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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/2002AGENDA MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD June 11, 2002 6:00 P.M. Maplewood City Hall Council Chambers 1830 County Road B East 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of the May 28, 2002 Minutes Unfinished Business: None Scheduled Design Review: Washington County Bank - 2520 White Bear Avenue Visitor Presentations Board Presentations: Staff Presentations: a. b. Co June 10, 2002, City Council Meeting (Ananth Shankar) New Member Orientation (Welcome Diana Longrie-Kline) Community Design Review Board Representation at the June 24, 2002, City Council Meeting Upcoming Items: 1) Sinclair Gas Station Expansion - Larpenteur Avenue 2) Hmong Alliance Church Expansion - McMenemy Street 3) Access Power Office Warehouse Facility - Gervais Court 10. Adjourn I1. III. IV. Vw MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD 1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2002 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Shankar called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Matt Ledvina Craig Jorgenson Diana Longrie-Kline Linda Olson Ananth Shankar Staff Present: APPROVAL OFAGENDA Absent Present Present Present Present Shann Finwall, Associate Planner Lisa Kroll, Recording Secretary Board member Jorgenson moved to approve the agenda. Board member Olson seconded. Ayes - Jorgenson, Longrie-Kline, Olson, Shankar The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the CDRB minutes for May 28, 2002. Board member Olson moved approval of the CDRB minutes for May 28, 2002. Board member Jorgenson seconded. Ayes-Olson, Shankar Abstention- Jorgenson The motion passed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 VI. DESIGN REVIEW Washington County Bank - 2520 White Bear Avenue Ms. Finwall said Washington County Bank is proposing to locate a branch of their bank to 2520 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood, which is north of Maplewood Dental Specialists and south of Discount Tires. The proposed bank building will be 16,523 square feet in area and will house the bank and two other tenants. On May 10, 1999, the city council approved a wetland setback variance, conditional use permit (CUP) for a maintenance garage, and design for a proposed Pep Boys Automotive Center to be located at 2520 White Bear Avenue. On January 19, 2001, per one of the conditions of the wetland setback variance, Pep Boys recorded a wetland easement on the site. The easement generally encompasses the east half of the site and ensures no building, mowing, cutting, filling or dumping is performed within the easement. On May 10, 2001, Pep Boys Automotive Center's approved CUP for a maintenance garage expired. Ms. Finwall said the Pep Boys development included a 22,300 square foot automotive service garage and an auto parts store. The city council approved a 55.5-foot wetland setback variance for the development. A requirement of the variance was that a wetland easement be recorded on the property. Washington County Bank's development must comply with all of the previous variance conditions and wetland easement requirements. These include no building, mowing, cutting, filling, or dumping within the wetland easement, except for approved watershed district grading. The bank's parking lot will be constructed within 2 feet of the wetland buffer, at its closest point. A storm water detention pond will be constructed within the wetland easement. The Ramsey/Washington Metro Watershed District has preliminarily approved the construction of the detention pond within the easement with a requirement that a native species- planting plan be submitted for the storm water detention pond. The watershed district board will formally review the bank's proposal at their July meeting. The building has many facets of design to include varying roof heights, dormered windows, shutters, columns and the use of a variety of exterior building materials. The building is designed as a colonial-style row building, giving the appearance of several buildings constructed together. The exterior materials include wood, cementitious-type siding, face brick veneer, cedar shakes, aluminum clad windows, and an asphalt roof with cooper standing seams. The building will be an attractive and welcome addition to the area. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 Ms. Finwall said the bank would occupy the two-story first floor and basement north end of the building to include 10,342 square feet. Two tenants will occupy the one-story south end of the building to include 6,181 square feet. City code requires 82 parking stalls for this development. The bank proposes 95 parking stalls. There are two driveways proposed for the development, one on the south end of the property and a shared driveway with Discount Tires on the north end of the property. The drive-through bank will be accessed from the south entrance, where vehicles will drive around the backside of the building into the drive-through lanes. This layout will accommodate any vehicle stacking that may occur. Ms. Finwall said exiting the site may prove difficult because of the volume of traffic and width of White Bear Avenue. The city council has required that Pep Boys install "no left turn" signs at their driveways to ensure that the exiting traffic does not crossover oncoming traffic. For safety reasons, this should be a requirement for the bank proposal as well. The city's capital improvement program plans for sidewalks to be constructed along the east side of White Bear Avenue within five years. The portion of White Bear Avenue near the Washington County Bank site has sidewalks on the west side of the road, but not on the east side, in front of the bank. As a starting point for a future sidewalk on the east side of White Bear Avenue, staff is proposing that the applicant construct a 6-foot wide, concrete sidewalk within the White Bear Avenue right-of-way. This sidewalk should run along the western side of the development from the south property line to the north driveway. The sidewalk should be placed eight feet from the White Bear Avenue curb. If the sidewalk, or a portion of the sidewalk, cannot be constructed within the right-of-way, the applicant should construct the sidewalk within the site and record a pedestrian easement on the