stalls, of which one must be handicap
accessible. The handicap accessible stall must meet the
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements and is
subject to the staff approval.
(2)
A landscape plan showing:
(a)
A landscaped area in front to include Iow maintenance
perennial plants and shrubs. In addition to city staff approval,
The Ramsey County Public works Department must also
approve any landscaping installed within the right-of-way.
(b)
The landscape area to the west to include Iow maintenance
perennial plants and shrubs. In addition to city staff approval,
the Ramsey County Public Works Department must also
approve any landscaping installed with the right-of-way.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
(c)
Perennial plants and shrubs around the base of the two
freestanding signs and on the southwest corner of the lot
(location of Dino the Dinosaur).
(d)
In-ground sprinkler for all landscaped areas. If the installation
of a sprinkler system is not feasible because of existing
pavement, the applicant must submit written agreement to
hand water all landscaping.
(e)
All planting beds must be edged and mulched.
(3)
Revised canopy elevations showing the lights beneath the canopy are
flush mount. The lenses of the lights must not drop below the opaque
portions of each lighting fixture.
(4)
A photometric plan showing that the site lighting does not exceed 0.4-
foot candles at the west property line.
(5)
Plans for a trash enclosure gate that is 100 percent opaque and
extends to the ground. The gate shall be compatible with the existing
6-foot-high wood fence.
(6)
Plans for the screening of the mechanical equipment located on the
west side of the building.
Complete the following before occupying the building:
(1)
Restore and sod damaged boulevards.
(2)
Install stop signs at both exits and a handicap-parking sign for the
handicap-parking space.
(3)
Repaint the sign pole on the freestanding sign located on the northeast
corner of the site.
(4)
Install the approved trash enclosure gate.
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.
(2)
The city receives cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the
required work. The amount shall be 150 percent of the cost of the
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
22
unfinished work. Any unfinished landscaping shall be completed by
June 1,2002.
(3)
The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete any
unfinished work.
e. This approval does not include the signs. All proposed signs require a separate sign
permit and must comply with the city's sign ordinance.
f. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development
may approve minor changes.
g. The remaining southerly curb cut on Rice Street shall be reviewed with the applicant
and the city engineer to reassess the traffic and the accessibility to the site. The curb
cut may be expanded as needed according to engineering and applicant
recommendations.
It was agreed upon to leave the lighting for item 2. b. (3) as it is, despite conversation to
change the wording.
Board Member Olson seconded the motion.
Ayes - All
The motion is passed.
VII.
VIII.
Visitor Presentations
No visitors present.
Board Presentations
ao
September 24, 2001, Mr. Shankar was present at the city council meeting.
Board Member Shankar reported on the city council meeting. The proposed
Beau's Food and Spirits restaurant was discussed and approved. One concern
was the proposed deck on the northwest corner of Stillwater Avenue. Someone
commented that they would not want to be sitting at the residential property to
the north at 12:30 a.m. on a Friday when the deck was full of customers. A
council member said the deck closes at 11:00 p.m. Council members liked the
community design review board's recommendation of bumping the parking lot out
to the north so when cars are trying to get out of the lot they would have more
room. The applicant showed the colors of the Minneapolis location and materials
proposed. The motion passed 5-to-0 for Beau's Food and Spirits.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
23
The second item discussed was the proposed Walgreens. The Walgreens
architect did not want to move the store any closer to White Bear Avenue. The
compromise was that Walgreens would be allowed to set the building back 69
feet from White Bear Avenue. That would allow one row of parking in the front.
They were proposing two drive through lanes for the pharmacy on the south side
and they agreed to eliminate one of the drive through lanes for additional green
space on the south alleviating the need for a parking lot setback variance.
Walgreens was asked to revise their site plan. The applicant was adamant that
there be minimal parking on the backside of the building and a majority of parking
on the White Bear Avenue side. The motion that was passed required the
applicant to have two entrances to Walgreens, one to the west side and one to
the east side. They showed some elevation and design changes and Mr.
Shankar did not believe that this item would be coming back to the community
design review board.
IX. Staff Presentations
Board Member Olson will be the representative at the October 8, 2001, city council
meeting. Items to be discussed will be Maplewood Toyota, Salvation Army Lakewood
Temple, and Sinclair Oil Corporation. (She will not be able to attend any meetings the
week of October 22, 2001 ).
Board Member Shankar will be the representative at the October 22, 2001, city council
meeting.
Board Member Olson asked staff about the status with the Hillcrest Redevelopment
Plan and the guidelines members would be adhering to?
Secretary Ekstrand said the status hasn't changed since they met last. He had a
meeting scheduled with the Met Council and the consultants, but that was cancelled
because of the recent terrorist attacks and the airports being closed. They are going to
meet in a few weeks. The council has given acceptance to the smart growth initiatives
shown in this plan. The city is going to develop a moratorium on development along
White Bear Avenue to devise some standards to apply to the Hillcrest area. We would
probably want to create an overlay district to design some specific criteria for this area
along White Bear Avenue.
Board Member Olson asked staff if members would have the opportunity to have input
regarding this?
Secretary Ekstrand said certainly, it is a design and planning issue. We did this once
before. There is an 85-acre piece of land located on the south side of County Road D
near the Maplewood Mall. About two or three years ago the council created a one-year
development moratorium stating that no more development can be done until this area
is studied. Bennigan's restaurant was the only building that was allowed and they had
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 9-25-2001
24
to get a variance from that ordinance to build. We will be doing a similar thing here with
the Hillcrest Redevelopment Plan.
Chairperson Ledvina asked staff what other items would be coming up for discussion?
Secretary Ekstrand said they are working on the Ramsey County Productive Day Golf
Course. It is the county land located south of Lower Alton Road all the way down to
Linwood. So far it has a lot of support from the community. It is a proposed nine-hole
golf course and a practice range. The maintenance building will be located across the
street on Lower Alton Road by the Ramsey County Correctional Facility. This will
probably be reviewed at the October 23, 2001, community design review board
meeting.
Secretary Ekstrand told members that Board Member Tim Johnson has stepped down
as a member as of today (September 25, 2001). He has a new job that begins very
early and cannot wait until a new member is appointed to replace him. Ken Roberts has
submitted an advertisement for a vacancy on the planning commission. They will also
run the advertisement for the community design review board opening. Mr. Ekstrand
has received a few telephone calls but no one has submitted anything regarding the
opening for the community design review board yet.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.