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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2005 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 14, 2005 Call To Order Vice Chair Runk called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Liljegren, Oswald and Wasescha. City Planner Richards, City Administrator Johnson and Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Chair Dwyer. Approval of Agenda: Vice Chair Runk noted that Stillwater Crossing had withdrawn their application and requested the same be removed from the public hearing portion of the Agenda. Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Oswald, moved to approve the Agenda, as amended, removing "Stillwater Crossing LLC" from under Public Hearings Carried 4 -0. Approve, Minutes of March 10, 2005: Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Oswald, moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 4 -0. Department /Commission Liaison Reports /Other Reports A. Commission Liaison B. St. Croix Crossing Update Commission Liaison McComber provided a brief update, noting that the next Stakeholders Group meeting is now anticipated to be held in July. C. Other: Visitors /Public Comment There being no visitors to the meeting other than those present for items upon the published Agenda, Vice Chair Runk moved to the Public Hearings portion of the Agenda. Public Hearings A. Xcel Energy — A.S. King Plant (MERP) To consider request for C.U.P. Amendment, pursuant to City Ordinance 308.08, for land reclamation & grading to area west of temporary office trailer buildings, being used as administrative offices during Xcel Energy — A.S. King Plant Rehabilitation Project at 1103 King Plant Rd. City Administrator Johnson provided a report as to the request of Xcel Energy to fill a ditch at the A.S. King facility, noting that a conditional use permit is required per City Ordinance 308.08: Land Reclamation & Grading. Johnson discussed the request and reviewed proposed conditions, subject to Planning Commission approval should they recommend approval. Vice Chair Runk opened the public hearing for comment. There being no visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Oswald, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 -0. Planning Commission Minutes April 14, 2005 Pagc 2 of 4 Commissioner Oswald, seconded by, Commissioner Liljegren, moved to recommend City Council approval, subject to the following conditions: Final drainage plans shall be subject to final review and approval of the City Engineer; 2. Xcel Energy shall submit drainage plans to the Middle St. Croix Water Management Organization for final review. Once comments are provided to Xcel Energy and provided to the City, they may potentially proceed. Xcel Energy shall submit drainage plans to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for review by Molly Shodeen. Once comments are provided to Xcel Energy and provided to the City, they may potentially proceed. Carried 4 -0. B. Oakgreen Village To consider requests for Site Plan Review and Planned Unit Development: Concept Plan for construction of townhomes, known as Oakgreen Village — Phase I and located to north of 58 St. and west of Oakgreen Ave. City Planner Richards reviewed the April 7, 2005 planning report as to the requests, provided an issue analysis and discussed the same with the Commission. Vice Chair Runk opened the public hearing and invited the applicant and those wishing to speak to the matter to address the Commission. Tim Nolde — Anchobaypro, Inc. introduced himself and noted that the proposed plan was prepared with consideration given to the City Council's concerns and questions at the tune of receiving approval to the original plan in 2004. He feels that they have followed process and stated that he feels blindsided by the recommendation of the planning report. Toy Linder — Pondview Condo Resident expressed her concern as to 59t St., noting that it is basically their driveway and parking. Discussion was had as to the proposed outlook of this in light of the project itself and potential Hwy. 36 and service road changes. Lisa Anderson — Pondview Condo Resident expressed her concern as to density and 59th St., noting that she does not want to see 59th St. constructed. Allen Black — Sr. Housing Partners introduced himself as the co- applicant to this project and stated that he also felt that they had a proposal that met approvals. He stated that one of the long -range plans for the project has been to provide affordable housing to the area and that he believes that there is a need for the type of housing being proposed. Valessa Caspers — 13950 56th St. N. : expressed concerns as to the traffic at the 58th St. and Oakgreen Ave. intersection, to the amount of traffic to the area in general, and density. She stated that she would like to see that the best use of the property is made and that ultimately she is not sure how she feels about the proposed project. She encouraged decision snaking to be right so as to respect the feelings and needs of the people living in the area. Planning Commission Minutes April 14, 2005 Page 3 of 4 There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Oswald, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 -0 Commission discussion ensued as to a variety of issues, including density, traffic, roadway design and safety, affordable housing, land use, status of the central business district and its affect upon the proposal, greenspace and park area, among others. Commissioner Wasescha expressed that a moratorium should be made until the fate of the Central Business District was determined and moved to recommend that it be so. Discussion ensued as to a moratorium, and the earlier issues of concern. Commissioner Wasescha withdrew his motion. Commissioner Oswald, seconded by, Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend City Council denial based upon the areas of concern expressed by the Planning Commission. Carried 4 -0. New Business A. Annual MeetinLy & Election of Chair and Vic Chair City Administrator Johnson noted a brief conversation he had with Chair Dwyer indicating that he may not be inclined to seek reappointment. Commissioner Liljegren stated that he would be seeking reappointment. Commissioner Oswald announced his intention to resign, agreeing to stay on until his seat can be filled. Discussion was had as to terms and the bylaws. Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend that the City Council reappoint Commissioner Liljegren to a second full term with the Planning Commission. Carried 4 -0. The annual meeting and election of Chair and Vice Chair was continued to the May meeting, when they anticipated Commissioners to be present. Old Business None. Informational A. Development Project Updates City Administrator Johnson and City Planner Richards updated the Commission as to potential public hearing applicants for May, noted that discussion of the Comprehensive Zoning and Parks Plans were in the future; and that a draft of the Metropolitan Council Regional Blueprint may be available in October. B. Next Meeting May 12, 2005 7:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting C. Council Representative April — Commissioner Wasescha May — Commissioner Runk Planning Comn)ission Minutes April 14, 2005 Page 4of4 Adjournment Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, .Julie A. Hultman Community Development Approved by the Planning Commission: May 12, 2005.