property. Ms. Finwall said the city's tree preservation ordinance requires that all large trees be replaced one-for-one, not to exceed ten trees per acre. A large tree is defined as any tree with a diameter of 8-inches at a 4-foot trunk height, excluding box elder, cottonwood, and poplar. There are 33 large trees located on this site, all of which will be removed. The landscape plan includes 38 trees planted on the site, which exceeds the tree replacement requirement. The landscape plan also includes foundation plantings of shrubs and flowering perennials. Native plantings are proposed within the graded area of the wetland easement. These plantings must be approved by the watershed district prior to issuance of a building or grading permit. Ms. Finwall said the lighting plan shows nine parking lot lights. This plan must be revised to specify the height of the parking lot lights as well as the illumination from the lights up to the property line. The city's lighting ordinance allows parking lot lights to be a maximum of 25 feet in height, measured from ground grade to the top of the luminary, and the maximum illumination at the property line not to exceed .4-foot candles. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 4 Ms. Finwall said Chris Cavett, assistant city engineer, reviewed the bank's civil drawings. He outlined his concerns and comments in the report on pages 19 and 20 in the staff report. The review board should require that the applicant submit revised civil-engineering plans for review and approval of the city engineer. Board member Olson asked if she understood the applicant was going to install the sidewalk the entire length of the property and it must be complete before the bank can move in? Ms. Finwall said that is correct as proposed by city staff. Board member Olson said she was sorry to see all the trees go on this site. She asked why none of the trees could have been saved? Ms. Finwall said the engineer could clarify that but she believed it was because of the required grading on the site. Chairperson Shankar asked the applicant to address the board. Mr. John Mulmberg, President of the Washington County Bank, addressed the board. Mr. Mulmberg said their bank is not relocating they are just expanding from their present bank in Oakdale. Because of the size of the lot in Maplewood their plan is to eventually move their operations to the Maplewood location from Oakdale. Washington County Bank is a small neighborhood bank that is three years old. Mr. Mulmberg said he is not opposed to putting the sidewalk in, however it is an expense that they feel they should not have to incur at this point. If they were to put this sidewalk in it would not connect with any other sidewalk. They would not have a problem with this condition if the sidewalk were to connect with something but currently it would go nowhere. This would require snow removal on the bank's part and nobody would be using it because it does not connect to anything. As an alternative they could put a handicapped accessible ramp where the curb cuts are. They could make an easement for the sidewalk in the future when it has something to connect to. Right now it only adds an expense to the bank. Otherwise they have no problem with putting the sidewalk in if it had a useful purpose. It would make more sense to install all of the sidewalks at one time on White Bear Avenue in his opinion. Alan Kretman, engineer with ProTerra Design Associates, Inc., addressed the board. He said unfortunately because of the grade of this property all of the trees had to be removed. Chairperson Shankar asked if the applicant brought any color samples of the building products they will be using. Community Design Review Board 5 Minutes 6-11-2002 Mr. Kretman said they did not bring any building samples with but he encouraged members to go and see the Washington County Bank building in Oakdale. Members could see the windows, roofing, siding etc. It will be a larger building in Maplewood compared to their Oakdale location. It is a colonial style row building. Board member Olson asked who the other tenants will be? Mr. Mulmberg said they have not determined that yet. They have interviewed two possible tenants. It would be on a short-term lease basis because eventually the Washington County Bank in Oakdale will be moving to the Maplewood location. Chairperson Shankar asked how the parking would work? Mr. Mulmberg said the tenants would park on the south side of the parking lot. Chairperson Shankar said this is an attractive looking plan. Using a number of building products on this proposed building helps to break down the massive size of the building. Board member Jorgenson asked if the roofing material is going to be slate gray? Mr. Kretman said it is similar to a timberline shingle and has a multicolored look to it. It almost looks like a cedar shake but it is asphalt. Board member Longrie-Kline said she understands the bank will be on the north end and it will be a two-story building. Mr. Mulmberg said it will be a one-story building with a basement. Board member Longrie-Kline asked how long the bank has owned the property? Mr. Mulmberg said about six weeks. Board member Longrie-Kline said she assumed if the bank was going to have tenants that the bank would be responsible for the upkeep of the common area. Mr. Mulmberg said that is correct. Chairperson Shankar and other board members agreed this will be a nice addition to the area. Chairperson Shankar said he is unclear regarding the color schemes for the building products that will be used. He would like to see that put in as a condition for the color scheme and building materials to be approved by city staff. Board member Longrie-Kline said she is concerned about the drive through lanes. It appears there would not be enough room to get through the last drive-through lane. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 Mr. Kretman said they did put some turning templates on the site plan. It should work out fine. Ms. Finwall said she noticed that the lanes for the drive-through area on the plans are different between the grading and the landscaping plan. Could they clarify which is the correct version? Mr. Kretman said the landscape plan is the correct plan. Chairperson Shankar asked how many drive through lanes there will be? Mr. Kretman said there are 4 drive-through lanes and the 5th lane is the drive through for the ATM machine. Board member Olson moved to approve the plans date-stamped April 26, May 21, and May 31, 2002, for the proposed Washington County Bank at 2520 White Bear Avenue. Approval is subject to the applicant doing the following: (changes are in bold). Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project. Before getting a building permit, the applicant must submit to staff for approval the following: Combine the three lots and two vacated street rights-of-way that comprise this site into one parcel for tax identification purposes. b. Dedicate and record cross easements for access between Washington County Bank and Discount Tire if this easement has not yet been established. A survey completed by a registered land surveyor showing the following existing conditions, wetland buffer easement, and location of the proposed building and parking lot. A registered land surveyor must also stake the location of the building and the wetland buffer easement on the property. do A revised site plan showing a 6-foot wide concrete sidewalk within the White Bear Avenue right-of-way to be constructed 8-feet from the curb. If the sidewalk, or a portion of the sidewalk, cannot be constructed within the right- of-way, the site plan should show the sidewalk within a pedestrian easement on the site. The pedestrian easement must be recorded on the property prior to issuance of a building permit. A grading, drainage, utility, and erosion control plans to the city engineer for approval. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 f. A revised landscape plan for the restoration of the grading completed within the wetland buffer. Restoration shall include native plantings and shall be subject to city staff and watershed district staff approval. Underground irrigation is required for all landscaped areas, excluding the wetland protection buffer. g. A trash enclosure plan showing location and materials used. The trash enclosure must be compatible with the building and must have a 100 percent opaque closeable gate. If the trash dumpster is kept inside the building, an outdoor enclosure is not required. h. A revised lighting plan showing photometrics to the property lines and the style and height of parking lot lights. The maximum luminary allowed at the property line is .4-foot-candles and the maximum height of the parking lot lights is 25 feet as measured from ground grade to the top of the luminary. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building: a. Install a 6-foot wide concrete sidewalk along the western side of the site, 8- feet from the White Bear Avenue curb, extending from the south property line to the north driveway. b. Replace any property irons removed because of this construction. c. Install a reflectorized stop sign at the exits and a handicap-parking sign for each handicap accessible parking stall. d. Post a "no left turn" sign at the southerly curb cut. e. Construct a trash enclosure to meet code requirements, unless trash dumpsters are stored indoors. f. Provide continuous concrete curb and gutter around the parking lot and driveways. g. Install an in-ground lawn irrigation system for all landscaped areas, excluding landscaping within the wetland buffer. h. Install city approved wetland signs at the edge of the wetland buffer that specifies that no building, mowing, cutting, filling or dumping be allowed within the easement. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 4. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if: The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or welfare. The city receives a 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 if the building is occupied in the spring or summer. This approval does not include signage. All proposed signs must comply with the city's sign ordinance and the applicant must obtain all required sign permits prior to installation. All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development may approve minor changes. a Color samples and building material samples shall be submitted for staff approval prior to issuance of a building permit. Board member Olson said she would like to stress that she feels very strongly that the applicant be required to put the sidewalk in on White Bear Avenue. She would also like to stress to the assistant city engineer, Chris Cavett, the installation of this sidewalk be a motivator for the city sidewalk project to go through from County Road C East to Eleventh Avenue in Maplewood. Ms. Finwall said she would have the minutes reflect that and she would pass the minutes onto the engineers. She stated the sidewalk project is in the capital improvement project that is to be completed in the next five years as well. Board member Olson said five years is way too long to wait for sidewalks. She is also disturbed that Discount Tire was allowed to build without installing a sidewalk. Board member Longrie-Kline seconded. Ayes -Jorgenson, Longrie-Kline, Olson, Shankar The motion passed. VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS No visitors present. Community Design Review Board Minutes 6-11-2002 VIII. BOARD PRESENTATIONS Ananth Shankar represented the CDRB at the June 10, 2002, city council meeting. Items that were discussed at the city council meeting were the Lexus addition-passed, Dearborn Meadow town homes-passed, and the Tillges Medical Building-passed. IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. New Member Orientation (Welcome Diana Longrie-Kline) Ms. Finwall went through the new member orientation booklet with the board. She said if there were any questions members are welcome to contact anybody on the list of staff provided in their booklet. Ms. Finwall also discussed the city tour. She was going to check whether this year's city tour on July 29, 2002, was only for the planning commission members. b= Community Design Review Board Representation at the June 24, 2002, city council meeting. Ms. Finwall said because there were no CDRB items to discuss at the city council meeting on June 24, 2002, there is no CDRB representation needed. c. Upcoming Items: 1) Sinclair Gas Station Expansion - Larpenteur Avenue. 2) Hmong Alliance Church Expansion - McMenemy Street and Desoto Street. 3) Access Power Office Warehouse Facility - Gervais Court that is between Saints North roller-skating rink and the Qwest building. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.