Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/23/2022

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5.01: Consider Natural Resources Elements for PACT Charter School Site Plan, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat (Project No. 22-107); Case of JB Vang on Behalf of PACT Charter School Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the City has received an application from JB Vang Partners on behalf of PACT Charter School for review of a Site Plan, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat related to a proposed new, second school campus to be located at 7633 161 st Avenue NW. The subject property is presently owned by The Church of Saint Katharine Drexel. As the EPB will recall, the City previously reviewed a Sketch Plan along with requested Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment related to the same project. The City Council ultimately approved the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment, contingent upon approval of the Preliminary Plat. He noted that several public comments were received related to drainage. He noted that those plans are being reviewed by the engineering department as well as the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO), which is the Board that would review and approve of the stormwater management plans. Chairperson Moore invited the applicant to address the Board. Justin Fincher, JB Vang, spoke in representation of the applicant and stated that they have been working diligently for the past few months to develop more detailed plans for the project and stormwater management. He stated that they did look at relocating a smaller catch basin onsite in terms of stormwater management but was unsure if that needed to be addressed tonight. Senior Planner Anderson replied that they did not need to review that level of specificity as that is not under the purview of this Board. He noted that the overall level of treatment would not be reduced by shifting the location of the basin. Chairperson Moore referenced the northern corner and asked if that is a wetland or oak forest. Senior Planner Anderson replied that area is delineated wetland, which is being reviewed by the LRRWMO. He stated that the oak forest area is to the west of that delineated wetland. He commented that there would be impacts to the oak forest area,but areas within the wetland setback would be protected. He commented that the majority of the trees on the school site would be removed as part of the project. Chairperson Moore recognized that there has been discussion with the parks department to extend plantings into Central Park and asked for details. Senior Planner Anderson replied that staff does not release its comments until the agenda for the public hearing is released, which will be later in the week, therefore the applicant has not seen those comments. He stated that he did have a brief discussion with the applicant prior to the meeting but did not want to put the applicant in the position to address comments he has not yet seen. Chairperson Moore asked if 161 St would need to be widened.