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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-11 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, February 11,2021 Held Via Video Conference Per MN Statute 13D.021 Call to Order: Chair Freeman called the meeting to order @ 6:10 p.m. Present: Commissioners Husby, VanDyke and White; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards, and City Councilmember Liaison Representative Liljegren. Commissioner Van Denburgh arrived at 6:17 p.m. II. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 4-0. III. Approval of November 12, 2020 Meeting Minutes: Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner Husby,moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 4-0. IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: City Administrator Johnson& Commission Liaison reported on the City Council decision to engage a lobbyist to work on the City's behalf with regard to issues pertaining to the A.S. King plant. City Administrator noted that three priorities for the lobbyist is to have them seek LGA payment to offset tax revenue loss from the A.S. King plant if and when it closes; to begin talking about future utility needs at the site; and getting structures down and the site cleaned up at such time the plant closes. General discussion ensued as to current utilities serving the site, the target audience for the lobbyist to engage, and the need to for all to work together, over what will likely be a long process, for a successful outcome at the site over. Chair Freeman noted that several advisory committee meetings had been held and those have largely been educational and that Xcel Energy has been great in their participation to date. V. Visitors/Public Comment: None. Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2021 Page 2 of 3 VI. Public Hearings: A. Menard's: Review and consider a request for a Conditional Use Permit for an outside materials yard express an addition and reduction to number of parking spaces at 5800 Kreuger Lane N. City Planner Richards reviewed the February 4, 2021 Planning Report to the request seeking Design Guidelines/Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permits for Setback and Parking related to the addition of an automated express lane to the east side of the Menard's site. Richards provided a brief history of the request, an issue analysis and discussed the same. Brief discussion was had wherein it was clarified that the gate house would be expanded as part of the project. Chair Freeman asked if the applicant had anything to add before the public hearing was opened. Tyler Edwards—Menard, Inc. introduced himself and noted that Menard's tried to get 300 plus remodels like this done and just couldn't accomplish all of them. He briefly described the project, noting that the automated entrance is being added to the gate and that the automated lane will be closest to the building, with the other lanes being shifted eastward. Chair Freeman opened the public hearing at 6:29 p.m. and invited visitor comment. There being none, Commissioner Van Denburgh, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 5-0. Discussion ensued as to the public hearing mailing notices being mailed to those within 500-feet of Menard's; the traffic volume at 58th St.N. and how it seems to have increased since the bridge opening, and the turning activity to and from the road at 58th St. and Krueger Ln. At the inquiry of the Planning Commission, the applicant discussed signage to the project and how the automated process is designed to work, adding that the end goal is to expedite the process. Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to recommend City Council approval of the request, subject to the conditions of the February 4, 2021 Planning Report, specifically, that: 1. 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. Planning Commission Minutes February 11,2021 Page 3 of 3 2. All signs shall be designed to comply with the Zoning Ordinance requirements for size, number, placement, and internal illumination. Staff will approve the lighting specifications for the signs at the time of permitting. The sign lighting should be designed such that only the text and logo portions of the signs are to be lit at night. The sign background will need to be dark. 3. The Planning Commission was favorable to the building design and building materials. 4. The grading, drainage and utility plans shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer. 5. The landscape plan shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Arborist. Menard's shall remove and replace the trees along Krueger Lane as recommended by the City Arborist. The trees would need to be guaranteed for one year after replacement or if they are moved. Carried 5- 0. VII. New Business: None. VIII. Old Business: None. IX. Informational: A. Upcoming Meetings: Meeting list packet enclosure noted. B. Council Representative: • Tuesday, February 23, 2021 —Commissioner Husby • Tuesday, March 23, 2021 —Commissioner—White The Council Representative schedule was reviewed. X. Adjourn: Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner Van Denburgh, moved to adjourn at 6:42 p.m. Carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Juli- ultman Pl. •' g& Code Enforcement Approved by the Planning Commission: March 11,2021 (5-0)