HomeMy WebLinkAbout04222025 PC MinutesROSEMOUNT PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held
on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM. in Rosemount Council Chambers, 2875 145th Street
West.
Commissioner Reed called the meeting to order with Commissioners Rivera, Buggi, Reed,
Beadner, Ellis, and Arnob. Chairperson Kenninger was absent.
Staff present included the following: Community Development (CD) Director Adam Kienberger,
City Administrator Logan Martin, Public Works Director Nick Egger, Senior Planner Anthony
Nemcek, Planner Julia Hogan, and CD Technician Liz Kohler.
a.Oath of Office / Appointment and Re-appointment of Planning Commissioners
Commissioner Reed noted the change to the agenda for the swearing in of the commissioners. Logan
Martin administered the Oath of Office to Brenda Rivera, Jeff Ellis, and Furhath Arnob. Commissioner
Reed thanked Commissioners Ellis and Rivera for continuing to serve and extended a welcome to
Commissioner Arnob.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None.
AUDIENCE INPUT
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
a.Minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion by Reed Second by Buggi
Motion to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2025 meeting
Ayes: 6.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.Request by David Kensinger and Appro Development for approval of a site plan
review to construct a combination coffeeshop and wine bar.
Senior Planner Anthony Nemcek presented on a request by David Kensinger and Appro Development
for approval of a site plan review to construct a combination coffee shop and wine bar. Nemcek stated
the lot currently also hosts the Morrison apartment building. He said there will be drive-through and an
outdoor dining area and that the site had previously been approved for a restaurant. He also said that
the site plan meets the standards of the MX-1 Downtown Mixed-Use zoning district. Nemcek showed
the site location and noted the temporary nature of the parking area. He also stated that the previously
approved restaurant did not have a drive-through component but was a larger building.
He showed the site layout and identified the peninsulas that will facilitate the ability for cars in the
parking lots to reverse out without any issues from the drive-through stacking. He highlighted the
parking for the site and compared it with similar apartment buildings and noted the extra parking at city
hall and the park and ride location adjacent. Nemcek also discussed access and additional signage that
will give cars accessing the lot from Highway 3 the right of way. He showed elevations and discussed a
traffic study from when the Morrison was approved.
Nemcek stated that there is no minimum requirement for car stacking in the drive-through, but the ten-
car stacking exceeds requirements in other business zoning districts. He said that the landscaping
requirements are all met according to the city code. Staff recommended approval. Staff did add
conditions including that a sidewalk be striped, creating a pedestrian connection and lighting guidelines.
Commissioner Reed asked if the sidewalk was intended for the Morrison residents. Nemcek confirmed
that it was. He also asked if the drive-through traffic would be directed left and if there would be
signage identifying yielding to Highway 3. Nemcek confirmed both were correct. Commissioner Ellis
asked if there would be something to deter people leaving the drive-through from turning right.
Commissioner Beadner asked about problems with the shared parking lot. Nemcek responded that it
would be expected and residents could adjust.
Commissioner Reed opened the public hearing.
Mike Waldo
Waldo discussed the history of the Morrison and stated that an original goal for downtown was
maintaining retail spaces. He stated that the Taphouse was an exciting project but then the pandemic
hit and it was unable to go through. He stated that he thought this was the best use for the space and
that the drive-through is an essential component to the business but will not be the main component.
He noted that the sit-down coffee shop space was intended to be the main use of the restaurant. He
said that they paved the area because people were parking on the space while it was dirt anyway. He
also stated that the loss of Morning Glory bakery created space for the new coffee shop to replace it.
Commissioner Reed asked if there will be any additional signage. Waldo responded that they will be
working on it internally with their management team and the coffee shop team will meet on a continual
basis. Commissioner Reed asked if he was comfortable with the current plan. Waldo responded that he
was.
David Kensinger
3585 Clare Downs Path
Kensinger identified that when he and his wife moved to Rosemount they purchased the building their
floral shop resides in. He noted that a drive-through was fairly essential for the success of a coffee shop
and the building they had purchased was not compatible with that, and so they were excited by the
prospect of this space. He stated that the goal is to create an elevated space to reunite people after the
pandemic. He also noted that there will be a component that is more geared toward craft coffee and
wine. He identified the closing of Morning Glory and the need in the community for a local coffee shop.
