PLAN COMMISSION

September 23, 2004

Members present: Breault, Koch, Yoerg, Mailloux, Gilbert, Caruso and Bieraugel

Others present: Mike Rolves, Jody Branson, Elliot Anderson, Jim Steel, Matt Hieb,

Scott Huffman, Jeremy Bates, Denny Darnold and others

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Moved by Mailloux, seconded by Koch to approve the meeting minutes of September 9, 2004. Motion carried.

Development plans, parking lot addition, Croix View Apartments, 1015 Second Street – Hudson Housing Authority. Elliot Anderson, Elliot Architects discussed the revised proposal to expand off-street parking at Croix View Apartments noting that the proposal to expand the parking on the east side of the building has been discontinued because of drainage concerns. The revised plans propose ten off-street parking stalls on the west side of the building with a one-way drive lane going north. The total number of off-street parking stalls would be expanded to 50. The retaining wall can be kept to a minimum of approximately 18” Anderson explained.

Breault asked if the neighbors on First Street had been notified. Branson stated that the neighbors were notified about the original proposal which proposed the alternative parking schemes on both the east and west sides of the building. Breault noted that plan emphasized the development on the east side. Breault asked if the neighbors on the west side had been notified that the request had been amended to include the west side only. Branson stated no.

Darnold inquired about steps being required and if all the parking available for persons with disabilities would be available on the east side. Anderson stated yes.

Moved by Yoerg, seconded by Gilbert to postpone consideration of the concept plan until the First Street neighborhood has been notified of the new proposal for the off-street parking on the First Street side of the Croix View Apartments. Motion carried.

Gilbert asked if the Housing Authority had considered a ramp versus a stairway on the west side of the building. Anderson responded that they would look at that alternative.

Final development plans, 2,976 sq. ft. of office and 27,573 sq. ft. of vehicle storage and shop bays, 2300 Willis Miller Drive, St. Croix Business Park – Hulcher Services.

Mike Rolves, The Korte Company, consultant to Hulcher Services reviewed the development plans noting that the building will be constructed of tilt-up concrete walls.

Darnold reviewed the recommendations of the city engineer and that Vierbicher Associates, project engineers responded to the city engineer’s comments that the plans will be revised accordingly.

Page 2, Plan Commission

September 23, 2004

Mailloux asked if the plan revisions will be made prior to Common Council review. Darnold stated that was the intent expressed by Vierbicher Assoc. Mailloux asked about the landscaping plan. Darnold commented that he has forwarded comments to Vierbicher Assoc. that the landscaping plans were deficient as no shrubs were proposed as required by ordinance. Rolves noted that providing shrubs as required is not an issue with Hulcher Services, and the plans will be revised accordingly. Mailloux asked about the lack of trees on the north and east sides of the building. Darnold noted that on-site drainage swales have been established on both of those sides of the building and location of trees must be well planned to avoid the trees being subject to wet ground conditions. Darnold commented that the landscaping has been concentrated on the street sides of the building. Breault commented that the St. Croix Business Park is proposing additional landscaping on the berm on the north side of Tower Rd. to assist in providing a buffer from the residential properties to the south of Tower Rd. Rolves stated that Hulcher Services is agreeable to providing trees on the north and south sides of the building to enhance the overall site identities.

Moved by Caruso, seconded by Yoerg to recommend approval of the final development plans for Hulcher Services facility at 2300 Willis Miller Drive with plans to be amended per the city engineer comments and landscape plans to be amended to provide for the required shrubs and that additional trees be proposed on the north and east sides of the building. Motion carried.

Final plat, Hanley Office Park, seven (7) commercial / office lots and one outlot, southwest quadrant of Hanley Rd. and Carmichael Rd. – Bechard Group, Inc.

Matt Hieb, ACa serving as the engineering consultant for the office park reviewed the proposed final plat and commented that he had received the recommendations of the city engineer and that the plat is being revised to reflect those recommendations. Darnold explained when this subdivision was proposed at the preliminary plat review there were eight lots. Two lots were combined and now comprise lot 4.

Mailloux asked about the street improvements noted to be constructed in the easement areas for lot 5. Darnold noted those improvements have been constructed as part of the Foxglove Way project with the exception that the sidewalk still needs to be constructed.

Darnold asked if two sets of services were constructed for lot 4 when the two lots were approved during the preliminary plat review. Hieb noted that both sets of services were installed prior to the decision to combine the lots.

