HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/2005
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
6:00 P.M.
Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road BEast
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
a. January 25, 2005 Minutes
5. Unfinished Business:
6. Design Review:
a. 3M Buildings 232 and 246, 3M Company, Conway Avenue
b. Heritage Square 4th Addition, T&C Homes, Highway 61
c. Overview Town Homes, Masterpiece Homes, McMenemy Street
d. Woodland Town Homes, Integra Homes, McMenemy Street
7. Visitor Presentations:
8. Board Presentations:
a. November 8, 2004, City Council Meeting - University Auto
9. Staff Presentations:
a. CDRB Representation at the March 14, 2005, City Council Meeting
b. 2004 Annual Report
c. 2005 Election of Chair and Vice Chair
10. Adjourn
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2005
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Longrie called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Chairperson Diana Longrie
Vice Chairperson Matt Ledvina
Board member Linda Olson
Board member Ananth Shankar
Present
Absent
Present
Present
Staff Present:
Tom Ekstrand, Senior Planner
Lisa Kroll, Recording Secretary
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Ekstrand said under Board Presentations it should read February 14, 2005, Public Works
Expansion report by Board member Olson.
Chairperson Longrie moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Board member Shankar seconded.
Ayes - Longrie, Olson, Shankar
The motion passed.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the CDRB minutes for January 25, 2005.
Chairperson Longrie moved approval of the minutes of January 25,2005.
Board member Shankar seconded.
Ayes ---Longrie, Olson, Shankar
The motion passed.
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
VI. DESIGN REVIEW
a. 3M Buildings 232 and 246, 3M Company, Conway Avenue (6:07 - 6:16 p.m.)
Mr. Ekstrand said 3M Company is proposing to build two buildings on their campus on the
south side of Conway Avenue.
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Mr. Ekstrand said Building 232 would measure 40-by-40 feet in size and be used as a water
chiller. The second, Building 246, is a cooling tower and would be located to the east of
proposed Building 232. Building 232 is meant to be temporary. Mr. Ekstrand said in two to
five years, 3M plans to remove it and incorporate its function into a permanent and larger
building to the south. These structures are, essentially, more "equipment" than building. They
are needed for 3M's water-cooling operations. The water to be cooled is the recycled "heated"
water used in the campus building-heating operations. Building 232 is proposed to have an
exterior of corrugated, almond-colored metal siding with bronze-colored trim. Building 246
would match the grey/green color of the adjacent cooling tower to the east and have metal
louvers and openings to facilitate its water-cooling function.
Board member Shankar said if there is so much land to the south of Building 232 and Building
246, why does the cooling tower need to be located so close to Conway Avenue?
Mr. Ekstrand said it has to do with the piping that is in place and needs to be contiguous
because of the way the structure is set up right now.
Chairperson Longrie asked the applicant to address the board.
Mr. Rob Darnell, representing 3M, 5775 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 975, Minneapolis, addressed the
board. He said Building 210 will be expanded to the west which is on the south side of
Building 232 and 246. Currently there is an ongoing project to relocate the underground
utilities in the area. The cooling tower will be in the permanent location of Building 246
Building and Building 232 is the temporary building that will house the chiller and electrical
equipment to run the chiller. This will allow 3M to expand Building 210 to the west and then
physically relocate the electrical gear and the chiller to the permanent location in the building
expansion and then demolish the temporary building.
Board member Shankar asked if the second phase of Building 232 will be in the west
expansion of Building 21 O?
Mr. Darnell said yes.
Chairperson Longrie asked if they could describe the exterior materials they propose to use?
Mr. Darnell introduced Michael Scanlan so he could describe the building materials.
Michael Scanlan, representing 3M, 4334 Harriet Avenue, Minneapolis, addressed the board.
The exterior of Building 232 would be an almond color metal panel (which Mr. Scanlan brought
a sample of). The trim around the top of the parapet will be a medium bronze color and the
colors will be conducive to the surrounding adjacent buildings which are all various forms of
beige brick and bronze trim. The roof for Building 232 will be a metal panel and Building 246 is
a combination of various materials, all gray in color and mostly made of fiberglass. It is
basically a fan with water inside and the structure will match the existing cooling towers.
Board member Shankar asked what color the garage doors would be?
Mr. Darnell said the garage doors are white with a glazing and will face the south.
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Board member Shankar moved to approve the plans date-stamped February 24, 2005, for the
proposed chillers at 3M Center on the south side of Conway Avenue. Approval is conditioned
upon 3M Company restoring the site of Building 232 after its removal.
Board member Olson seconded.
Ayes - Longrie, Olson, Shankar
The motion passed.
b. Heritage Square 4th Addition, T & C Homes, Highway 61 (6:16 - 7:45 p.m.)
Mr. Ekstrand introduced Mr. Perry Thorvig, Consultant Planner.
