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AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
February 26, 2002
6:00 P.M.
Maplewood City Hall Council Chambem
1830 County Road B East
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of the February 12, 2002 Minutes
Unfinished Business
Design Review: St. Jerome's Catholic School - 380 Roselawn Avenue East
Visitor Presentations
Board Presentations
Staff Presentations:
a. Community Design Review Board Representation at the March 11, 2002
City Council Meeting
b. Mall Area Traffic Study Discussion
c. Sidewalk Discussion
d. Sign Ordinance Discussion
Adjourn
MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 26, 2002
I1.
III.
IV.
V=
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ledvina called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Matt Ledvina
Craig Jorgenson
Linda Olson
Ananth Shankar
Staff Present:
Present
Absent
Present
Absent
Shann Finwall, Associate Planner
Lisa Kroll, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Because there was not a quorum the agenda could not be approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the February 12, 2002, minutes.
Because there was not a quorum the minutes could not be approved and will be
deferred until the next community design review board meeting.
DESIGN REVIEW
a. St. Jerome's Catholic School (380 Roselawn Avenue East)
Ms. Finwall stated St. Jerome's Catholic School is proposing to expand their
preschool and daycare facility from 29 children to 60 children. A 3,800-
square-foot addition is proposed on the northwest corner of the elementary
school to accommodate the expanded facility as well as a new entry
vestibule. The exterior of the addition will be constructed of face brick to match
the existing elementary school. On February 26, 1990, the city council
approved two conditional use permits for the expansion of a church and for a
daycare facility.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 02-26-2002
To expand the preschool, the applicant is requesting that the city approve the
following:
Conditional use permit to expand an existing preschool and daycare
facility;
Design approval for exterior improvements
St. Jerome's preschool and daycare (Kid's Korner) have been in operation and
licensed through the State of Minnesota since 1987. The daycare's hours of
operation are from 7 to 5:30, Monday through Friday, and include children from
3 to-12 years old. The preschool is operated four days a week, with 3 and 4 year
olds attending two, 2~-hour sessions a week. The addition will allow Kid's Korner
to expand from 29 to 60 children.
The one-story addition proposed will be constructed of 4-inch face brick. The
addition includes a new entry door with overhead canopy, several new windows,
and a 3-foot-high parapet wall constructed of a stucco-like material to screen the
rooftop mechanical units. The addition is attractive and will be compatible with the
existing brick building.
There are currently 53 striped parking stalls and room for an additional 97 striped
parking stalls on the lot. With the addition, 16 additional parking stalls will be
striped in front of the school. The city's parking ordinance does not address school
parking specifically, but there should be adequate parking stalls for employees and
guests. They have 26 employees and all the students are bussed in or dropped off,
therefore, parking for the school and expanded daycare is adequate on this site.
With the addition, three large trees and shrubs must be removed during the
construction of the project. To comply with the city's tree preservation ordinance
staff recommends that three ornamental trees be planted along the west side of the
addition as well as additional landscaping along the sidewalk. St. Jerome's was
proposing to replace only one tree near the back of the church with no additional
landscaping planted.
The assistant city engineer states that there are no engineering and drainage
issues with this proposal. Drainage in the area was looked at extensively with the
neighboring housing development.
A neighborhood survey was sent to surrounding properties and all comments
received were positive for the daycare and preschool addition. Staff recommends
approval of St. Jerome's conditional use permit (CUP) with three standard
conditions.
Ms. Finwall stated that the planning commission recommended approval at the
February 20, 2002, meeting.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 02-26-2002
Ms. Finwall recommends approval of plans date stamped January 9, 2002, for a
3,800 square foot addition to St. Jerome's Catholic School. The city is approving
these plans based on the findings required by code. The applicant' shall do the
following:
a. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for
this project.
b. Complete the following before the city issues a building permit.
Provide a revised landscape plan to be approved by staff showing: three
ornamental trees of at least 1~ caliper inch to be planted on the west side
of the addition, across the drive aisle; and Iow-maintenance shrubbery or
perennial plants to be planted along the new sidewalk, around the
proposed bollard lights.
(2) Submit a grading drainage, utility and erosion control plan to the city
engineer for approval.
c. Complete the following before occupying the building:
Screen all new roof-mounted equipment visible from streets or adjacent
property.
(2)
St. Jerome's School is exempt from the dumpster screening requirements
as long as the dumpsters are stored on the southwest corner of the lot, in
between the school and the garage and remains screened by surrounding
mature trees.
(3)
All exterior lighting installed must comply with the city's lighting ordinance
and must not exceed a 0.4-foot candle at the property line.
d. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
(1)
The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health,
safety or welfare.
