September 29, 1978 CC MEMO
September 29 , 1978
To: City. Council and City Manager
POO From: John Strojan, City Engineer
Subject: Changes in traffic lane markings
The City Council on September 19, 1978, authorized the City
Engineer to make a study regarding possible changes in traffic lane
markings at the intersection of Co. Rd. 3 and 11th Ave. So.
11th Ave. So. , is carrying an increasing volume of vehicles due
to the development in South Hopkins, the Opus II Development in Minnetonka
and the fact that there are two interchanges on Co. Rd. 18 which connect
to the streets in South Hopkins. As a result of this traffic, there has
been an increase in the traffic at the above intersection. Traffic counts
show an increase in the left turn movememt for both north and southbound
vehicles . Visual observations has shown that there is a need for a desig-
nation of separate lanes for left turn movements and straight thru
movements. This will greatly lessen the number of instances when two
vehicles will both proceed straight ahead and create a dangerous situation
when the road narrows to one lane.
We would propose to designate the same kind of lanes on the north
side of Co. Rd. 3 for southbound vehicles . This lane designation would
require the painting of lanes and markings as shown on the attached sketch
and also to install the appropriate signs at the curb to give the drivers
the lane designation when snow and ice might obscure the pavement markings.
In addition, the sections shown on the attached sketch would have to be
posted for No Parking Anytime.
Attached is a copy of a letter from the Police Dept. , regarding their
observations and recommendations on this matter.
espectfully submitted,
),
John J. Strojah
City Engineer
JJS :dmj
Att:
' ' 1i " '` CITYOF HOPKINS
n
1010 FIRST STREET SOUTH • HOPKINS, MINNESOTA 55343 • 612/935-8474
0
September 7, 1978
Mr. John Stroj an
City Engineer
City of Hopkins, Minnesota
Dear John:
It has come to my attention that there is a problem with traffic at 11th
and County Road 3.
More specifically, the problem is with north bound traffic in particular
in that some people who are north bound on 11th Avenue will get into the
lane nearest the center line and then go straight ahead. This causes
traffic to back up. I have conferred with Lee Cooper regarding this and
he informs me that there was a study done recently to alleviate this
II situation. I understand that this study recommended painting the in-
tersection to show that there be a left turn only and a through lane at the
south side of 11th Avenue and County Road #3 for north bound traffic. I
also understand that the northern part of the intersection would be re-
arranged to make traffic move faster.
Lt. Bentley has reported to me that he has witnessed what was near being
a bad accident just recently at that intersection when two north bound
vehicles crossed County Road 3 north bound and almost struck a parked car
at the northeast portion of the intersection.
I would like to urge you to give the previously made study your consideration
for possible action as soon as possible.
Yours truly,
.11,-,4, 5;-
Sgt. Calvin C. Johnson
Traffic
Hopkins Police Department
cc:Lt. Bentley
August 28, 1978
Case No: 78-34
111 Applicant: R. Mason
Location: N.E. corner of Excelsior and 11th Avenue
Request: Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to build a 7932 square foot
commercial area on the front of the old "Ford Garage" and a variance
to the front yard requirement.
FINDINGS AND COMMENTS: J. W. Hawks, Planner
1. The site in question is zoned "B-2" Business District, said district being the
Central Business District of Hopkins. The intent of the CBD District is to
provide a convenient and attractive, pedestrian oriented retail sales and
service area. Individual businesses and standards of operation are specified
which collectively it is intended will produce a successful CBD district.
2. The proposed addition is to be divided into two commercial areas, the corner
store having 3941 sq. ft. plus direct access to an area indicated as 6000 sq. ft.
warehouse - the second commercial area has 3491 sq. ft. and in addition is a
3228 sq. ft. east end of the old garage marked warehouse with no direct connection
to the commercial area. This warehouse area has an existing 17'6" wide overhead
• door. The results of the new structure plus remodeling will be (a) a corner
store with a 6000 sq. ft. warehouse or backroom (b) a second store area and
(c) a warehouse area with access from the alley and a corridor dividing the old
garage.
3. The "B-2" district is exempt from providing off-street parking for each individual
business in lieu of being a part of an assessment district to provide municipally
operated parking lots.
4. The proposal is to have a furniture store for unfinished goods and this is a
permitted use. All businesses have a back room where inventory is kept although
it has become customary during recent years for businesses to reduce the size
of inventory and depend upon back ordering. However, the size of the back room
for an abutting retail sales outlet is not limited under the zoning ordinance
thus a 6000 sq. ft. back room which is used in support of the abutting retail
store would be a permitted use.