Mr. Perry Thorvig, Consultant Planner, said Town and Country Homes has requested a new
subdivision plat for part of Lot 1, Block 5, Frattalone's Highpoint Ridge. They are asking for
CDRB approval of building and location plans.
Mr. Thorvig said the developer is proposing to plat seven lots for condominium construction
and one common lot surrounding the seven lots occupied by the condominiums. Ninety units
are proposed for the parcel. Six of the seven condominium buildings would have 12 units. One
building would have eighteen units. Each of the condominium units would have an exterior
entrance. The units would sit back-to-back on top of an underground parking garage that
would accommodate two parking spaces for each unit. There would be a private staircase to
the garage from each unit.
The buildings would be two stories tall, not including the underground parking garage. The
first floor would be about eight steps up from grade level. The exterior materials consist of vinyl
shakes, cultured stone, and lap siding. Two color schemes are being studied for this project.
Colors include earth tone browns, tans, and greens. Outside stairs, railings, and trim are white.
There would be two parking spaces in the underground garage and 44 additional guest spaces
(.5 per unit) distributed throughout the site that meet the code requirement. Significant
landscaping using overstory and coniferous trees is planned for the slope on the west side of
the site. The rest of the site would also have generous amounts of shrubs and trees.
Board member Shankar asked what the distance between the six buildings was?
Mr. Thorvig said the buildings are about 20 feet apart which meets the code requirement.
Chairperson Longrie asked the applicant to address the board.
Ms. Krista Novack, Community Planning Manager, Town and Country Homes, 7615 Smetana
Lane, Suite 130, Eden Prairie, addressed the board. These units will be built with their newest
town home called the Regency Collection and they are excited to present these units to
Maplewood. There are four floor plans to choose from with many windows to make the floor
plan feel bright and airy. They brought new color palettes to show the board and will present
them tonight. The two color packages include lap siding, vinyl shake and shingle products.
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Board member Olson asked if they proposed to make all the units the same color scheme or to
alternate the two color schemes between the buildings?
Ms. Novack said they would probably alternate the color schemes between the buildings but
would like input from the board.
Board member Olson asked why the dark forest green color was eliminated from the color
selection that was shown in the CDRB packet of information?
Ms. Novack said they tried to create color packages that would complement each other.
Board member Olson asked if the dark green color scheme was eliminated that is shown in the
sta ff re po rt?
Ms. Novack said they eliminated the green color package and feel that they have provided
equally if not better color packages as an alternative that they brought samples of tonight.
Board member Shankar asked if color option I was still an option?
Ms. Novack apologized if this was confusing the board. The colors shown in the CDRB packet
are old colors that they have eliminated and the new color palettes are shown in the samples
they have provided tonight for the board to see. One is in the cream and brown family and the
other is in the gray family.
Board member Olson said it appears the porches are white in the staff report and now the
board sees the porches shown on the screen as dark brown.
Ms. Novack said correct.
Board member Olson asked if they had samples of the rock face block?
Mr. Mitch Litfin, Division Architect, Town and Country Homes, 7615 Smetana Lane, Suite 130,
Eden Prairie, addressed the board. He said they didn't bring samples of the rock face block
with them tonight but they would use a similar product as they did with the Majestic Collection
in the Heritage Square development. The style is reminiscent of a brown stone building that
you would see out east.
Board member Olson prefers the white porch over the dark brown. The dark porches look
dirty, recessive and not inviting.
Mr. Litfin said they were going for a natural wood tone look to the porches.
Board member Olson said these buildings remind her of a building down on West Seventh
Street in St. Paul. She prefers the color choices shown in the board packet over the color
samples shown tonight.
Board member Shankar agreed with Board member Olson regarding the white porches. The
dark brown porch seems too intense to him.
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Mr. Litfin said they can offer the white porches but they wanted to offer something different.
Town & Country Homes wanted to show the board they are willing to offer different trim colors
other than the typical white or linen color and that is why they have shown darker colors.
Board member Olson said she likes the light tan color trim but doesn't care for the dark brown
color for either the trim or the porch color.
Chairperson Longrie said maybe an eggshell color would work?
Mr. Litfin said they could use a linen color or another lighter color.
Board member Olson said she sees the dark brown porch as forming cubbyholes and looks
uninviting. Perhaps the white colored porch would attract more dirt and possibly an off-white
color on the porch would be nice.
Town & Country Homes and the board members spent a lengthy amount of time discussing
the color choices for the Regency Collection units.
Mr. Kevin Clark, Director of Land Development, Town and Country Homes, 7615 Smetana
Lane, Suite 130, Eden Prairie, addressed the board.
Board member Olson asked the applicant to address the issue of the sidewalks around the
buildings?