(2)
The city
required
work.
receives a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for the
work. The amount shall be 150% of the cost of the unfinished
(3) The city receives an agreement that will allow the city to complete any
unfinished work.
e. All work shall follow the approved plans. The Director of Community
Development may approve minor changes.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 02-26-2002
Board member Olson asked staff if she is correct in understanding that staff is not
requesting screening for the dumpsters because the dumpsters are not in view
from the street?
Ms. Finwall said that is correct. This was also requested by St. Jerome's
Catholic School. Staff agrees that the location of the dumpsters on the south west
corner of the lot is screened by trees and the school itself screens the
dumpsters from the roadway and the parking lot.
Board member Olson asked if St. Jerome's School is worried about children or
animals getting into the dumpsters or having access to them?
Ms. Finwall said perhaps the applicant can answer that question.
The applicant in the audience said they have never had a problem with that
happening.
Mr. Eric Ketelsen of 1439 Blair Avenue, St. Paul, MN, addressed the board. He is
the architect of McGuire Courteau Lucke Architects, Inc. He asked the board if
there were any questions of him.
Chairperson Ledvina asked how the brick will match or compliment the existing
structure?
Mr. Ketelsen said they had a consultant come out and look at the building and he
offered a color to match the existing brick. It is a combination of yellowish brick
with some darker rust tones mixed in.
Chairperson Ledvina said he reviewed this site and he has no issues with the
quality of the design, the addition and how it will be constructed on the existing
structure. He agrees with staff that a dumpster enclosure is not necessary.
Board member Olson said she has driven by there many times and she has no
objections to this addition at all. She is glad that staff is recommending
replacement of trees and shrubbery.
Chairperson Ledvina said they cannot make a recommendation because of a lack
of quorum but the board will leave it up to staff in terms of how they want to handle
this proposal. This item will go to the city council at the meeting on March 11,
2002.
Mr. Ketelsen asked if this will delay the process at all for not being able to make a
recommendation tonight?
Chairperson Ledvina said he did not believe so.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 02-26-2002
Ms. Finwall apologized for lack of a quorum and the confusion this evening. The
board's comments will be reflected in the minutes for the March 11, 2002, city
council meeting and the council will see that the comments are positive.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
No visitors present.
BOARD PRESENTATIONS
Chairperson Ledvina attended the city council meeting on Monday, February 25,
2002. The city council was agreeable to the design presented for Maple Hills.
Overall the multiple family structures were fairly well designed with some details
required for staff approval.
Board member Olson said the grading in a ponding area really bothers her.
Chairperson Ledvina said it was a condition of the planning commission
recommendation and it was not discussed at the city council meeting. He has a
very strong concern over the long term of 50 years that there will be problems
with flooding in that area.
Board member Olson said the problem with flooding was brought up by one of
the residents at a past meeting
Chairperson Ledvina said correct. It does drain now but that area will
continue to silt in and the permeability of that basin will decrease and the
infiltration that you are able to get will decrease over time. It will fill in so there
will be less storage and it is a wetland so you can't go in and dig it out.
Apparently that doesn't matter because they will go in and dig it out anyway.
Board member Olson stated when they showed one of the maps at the city
council meeting the 100-year flood level from a lake on the other side of Highway
61 was shown as encroaching on that space. It does seem to her that is a pretty
serious red flag to consider. She would like staff to address these concerns the
city engineer and determine if this is really unacceptable.
Chairperson Ledvina said the concept of putting a pump in when there is a
flooded scenario does not really go well with him because everything else is
going to be flooded as well. The capacity to receive the additional water from
that development is going to be very limited
Community Design Review Board 6
Minutes 02-26-2002
Ms. Finwall said hopefully your question regarding the grading within the wetland
can be addressed.
IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a=
Community Design Review Board representation for the March
2002, city council meeting.
Board member Olson will be the representative at the March 11,2002, meeting.
Ms. Finwall said items to be discussed will be St. Jerome's Catholic School and
the annual report.
Board member Olson wanted the board to know that in December 2002, she will
be going to Guatemala for a month and will be unable to attend any meetings.
b. Mall Area Traffic Study Discussion
Ms. Finwall stated that Chris Cavett, the assistant city engineer stated that a task
group was formed as part of this study. The task group included representatives
from Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, North St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Ramsey
County, and MnDot. As part of the recommendations and findings of this study
the City of Maplewood will adopt the traffic study as a supplement to the
comprehensive traffic plan. Maplewood and Ramsey County will prepare
preliminary layouts this year of the White Bear Avenue/694 area and work with
MnDot to get preliminary layout approval. URS will be the consultant on this.