5. Warehousing as such is not a permitted use in the "B-2" district because it was
determined that such a use is not pedestrian oriented, would generate non retail
vehicular traffic, would not strengthen a retail district and in general is in-
• compatible with the intent of the B-2 district. Thus, the proposed interior de-
sign should provide a direct access to the east commercial area with the under-
standing that it is to function as the back room of the commercial area and not
as an independent rental space. The alternative is to change the intent of the
CBD and amend the zoning ordinance.
6. Businesses in the CBD area which require loading facilities should provide such
facilities off the public right-of-way, load and unload from the alley. Off
street and on street parking is essential to the success of the CBD area for
each space is estimated as producing $15,000 worth of business per year. Thus,
the creating of any on street loading zones for a particular business is
questionable to the overal success of the CBD area.
1111 7. For many years commercial buildings were constructed to the front property line
with the results that signs, awnings, shutters, flower boxes, barber poles and
even new fronts projected into the public right-of-way. The question arises as
to liability from accidents related to structures located in the public right-
of-way as well as the proper use of the public right-of-way held in trust by the
City for public use. The new ordinance in considering these questions requires
a one foot front yard setback for all new buildings or major remodeling of the
front wall. This policy will produce a staggered front wall along the block
front for many years but if sustained will eventually produce a B-2 District with
a one foot front yard.
Certain constructions are exempt, thus pilasters and cornices may extend to the
lot line. The proposed new addition has the concrete block to within one inch
of the front lot line and cement plaster will be in addition: A variance to the
front yard is requested and no hardship is stated.
•
•
r
A regular meeting of the Hopkins Zoning and Planning Commission was held on Tuesday,
September 27, 1978, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City Hall.
Present were members Eaves, Loberg, Marker, Miller and Slaton. Also present were
City Manager Craig, City Engineer Strojan, Zoning Administrator Kohnen and City
Planner Hawks.
In the absence of Mr. Hance, Dr. Slaton chaired the meeting.
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Loberg seconded a motion to approve and sign
the minutes of the August 29, 1978 meeting. Motion carried.
Item: Appearance by representatives of Edwards & Kelcey Inc. regarding
Selecting Floodways as part of Federal Insurance Study.
Mr. Bill Hohle of Edwards & Kelcey Inc. explained the Federal Insurance
and its affect on Hopkins in regard to Minnehaha Creek and Nine Mile
Creek. Mr. Hohle asked the commission to consider the Bellgrove and
Blake Road areas at this time and recommend to Council floodways for
those areas.
Mr. Strojan stated that he and Mr. Hohle were meeting with the Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District the following day.
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to continue this item
to the October 31, 1978 meeting and have staff send results of meeting
with Watershed District to them and that the property owners abutting
• the creek in those areas be notified of said proposal for the next
meeting. Motion carried.
Case No: 78-10 Hearing on an application by Gregory R. Rusch for variances to
• construct a building at 1842 Excelsior Avenue West, continued from the
August 29, 1978 meeting.
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to table this case until
further notice from the applicant. Motion carried.
Item: Hearing on proposed improvement of County Road 3 (Excelsior Boulevard) from
2000 feet east of County Road 20 (Blake Road) to 400 feet west of Louisiana
continued from the August 29, 1978 meeting.
Mr. Craig brought the commission up to date on the meeting with S & L and
Pickwick International and their intent to donate land on the north side
of Excelsior Boulevard.
Action: Mr. Miller moved and Mr. Eaves seconded a motion to recommend to the Council
approval of Plan 9A. Motion carried.
Case No: 78-24 Hearing on an application by Bob Mason for a variance to eliminate
the front yard setback of one foot at 1023 Excelsior Avenue West for
remodeling and enlargement of the building.
Action: Mr. Miller moved and Mr. Loberg seconded a motion to recommend to the Council
granting of the variance due to the uniqueness of the corner.
• Mr. Loberg moved and Mr. Marker seconded a motion to amend the original
motion by adding rebuilding of old structure and use of old footings as
a reason for granting the variance.
Chairman Slaton then called for a vote on the motion as amended. Motion
carried unanimously.
Case No: 78-35 Hearing on an application by Bob Mason for a Conditional Use Permit
to remodel and enlarge the building located at 1023 Excelsior Avenue West.
t
Action: Mr. Loberg moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion recommending to the Council
approval of the Conditional Use Permit to remodel and enlarge the building.
•
Zoning and Planning minutes of September 27, 1978, continued.
Case No: 78-25 Hearing on an application by R. H. Gardner of Metro Contracting Inc.
for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a proposed one story warehouse
1111 building and contractors equipment storage lot on Lot 6, Auditor's Sub-
division No. 195 also known as 1102 Fifth Street South, continued from the
August 29, 1978 meeting.
Action: Mr. Marker moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to table this case until
further notice from the applicant. Motion carried.