Mr. Clark said they are in the process of working through the plan review with city staff and one
of the things they are addressing is upgrading these buildings to include a second exit door,
which is at the opposite end of the underground garage entrance/exit. This will connect to a
walkway from the exit door to an adjoining walkway. Because of the grade they didn't look at
connecting the sidewalks around the buildings but would check to see if it's feasible to connect
the sidewalks around the building.
Board member Olson said the second exit door makes sense, especially for security. She
asked where the trash would be contained and where the meters would be located?
Mr. Litfin said the garage is set up to maintain the garbage and most of the services that are
needed. Each unit will have its own electrical and gas meter but the meters will be banked on
the building exterior. The water meters are located in a room off the garage that will hold the
sprinkler, water and drainage systems. The electrical and gas meters would be banked on the
outside of the building, out of view, away from the front and at the opposite end of each
building.
Chairperson Longrie asked if the applicant could describe how they plan to screen the meters.
Mr. Litfin said these meters will be a foot to one and a half feet tall and they would plant some
bushes in front of the gas and electrical meters. They will be out of view, but still easy to read
when someone needs to read them.
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Chairperson Longrie asked what type of landscaping and how tall the landscaping would get?
Ms. Novack said Town & Country Homes has submitted landscape plans for the foundation
plantings for the site which was displayed on the screen.
Mr. Litfin said shrubbery and bushes would be planted to block the view of the gas and
electrical meters. They aren't going to bank the meters together, they plan on spacing them
one foot to one and a half feet off the ground. If they banked the meters together the meters
would extend out of the ground about six feet tall and about four feet wide. These bushes
would protect the meters, be kept low to the ground and keep the building exterior looking nice
and clean in appearance.
Board member Olson asked about the trail through the abandoned Lydia corridor and the trail
under the power lines and asked if staff could discuss the density.
Mr. Clark said they have looked at this area along with the different grades. It would require a
series of retaining walls and switch-back trails and be very difficult to build. Town & Country
Homes asked themselves if it's necessary to have two trails connecting to the same area. The
neighborhood responded that they were not in favor of having both trails. There are public
safety concerns and Town & Country Homes feels there is a hardship in building both of these
trails. The planning commission recommended building the southern trail and eliminating the
northern trail.
Chairperson Longrie said it made sense to her to build off the existing trail and continue the
trail along County Road D. It's important to have the trail there for a more walkable
neighborhood especially with such high density in this area.
Board member Olson agreed with the planning commission's decision that the trail to the
abandoned Lydia corridor isn't necessary.
Mr. Ekstrand said he would like to introduce Mr. Kellison who is representing the Trout Land
Development to discuss the density.
Mr. Jim Kellison, Kelco Properties, 7300 Hudson Boulevard, Oakdale, addressed the board.
He said about 1 % years ago the 91 units were approved by the city council so there really isn't
much to discuss.
Ms. Novack discussed the landscaping plan for the site. She said the neighbors requested as
many trees be planted on the site as possible. Therefore, the plan would be to plant as many
trees as possible that would not be affected by the construction. Some of the trees at maturity
would reach as high as 60 feet.
Mr. Thorvig said staff finds Town & Country Homes has provided a generous landscape plan.
Board member Shankar asked if there was an exterior lighting plan?
Mr. Thorvig said they don't have a lighting plan but that is one of the conditions of approval and
staff would make sure the lighting plan complies with the ordinance.
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Board member Olson asked iflhere were plans for individual street lights or wall pack lights on
the buildings of any kind?
Mr. Novack said for the safety of the community they install lights on the entrance of the
town home buildings.
Mr. Ekstrand wasn't sure about the lighting plan but he knows the realignment plan for County
Road D has been looked at.
Mr. Kellison said there will be street lights there as part of the County Road D realignment
which is part of the assessments the developer is paying. The height of the lights and the
spacing of the light poles were designed per the county standards with the redevelopment of
County Road D.
Board member Olson was concerned about having a streetlight right outside someone's
window.
Chairperson Longrie said the board is concerned where the streetlights would be placed
because the light could be a nuisance as well as the proximity of the trees in relationship to the
light posts.
Mr. Clark said typically people close their blinds or curtains if light is shining into their windows
and he assumes the homeowners would do the same in this situation if light was a factor.
Mr. Thorvig said the trees would be placed in the best location given the location of the light
posts.
Board member Shankar asked who would be installing the lights?
Mr. Thorvig said the county would be installing the lights and city staff would coordinate the
placement of the light posts with the county and with Town & Country Homes for the tree
placement for this development plan.
Mr. Ekstrand asked if the board was concerned that the lights would be a nuisance or is the
concern that there would not be enough lights?
Board member Olson said both are concerns for her. These are tall buildings and even if the
lights direct light downwards she is concerned the lights could cause problems for the
residents as well as the placement of the lights relative to the landscaping. She believes the
lighting plan and the landscaping plans should be worked out together rather than
independently of each other.
Mr. Ekstrand said that is what city staff will do.
