This transcript is from the **Apple Valley Planning Commission** meeting on December 18, 2024. While the list provided contains City Council members, the dialogue identifies the Planning Commission members and city staff present. **Participants identified in the transcript:** * **Chair Scanlan:** Planning Commission Chair * **Commissioner Sandell:** Planning Commission Member * **Commissioner Hollis:** Planning Commission Member * **Commissioner Mahowald:** Planning Commission Member * **Commissioner Pree:** Planning Commission Member * **Alex Sharp:** City Planner * **Sydney:** City Planner * **Eric Carlson:** Parks and Recreation Director * **Brandon Anderson:** City Engineer * **Tim Benetti:** Community Development Director * **Sharon Hills:** City Attorney * **Scott McQueen:** Architect, Wold Architects (Applicant Representative) *** [0:00] [Music] [1:25] **Chair Scanlan:** Good evening. We call this meeting to order for the December 18th, 2024, Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting. First item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. Any changes from staff? [1:25] **Alex Sharp:** Mr. Chair, members of the Commission, good evening. Before you tonight, we have no changes to the agenda, but we do have, hopefully on your desk or in front of you, an Eastview High School exterior design handout that was prepared for today's meeting. We also have a draft resolution for authorizing the building permit for Redwood Park, which is also in front of you as well. [2:10] **Chair Scanlan:** Thank you. Any changes from the Commission? If not, could I have a motion? [2:10] **Commissioner Sandell:** Move to approve. [2:10] **Commissioner Hollis:** Second. [2:10] **Chair Scanlan:** Moved by Sandell and second by Hollis. All in favor indicate by saying Aye. (Group: Aye). Opposed, Nay. That passes. The next item on tonight's agenda—there are no public hearings, so we're going to move to land use items. [2:55] **Alex Sharp:** Mr. Chair, did you... we also have to have approval of the consent agenda, please. [2:55] **Chair Scanlan:** Oh, my apology. That's okay. The next item is Item 3, approval of the consent agenda. The consent agenda items are considered routine and will be enacted with a single motion without discussion unless a commissioner or citizen requests to have an item separately considered. It will then be moved to the land use action items for consideration. [3:45] **Commissioner Hollis:** So moved. [3:45] **Commissioner Sandell:** Second. [3:45] **Chair Scanlan:** Moved by Hollis and second by Sandell. All in favor indicate by saying Aye. (Group: Aye). Opposed, Nay. That moves forward also. As I mentioned, there's no public hearing items this evening. Next is land use items. We have three items tonight. First item is 5A, Apple Valley High School Activity Center addition site plan and building permit authorization, and that's Alex Sharp. [4:30] **Alex Sharp:** Thank you, Chair. As noted, the application this evening requested is a site plan building permit authorization for an 86,621-square-foot Activity Center to the existing Apple Valley High School building. The site is bordered by 140th to the North, 145th to the South, and Hayes to the West. It is a 75.6-acre site originally constructed in 1976. Apple Valley High School has since had numerous additions. The Commission recently has seen things such as turf fields and sheds; one of those sheds this evening is actually being relocated. In anticipation of this project, the school district did hold a public meeting for this. The city recommended it due to the proximity to homes to the east. They notified all properties within 350 feet. It was from 5:00 to 7:00 on December 5th. Staff attended; there were no attendees and no concerns presented. [5:17] **Alex Sharp:** The site is zoned P Institutional. One item of note is that this is a facility enhancement happening to all high schools in ISD 196 as part of the referendum passed in 2023. There are no additional classrooms being added. It is simply adding courts, gyms, and other spaces. This is the demolition plan. We are relocating a 54-inch storm main on the site that is city-owned and maintained. [9:10] **Alex Sharp:** On the overall site plan, the parking lot to the north has been expanded and made more compliant with two 24-foot drive lanes. You'll see on the western side the three new tennis courts previously reviewed. The addition is approximately 170 feet away from the property line. We are allowing a long jump area over the storm water easement, as it is not a physical structure. The Fire Department has reviewed the Skyway and ensured they can traverse underneath it for emergencies. [12:02] **Alex Sharp:** Regarding grading, there is a significant grade change where they are digging this building into the hill. This provides visibility screening for the homes to the east. For landscaping, 64 trees are being removed, but 10% of the caliper inches will be replaced. We are focusing on planting Conifer trees to provide additional screening to those residences. [17:29] **Alex Sharp:** We have worked with the school district to use environmental features to substitute for some of the 2.5% landscaping requirement since the site is very tight. This includes EV charging stations, increased tree size, and structural bracing for future solar panels. This graphic illustrates how buried the building is from the homes. Only two homes will have floor elevations above the rooftop of this school. [22:49] **Alex Sharp:** The elevations use concrete tip-up panels. We have worked to make these look attractive, matching the existing brick materials of the school. The panels will be stamped