Adopt Resolution 19-068 and 19-109 Approving Development Agreement for Green Valley Greenhouse and Accepting Related Conservation and Trail Easement

The purpose of this case is to approve the development agreement for Green Valley Greenhouse that lays out the required fees and will allow Green Valley Greenhouse to continue their proposed expansions. Staff will likely bring forward a case in coming months related to the quarterly storm water maintenance fees related to this property, which are not addressed via development agreement.

No notification required for development agreement. Notifications of this proposal were sent via Standard US Mail to Property Owners within 700 feet of the Property, as reflected by Anoka County Property Records at time of Conditional Use Permit application.
 

Development Fees
The applicant has proposed working with the City to dedicate a portion of their land along Trott Brook in lieu of development fees. In previous meetings, the City Council and Staff were open to this alternative in order to meet the larger goals of the City in creating a cohesive trail system throughout the City and along Trott Brook. The applicant has agreed to a conservation and trail easement along Trott Brook which will connect in with other trails along the City. The City will be able to construct a trail in this location in the future, which would be maintained by the City. In addition to the conservation and trail easement, the applicant has agreed to pay $10,000 in park and trail fees to help with the construction of the trail. Staff does feel that this land and fee satisfies the Park and Trail Dedication fee requirements for any new development and is a win-win situation for the City.

Staff will likely bring forward another case in the near future to discuss quarterly storm water maintenance fees in relation to the project.

Building Expansion
The existing septic system will need to be re-evaluated by the Building Official to ensure adequate capacity to add another bathroom for staff and customers.

Landscaping
Landscaping requirements have been reviewed based on the employment (E-1) district regulations. Staff is working with the applicant to modify their proposed landscape plan to meet all requirements.

Public Workshop
Staff held an informational public workshop in 2017, and the following items were noted as important by neighbors:

• Sound - the noise of the operation has increased significantly since it originally started. The site is entirely commercial since the removal of the original home. Neighbors are concerned about the noise and would like additional landscaping and buffering to help reduce the noise, in addition they want the larger components to face away from existing neighborhoods.
• Berming and landscaping - any expansion would require berming along Green Valley Road and additional landscaping on Green Valley Road.

All costs associated with this project are the responsibility of the applicant. The City did incur a small survey expense (off set by the Park Trust Fund) to prepare the legal description for the trail area to meet the larger parks and recreation goals of the City, (acquiring a critical segment of the Circle of Ramsey Greenway, parallel to Trott Brook).

Staff Recommends the City Council Motion to Adopt Resolution 19-068 and 19-109 Approving Development Agreement for Green Valley Greenhouse and Accepting Related Conservation and Trail Easement.

Motion to Adopt Resolution 19-068 and 19-109 Approving Development Agreement for Green Valley Greenhouse and Accepting Related Conservation and Trail Easement.