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Board member Olson moved to approve the building and location plans based on the findings
required by the ordinance and subject to the following conditions: (changes or additions are
underlined.)
1. Comply with the requirements of the city engineer and those of Chris Cavett in his
report dated March 1, 2005.
2. Meet all requirements of the building official and fire marshal.
3. Obtain all required permits from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District.
4. Revise the site plan to provide a 15-foot setback for the proposed frontage drive and
visitor parking spaces or obtain a variance from the city council. The applicant must
provide at least .5 parking spaces for each unit. The northernmost building needs two
additional visitor spaces while taking into account the 15-foot setback requirement.
5. Revise the site plan to provide pedestrian trails as recommended by Mr. Cavett in his
memo dated March 1, 2005. The applicant shall construct these trails as part of this
development.
6. The city would allow one building permit before the plat is filed. The plat must be
recorded before the city would issue permits for any additional buildings.
7. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
8. The applicant shall install an inground irrigation system for all landscaped areas.
9. The applicant shall provide a lighting plan for staff approval before getting a building
permit for the first building. When city staff does the finalliqhtinq and landscapinq plan
they shall consider the liqhtinq and landscapinq plan toqether to form a harmonious plan
for the residents.
10. A temporary sales office is allowed until the time a model unit is available for use. Such
a temporary building shall be subject to the requirements of the building official.
11. The director of community development may approve minor changes to these plans.
12. The electrical and qas meters shall be shielded with landscapinq that is at least two feet
tall.
13. The applicant shall submit revised elevations for staff to review incorporatinq color
scheme number 1 and color scheme number 2. Color scheme number 1 shall include
sandlewood shinqles. pebblestone c1av. cameo and wicker. Color scheme number 2
shall include oakwood shinqles with silver qrav. everest wood qrav. and white shakes.
Both color schemes shall incorporate the linen color window trim and be incorporated
with the porch and railinq trim color.
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Board member Shankar seconded.
Ayes - Longrie, Olson, Shankar
The motion passed.
This item goes to the city council March 28, 2005.
c. Overview Town Homes, Masterpiece Homes, McMenemy Street (7:45 - 8:17 p.m.)
Mr. Ekstrand said Mr. Gordie Howe, representing Masterpiece Homes, is proposing to develop
24 town houses in a development called Overview. It would be on a 5.5-acre site on a cul-de-
sac on the west side of McMenemy Street, south of Roselawn Avenue. A homeowners'
association would own and maintain the common areas. Each building would have horizontal-
lap vinyl siding, aluminum soffits and fascia and a stone veneer on the front. In addition, each
unit would have a two-car garage.
Chairperson Longrie asked the applicant to address the board.
Mr. Gordie Howe, Masterpiece Homes, Little Canada, addressed the board. He reviewed the
landscape plan, the street lighting and the building products proposed for the units. They have
proposed 14 rambler-style homes and 10 story and a half homes. Some will have side-loaded
garages and others will have front-loaded garages. Instead of using lights on the building
exteriors they would use eyeball lights in the soffits so the light will shine down on the driveway
and the lights would be on a timer. He has been working with the neighbors and MnDOT and
will plant 75 red twigged dogwood trees along the pond area. Mr. Howe said after meeting with
MnDOT the landscape plan has been revised and is being shown for the first time tonight and
is dated February 23, 2005.
Chairperson Longrie asked if all the buildings would be the same materials and colors?
Mr. Howe said the building materials would match and would be almond color.
Chairperson Longrie asked how many trees were removed from the site?
Mr. Howe said around 105 trees were removed and they are going to plant 122 new trees.
Board member Shankar asked if there were a lot of mature trees removed from the site?
Mr. Howe said there were some mature trees removed but there was more brush removed
than mature trees.
Board member Olson asked if there were any retaining walls proposed for the rear of the
property?
Mr. Howe said there would be a four foot retaining wall which butts up to Highway 35 E. They
proposed to cut the berm down but considered the berm would act as a noise buffer and
retaining wall.
Board member Olson asked what product they would use for the retaining wall?
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Mr. Howe said the retaining wall would be made of boulders. He said they prefer to use
boulders because if you have any ground movement the boulders don't shift around.
Board member Shankar asked if there was adequate turning radius for large trucks to turn in
the cul-de-sac?
Mr. Howe said the cul-de-sac is large enough for emergency vehicles and would be built to the
standards of Maplewood.
Board member Shankar asked staff what the radius of the cul-de-sac was?
Mr. Ekstrand said city cul-de-sacs are 120 feet in diameter, so he estimated 60 feet wide.
Board member Olson asked if there were any other species designated for the pond area
besides the 75 red twigged dogwood trees?
Mr. Howe said there are also some birch trees and a weeping willow tree.