to appear like brick. The interior main floor consists of volleyball and basketball courts with an upper mezzanine track. We are seeking a recommendation for site plan approval. [27:27] **Commissioner Mahowald:** Mr. Chair, Alex, just a couple of questions. It looks like based on the limitations on plantings, there really is no option available for adding any additional parking for the fields to the north. There's a lot of street parking on 137th. It seems like the site has reached its max. [28:59] **Alex Sharp:** Chair Scanlan, Commissioner Mahowald, the only other place available in the northwest corner is extremely treed and hilly. Engineering staff has brought this up with the district. I think everyone agrees parking would be beneficial, but the site is likely at its max use. We are increasing some stalls on the north, but it is still a long walk. [29:45] **Commissioner Mahowald:** One more follow-up question on the environmental features. I think it's important to take a look at the economics and feasibility of solar panels on the rooftop and the potential impact on the durability and longevity of the roof. I think it's worth evaluating carefully. [30:33] **Alex Sharp:** Chair Scanlan, Commissioner Mahowald, staff has not stated solar panels are required; it’s a suggested item. I'd let the district elaborate on why they chose solar. We were looking for opportunities where they were available. [31:19] **Commissioner Hollis:** Thank you, Chair. Alex, on the Skyway, you mentioned the clearance was run by the fire department and they are able to clear that coming underneath? [31:19] **Alex Sharp:** Chair Scanlan, Commissioner Hollis, yes, that is an item we need to make 100% sure of at the time of building permit, but we are 99% sure and confident we can make it work. [32:05] **Commissioner Hollis:** Second question: access to the Activity Center could come through the building from the main parking lot through the Skyway, correct? [32:51] **Alex Sharp:** Chair Scanlan, Commissioner Hollis, that is correct. The parking on the north is primarily for teachers. The Activity Center shouldn't need additional parking because it's for students already on site. Primary access is through the southeast entrance or the Skyway for the student body already parked in the main lot. [34:28] **Commissioner Mahowald:** Just maybe another, Mr. Chair. Alex, with respect to the language of what's recommended, it says subject to the conditions in the draft resolution, and I don't believe there's a draft resolution prepared yet. [35:15] **Alex Sharp:** I'm going to be embarrassed if it didn't get attached. It is not attached and I apologize. It is primarily standard conditions. Sharon, would it be acceptable to table this and come back to it once I can print copies and move on to Eastview? [36:00] **Sharon Hills:** Sure. [36:00] **Chair Scanlan:** Would that be acceptable to the Commission? I would be fine with that. [36:00] **Commissioner Sandell:** Mr. Chair, Alex, I just want clarification on using the solar panels as part of the landscaping budget. It sounds like the solar panels are not actually in the budget, but we're allowing them to use money toward the bracing for it? [36:45] **Alex Sharp:** Chair Scanlan, Commissioner Sandell, this is similar to what we did for Schuler Shoes. The structural bracing is a substantial cost. The district has future funds budgeted for solar panels that are not part of these Activity Center budgets. Preparing the site is the proposal. If the Commission or Council isn't comfortable, we can find other ways to meet the need, but this ensures the environmental feature can occur later. [39:07] **Chair Scanlan:** Thank you, Alex. I appreciate you looking at ways to spend the 2.5% appropriately. One question I had: is there some type of wayfinding or signage to help visitors find their way to the fields? [41:25] **Alex Sharp:** Chair Scanlan, yes, they're putting two large ovals on the side of the building to direct you to the Arena or Activity Center. I haven't seen an additional signage piece for the northern fields, but they would be happy to consider it. [42:11] **Chair Scanlan:** My third item: as the massing expands, we should be sensitive to the lighting plan and the "night glow" effect on neighbors. If there are no more questions, does the applicant have any comments? (No response). We’re going to pause 5A and move on to 5B. [44:07] **Sydney:** Good evening, Chair Scanlan and Commissioners. Tonight I will be presenting the request for Eastview High School Activity Center—an 84,700-square-foot addition. The site is about 57 acres at 140th Street West and Flagstaff Avenue. The addition would be in the northwest corner. Building height is approximately 36 feet. It includes gym space, a training room, and a walking deck. Net parking for the site will be 734 stalls. We are requesting to vacate a drainage and utility easement. Regarding landscaping, 40 trees will be removed but 151 will be added. Materials include pre-cast concrete, brick, and metal to match the existing school. [51:25] **Commissioner Hollis:** Thank you, Sydney. Since Eastview has its own campus and is adjoined by the park system, we don't have residential issues like lighting or noise? [52:11] **Sydney:** Chair Scanlan, Commissioner Hollis, you are correct. We took care to consider the residential to the north, but they are over 250 feet away and separated by 140th Street. The lighting plan meets city code. [52:39] **Chair Scanlan:** I'll reiterate my comments on the landscape plan and 2.5% requirement. Does this facility have public access to the walking path? [54:03] **Scott McQueen:** Good evening, members of the