Case No: 78-30 Hearing on an application by Dorothy and William Jeske, Edith and
Ralph Ortiz and Edna and Nicholas Goebel to vacate 17th Avenue South
abutting Lots 21 thru 23, to vacate 6th Street South abutting Lots 12 and
13; to vacate the north-south alley abutting Lots 4 thru 12 and Lots 13
thru 21, all in Block 4, L.P. Creviers First Addition to West Minneapolis
continued from August 29, 1978 meeting.
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Loberg seconded a motion to table this case until
further notice from the applicant. Motion carried.
Case No: 78-36 Hearing on an application by Knox Lumber Company for a Conditional Use
Permit to construct an assembly warehouse, office and retail sales building
at the southwest corner of County Road 3 and 5th Avenue South.
Mr. Gene Reilly of Hagen Realty, Mr. Gary Anderson, President of Knox Lumber
presented the proposed plans.
Due to lack of information to both staff and commission at the time of the
meeting this case was continued to a special meeting to be held on
• October 16, 1978 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Anderson will meet with Mr. Hawks and
information will be forwarded to the commission.
Case No: 78-37 Hearing on an application by the Hopkins Holding Company for two
variances 1) a variance from the allowable building height of 25 feet
in the B-4 District to 60 feet for an addition to the motel and 2) a variance
from the required parking spaces of 101 spaces for the addition of 90 units.
Request is to leave the parking area as is.
Mr. Harry Harish and Mr. Charles Harriger presented the plans to the
commission and explained their reasons for the parking and height variance.
Mr. Hawks stated that the ordinance does not cover parking as it relates
to varied uses of a building. .
Mr. Garish stated that additional parking could be obtained from the lot
by Union Oil if necessary.
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Marker seconded a motion to continue this case to
the October 31, 1978 meeting and stated that they would like some proof
of control of the Union Oil lot. Motion carried.
Case No: 78-38 Hearing on an application by the Hopkins Holding Company for a
Conditional Use Permit to remodel and enlarge the building located at
1501 Highway 7 known as the Hopkins House.
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Marker seconded a motion to continue this case to
the October 31, 1978 meeting. Motion carried.
Item: Discussion on proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
HOPKINS ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 427 BY AMENDING CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND PER-
MITTED USES IN THE B DISTRICT" referred to Zoning and Planning by the
Council. !I
Action: Mr. Eaves moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to continue this item to
the October meeting. Mr. Hawks asked permission in incorporate some
further revisions. Motion carried.
t
Zoning and Planning minutes of September 27, 1978, continued.
Action: Mr. Marker moved and Mr. Loberg seconded a motion that the meeting be
adjourned. Motion carried.
I
MEMBERS:
ATTEST:
Dr. Paul Slaton, Chairman Pro-tem
•
4
11/1
4 ..., ,
dr• Z NA/
/'
t
/ –
3d01S)1Od8 118 A ' °'
m
Ito/ rk
1b,02 t7 --.
1
1.-i- ;71 ‘ '9 t '
1.*. • • • I riliF 1 i
41 ,1,1
•8.3Au, p 0 1
...,
1' ' , ...._
1''y.
1i :!,
, u
.. 1
ZO'OL+ -91.99+ '
1� N. ,`:r 7 98 X0 ,9
1 rn
HO
�,' rt'IN''; • Oi. •
_a
` `'` �\ -`-.`A.__. _i., .'9i °,, 9
•6)// SO 1" 1
._.......>
> — 1.8.3 --J
w cA
w
1
1 - 5S
� ;
W I.8
t:-,
- •1.8•M 1
1 �89t,Z98 8
,„„4, plip• ÷
0
-4;1010 li -
XII 90 $, l 4 titYA_N9 --- -'
Thr
y1 p,,
\.
.38 '118,9 9 01
• 80'8£+1: 1 . .Z•1�2+
.wj• • 1. awi..t.,A-NAY
,....„ 1„,
NE > ;4ed o O1. r!Dlt. 'rrd 01V
1!
O
1
o
o
6 �, ......✓ 1 w ' - "Te.M )
—=. ) . J '6 t7Z98
1. ' I
0Z V > ....
Jt ,49j I W t7
Atk....4, _____.... 1 ,,, /13-0. is, 1 • ___
11.3 oclo , C.. " ?9 .4)% r�,1 -
,_______________N__
_�._._-----
'i189 i 01
90 8S+,: , fV. �,� ..a Z Q +
. 1 •Iss% - i
"111).-1- A NS 1=w CX tlfelf.:.] :a w,..„.../„N v .
-)N 1 A 'd o Nnxvdd °N
Li w,
C
cy sp. o
3 . 1
iil
,.
3
.4)
--,
1
r, Q.
-,3 _
1" W , o ,
O 1 i
r
H
....14a
ft.,/ Th
Z1
O
f
3
ii
yyC
C` a