HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-09-2006 Minutesr .
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Call to Order / Approval of Agenda:
Chair Runk called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners LeRoux, Liljegren,
Powell and Wasescha; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards and Acting
Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Commission Liaison Doerr.
Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to approve the Agenda, as
presented. Carried 5 -0
Approve Minutes of September 14, 2006: Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner
LeRoux, moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 5 -0
Department /Commission Liaison Report /St. Croix Crossing Update & Other Reports:
Acting Commission Liaison McComber updated the Commission as to the St. Croix Crossing
project and Department of Transportation's activity.
Visitors /Public Comment: None.
Public Hearings:
A. Buffalo Wild Wings Variance to signage regulations & Design Guideline deviation.
City Planner Richards reviewed the October 27, 2006 planning report relative the request, noting
that three wall signs were being requested, two of them in excess of allowable sign area. He also
discussed issues of signage design that would not be allowable per the City Design Guidelines.
Richards provided an issue analysis, discussing hardship criteria and Design Guidelines
requirements and provided his recommendation of denial to the request. Discussion ensued
clarifying the issues of concern.
Chair Runk opened the public hearing and invited public comment.
Glen Remnus of Buffalo Wild Wings and Scott of Lawrence Sign Co. were present and
addressed the issues noted within the planning report. Both indicated that it was their
understanding that the City had been made aware of the signage desired by Buffalo Wild Wings
through the Developer, with whom they have been working with for the past year. It was noted
that they had received the Sign Ordinance but not the Design Guidelines and that they based their
signage on the Sign Ordinance.
Discussion ensued as to the report, signage desired and allowable signage. It was noted that
during the concept plan review of the development no specific tenant action would have been
undertaken. The method of building facade percentage determined was discussed as was the
yellow background inclusion to total sign calculation.
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November 9. 2006
Page 2 of 5
Scott Tubman of CSM reviewed the elevations for the store location, added that Buffalo Wild
Wings has been on board as a tenant since the conceptual stage. He addressed the planning report
issues, disagreeing with the content in general and proposed a possible compromise, adding that
he was unable to speak for Buffalo Wild Wings brand identity and what they could or could not
live with in the way of signage.
General discussion ensued as to the bright colors, precedence establishment, 5% rule, number of
signs, the yellow background inclusion in total signage calculation, allowable signage size and
numbers for the location and potential alternatives for the signage so that it would comply with
the City Ordinance requirements.
Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to close the public hearing.
Carried 5 -0.
Further discussion ensued as to the signage size allowed, reduction of yellow background, a
variance needed for a third sign at the site, the black and white checker color to the building,
comparable locations and aesthetic fit to the Oak Park Heights business community. It was noted
that the two primary issues to the request were the signage itself and its visual impact upon the
community.
Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend denial of
the request for sign variance to allow a total of three wall signs. Carried 3 -2; Commissioners
Runk and Powell opposed.
Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to recommend denial of the
request for deviation from Design Guidelines, allowing decorative color bands on the outdoor
seating railings. Carried 5 -0.
Commissioner LeRoux, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to recommend approval of
the request for deviation from Design Guidelines, allowing decorative color wrap on the
awnings. Carried 3 -2; Commissioners Liljegren and Wasescha opposed.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to recommend denial of
the request for sign variance to exceed square footage allowance for wall signage. Carried 5 -0.
Commissioner LeRoux, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend that the
black, white and yellow colors proposed on the building facade be considered as signage and
included as part of the square footage calculation for signage allowance. Carried 5 -0.
A. Goodwill request for street vacation.
B. Goodwill Conditional Use Permit for donation center drive- through and replat of a
portion of Oakgreen Village.
City Planner Richards reviewed the October 25, 2006 planning report relative the requests for a
conditional use permit, preliminary and final plat approval, street vacation, and site plan review.
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November 9, 2006
Page 3 of 5
Richards provided an issue analysis to the request and discussed questions to the same from the
Commission.
Chair Runk opened the public hearing and invited public comment.