Commission. Scott McQueen, Wold Architects, 332 Minnesota Street, St. Paul. Regarding public access, as with all District 196 facilities, Community Ed takes over in the evening. These facilities will be available for community use when the school day is done. [55:38] **Chair Scanlan:** That’s great. What is the pleasure of the Planning Commission in terms of a motion? [55:38] **Commissioner Sandell:** Mr. Chair, I recommend approval of a site plan building permit authorization for an 84,700-square-foot addition for an activity center at Eastview High School subject to conditions. [56:27] **Commissioner Mahowald:** Second. [56:27] **Chair Scanlan:** Moved by Sandell and seconded by Mahowald. All in favor indicate by Aye. (Group: Aye). Against, Nay. That moves forward. [56:46] **Alex Sharp:** We’ll pivot back to item 5A here. (Pause for distribution of documents). [58:42] **Commissioner Mahowald:** I would make a motion to recommend approval of an 86,621-foot Activity Center addition for Apple Valley High School subject to the conditions in the draft resolution. [58:42] **Commissioner Sandell:** Second. [58:42] **Chair Scanlan:** Brought forth by Commissioner Mahowald and seconded by Commissioner Sandell. All in favor indicate by Aye. (Group: Aye). Opposed, Nay. That also passes. Item 5C, Redwood Park site plan and building permit authorization. Alex. [59:35] **Alex Sharp:** Well Commissioners, excuse me if I'm now a little nervous. I’ve never made that error before. For Redwood Park, we are moving forward ahead of a final plat because County Road 42 is expanding and the right-of-way is being worked out. The Parks department wants to keep the schedule to only close the park for a single season. This is for a 5,572-square-foot activity center with a pool and other amenities at 311 County Road 42. [1:04:08] **Alex Sharp:** There's a 54-inch storm main across the site which has limited where items can be located. The building is 5,572 square feet, the pool is 5,150 feet, and the deck is 11,800 feet. We have added birming and landscaping to prevent headlight wash toward residential homes on Elm Drive. The lighting for the baseball diamond will not be expanded, so no photosensitivity issues there. The architecture features a metal roof and thermally modified wood siding. [1:17:18] **Commissioner Mahowald:** Just one question. The facilities that currently exist at the Senior Center and Valleywood have working kitchens. Was any consideration given to similar facilities here so events could be held? [1:18:49] **Eric Carlson:** Mr. Chair, members of the Commission, we see this as more of a park facility than a formal space like the Senior Center. There are two sinks and a long countertop with multiple outlets—think "crockpot city." It’s designed for swim parties or potlucks rather than formal catering. [1:20:23] **Chair Scanlan:** Is this something an Apple Valley community member could reserve for a private event in the winter? [1:20:23] **Eric Carlson:** Yep, absolutely. Family reunions, small corporate meetings, etc. We plan to have technology for PowerPoint presentations as well. [1:21:09] **Commissioner Hollis:** Couple quick questions. You show a "flexible lawn"—is that artificial turf? And is there a splash pad? [1:21:09] **Eric Carlson:** Flexible just means it's not programmed for a specific sport; it's natural grass. There is no splash pad. The blue area on the map is an inclusive playground with poured-in-place rubber for accessibility. We are looking at a "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" theme. The "Quiet Play Zone" is for children who may have autism and need a space to get away from the hustle and bustle. [1:22:41] **Commissioner Sandell:** My kids were very excited and asked where the climbing wall is in the pool? [1:22:41] **Eric Carlson:** There is a climbing wall, but because of the pool size, we can't have the wall and the diving board open at the exact same time. We will still have swim lessons; the zero-depth entry and stepped depths were designed specifically for that. [1:25:01] **Chair Scanlan:** It’s an impressive project. Is it common now for these under-the-road passages like the one under 42? [1:25:46] **Alex Sharp:** I don't know if "common" is the term, but for Greenways, it's happened. Under is generally easier than over for a major thoroughfare like 42. [1:26:32] **Brandon Anderson:** Mr. Chair, Dakota County’s goal for County Road 42 is enhancing bikeability and walkability. With the removal of the traffic signal at Elm, this tunnel is the complement for pedestrian safety. [1:28:52] **Commissioner Pree:** I'll make a motion for approval of a 5,572-foot activity center with the pool and other amenities for Redwood Park subject to the conditions. [1:29:39] **Commissioner Hollis:** Second. [1:29:39] **Chair Scanlan:** Brought forward by Commissioner Pree and seconded by Commissioner Hollis. All in favor indicate by Aye. (Group: Aye). Opposed, Nay. That also moves forward. Item 6, other business. Tim. [1:30:25] **Tim Benetti:** Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a reminder, January 1st would have been your first meeting, but we're going to give you the night off. Your next meeting will be Wednesday, January 15th. Council meeting on Thursday, December 26th will be the last meeting for Councilmember Tom Goodwin; he is stepping down after 40-plus years. We’d love to have you there. Happy holidays to all of you. [1:31:57] **Chair Scanlan:** Thank you, Tim. Adjournment, motion please? [1:31:57] **Commissioner Mahowald:** Moved. [1:31:57] **Commissioner Sandell:** Second. [1:31:57] **Chair Scanlan:** All in favor? (Group: Aye). We are adjourned. [Music]