Yoerg asked about the requirement to set back buildings from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), if that made the lots undevelopable. Hieb commented that setback applied to the building location and the parking lots can be constructed in that setback

Page 3, Plan Commission

September 23, 2004

area. Hieb noted the lots can be developed. Darnold commented that much effort has been made to protect the existing wetland area with is located in outlot 1.

Moved by Caruso, seconded by Mailloux to approve and recommend approval to the Common Council of the final plat of Hanley Office Park with the plat to be executed upon execution of the development agreement. Motion carried.

Concept development plans for lots 4 and 5, Hanley Office Park – James Fletcher.

Jeremy Bates of the Architectural Design Group and representing James Fletcher reviewed the general architectural design of the buildings for lots 4 and 5. Mailloux asked if there will be a general landscape theme for the entire Hanley Office Park development. Darnold commented that he had not discussed that with the developer, but is worth pursuing. Darnold commented that one key issue in the development of the lots on the north side of Monetary Drive is the appearance of the buildings from Hanley Rd. The development plans for lot 5 does not indicate that a service driveway is proposed and there is no reason that the buildings should not be able to be designed with an aesthetic rear façade. Bates noted that the building on lot 4 is proposed to be all brick façade.

Mailloux asked about the retention of trees on the south side of lot 4. Darnold noted that issue was discussed with Mr. Fletcher at the beginning of discussions regarding site issues and that Fletcher pledged to retain as many trees as possible to serve as a buffer between the office and residential development. Darnold noted that several trees in that general area have been lost due to Dutch elm disease.

Darnold reviewed the city engineer’s comments particularly the recommendation not to permit an additional driveway to Foxglove Way from lot 4. Yoerg asked if the access was not provided if they would have access to Monetary Drive. Darnold responded yes, via the driveway easement to be shared with lots 2 and 3. Yoerg thought the access for fire suppression would be enhanced with the driveway. Darnold stated that he thought the engineer had commented on restricting the access due to the accesses along Foxglove Way to the Hanley Green townhome development on the west side of Foxglove Way.

Moved by Bieraugel, seconded by Mailloux to approve the concept plans for the office developments proposed on lots 4 and 5, Hanley Office Park as proposed by Jim Fletcher with the final development plans to be amended to per the city engineer and for the Community Development Director to discuss with the fire department and city engineer the issue of not having a driveway access from lot 4 to Foxglove Way. Motion carried.

Bates asked if the uniform landscaping theme needed to address some issues that extended beyond the requirements of the landscape regulations. Darnold noted this development is proposed to be an area of professional office buildings and that landscaping would be a key element in the general aesthetics of the overall development

Page 4, Plan Commission

September 23, 2004

and that the landscape plans should be prepared to reflect that type of professional office neighborhood.

Request by Hudson Area School District to have an electronic reader board at the Hudson High School complex, 1501 Vine St. Darnold explained that the High School is requesting permission to erect an electronic sign at the High School which is located in a residential district. Electronic signs are only permitted in the commercial areas, except for the historic districts. Darnold commented that if the sign ordinance would be amended to allow electronic signs that it would have to be through application and approval of a conditional use permit so that the city can evaluate the impact of such a sign on the surrounding neighborhood.

Scott Huffman, Associate Principal of the Hudson High School explained that the school district has many activities and that they desire to erect an electronic reader board at the high school to inform the public of school activities for that day or upcoming. Breault questioned the need as the newspaper does a very good job providing information to the public. Huffman acknowledged the newspaper as a source of information, but noted that the newspaper cannot be up to date with the changing schedules, etc. Breault expressed concern that this type of signage in this location would not be allowed to pulsate.

Mailloux questioned the value or benefit to the school and public. Koch stated she does believe that there is benefit derived by the public to being informed of the events at the school. Bieraugel stated he may be favorable depending on the size and general appearance of the sign and if the sign would not be a negative impact on the neighborhood. Gilbert stated he lives near the school and believes there would be benefit to the public in regards to daily school events.

Koch asked that she would like to see the school district to return with a proposal. The plan commission recommended that the sign should be designed to not be intrusive to the neighborhood.

No action was taken.

Other matters for discussion purposes only or placement on future agendas. No matters were discussed.

Moved by Yoerg, seconded by Mailloux to adjourn. Motion carried. 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Darnold, Secretary