John Patterson the applicant, introduced himself to the Commission, addressed the planning
report and discussed matters of concern or question with the Commission, including exterior
material composition, entry location and path of travel at site, drop off center location and
operation plan, hours of business operation, delivery times, screening and landscaping, lighting
and similar matters.
Missy nderson of Pondview Condominiums stated their her home faces the proposed dock area
and inquired about the lighting for that area, she also asked what time was anticipated for truck
activity in the docking area and how the development in general was going to affect her property
value.
Todd Erickson the Engineer to the project, discussed the sites building location and grading
elevations, he address questions as to the landscaping elements, to lighting and how the site was
anticipated to fit to the area while being a good neighbor to the Pondview Condominium
development.
Mike Brochman of Pondview Condominiums stated that his home was in the area where a 25-
foot Light pole was being planned. He questioned what kind of light was going to come from the
pole light, what business hours were expected and how trash was being facilitated. He inquired
as to how the landscaping between the business property and his neighborhood was going to be
done, expressing concern about water run off toward his neighborhood.
Joy Linder of Pondview Condominiums inquired as to what the plan was for snow storage and/or
removal. She also asked if there would be trucks running for periods of time, on a regular basis,
at the loading dock in the morning hours.
General discussion ensued addressing the matters of concern brought forth, including the
possibility of constructing a retaining wall to the north of the loading dock to buffer the
residential area from the dock site.
Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to close the public
hearing. Carried 5 -0.
Discussion ensued as to the conditions of the planning report and amendments based on the
audience comment received.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to recommend City
Council approval of the requests, subject to conditions as noted:
The applicant shall file the final plat for Oakgreen Village prior to City Council
approval of the Goodwill Industries application.
2. The landscape plan shall be revised to provide additional planting along the north and
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November 9. 2006
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east property lines to include spruce trees of 8 to 10 feet. The plan shall also be
revised to provide screening plantings on the south property line. The revised plan
shall be subject to review and approval of the City Arborist.
The lighting plan shall be revised to remove the parking lot light in the northeast
corner of the site. The parking lot light in the northwest corner shall be lowered to a
total height not to exceed 18 feet. All lighting fixtures shall comply with the Zoning
Ordinance requirements of full cut off and fixture height.
4. Site lighting shall be dimmed or shut off one hour after store closing. Minimum
lighting for site safety or security shall be maintained.
The Planning Commission approves the building design and materials based upon the
sample materials presented at the November 9, 2006 Planning Commission meeting.
6. Signage posting the hours of operation shall be placed at the entrance to the donation
building, as well as language to deter after hour drop offs.
Delivery, unloading and drop offs shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on
Sunday. Utilization of audible back up moving devices shall not be used on site if a
reasonable OSHA approved alternative exists.
Snow shall be stored in the northeast corner of the site, according to a plan to be
approved by City staff.
9. The applicant shall provide detailed plans of the trash compactor and recycling area
for the site. If the compactor is to be placed outdoors, a plan for screening and
specifications on noise generation shall be provided prior to City Council review.
10. All grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to review and approval by the City
Engineer.
11. All signage shall require a sign permit and shall be compliant with the Zoning
Ordinance and Design Guidelines requirements.
Carried 5 -0.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to recommend City
Council approval to the request for street vacation. Carried 5 -0.
New Business:
A. 2007 Planning Commission Meeting & Representation Schedule
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to accept and adopt
the schedule as presented. Carried 5 -0..
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November 9, 2006
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Old Business:
A. Comprehensive PIan Update Work Schedule
City Planner Richards reviewed a work schedule and guidelines for working through the update
process. He noted that the work program will be going before the City Council, and upon their
approval; staff will commence advertisement for volunteers to the Citizen Advisory Committee.
Richards discussed some of the areas and issues that will be subject to consideration, adding that a
January start is anticipated to begin the updating process.
Informational:
A. Next Meeting December 14, 2006 7:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting
B. Council Representativ November — Commissioner Wasescha
December — Commissioner Runic
Adjournment:
Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to adjourn at 9:21 p.m.
Carried 5 -0
Respectfully submitted,
Jul" i A. Hultman
Planning & Code Enforcement Officer
Approved by the Planning Commission: December 14, 2006