HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/05/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
MAY 18, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Carper, Claudia Johnston-Madison,
Torrey Kanne, Lisa Peilen, Richard Person,
Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich,
Ethan Rickert (youth member)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Sean Walther, Jennifer Monson
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of May 4, 2016
Commissioner Robertson moved approval of the minutes. Commissioner Peilen
seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 5-0.
Commissioner Person arrived at 6:02 p.m. Commissioner Tatalovich arrived at
6:06 p.m.
3. Public Hearings
A. Methodist Hospital Floodwall – Conditional Use Permit & Variance
Request
Location: 6500 Excelsior Blvd.
Applicant: Park Nicollet Health Services (PNHS)
Case Nos. 16-15-CUP and 16-16-VAR
Jennifer Monson, Planner, presented the staff report. The applicant requests a
Conditional Use Permit to construct a floodwall, storm sewer modifications, and
construction of compensatory storage through wetland restoration. A variance is
requested to construct compensatory floodplain storage within the existing
floodplain. Ms. Monson explained that the applicant is proposing a floodwall to
help prevent future flooding on and around the hospital.
Ms. Monson discussed the partnership between PNHS and Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District (MCWD) on the project.
Ms. Monson reviewed how the criteria for conditions of approval for the
Conditional Use Permit have been met.
Ms. Monson presented the findings for each criteria to grant the variance request.
Official Minutes
Planning Commission
May 18, 2016
Page 2
Commissioner Robertson asked if the project would alleviate water backing up
through manholes which was a problem during the 2014 flood.
Robert Riesselman, PNHS, said the seepage underneath was a big problem during
the 2014 event. He said that problem will be addressed through the floodwall
design. Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, added that a back-flow
prevention system is part of the design on the existing on the existing stormwater
pipes that penetrate that system. Water can escape but not back into the site.
Commissioner Carper asked if the construction would create an increase in
mosquito breeding areas.
Mark Kretschmer, Barr Engineering, said there will be some standing water. Mr.
Riesselman noted that compensatory storage work will be done in the winter
when things freeze up. He said in general there will be more standing water than
less when the project is completed.
Commissioner Robertson remarked that by building the wall the footprint
decreases which adds depth and less surface. The wetlands, which are currently
degraded, will be upgraded through the project.
There was a discussion about water elevation during a 100 year flood.
Mr. Riesselman noted that the creek channel from Louisiana to Excelsior is fairly
shallow and has sometimes been dry in extreme years.
Chair Johnston-Madison opened the public hearing. As no one was present
wishing to speak the hearing was closed.
Commissioner Peilen made a motion recommending approval of the Conditional
Use Permit and variance subject to conditions recommended by staff.
Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote
of 7-0.
4. Other Business
5. Communications
Mr. Walther spoke about two upcoming community workshops.
Official Minutes
Planning Commission
May 18, 2016
Page 3
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sells
Recording Secretary