Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-16 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS - PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday,March 16,2017—Oak Park Heights City Hall Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance: Chair Kremer called the meeting to order. Present: Commissioners Kremer,Nelson& Quale; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards, and City Councilmember Runk. Absent: Commissioner Anthony/ II. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Quale,moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 3 —0. III. Approval of January 12, 2017 Meeting Minutes: Commissioner Quale, seconded by Commissioner Nelson,moved to approved the Minutes as presented. Carried 3 - 0. IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: None. A. Annual Meeting& Election of Chair&Vice Chair: Chair Kremer noted that Chair& Vice Chair officer terms when elected are for two years. At the 2016 Annual Meeting, Commissioner Kremer and Commissioner Nelson were elected Chair and Vice Chair respectively, for terms ending at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Chair Kremer noted that unless there any discussion desired or the officers elected wish to seek a change, he would entertain a motion to retain the Chair and Vice Chair as elected in 2016. Commissioner Quale, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, moved to retain the 2016 appointments of Chair Kremer and Vice Chair Nelson. Carried 3 —0. V. Visitors/Public Comment: None. VI. Public Hearings: A. Cover Park— 15366 58th St. N.: Consider request for a Conditional Use Permit for Setback Distance, Design Guideline& Site Plan Review Related to Proposed Cover Park Redevelopment. City Planner Richards reviewed and discussed the March 8, 2017 Planning Report as to the request, noting that the City Council authorized plans for redevelopment of the park including a new park shelter/warming house, new trail connections and parking area. The skating rink and playground equipment will remain in the same locations as they currently are. Discussion was had as to City Council authorization to the project and the Planning Commission role in the approval of the development process aspects along with the general process of activity and communication to the public regarding public projects. The Commission reviewed proposed materials for the structure and discussion ensued as to them, aesthetic and functional elements to the site, and planning of elements to create a continuity of design with other park areas in the City. Planning Commission Minutes March 16,2017 Page 2 of 5 Chair Kremer opened the public hearing and invited comment. Pam Patrick— 15365 58th St. N. introduced herself and inquired as to the type of glass proposed for the shelter, expressing a desire to see glass that would be not be easily damaged. She noted that she felt that the proposal included a lot of windows, particularly to the north and that she did like the roof line in that it wasn't flat and would discourage neighborhood children from climbing atop of it. She inquired what kind of monitoring of the shelter would be taken in that the new shelter would be very visible and is planned to have open restrooms and running water fountain. Discussion ensued as to the window durability and it was proposed that durable windows for protection against breakage could be part of an approval condition. It was noted the security of the shelter would be facilitated in the same manner as that of other park shelters within the city and that it would be open and locked such at other shelters are, security and parking lighting will be in place and it is hoped that there will be increased user activity the park area which will also assist in deterring vandalism. Tim Freeman—5770 Newgate Ave. N. introduced himself and noted the setback issue, suggesting that the Commission may want to consider that building could be resituated to meet setback requirements and also stated that he wouldn't encourage the amount of glass being proposed to the structure. Brief discussion ensued as to what Mr. Freeman would propose to meet setback and what elements are part of the project lending to the structure placement. Chair Kremer asked that Mr. Freeman's comment regarding the setback be brought forward to the City Council and that the use of durable glass be made a condition of any approval. There being no further public comment, Chair Kremer closed the public hearing. Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Quale,moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request, subject to the conditions of the March 8, 2017 Planning Report as amended; specifically, that: 1. All tree removal and landscape plans shall be subject to review and approval of the City Council. 2. All lighting proposed for the park building and parking areas shall be in compliance with Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. 3. Any mechanical equipment installed outside of the building shall be screened in accordance with Section 401.15.E.10.e of the Zoning Ordinance. 4. The grading and drainage plans shall be subject to review of the City Engineer and the applicable watershed district. Planning Commission Minutes March 16,2017 Page 3 of 5 5. The Planning Commission and City Council shall comment on the building addition appearance, colors and materials as part of the Design Guidelines Review. 6. A bike rack shall be added to the site near the new park shelter. 7. