HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-09 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes f.. r
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, May 9,2019—Oak Park Heights City Hall
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Chair Freeman called the meeting to order @ 6:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners
Giovinazzo, Kremer, VanDyke and White; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner
Richards, and City Councilmember Liaison Representative Dougherty.
II. Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner Kremer, seconded by Commissioner Giovinazzo, moved to approve the
Agenda as presented. Carried. 5-0.
III. Approval of April 11, 2019 Meeting Minutes:
Commissioner Giovinazzo, seconded by Commissioner White, moved to approve the
Minutes as presented. Carried 5- 0.
IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: None.
V. Visitors/Public Comment: None.
VI. Public Hearings:
A. Central Automotive: Review and consider a request for a Conditional Use Permit to
allow auto repair in the B-2, General Business District, a Final Plat and Site
Plan/Design Guidelines Review related to the proposed development of a Central
Automotive to be located the corner of 59th St. N. & Osgood Ave. N.
City Planner Richards reviewed the May 2, 2019 Planning Report to the request,
providing an issue analysis and discussing the same.
Commission discussion ensued as to trees on the site, potential for a future lot split, and
location of site access with regard to traffic.
Chair Freeman opened the public hearing and invited comment from the applicant and
audience.
Chad Derrick of Derrick Building Solutions introduced himself as the General
Contractor to the project and briefly walked through the project, noting that the
structure would be all steel and that it would be an approximate four month build out.
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May 9, 2019
Page 2 of 6
Dave Triemert—Central Automotive owner/operator stated that he did not have any
plans for a lot split at the time and shared what he knew as to the easement at the site.
Mr. Triemert noted that his current location is a leased space and that the owner of the
building may be looking at going a different direction with the building other than
automotive repair. The proposed location keeps his business in town and beyond
ownership offers a number of site improvements.
Nick Klingen introduced himself as a property manager for the St. Croix
Crossing Apartments, to the east of the proposed site and inquired as to tree removal
plans between the site and the apartment building.
There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Kremer, seconded by
Commissioner Giovinazzo, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 5-0.
Discussion was had as to the building design in relation to the nature of the business,
conditions within the report as to the design, screening of residential properties and the
easement distances proposed in condition 2 of the planning report.
Commissioner Kremer, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to recommend
City Council approval of the request, subject to the conditions of the May 2, 2019
Planning Report, as amended; specifically, that:
1. The final plat shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and
City Attorney. Connection charges and park dedication shall be paid in
accordance with the provisions of the Development Agreement.
2. As part of the final plat approval, the 30-foot easement at the south property line
shall be reduced to 20-feet. A public hearing of the City Council shall be
conducted to consider the reduction of the easement width.
3. The access point is subject to review and approval of Washington County.
4. The grading, drainage and utility plans shall be subject to the review an approval
of the City Engineer. The drainage plans shall be subject to the review of the
Middle St. Croix Watershed District.
5. All lighting fixtures shall be full cut off and installed in compliance with the
lighting standards of the Zoning Ordinance.
6. The outdoor lighting shall be turned off one hour after closing, except for
approved security lighting. Any security lighting on the east elevation shall be
installed as a motion sensor fixture.
7. The landscape and removal/replacement plans are subject to review and
approval of the City Arborist.
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May 9, 2019
Page 3 of 6
8. All signage shall be subject to final review and approval of City Staff for
conformance with Zoning Ordinance standards.
9. All noise generated from the store shall be compliant with section 401.15.B.11
of the Zoning Ordinance. The service doors to the building shall be closed at all
times, except when vehicles are moved in and out of the service bays.
10. Mechanical equipment that is located on the roof or visible from street level or
from neighboring properties shall be screened with materials that blend
harmoniously with the building facade materials and in accordance with section
401.15.E.10.e of the Zoning Ordinance.
11. The Planning Commission is favorable to the building design and finds the
structure compatible with the Design Standards.
12. The Planning Commission was favorable to the building material selection and
colors.
13. There shall be no outside storage, including tires and auto parts. No storage
shall be allowed in trailers that are parked on the property.
14. The applicant shall be required to enter into a Development Agreement. The
development agreement shall be subject to the review and approval of the City
Attorney and City Council.
Carried 5-0.
B. Stillwater Crossing: Review and consider a request for a Variance from sign
regulations to allow two business signs at a single entry for a shared business
operation—Good Times Tattoo and Lace Salon at 14727 60th St. N.
City Planner Richards reviewed the May 2, 2019 Planning Report to the request,
providing an issue analysis and discussing the same. Richards noted that a variance,
rather than a conditional use permit is required due to the provisions within the zoning
ordinance for multi-tenant building signs.
Brief discussion was had as to the building design and joint business operation within a
single business space.
Chair Freeman opened the public hearing and invited comment from the applicant and
audience. There being none, Commissioner Kremer, seconded by Commissioner
Giovinazzo, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 5-0.
Commissioner VanDyke, seconded by Commissioner Giovinazzo, moved to
recommend City Council approval of the request, subject to the conditions of the May
2, 2019 Planning Report, specifically that:
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May 9, 2019
Page 4 of 6
1. All proposed signage shall require a sign permit and shall be in compliance with
section 401.15.G of the Zoning Ordinance for size and illumination.
