PLAN COMMISSION
June 8, 2006
Members present: Breault, Koch, Yoerg, Mailloux, Gilbert and Bieraugel
Others present: Dan Routson,
Jay Andrews, Dave Holt, Chris Anderson, Brad Burke, Brian Hinz,
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Breault at 7:00 p.m.
Moved by Mailloux,
seconded by Yoerg to approve the meeting minutes of
5-25-06. Motion carried.
Public hearing, application for conditional use permit to have an
outdoor vehicle sales lot at
Presentation by Brad Burke, Aggregate Industries regarding pervious pavements. Bob Bieraugel introduced Brad Burke, Aggregate Industries. Burke gave an informative presentation regarding the technology and use of pervious concrete. Reasons to consider the use of pervious concrete include:
- The pavement invites water to transmit to the subgrade.
- Reduces cost, particularly operational cost of snow plowing or stormwater management.
- Decreases thermal pollution because of warm water runoff to streams.
- Slows down the rate of stormwater runoff.
- Pavement can be extended to under the drip line of a tree.
- Cost benefits result from less stormwater utility, decreased liability and increased site utilization.
Burke noted that because municipalities are showing more interest in use of the pervious concrete pavements, the pavement industry is increasing their research and review of applicability and product quality.
Mailloux asked if specifications would need to be established by the city, if utilized. Burke noted that there are pavement engineering specialists that can assist cities with the preparation of specifications; but yes, specifications should be created by each city as application may vary from city to city. Yoerg questioned if the concrete can plug up with
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June 8, 2006
fines over a period of time. Burke noted that is generally not a concern, but the pavement does need to be maintained with vacuuming or washing periodically and that required maintenance should be part of the specifications of approval.
Burke explained that the concrete can hold more water than sod, but that care must be taken to use the pervious concrete on slopes of lesser degrees to avoid the water flowing downhill.
In regards to freeze / thaw resistance, the Concrete Tech
Center in Ames, Iowa has tested various types of pervious concrete to as many
as 300 freeze / thaw cycles which would be equivalent to about 50 years. There is also a research center in
Yoerg asked if it would be necessary to overlay the porous concrete after a certain period.
Burke noted that the material should be replaced in total with the sub-base upgraded if necessary.
Burke reiterated that the installation contractor should be certified in compliance training and that all requests for bids should require that all contractors be certified.
Breault asked if a test site could
be considered in
Yoerg noted that one benefit of the pervious material is traction. Burke cautioned about using pervious pavements on steep slopes, but did comment that it has been used on boat ramps. Gilbert expressed concern on using this type of concrete in the river due to fluctuating water levels.
Breault thanked Burke for the presentation.
Final development plans, 10, 032 sq. ft. office / warehouse facility, 3440 Yoerg Drive, St. Croix Business Park – St. Croix Valley Ecowater / Jim Schober. Darnold noted that the site is located east of Hulcher Services and south of General Motors SPO. Brian Hinz, project architect reviewed the development plans noting that the initial phase of construction is 10,032 sq. ft. and total build-out of 20,064 sq. ft.. The site improvements contain a fire lane that extends to the south of the building. Darnold commented that the landscape plans include landscaping only for the initial phase. Hinz noted that landscaping will be extended in the second phase and will meet the city’s landscape standards when completed in total.
Page 3, Plan Commission
June 8, 2006
Moved by Koch, seconded by Yoerg
to recommend approval of the final development plans for the 10,032 sq. ft.
-
The plans be modified to address the recommendations of
the city engineer and fire inspector and that a letter of credit for $5,860 be
required to assure the restoration of city street, curb and gutter, boulevard
and stormwater improvements and associated inspection
costs.
-
Landscaping plans for the second phase of the project
be submitted for approval by the plan commission and Common Council.
Motion carried.
Concept development
plans, 16,560 sq. ft. Aldi Foods and 14,400 sq. ft.
retail center, northwest quadrant of
Yoerg expressed concern about the
amount of traffic near
Lane commented that Aldi Foods is generally a smaller grocery facility and sell non-branded quality foods at a discount price, 30-40% less than typically seen.
Bieraugel asked if the developer may be willing to utilize pervious surface on this project. Burns stated that the site has been designed, and the change in the stormwater pond area would be minimal.
Moved by Mailloux, seconded by Yoerg to approve the concept development plans for the Aldi Foods and F.W. Gordon retail center as proposed by F. W. Gordon with the plans to be modified to address the issues / recommendations of the city engineer and fire inspector and that the issue of turn lanes be forwarded to the city engineer for review.
Motion carried.
Page 4, Plan Commission
June 8, 2006
Request by Prairie
Partners of Hudson to place a freestanding sign on the public street
right-of-way, 1003 Crest View Drive – Prairie Partners of Hudson / Prairie
Pointe Professional Center/ Mark Erickson.
Mark Erickson explained that he is requesting the city to consider
allowing the Prairie Pointe Professional Center sign to be placed on the
right-of-way to allow for greater visibility and clarify for traffic where the
entrance to the office development is at, versus along Heggen
Street. Erickson noted that the
right-of-way is 120 feet wide within that area, and the property line is 40
feet from the curb of
A concern was raised by Mailloux regarding liability on the city’s part. Darnold noted that the city typically requires a use of easement agreement as a condition of approval and that agreement would require the city to be named an additional insured.
Gilbert asked about the need for right turn lanes for east bound traffic. Erickson noted that the amount of traffic would not be sufficient to warrant additional turn lanes.
Darnold suggested that Erickson consider the use of a timer to dim or discontinue the sign lighting during the evening, after work hours.
Erickson stated he would be willing to bring the final plans back for the plan commission to review prior to construction.
Moved by Mailloux, seconded by Yoerg to recommend approval of the placement of the
identification sign proposed by Prairie Partners of Hudson for the Prairie
Pointe Offices,
- The sign will utilize low intensity lighting.
- The sign lighting will utilize a timer to turn off the lights after normal work hours.
- That Prairie Partners of Hudson enter into a use of easement agreement specifying that Prairie Partners of Hudson agrees to be responsible for the removal and replacement of the sign if maintenance or construction of utilities are necessary within the right-of-way. The agreement to be prepared by the city attorney.
- The final plans to be reviewed by the plan commission prior to construction.
Motion carried.
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June 8, 2006
Other
matters for discussion purposes only or placement on future agendas. Darnold asked if the plan commission members would be
available to meet the week of July 4th as the scheduled meeting
would be July 6th. It was
decided not to meet the evening of July 6th, but to schedule as necessary
with a possible morning meeting that week or the next week. Gilbert commented that during the recent shut
down of I-94, the semi-truck traffic northbound on
Moved by Bieraugel, seconded by Mailloux to adjourn. Motion carried. 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis D. Darnold, Secretary