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council consider high durability glass for the park shelter that will resist vandalism and sports play activities. 8. The City Engineer shall review the slope on the east side of the park shelter to assure room for maintenance and to avoid erosion issues. Carried 3 - 0. VII. New Business: A. Planning Commission Vacancy&Appointment: Discuss and make a recommendation for an appointment to the Planning Commission for a 3-year term, commencing March, 2017 and culminating May 31, 2020. Chair Kremer noted that the Commission interviewed Tim Freeman prior to the meeting for the vacancy on the Planning Commission and invited a motion for appointment. Commissioner Quale, seconded by Commissioner Nelson,moved to recommend City Council appointment of Tim Freeman to the Planning Commission for a 3 year term. Carried 3 - 0. B. Oak Park LLC—Napa Auto Building— 14399 60th St. N.: Design Guidelines & Site Plan Review of Proposed Exterior Façade Improvements. City Planner Richards reviewed and discussed the March 8, 2017 Planning Report as to the request,noting that the request is for design guidelines review for an exterior remodel of the building, to include new windows, doors, siding and canopies. Richards added that no change to the site layout has been proposed. Rennie Smith of All Phase Companies introduced himself and noted that the only changes being planned for the exterior façade is the addition of the parapets in design. Discussion ensued as to the general clean-up of the site, screening of the mechanical equipment, and the placement of a bicycle rack. Planning Commission Minutes March 16, 2017 Page 4 of 5 There being no further public comment, Commissioner Quale, seconded by Commissioner Nelson,moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request, subject to the conditions of the March 8, 2017 Planning Report; specifically, that: 1. If any trees or landscaping is added to the site,the plan shall be subject to review and approval of the City Arborist. 2. All light fixtures shall be full cut off and be consistent with Section 401.15.B.7 of the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to lighting requirements. 3. The Planning Commission recommended the proposed building design and building materials. The applicant shall provide building materials samples for City Council review. 4. All mechanical equipment on the roof or on the site shall be fully screened in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The mechanical equipment on the west side of the building shall be fully screened. 5. Outdoor lighting for the parking areas shall be turned off one hour after closing, except for approved security lighting. 6. The Napa Auto Parts sign on the north elevation shall be reduced to less than 120 square feet unless the existing sign is reused. 7. A plan shall be provided for the trash enclosure subject to review and approval of City Staff. All storage of materials or parts shall be located within the building or fully screened. 8. All signs shall be designed to comply with the Zoning Ordinance requirements for internal illumination. 9. A bike rack should be identified on the site plan and placed on site. Carried 3 - 0. VIII. Old Business: A. Oak Park Heights—Comprehensive Plan 2040 City Planner Richards reviewed his memo regarding work programs authorized by the City Council and the requirement of Metropolitan Council for updating and reinforcing the goals,policies and plans from the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Richards shared the work program, timeline and map and noted that issue identification will be focused on at the April Planning Commission meeting. Planning Commission Minutes March 16,2017 Page 5 of 5 Richards discussed how previous comprehensive planning discussions have been had, stating that he envisioned a process similar to that of the 2008 plan discussion where it would be incorporated into the Agenda, following regular meeting Agenda items versus a meeting earlier in the evening prior to the regular Commission meeting. Consensus was that having it part of the Agenda was preferable. Richards reviewed and discussed the work program and timeline and noted the schedule for the process. Discussion ensued as to efforts that will be made to encourage public participation, and amounts of time potentially dedicated at meetings for discussion of the elements. Chair Kremer expressed that he didn't feel that the old Comprehensive Plan data served the City very well, it having based on the data provided by Metropolitan Council. He added that he felt that the plan was overly large and generalized, and that it would make more sense to have something smaller that more specifically serves the City versus Metropolitan Council. IX. Informational: A. Upcoming Meetings: • Tuesday, March 28, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall • Tuesday,April 11, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall • Thursday, April 13, 2017 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m./City Hall • Tuesday,April 25, 2017 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall B. Council Representative • Tuesday, March 28, 2017—Commissioner Kremer • Tuesday, April 25, 2017—Commissioner Nelson X. Adjourn. Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Quale,moved to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Carried 3 —0. Respectfully submitted, Juli ltman Planning&Code Enforcement Approved by the Planning Commission:April 13,2017 3-0.