Carried 5-0.
C. Taco Bell: Review and consider a request for a Conditional Use Permit
Amendment and Design Guidelines Review as they relate to interior and exterior
alterations to Taco Bell at 14529 60th St. N.
City Planner Richards reviewed the May 2, 2019 Planning Report to the request,
providing an issue analysis and discussing the same. Discussion was had as to the
existing freestanding sign and whether or not the Commission wishes to have it brought
into height compliance with the zoning ordinance.
Chair Freeman invited the applicant to address the Commission.
Brian Davies of Border Foods introduced himself, stating that they were excited to
freshen the store and site and responded to questions from the Commission. He noted
that the freestanding sign is estimated at 27 feet tall and that they would prefer to not
change it. They plan to replace the face with the new Taco Bell log. If required to
reduce the pole height, they will need to have engineering determine modifications to
the structure to make it work for the sign face.
Discussion ensued as to the logo design, other freestanding signs in the area and from
where the height criteria in the zoning ordinance evolved.
Chair Freeman opened the hearing for public comment. There being none,
Commissioner Giovinazzo, seconded by Commissioner White, moved to close the
public hearing. Carried 5-0.
Commissioner Kremer, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to recommend
City Council approval of the request, subject to the amended conditions of the May 2,
2019 Planning Report, specifically that:
1. The applicant shall provide a revised photometric and lighting plan that
complies with the provisions of section 401.15.B.7.d of the Zoning Ordinance.
All light fixtures shall be full cut off and compliant with the Zoning Ordinance.
The parking lot lighting shall not exceed 25 feet from ground level.
2. All mechanical equipment on the roof or on the site shall be fully screened in
accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
3. All noise generated from the store shall be compliant with section 401.15.B.11
of the Zoning Ordinance.
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May 9, 2019
Page 5 of 6
4. All grading, drainage, erosion control, and utility plans are subject to review and
approval of the City Engineer. Stormwater plans are also subject to review and
approval of the Middle St. Croix Watershed District.
5. The Planning Commission was favorable to the building design and building
materials.
6. The plans should be revised to indicate details and locations of any directional
signage.
7. Outdoor lighting for the parking areas shall be turned off one hour after closing,
except for approved security lighting.
8. No strip lighting of the building, canopy or freestanding sign shall be allowed.
9. All signs shall be designed to comply with the Zoning Ordinance requirements
for illumination. The spot fixtures and LED strips may be used if the lighting is
directed at the sign and designated so that the light source is not visible. Staff
will review the lighting specifications at the time of permitting.
10. The landscape plan shall be subject to the review and approval of the City
Arborist.
11. A bike rack shall be placed on site.
Carried 5 -0.
VII. New Business: None.
VIII. Old Business:
A. Comprehensive Plan/Metropolitan Council:
1. Metropolitan Council Review.
City Planner Richards noted March 27, 2019 response received from
Metropolitan Council and that he and City Engineer, Lee Mann were both
working on their responses for resubmittal. Richards asked the Commission
if they wanted to review the revised materials prior to its being resubmitted.
Commission consensus was that Richards should simply resubmit the plan to
Metropolitan Council when he was ready.
2. Planning Commission Letter to Metropolitan Council Review.
Chair Freeman noted the letter prepared by Commission Kremer and edit
suggestions received from Commissioner White, to Metropolitan Council
regarding Metropolitan Council's Comprehensive Plan updating process.
Freeman stated that he agreed with the content of the letter. Discussion was
had as to the final drafting of the letter, when to send it and having City
Council review it prior to sending. The letter will be brought back to the
Commission after the current Comprehensive Plan update is done.
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May 9, 2019
Page 6 of 6
IX. Informational:
Commissioner Kremer noted attending the Spring Clean Up and that two city staff members
man the event as well as the Fall Clean Up event, basically processing folks through and
checking identification. He suggested that perhaps this could be a volunteer activity, with
folks from the Planning and Parks Commissions volunteering, along with other who may be
interested in helping out. Commissioner VanDyke suggested that a Community Clean Up
may be a good event to sync with the drop off clean up event. Commission consensus was
favorable and the possibilities will be discussed with City Administrator Johnson.
A. Upcoming Meetings:
• Tuesday, May 28, 2019 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Thursday, June 13, 2019 Planning Commission 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, June 25, 2019 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Thursday, July 11, 2019 Planning Commission 6:00 p.m./City Hall
• Tuesday, July 23, 2019 City Council 6:00 p.m./City Hall
B. Council Representative
• Tuesday, May 28, 2019—Commissioner White
• Tuesday, June 25, 2019—Commissioner Freeman
• Tuesday, July 23, 2019—Commissioner Kremer
X. Adjourn.
Commissioner Kremer, seconded by Commissioner Giovinazzo, moved to adjourn at 7:10
p.m. Carried 5 —0.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie ffultman
Planning,& Code Enforcement
Approved by the Planning Commission: 07/11/19 5-0