Commissioner Reed asked about Commissioner Ellis' question regarding the signage exiting the drive-
through. Kensinger replied that he will be working with the Morrison on the project to make the access
safe for everyone. Commissioner Rivera asked about food in the space. Kensinger responded that it
would be a small menu.
Nadia Ritter
21476 Grenada Ave.
Ritter said she works for Appro Development and that they have a team of civil engineers looking into
the issue, but she can answer any questions.
Susan Gjemse
14589 S Robert Trl
Asked if her written comments had been received. Commissioner Reed confirmed that they had been.
Gjemse also asked if they were going to be directing the residents coming out of the garage or not.
Daniel Nas
13665 Carrach Ave
He stated that the concept is really interesting and that he believes it could be good for the city. He
spoke to the character of the owners and described his support.
Motion by Reed Second by Ellis Motion to close public hearing
Ayes: 6.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
Commissioner Reed asked about residents coming out of the garage and how that would be affected.
Nemcek responded that there would be no change in access because the access that had been brought
up was currently an entrance only and would be staying an entrance only.
Nemcek stated that there were also written comments about snow removal and deferred to the
applicant. Waldo returned to the podium and stated that snow would be hauled away from the site in
cases of heavier snowfall. Commissioner Reed asked if there was a change to the dumpsters with the
plan. Waldo responded that there should be no change to the current process.
Commissioner Reed asked if a condition could be added to push for more signage to prevent drive-
through users from turning the wrong way. Nemcek stated that it probably wasn't needed, but it was an
option. Commissioner Rivera stated that she was on the commission when the original plans were
brought forward and this type of use was always the plan. She also said she felt this was a good project,
and a good fit for downtown. Commissioner Reed agreed.
Motion by Reed Second by Buggi Motion to approve the proposed site plan allowing David Kensinger and Appro Development
to construct a combination coffee shop/wine bar at 14557 South Robert Trail, subject to the
following conditions:
1.Directional signage should be installed near the exit of the drive-thru giving cars
entering from Highway 3 the right of way.
2.If the applicant decides to use landscaping for screening of the drive-through, the
proposed landscaping shall be 6' in height and screen to 90% opacity in conformance
with the zoning ordinance.
3.Only lighting necessary for security shall be illuminated after business hours.
4.A crosswalk shall be striped connecting the sidewalk along The Morrison and that of
the subject property.
5. The applicant will work with engineers to define a safe exit design preventing drive-
through traffic from entering onto Highway 3. Ayes: 6.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
b.Request for a Planned Unit Development final site and building plan and a minor
amendment to the Prestwick Place Planned Unit Development Agreement to
construct a 10,000 square foot restaurant.
Planner Hogan presented on a request for a PUD final site and building plan and a minor amendment to
the Prestwick Place PUD. Hogan showed the site location and the lot split establishing one parcel as
buildable and one as an outlot for future development. She discussed the site plan, zoning and land use.
The site will be used for a restaurant and will include an outdoor dining area that is allowed as an
accessory use.
She discussed parking and access to the site. She stated that the plan does not meet the parking
requirements but that there is a potential for cross parking with surrounding businesses.
She showed the landscape plan and identified a sanitary easement on the property and that trees in the
easement would need to be moved, and the applicant will be working with city staff to ensure there is
no overlap. Staff recommended the city collect cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication. Hogan showed the
lighting plan, elevations, and floor plan. She also showed photos of an existing restaurant from the
developers. Staff recommended approval.
Commissioner Reed asked about the easement and if plantings would be allowed. Hogan responded
that they would not be allowed. Commissioner Ellis asked about lighting height in regards to the second
floor. Hogan responded that the code referred to pole mounted lighting and clarified that there will be
lights on the second floor. Commissioner Buggi asked for more clarification on the deviation with the
EIFS. Hogan replied that EIFS isn't as heavy so there would need to be additional columns needed if they
used brick instead of EIFS. Commissioner Beadner asked about parking spillover into Lifetime's parking
lot. Hogan stated that the spillover parking will be in the lot to the north, not Lifetime necessarily.