Preliminary layout approval would put the project on the radar screen and make it
eligible for federal funding. Such a project will likely take place in a decade or so
when 694 is upgraded.
c. Sidewalk Discussion
Board member Olson asked staff if it is possible for anyone within the city to
undertake a sidewalk study of the White Bear Avenue corridor between Hillcrest
and the Maplewood Mall? To see what we can do about improving the paths
where the sidewalks are interrupted?
Ms. Finwall asked if that was addressed at all with the White Bear Avenue
Corridor study?
Chairperson Ledvina said not that he is aware of.
Ms. Finwall stated Chris Cavett, the assistant city engineer, stated currently it is
our position that pedestrian ways should be constructed on all new
reconstructions of collector streets that include state-aid streets. The city has
recently taken a position to remove snow from sidewalks on those routes that
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 02-26-2002
7
shows commitment to pedestrian accesses. We have also identified a need to
complete sidewalk links around the city and plan to add that to the city's capital
improvement plan. Where the priorities will be, and how long it takes to
accomplish this task, we have yet to determine. Unfortunately we have been
working for years with an old suburban mentality that sidewalks would equal a
big city that has made promoting sidewalks rather difficult. In his opinion,
sidewalks have not been high on the political priority list.
Board member Olson said she is primarily concerned about the area between
Maplewood Mall and Hillcrest Area for sidewalk access. She would like to see
completed sidewalks on both sides of that roadway.
Board member Olson asked staff how Discount Tire and Burger King managed to
move into those spaces without accepting any responsibility for the sidewalks in
their space? When Tires Plus and Boston Market were constructed they were not
required to put in a sidewalk. How did they manage to escape putting those
sidewalks in?
Chairperson Ledvina said that was before his term.
Ms. Finwall said she would look into that and e-mail the information to member
Olson.
d. Sign Ordinance Discussion
Ms. Finwall stated the sign ordinance had minor changes in 1997. The original
sign code dates back to 1977. In working with the sign ordinances within the last
year, she came up with a few areas that could use some addressing, and she
has listed them for the board's review. She has also copied the entire sign
ordinance for the board to review.
Board member Olson asked staff if she could get some copies of comparable
sign ordinances from other cities so the board has something else to look at and
work from?
Ms. Finwall said yes.
Chairperson Ledvina said he thinks it is very helpful to review those ordinances.
There is interpretation and a lot of paper that goes with the sign ordinance. He
would like to have staff do the reviewing of the sign codes and summarize how
they differ. What would be the reaction of the city council to modify the sign
code, does anybody know?
Ms. Finwall said no she doesn't. Back in 1997 they ran into a lot of opposition.
The mayor at the time, Mayor Bastian, was opposed to many of the changes they
attempted to make.
Community Design Review Board
Minutes 02-26-2002
Board member Olson asked staff if she could get a copy of some of the changes
that they attempted to make that didn't pass?
Ms. Finwall said the memo that is included tonight for the board's review was
from 1997 along with the changes that were eventually made. One area for
instance, was temporary-window signs. Staff proposed only taking up 25% of the
window and Mayor Bastian changed that to 75% of the window. There is a new
council now who do not deal with the sign code very often and may not be aware
of some of these issues and maybe they are not aware of the city's sign code.
Chairperson Ledvina said it's time to take a serious look at the code because it
has been since 1997. There is more need for a stricter sign code now than there
was 25 years ago. He is not sure how the city council will react to the sign
ordinance being changed.
Ms. Finwall asked Mr. Ledvina to explain how they made changes to the sign
ordinance in Chanhassen when he served on the board?
Chairperson Ledvina said they did not bring in consultants. Staff worked on the
ordinance, they surveyed other communities that had done recent updates to
their sign ordinances, they developed draft language, got right to the heart of
things like window signage, because that is the most offensive signage.
Searchlights are considered a sign permit and there is nothing in the code
regarding that.
Ms. Finwall asked if they formed a task group in Chanhassen?
Chairperson Ledvina said yes the city council had work sessions with the
planning commission and the chamber of commerce. They went through each of
the ordinance sections change by change and discussed the rational and the
practical aspects and limitations.
Board member Olson asked if they ever discussed murals on buildings in the
ordinance?
Chairperson Ledvina said that would be considered a sign. He asked staff if she
could incorporate what was given to members tonight into the next packet for Mr.
Shankar and Mr. Jorgenson who were not at the meeting? He said members
can start talking about what the priorities should be for the sign code at the next
meeting.
Ms. Finwall said she would mail the sign code to the other members.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.