Board member Shankar moved to approve the plans date-stamped January 25, 2005, (site
plan, grading, drainage plans and building elevations and landscape plans date-stamped
February 23. 2005), for the Overview town houses on the west side of McMenemy Street,
south of Roselawn Avenue. 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. Have the city engineer approve final construction and engineering plans. These
plans shall include: grading, utility, drainage, erosion control, tree, sidewalk and
driveway plans. The plans shall meet the following conditions and shall also
meet all the conditions and changes noted in Chuck Vermeersch's memo dated
February 14, 2005.
(1) The erosion control plan shall be consistent with city code.
(2) The grading plan shall:
(a) Include building, floor elevation and contour information for each home
site. The lot lines on this plan shall follow the approved preliminary plat.
(b) Include contour information for the land that the construction would
disturb.
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(c) Show sedimentation basins or ponds as may be required by the
watershed board or by the city engineer. A revised design for the storm
water pond that shows curves, rather than straight sides, for a more
aesthetic design and visual appeal. The pond, however, shall have the
required storm water capacity.
(d) Show all proposed slopes steeper than 3:1 on the proposed construction
plans. The city engineer shall approve the plans, specifications and
management practices for any slopes steeper than 3:1. This shall
include covering these slopes with wood-fiber blankets and seeding
them with a "no mow" vegetation rather than using sod or grass.
(e) Show all retaining walls on the plans. Any retaining walls more than four
feet tall require a building permit from the city.
(f) Show the proposed street and driveway grades as allowed by the city
engineer.
(g) Show the drainage areas and the developer's engineer shall provide the
city engineer with the drainage calculations. The drainage design shall
accommodate the run-off from the surrounding areas.
(h) Show details about the proposed fence by the pond including the
materials, gate, height and color. The contractor shall extend the fence
along the east side of the pond, near McMenemy Street.
(3) The tree plan shall:
(a) Be approved by the city engineer.
(b) Include an inventory of all existing large trees on the site and shall show
where the developer would remove, save or replace large trees.
(c) Show the size, species and location of the replacement trees. The
coniferous trees shall be at least eight feet tall and shall be a mix of
Black Hills spruce and Austrian pine.
(d) Be consistent with the approved grading and landscape plans and shall
show no tree removal beyond the approved grading and tree limits.
(4) The street, driveway and utility plans shall show:
(a) A water service to each lot and unit.
(b) The repair and restoration of McMenemy Street (including curbing,
street, and boulevard) after the contractor removes the existing
driveways, connects to the public utilities and builds the new street.
(c) All driveways at least 20 feet wide. If the developer wants to have
parking on one side of the street, then it must be at least 28 feet wide.
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(d) The street and the driveways shall have continuous concrete curb and
gutter except where the city engineer decides that it is not needed.
(e) The developer or contractor shall post one side of the street with "no
parking" signs to meet the above-listed standards.
(f) The streets labeled as Summer Avenue and McMenemy Street labeled
on all plans.
(g) The common area labeled as Outlot A on all plans.
(5) The design of the ponding area and the rainwater garden(s) shall be subject to
the approval of the city engineer. The developer shall be responsible for getting
any needed off-site utility, grading or drainage easements and for recording all
necessary easements.
b. Submit a certificate of survey for all new construction and have each building staked by
a registered land surveyor.
c. Submit a revised landscape plan to staff for approval which incorporates the following
details:
(1) All lawn areas shall be sodded. The city engineer shall determine the vegetation
within the ponding area.
(2) The addition of trees for screening along the north and south sides of the site.
(3) The developer shall install landscaping in the ponding area to break the
appearance of the deep hole and to promote infiltration. Such landscaping shall
be approved by the city engineer and shall be shown on the project landscape
plans.
(4) Having in-ground irrigation for all landscape areas (code requirement).
(5) The plantings proposed around the front of the units shown on the landscape
plan date-stamped January 25, 2005, shall remain on the plan.
(6) A concrete walk from the driveway to the door of each unit.
(7) The manicured or mowed areas from the natural areas. This shall include
planting (instead of sodding) the disturbed areas around the ponding area with
native grasses and native flowering plants. The native grasses and flowering
plants shall be those needing little or no maintenance and shall extend at least
four feet from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of the pond. This is to
reduce maintenance costs and to reduce the temptation of mowers to encroach
into the gardens. Specifically, the developer shall have the natural areas seeded
with an upland mixture and lowland mixtures as appropriate.
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(8) In addition to the above, the contractor shall sod all front, side and rear yard
areas (except for mulched and edged planting beds and the area within the
ponding area).
(9) The contractor shall restore the McMenemy Street boulevard with sod.
(10) Adding at least 12 more evergreen trees (Black Hills spruce or Austrian pines)
along the north and south property lines of the site. These trees are to be at
least eight feet tall and the contractor shall plant these trees in staggered rows to
provide screening for the houses to the north.
(11) Shows the in-ground lawn-irrigation system, including the location of the sprinkler
heads.