Commissioner Reed asked about sidewalks across the road from lifetime.
Commissioner Reed opened the public hearing.
Cory Bannerman
5511 Southwood Drive
Commissioner Reed asked about the project not meeting parking requirements and pedestrian safety.
Bannerman stated that there is an existing sidewalk on the west side. Commissioner Rivera asked about
the other Copper Pint. Commissioner Ellis asked about the EIFS. Bannerman responded that there
would be columns supporting the second floor and the additional brick would increase the number of
columns necessary. Commissioner Buggi asked if it could be readdressed to meet city standards.
Bannerman replied that they would take a second look at the plans.
Alan Catchpool
Catchpool confirmed there were sidewalks on the south side of the road with crosswalks on the west
side of the roundabout.
Motion by Reed Second by Rivera Motion to close the public hearing.
Ayes: 6.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
Commissioner Reed asked about any other comments received. Hogan responded that there were
none. Commissioner Rivera stated that she felt it would be a nice addition to the area.
Motion by Beadner Second by Ellis Motion to approve the Planned Unit Development Final Site and Building Plan to allow for
the construction of a 10,000 square foot restaurant with outdoor dining areas on Lot 1, Block
1, Prestwick Place 27thAddition, subject to the following conditions:
1.Approval by the City Council for a minor amendment to the Prestwick Place Planned
Unit Development Agreement.
2.Compliance with all comments and requirements of the City's Engineer detailed in
the Engineer's Memorandum dated April 11, 2025.
3.Conformance with all comments and requirements outlined in the City’s Park and
Recreation Directors Memorandum dated April 17, 2025.
4.The applicant shall apply for a sign permit for any site signage.
5.Submittal of a landscape surety equal to 110% of the value of trees planted on the
property.
6.The applicant shall work with City Staff to address tree location issues on site and
resubmit an updated landscape plan prior to the issuance of a building permit.
7.Conformance with all the required standards associated with outdoor dining.
8.No public address system shall be audible from adjacent non-commercial property
boundaries.
9.Non-essential lighting shall be turned off after business hours.
10.Light fixtures within 100 feet of a residential property line shall be no higher than 20
feet.
Ayes: 6.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
c.Request for an Amendment to the Rosemount Comprehensive Guide Plan Land Use
Map
Senior Planner Nemcek presented on a request for a comprehensive land use amendment to re-guide
about 420 acres on the eastern side of the city and expand the Metropolitan Urban Services Area
(MUSA) into the site. He showed the location of the proposed land use change and stated that it is
currently being used for agriculture and as a mineral extraction site. The land is in seven different
parcels. The land would be re-guided from residential and commercial to business park. This would
expand the MUSA line to bring urban services into the area. He stated that there was an AUAR
published and that the comments that were received will be incorporated into the AUAR prior to the
council review.
Nemcek showed the current land use designations and discussed the business park designation
specifically. He stated that the comprehensive plan contains ten guided principals and that two of those
principals identify diversifying development. He also called out the economic competitiveness of
chapter six and chapter seven on resilience. He also brought up the City Council's strategic goals. He
noted that there will be a realignment of County Roads 42 and 55. He identified the timeline as
sometime in the 2030s.
Nemcek discussed the utility study and its goals of bringing city utilities to the subject area. He
described the amendment adoption process. Staff recommended approval of the proposed amendment
change.
Commissioner Reed called out that the area to the northwest was waste management. Nemcek
confirmed that and stated that business park land was re-guided for waste management, reducing the
business park designation in that area. Commissioner Reed identified it would be nice to have a buffer
between the waste management area and potential residential areas. He also asked about what
businesses would be included in community commercial. Nemcek replied that it's typically similar to
businesses seen on the south side of County Road 42, including fast food restaurants and grocery
stores, and also stated that it's likely that the amount of community commercial identified in the
comprehensive plan is likely too high for the current and future residential spaces.
Commissioner Reed discussed the AUAR process and asked Nemcek if there was anything that might
arise from the AUAR that the Commission should be aware of. Nemcek stated that it is not yet
complete, but only four comments had been received, and they were regarding water and wildlife and
nothing was surprising. He also said that the AUAR lays out possible impacts and mitigation possibilities.
