HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-26-Planning and Zoning Commission Work Session MinutesMINUTES OF THE TUESDAY MAY 26,2009 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
MEETING.
Chairman Mook called the May 26,2009 workshop meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to order at
6:26 p.rn.
Roll Call.Chairman Mook asked for a roll call and the following Commissioners were present:Hoifeldt,
Dutcher,Steele,and Mook.Absent:Hassebroek,Airhart,and Schmidt Others in attendance:Ben Landhauser,
Brad Deets,Don Bailey,Jr.,Linda Schaut,Bill Ludwig.
Agenda Approval.Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt,seconded by Commissioner Dutcher,to approve the
workshop agenda for May 26,2009."Ayes:Dutcher,Hoifeldt,Steele,and Mook.Nays:None.Motion carried.
Discussion:Proposed Sustaiuable Office POD Developmeut.Development Services Director,Brad Deets
indentified the intent of the discussion was to identify sustainable practices such as green roofs,wind energy,low
maintenance grasses,and solar teclmology that the Commission may be hesitant to see in a commercial setting.
Mr.Deets indicated that there is interest from a potential investor to develop a project that could integrate
components of each sustainable design element identified,Linda Schaut,Director of the Greater Dallas County
All iance,approached the Commission and discussed the growing desire of the economic development community
to construct or locate in areas where sustainable building practices and LEED Certified development is accepted
and/or readily available.Ms.Schaut mentioned that she has been meeting with City Staff to discuss the various
details related to the specific project.Bill Ludwig,of William Ludwig and Associates,presented specific
components related to low impact development concepts that are iutended to be utilized in the development of a
LEED Certified office park.Many of the components identified in the discussion with the Commission centered
on alternative storm water management practices such as the use of filter strips,vegetative swales,and permeable
pavement.The overall intent of using sustainable building and development strategies is to reduce the
environmental footprint of the development from traditional strategies.Mr.Ludwig also identified potential
requests the development may propose related to street and right-of-way design which could include meandering
the street alignment and providing vegetation within the public right-of-way.Commissioner Hoifeldt requested
clarification on the size and location of the project being discussed.Mr.Ludwig stated that the development was
proposed on the northwest comer of where Ashworth Road and future Alice's Road extension would be.The
project would encompass approximately 40 acres.Commissioner Hoifeldt asked if the site would be developed in
a manner that would utilize the existiug topographical features to aid in traffic cahning and storm water
management.Commissioner Dutcher mentioned that proposing to utilize sustaiuable vs.traditional schemes have
been largely dictated by a public works department's acceptance of the proposed alternatives.ML Deets
explaiued that the Public Works Department has been involved in the discussions about the project.
Commissioner Mook questioned how the intent of developing an entire office park using sustainable practices
would be upheld and enforced by the developer and/or the City throughout the course of the project.
Commissioner Mood also questioned what the City's responsibility could be related to maiutenance of the
alternative storm water management measures placed with in a public right-of-way.Commissioner Mook further
questioned if the size of the proposed project was appropriate to the market demand for this development type.
Ms.Schaut explained that the desire to create an entire office park instead of simply developing and individual lot
allows future developers and employers the ability to come into a shovel ready site that has been set up for such
projects that would be looking to achieve LEED Certification.The idea of creating a POD development is to
have the ability to receive funding through the State of Iowa and would allow the project to be duplicated in other
areas of the state.Mr.Ludwig explained that the initial phase of the development would involve the creation of
the zoning district for the business park and a site plan for a 3 acre parcel which would house a single building.
The investor was interested in utilizing wind and solar power on site and potentially the roof top of the building.
Commissioner Mook questioned if the City had identified economic development incentives for these types of
projects.Mr.Deets explained that the City had discussed some potential scenarios where incentives could be
given,but nothing has been formalized.Commissioner Steele expressed concern with the proposed use of
permeable pavements and how they may not be suitable in the Iowa climate.He questioned if the alternative
storm water management practices were based on functioning during a 10,20,or 100 year storm event.Mr.
Ludwig explaiued that the alternative mauagemeut practices would be designed to release water from the site at
the same rate or better thau as au undeveloped piece of property.
Adjournment.Motion by Commissioner Steele,second by Commissioner Dutcher,to adjourn at 7:21 P.M.0\1
Ayoo Hoifeldt,Steele.Dutcher,andMook.Nays:None.MOO~'djo","'d.
Brian Mook,Planniug &Zoning Chairmau
Attest:
BradDeets,rn;velopm~nt Services Director