(12) Shall be approved by the city engineer before site grading and shall be
consistent with the approved grading and landscape plans.
d. Show that Ramsey County has recorded the final plat for this development.
e. Get the necessary approvals and permits from the watershed district.
f. Submit a revised site lighting plan for city approval. This plan shall show how 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. The light fixtures must have concealed lenses and
bulbs to properly shield glare from the adjacent street right-of-ways and from adjacent
residential properties.
g. Have the Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) approve the proposed utility
plans.
h. Present to staff for approval colored building elevations or building material samples of
all elevations of the town houses. These elevations should show that the town houses
would have two tones of ivory and beige-colored vinyl siding and either brick or stone
accents on the front elevation. These elevations also should show that the front
elevations would have a wainscot of brick or stone.
i. The developer or builder would pay the city Park Access charges (PAC fees) for each
housing unit at the time of the building permit for each housing unit.
j. Submit the homeowners' association bylaws and rules to the city for approval by the city
staff. These are to assure that there would be one responsible party for the care and
maintenance of the common areas, the private utilities, landscaping and any retaining
walls.
k. Obtain the necessary approvals and permits from MnDOT.
I. Provide the city with a letter of credit or cash escrow for all required exterior
improvements. The amount shall be 150 percent of the cost of the work.
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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. Complete all landscaping and turf irrigation for that building and its rainwater garden(s).
d. Install the required concrete curb and gutter.
e. Install a reflectorized stop sign at the exit onto McMenemy Street and addresses on
each building for each unit. In addition, the applicant shall install "no parking" signs
within the site, as required by staff.
f. Install and maintain all required landscaping (including the plantings around each unit
and around the pond) and an in-ground sprinkler system for all landscaped areas (code
requirement).
g. Install on-site lighting for security and visibility that follows the approved site lighting
plan. All exterior lighting shall follow the approved lighting plan that shows the light
spread and fixture design. The light fixtures must have concealed lenses and bulbs to
properly shield glare from the adjacent street right-of-ways and the nearby homes and
residential properties.
h. Install a six-foot-high solid screening fence or additional trees along the north and south
property lines of the site where the vegetation does not adequately screen the town
houses from the existing dwellings. These additional materials are to ensure there is at
least a six-foot-tall, 80 percent opaque screen on these sides of the site. The location,
design and materials of the fence or the additional landscaping shall be subject to city
staff approval.
i. 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:
a. The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or
welfare.
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b. The above-required letter of credit or cash escrow is held by the city for all
required exterior improvements. The owner or contractor shall complete any
unfinished landscaping by June 1 of the next year 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.
5. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may
approve minor changes.
Chairperson Longrie seconded.
Ayes - Longrie, Olson, Shankar
The motion passed.
This item goes to the city council on March 14, 2005.
d. Woodland Town Homes, Integra Homes, McMenemy Street (8:17 - 8:55 p.m.)
Mr. Ekstrand said Mr. Brian Bourassa, representing Integra Homes, is asking the city to
approve plans for a 24 unit townhouse development. He has prepared a site plan that shows
24 town houses (in 16 detached townhomes and four twin homes) in a development called The
Woodlands. It would be on a 6.6-acre site on the east side of McMenemy Street, north of
Kingston Avenue and south of the Hmong Church. A homeowners' association would own and
maintain the common areas. The design of the buildings is not finalized, but staff believes
each building would have horizontal-lap vinyl siding, aluminum soffits and fascia and brick
veneer on the fronts. In addition, each unit would have a two-car garage.
Mr. Ekstrand said because of neighborhood concern the applicant requested that the planning
commission table the review for the comprehensive plan, change in zoning from R-1 to R-2,
conditional use permit for a planned unit development, and a preliminary plat for 24 lots. The
applicant would like the CDRB to discuss the design elements, landscaping and building
elevations.
Board member Shankar said in terms of density the site plan looks packed.
Mr. Ekstrand said the density meets the city requirement.
Board member Olson asked what happens if the CDRB approves the design but the planning
commission doesn't approve the zoning?
Mr. Ekstrand said that could be viewed as "the cart before the horse" so to speak. The
question remains how would the units be placed if the zoning wasn't approved by the planning
commission.
Chairperson Longrie said she attended the planning commisSion meeting and heard the
developer say they had other plans they were working on with the neighbors. Because of
these other plans mentioned by the applicant she feels it's difficult for the board to approve the
landscaping and placement of buildings without plan approval by the planning commission.
The board can discuss the building materials and building colors though if the applicant is
looking for feedback.
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Mr. Ekstrand said if the developer gets their revised plans back to city staff in time for the next
meeting it would be brought back to the planning commission on Monday, March 21 and to the
board on Tuesday, March 22, for review.
Chairperson Longrie asked staff how to handle this matter procedurally. She asked how the
board should review the building materials and colors if the planning commission hasn't made
a recommendation to the city council yet because the item was tabled.