Commissioner Reed also asked about traffic studies and if MnDOT was aware of possible changes to the
comprehensive plan and traffic impacts they may have. Nemcek confirmed they were.
Commissioner Arnob stated that even with the amendment, the community commercial would still be
more than exists in the city currently. Commissioner Rivera asked about the other steps in the process
and if this area will be seen more in future meetings. Nemcek responded that it would have to be seen
multiple times before any development would occur and many developers try to get amendments done
before putting energy and resources to further planning on a site until the amendment is approved.
Commissioner Beadner asked about the mineral extraction site that currently exists on the site. Nemcek
stated that the reclamation will take place during the mass grading of the site for development.
Commissioner Reed opened the public hearing.
Jacob Stein
8300 Norman Center Drive
Stein represented the applicant and stated that this is the early stage of the project. He said the policies
and principals of the comprehensive plan are supportive of the plan. He said they are working with the
city county, and MnDOT about the right of way needs. They are also looking at extending the utilities
that will bring growth not only to the proposed site but also everything between the site and the other
developed areas of the city. He discussed the jobs created by the data center as well as those created
during the buildout of the site.
Commissioner Reed asked if they could expect a similar approach that was taken for the Meta project in
town. Stein confirmed that they could expect a similar approach.
Kimberly Dimmick
15001 Fisher Ave
She stated that during the State of the City the mayor made comments about history and agriculture in
the area. She voiced her opposition to the amendment and her hope that the city would preserve
agriculture. She also discussed the Dakota County Comprehensive plan and the Rosemount
Comprehensive Plan. She expressed concern about issues caused by data centers. She stated that Tract
wouldn't be the end user of the land. She questioned why this would be approved if the end result is
unknown. She also noted the importance of the farmland in the proposed location. She brought up the
AUAR and the well capacity on the property. She stressed her concerns over water usage. She also
discussed cooling towers and the pollution caused by them. She stated concerns about the accuracy of
the AUAR.
Janice Beltz
14997 Fisher Ave.
She identified the private road that runs along the southeastern corner of the area and stated that Tract
informed them of a 50-foot buffer from their property line. She voiced concerns over the vision of the
city when entering from Hastings.
John Bremer
7048 150th St E
Bremer stated that the township was not informed of the project and asked for more communication
on the project. He also mentioned concerns about roadways being affected by development and noted
that Nininger Township shares the road with Rosemount. He also brought up that the project may be
considered leapfrogging.
Brandon Bourdon
14991 Fisher Avenue
He voiced concerns over changing the comprehensive plan and how they affect choices people had
made prior to the changes. He stated that a data center wouldn't be the best use of the property. He
said he's not against development, but is not in favor of the change because the land use wouldn't be
compatible.
Stephanie Kamen
14995 Fisher Ave.
She voiced concerns over noise and lights from a data center. She stated that everyone in the
surrounding community is present at the meeting and wants to continue to pass down their homes and
properties to their families.
Melissa Johnson
14700 Furlong Circle
She said it feels like overreach, not balanced growth. She is concerned about hazard stacking and
destruction of agriculture. She presented the impacts of past industrial projects in cities and the
negative impacts of data centers. She also expressed concerns over water usage and changes to the
physical space.
Maddie Gunhus
14710 Furlong Circle
She stated that the reason for buying her property was the views and lack of businesses in the
surrounding area. She is concerned about water, radiation from a data center, and property values.
Peter Johnson
14700 Furlong Circle
He discussed his history in Rosemount and identified concerns about traffic. He stressed concerns about
utilities, particularly water and sewage.
Kyle Kaman
14995 Fischer Ave.
He stated his history of living in his home and that he intends to continue to live in his home. He
identified a push toward business and stated that he believed it does not represent the community. He
said he thinks there is not a benefit to this change.
Russel Beltz
14997 Fischer Ave.
He expressed concerns over elevation changes and the grading of the properties and runoff from snow.
He stated safety concerns about student bus stops. He also stressed fears about property values and
the longer-term effects of data centers.
