HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-08 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday,March 8,2018—Oak Park Heights City Hall
I. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Vice Chair Freeman called the meeting to order.Present: Commissioners Freeman,
Giovinazzo,VanDyke and White;City Administrator Johnson,City Planner Richards,and
City Councilmember Liljegren. Absent:Commissioner Kremer.
II. Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner Giovinazzo,seconded by Commissioner VanDyke,moved to accept the
Agenda as presented.4-0.
III. Approval of February 8,2018 Meeting Minutes:
Commissioner Giovinazzo,seconded by Commissioner White,moved to approved the
Minutes as presented. Carried 4-0.
IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: None.
V. Visitors/Public Comment: None.
VI. Public Hearings: None.
VII. New Business: None.
VIII. Old Business:
A. Oak Park Heights—Comprehensive Plan 2018:
City Planner Richards reviewed and discussed his March 1,2018 Planning Memorandum
regarding updated sections. He noted that things are nearly wrapped up and the final formatting
of the Comprehensive Plan is in process. He shared some of the changes and new items added
to the land use section relative to solar access protection and alternative energy systems and with
regard to Xcel Energy-Allen S.King Plant facility.
Richards noted work to the Parks and Trails Plan sections and maps. Richards noted
Commissioner Giovinazzo's inquiry about a future trail underpass at Osgood Ave.N.,noting
that it is a long-term goal of the City and that the Parks Commission has discussed this,adding
that there may be opportunities for this should Washington County decided to rebuild the
roadway.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 8,2018
Page 2 of 3
Discussion was had as to the Open House scheduled for April 12,2018,its advertisement,time,
refreshments,and what information will be available for viewing. Richards noted that Stantec
Engineering, the City Contract Engineer, will have someone at the Open House. The Open
house will be held at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioner Giovinazzo noted that there had been earlier conversation about the volume of
traffic on Hwy. 36 and concerns, she questioned as to whether or not those concerns were
addressed in the plan. Discussion ensued as to matters related to traffic volume, safety and
access through and across Hwy. 36. City Planner Richards indicated that he would follow up
with the City Engineer as to right-of way capacities. It was noted that it is important that people
be able to cross Hwy.36 conveniently and safely,to access businesses,so that they flourish and
that the timing of traffic along Hwy. 36 be addressed so that traffic it is kept moving along the
highway and the roadways that access it. In response to how the City achieves goals related to
the traffic identified in the Comprehensive Plan, City Planner Richards responded that the
Comprehensive Plan identifies the issues and the City works with the MN Department of
Transportation and Washington County over the long term on finding solutions.
Richards noted that after the Comprehensive Plan Open House, the Commission will have
another opportunity to review the plan at their meeting and choose to approve it or recommend
changes and pass it along to the City Council for their review.The City Council will authorize
distribution of the plan to adjacent jurisdictions for review, who will have a 6 to 12 months
review period to provide comment. Upon receipt of comments back it will be sent onto
Metropolitan Council for their review and comment. When Metropolitan Council's comments
are received back, the plan will again come before the Planning Commission for their final
review and recommendation to City Council.
IX. Adjourn to Annual Meeting of the Planning Commission:
Commissioner Giovinazzo, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke,moved to adjourn to the
Annual Meeting of the Planning Commission. Carried 4 -0.
City Administrator Johnson noted the memo in their packet that outlined the election of
Chair and Vice Chair process. Vice Chair Freeman reviewed the memo for the Commission.
Brief discussion ensued for clarity of process and term limits for the positions of Chair and
Vice Chair and whether or not Commissioner White intended to seek reappointment when
his term expires in May. White indicated that he would be seeking reappointment.
A. Chair&Vice Chair Election
Commissioner Giovinazzo, seconded by Commissioner White,moved to elect
Commissioner Freeman as Chairperson. Carried 3—0— 1, Freeman abstained.
Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to elect
Commissioner Giovinazzo as Vice Chairperson. Carried 3 —0— 1, Giovinazzo
abstained.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 8, 2018
Page 3 of 3
X. Reconvene Regular Meeting: Newly elected Chair Freeman reconvened the regular meeting.
City Administrator Johnson noted a communication received from Commissioner Kremer,
suggesting that the Commission may wish to consider an annual review of a section of the
Comprehensive Plan, so that it stays relevant and is not just put on a shelf. Commissioner
Freeman indicated that he liked the idea — keeping it up front. The matter will be discussed
further at a future meeting.
XI. Informational:
A. Upcoming Meetings:
All Meetings at City Hall — 6:00 p.m. Unless Noted Otherwise
• Tuesday, March 13, 2018 City Council
• Tuesday, March 27, 2018 City Council
• Tuesday, April 10, 2018 City Council
• Thursday, April 12, 2018
o 5:00 p.m. Comprehensive Plan Open House — City Hall
o 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission
• Tuesday, April 24, 2018 City Council
B. Council Representative
• Tuesday, March 27, 2018 — Commissioner Giovinazzo
• Tuesday, April 24, 2018 — Commissioner Kremer
• Tuesday, May 22, 2018 — Commissioner VanDyke
XII. Adjourn. Commissioner VanDyke, seconded by Commissioner Giovinazzo, moved to
adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Carried 4 — 0.
Res s ectfully submitted,
Juli- = ltman
Pla ' g & Code Enforcement
Approved by the Planning Commission: 04-12-2018 / 5-0