Mr. Ekstrand said he would recommend having the applicant address the board and listen to
what they have to say. The applicant may just be looking for feedback from the CDRB.
Chairperson Longrie asked the applicant to address the board.
Mr. Brian Bourassa, Project Manager, McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc., 15050 - 23rd
Avenue North, Plymouth, addressed the board. Mr. Bourassa said they are looking for
feedback regarding the townhome design and the materials and colors they have chosen.
They brought color boards with to discuss with the board.
Ms. Lisa Lillestrand, Project Manager for Integra Homes, Dayton, addressed the board. She is
unavailable to attend the board meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, and she would
appreciate any comments or feedback that the board can offer tonight. Ms. Lillestrand showed
the board homes Integra Homes built in the past along with building colors and building
materials they used in the past. They have proposed using building materials Integra Homes
has used on high end priced homes they built and use those products on these townhome
units. She reviewed different shingles, siding, shakes, stone, window frame colors, window
grids and shutters with the board. They are trying to make this development look like a
residential neighborhood. She said they propose to use two different color schemes.
Board member Olson said because there are 24 units and the applicant has only two color
choices she would recommend adding a third color choice.
Ms. Lillestrand asked if the board had any color recommendations?
Chairperson Longrie said they prefer not to see more browns or grays. She said maybe adding
a forest green or dark green color would be nice.
Ms. Lillestrand said they have a leaf green color they could use along with a forest green
shingle and door along with a brick with shades of green in it. Because blue is outdated they
prefer not to use it.
Board member Olson asked what the price of these units would be?
Ms. Lillestrand said these units start at $350,000 each.
Chairperson Longrie said she went to the Integra Homes meeting with the neighbors and the
developer recommended a visit to the site in White Bear Township to see their development.
Chairperson Longrie drove out and looked at the units there in White Bear Township. She
noticed there were no architectural elements of any kind on the back of the units and only very
small windows on the rear elevation.
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Ms. Lillestrand said the units you referred to in White Bear Township back up to a pond so
nobody would be looking at the rear of those units.
Chairperson Longrie said that may be true, however, the proposed units in Maplewood are
going to look the same from the rear in this development.
Ms. Lillestrand said these buildings have upgraded windows.
Chairperson Longrie said she is trying to understand what to visually expect with these
town home buildings in Maplewood and this is a concern of hers.
Ms. Lillestrand said the windows in the back of the units are small because they are windows
in the master bedroom closet and in the master bathroom. For the homeowners sake they
want to let daylight in but still have privacy that is needed. She said they use large windows in
the rest of the house so the home is light and airy.
Board member Olson said the point is the rear of the units will still have a flat side to them with
no design elements which will look featureless.
Board member Shankar said units 7 & 8 and 15 & 16 will be looking at the rear of the other
town home unit.
Ms. Lillestrand asked the board how they would recommend breaking the rear of the units up
for more detail?
Chairperson Longrie said maybe using two different color siding products on the building?
Ms. Lillestrand said you can't really do that. She would be happy to do that if the board felt it
was necessary but she doesn't believe the consumers would buy the product. Ms. Lillestrand
said she is fairly knowledgeable regarding design and what the consumer wants to buy and
she deals directly with the customers when buying these units.
Board member Shankar said maybe they could use window shutters on the rear elevation of
the town home units that look into each other.
Ms. Lillestrand said they could use window shutters on the units that back up to each other,
however, they want to make sure it cosmetically looks appealing when driving through the
development and that it doesn't stand out.
Board member Olson said because of the angle of the units and the way the development is
laid out, the units won't be visible anyways. The only unit she sees that would be visible would
be unit 17.
Chairperson Longrie said some issues and questions may be lessened if the site plan
changes. It depends on if the orientation of the units change or not.
Ms. Lillestrand said to keep the site look more natural they would use a boulder stone retaining
wall instead of a keystone block.
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Board member Shankar asked if these units would have fireplaces?
Ms. Lillestrand said the units would have gas fireplaces and would be vented through the roof
or out the back of the unit.
The applicant and the board discussed the preferred building colors and materials. The
applicant will bring this item back to the board for approval at a later date.
Ms. Lillestrand said they would prefer to use the same exterior light fixture on the units and just
change the color of the fixture. They would use muted pewter, black wrought iron, and bronze
color fixtures on the building exteriors that would coordinate with the siding color.
Board member Olson thought the applicant did a nice job with the building colors and design
elements for these units.
Board member Shankar recommended the applicant hide the meters for each unit with proper
landscaping.
Ms. Lillestrand said the placement of the meters can be discussed when the final plan and
layout has been finalized. They realize people don't want to look at meters on the front of the
units and the meters need to be hidden behind proper landscaping.