Susan Gjemse
14589 S Robert Trail
She stated concerns about transparency from the city. She asked about construction timelines starting
in 2025.
Motion by Reed Second by Buggi Motion to close the public hearing
Ayes: 6.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
Commissioner Reed asked about the 2025 timeline. Stein returned to the podium. He stated that the
anticipated timeline was 2027 for horizontal construction and 2028 for vertical construction.
Commissioner Reed asked staff to comment on project Mercury. Nemcek stated that AUARs do not
confirm development approvals, and they reviewed the AUAR but have not heard anything about
further development on the site and therefore could not comment. Kienberger also noted that AUARs
are a common planning tool for large scale development and that AUARs look at problems and
mitigation efforts for a variety of development proposals. He clarified that just because something is in
an AUAR does not necessarily mean that it will be developed into that project.
Commissioner Reed asked about the runoff. Nemcek responded that the current meeting is regarding
the amendment and any further development would be required to adhere to stormwater
requirements. Commissioner Reed asked about street improvements on Fischer Avenue in the case of
development. Nemcek replied that if improvements were needed it would be the responsibility of the
developer to make those improvements. He also said that traffic impacts would be determined as part
of development proposals.
Commissioner Reed asked about the water table. Nemcek stated that the well onsite is an irrigation
well. He stated that the water brought in and sent out through wastewater would be through the
municipal systems. It would be provided by the city wells allocated by the DNR. Commissioner Reed
brought up water usage. Nemcek stated that they would need to provide information related to the
type of cooling and the anticipated amount of water that would be used for the cooling system. He also
noted that even without this amendment the site would be using a large amount of water.
Commissioner Reed brought up the aesthetics of the site. Nemcek stated that the business park zoning
district does have requirements for things like screening and a large project would have other
requirements negotiated in the PUD process.
Commissioner Reed asked about engagement with the surrounding residents. Stein stated that they
have started public engagement and that there will be numerous public hearings. Commissioner Reed
asked about a few other questions from residents on things like cooling towers and if those would need
to be addressed later in the development process. Nemcek confirmed. He also reiterated that Tract is a
master developer that will prepare the land for the developer and that the end user of the site is
unknown.
Commissioner Beadner asked about how staff views approaching balance in development. Nemcek
responded that property owners still have rights, and the city cannot have a say about what gets sold.
Kienberger added that there are other possible outcomes for the site with or without the amendment.
Commissioner Beadner asked about identifying a site and why the specific site was chosen. Stein stated
that they are looking for consolidated large groups of land with a suitable grade. Commissioner Rivera
asked how many people own the land for sale. Nemcek responded that two people own the land for
sale. Commissioner Rivera asked if the landowner is selling for a particular reason or not. Nemcek
responded that he could not speak for the seller.
Commissioner Rivera stated that she does not feel comfortable changing the land use. Commissioner
Reed expressed concerns about the future plans, but also said he felt confident that the city will do a
thorough review of any plans. He also stated that he is in favor of changing the land use because of
concerns over a lack of community commercial coming in. Commissioner Ellis clarified that the planning
commission's role in this particular case was legislative. He also stated that he was in favor of the
change.
Motion by Buggi Second by Ellis Motion to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed Comprehensive Guide Plan
amendment to change the land use designation from CC-Community Commercial, AG-
Agriculture, HDR-High Density Residential, MDR-Medium Density Residential, and LDR-Low
Density Residential to BP-Business Park, and to extend the Metropolitan Urban Services
Boundary to include the subject property, subject to acceptance by the City Council of the
Dakota East AUAR.
Ayes: 5.
Nays: Rivera. Motion Carried.
Nemcek noted that the tentative date for City Council on the staff report said May 20, but it would
actually be going to Council on June 3.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
DISCUSSION
Kienberger identified that the Port Authority would be having a joint meeting with the Planning
Commission on May 20th. Commissioner Reed asked if there would be background material on
the subject. Kienberger responded that all necessary background information would be
provided.
Commissioner Rivera asked about the appreciation on the 29th at the Steeple center. Staff
confirmed the date.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at the regular Planning
Commission meeting the meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Liz Kohler
Community Development Technician