Chairperson Longrie moved to table the plans date-stamped February 1, 2005, (site plan,
landscape plan, grading and drainage plans and building elevations) for the Woodlands of
Maplewood townhouses on the east side of McMenemy Street, north of Kingston Avenue until
Tuesday, March 22, 2005.
Board member Shankar seconded.
Ayes - Longrie, Olson, Shankar
The motion to table passed.
VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
No visitors present.
VIII. BOARD PRESENTATIONS
a. February 14, 2005, City Council Meeting - Public Works Expansion
Board member Olson was the CDRB representative at the February 14, 2005, city council
meeting. The only CDRB item to discuss was the Public Works Expansion at 1902 County
Road B, which passed.
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IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a. CDRB Representation at the March 14, 2005, City Council Meeting
Chairperson Longrie volunteered to represent the CDRB at the March 14, 2005, city council
meeting. The only CDRB item to discuss is the Overview Town Homes, Masterpiece Homes,
McMenemy Street.
b. 2004 Annual Report
Board member Olson said she sent an e-mail to Shann Finwall and assumed Shann forwarded
the e-mail to Tom Ekstrand.
Mr. Ekstrand said yes he received the e-mail.
Board member Olson said this same issue came up last year regarding the annual report.
Every year there is a number comparison reflected in the report that shows how many items
the CDRB reviewed. Every year the number of items reviewed seems to decline. Board
member Olson said this report is misleading and it appears the CDRB didn't hold many
meetings or do many reviews. She would like the report to reflect how many units were in
each of the housing developments the CDRB approved, the amount of square footage of the
buildings reviewed, or something else that would give further information to the city council
reflecting what the CDRB reviewed in the year.
Chairperson Longrie agreed with Board member Olson. When the CDRB reviews a project
with landscaping and building products or something as large as a CVS Pharmacy building,
these items take a long time to review and somehow should be reflected in the report.
Board member Shankar recommended putting the job valuation in the report so Maplewood
residents could see the amount of money involved in the project that the CDRB reviewed.
Mr. Ekstrand said not every job valuation would be available. Unit count and square footage of
commercial buildings may be helpful and could be further expounded upon.
Board member Olson said she understands this makes more work for city staff.
Chairperson Longrie said while the board understands it creates more work for city staff, the
report would reflect the many hours that went into the CDRB making a recommendation to the
city council.
Board member Olson asked if this format was designed by the city council for staff to follow for
the annual report?
Mr. Ekstrand said it's just a format that has been used over time.
Board member Shankar said he has no problem leaving the number of items reviewed in the
report.
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Board member Olson and Chairperson Longrie have issue with the numbers reviewed shown
in the Annual Report and feel that the report needs to be expounded on to reflect the amount
of work that went into the decisions made by the CDRB.
Mr. Ekstrand said he would be happy to bring this back to the CDRB with further information.
Chairperson Longrie asked staff if there had been any new applications for the CDRB opening
left by Judy Driscoll?
Mr. Ekstrand said Melinda Coleman has been putting a memo together for the city council
letting them know the interest of Maplewood residents to serve on the board or commission.
Melinda has been given the application forms that people sent in and more information will
follow regarding this issue.
Board member Olson asked if the city pulled old board and commission applications to see if
past applicants are still interested in serving?
Mr. Ekstrand said the city has done that in the past if we know there is a particular person that
could be valuable on one of the committees or boards, but staff doesn't pull them as a rule.
Board member Olson asked if as a rule did the city wait for people to reapply for openings?
Mr. Ekstrand said yes.
Board member Olson said the reason she asked is at one time there were individuals that
were not selected to serve but were very qualified. If those individuals are still out there and
would like to reapply, they should be aware there are openings again.
c. 2005 Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Mr. Ekstrand said Section 2-284 of the Code of Ordinances requires that the community
design review board member elect a chairperson and vice chairperson each new year. Mr.
Ekstrand said he knows the city council proposed a procedure on how to handle elections for
chair and vice chair on the board and commission but that it was voted down. If the board
would like to decide who should serve as chair and vice chair, the board may do so.
Board member Olson said she thinks Diana Longrie has done an excellent job serving as
Chairperson and has done an excellent job researching items the board reviews. She knows
previously there had been discussion about rotating the chair position, in which case she
would like to recommend Ananth Shankar to serve as chairperson.
Board member Shankar said he is not interested in serving as chairperson and turned the
position down.
Board member Shankar recommended Diana Longrie to continue as the Chairperson and
would recommend Linda Olson as the new Vice Chair for the CDRB.
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Chairperson Longrie said she would be happy to continue serving as the Chairperson on the
CDRB and would support Linda Olson as Vice Chair on the CDRB. Chairperson Longrie said
board members just need to be reappointed by the city council now.
Diana Longrie will remain as the Chairperson and the Vice Chair has changed from Matt
Ledvina to Linda Olson.
x. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.