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Home My WebLink About12-14-2006 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS -;, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, December 14, 2006 Call to Order / Approval of Agenda: Chair Runk called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners LeRoux, Powell and Wasescha; City Planner Richards and Commission Liaison Doerr. Absent: City Administrator Johnson and Commissioner Liljegren, Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to approve the Agenda with Hwy 36 Development added under New Business. Carried 4 -0 Approve Minutes of November 9, 2006: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to approve the Minutes as amended, correcting date of December meeting under Informational. Carried 4 -0 Department /Commission Liaison Report /St. Croix Crossing Update & Other Reports: Commission Liaison Doerr was present and noted that there was nothing new to report. Visitors /Public Comment: None. Public Hearings: A. Joel Nichols Kott Conditional Use Permit for attached /detached garage in excess of 1,000 sq. ft. at 15118 64 St. N. City Planner Richards reviewed the December 6, 2006 planning report relative to the request, discussing square footage, yard setbacks and the existing features of the property. Richards noted that the request for the garage addition is an addition to be added to the existing garage structure to allow room for a chair lift and a van to accommodate the homeowner's disability. Richards provided an issue analysis, discussing accessory structures, the existing non- conformance of the house and garage, general criteria to the request and provided the Commission with a planning recommendation with conditions for the consideration. Chair Runk opened the public hearing and invited public comment. Joel Nichols of 64"' St. N. introduced himself as the neighbor across the street from Mr. Kott and the applicant on his behalf. Mr. Nichols stated that the existing east drive would be eliminated and that the drive to the west would be extended to accommodate the new addition. He discussed elements to the project and the site, noting that the addition will blend with the existing neighborhood and be an overall improvement to the site. There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 -0 Planning Commission Minutes December 14. 2006 Page 2 of 4 Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to recommend City Council approval, subject to the addition being constructed according to plans submitted and not until such time a permit has been obtained from the City. Carried 4 -0 B. Stillwater Motor Co. Conditional Use Permit - Interim Use for installation of five flags and poles at 5900 Stillwater Blvd. N. City Planner Richards reviewed the December 7, 2006 planning report relative to the request of Stillwater Motor Co. for an interim use permit for installation of five flag poles and flags. He noted that the flags displayed would consist of two American flags and one each of Jeep, Chevrolet and Buick vehicle product flags. Richards provided an issue analysis to the request, noting that three flags would be allowed without an interim use permit and that the increase to five flags at the site necessitated the action of the Planning Commission. Richards also noted that the interim use permit differs from a conditional use permit in that the City can place a date or event that will terminate the use, whereas a conditional use permit is recorded against the property and could continue as long as certain conditions were met. Richard provided the Commission with a planning recommendation, subject to conditions for the Planning Commission's consideration. Chair Runic opened the public hearing and invited public comment. Dan Raduenz of Stillwater Motor Company introduced himself, addressed questions and participated in discussion as to the flag poles placement prior to City approval, the difference in their location from the information provided to the City, signage and corporate branding, the building banding and existing sign brackets and illumination of the flag poles. There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 -0 Commissioner LeRoux, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to recommend City Council approval of the request, subject to conditions as noted: 1. The Planning Commission recommends that the placement of the flag poles be greater than twenty (20) feet apart. 2. The flags should be displayed in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, Minnesota Statues or an Executive Order. The interim use shall be in effect for ten (10) years from the date of approval by the City Council. An extension may be required from City Council. Planning Commission Minutes December 14, 2006 Page 3 of 4 4. All temporary /special event signage on site shall be displayed in accordance with Section 401.15.G.8 of the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance. Carried 4 -0 C. W.A.T.E. Enterprises, Inc. Planned Unit Development: Concept & General Plan Approvals, Minor Subdivision and Site Platt Review for construction of two office warehouse buildings and a cold storage building at the west side of Memorial Ave. n., between 5520 and 5620 Memorial Ave. N. City Planner Richards reviewed the December 6, 2006 planning report relative to the requests of W.A.T.E. Enterprises, Inc. for a planned unit development concept and general plan review, site plan review and minor subdivision. Richards provided an issue analysis to the request, which would allow construction of two 14, 720 sq. ft. office warehouse structures and one cold storage structure on vacant land within the B -3 zone and adjacent to other properties with similar structures owned and constructed by the applicant. Richards provided the Commission with a planning recommendation, subject to conditions for the Planning Commission's consideration. Chair Runk opened the public hearing and invited public comment. Will Zintl introduced himself and addressed Commissioner Wasescha's inquiry as to the traffic layout and maneuverability at the site and made himself available for any other questions. There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 -0 Brief discussion ensued as to the plan, design amenities and clarification of the awning materials to be used and its durability. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to recommend City Council approval of the requests, subject to conditions as noted: The grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer. 2. The proposed signage for the site shall be consistent with Section 401.15.G of the Zoning Ordinance. The sign face shall include a dark background with lighter colored lettering. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the erection of any signs on the subject site. 3. Landscaping plans shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Arborist. Planning Commission Minutes December 14. 2006 Page 4 of 4 4. All lighting fixtures shall be frill cut off and be consistent with the lighting requirements found in Section 401.15.13.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. The lighting fixtures shall not exceed a height of 25 feet. 5. The awnings on the building will be constructed of a durable canvas material to match what is used on buildings within the WATE Development. Carried 4 -0 New Business: A. Hwy. 36 Development Chair Runk expressed his concern that the new developments along Hwy. 36 are being approved and constructed with the buildings best sides facing inward toward the parking lot and essentially leaving a blank wall facing the roadways. He stated that he has received a number of comments that the City market areas are dull with all the brown and tan and expressed his concern that perhaps the City has overreacted a bit and become too restrictive in its position of color. He noted that the cities of Bayport and Stillwater both display colorful banners on their city light poles and added that a bit of color would help to liven up the community. Discussion ensued as to the pros and cons of color and some of the other elements such as landscaping that assists in dressing up developments. Old Business: A. Comprehensive Plan Update City Planner Richards informed the Commission of his understanding of the Citizen Advisory Committee applications received and noted that the application period has ended. Richards added that a January start is planned for commencement of the updating process. It was clarified that the Committee member's would be working together with the Planning Commission on the process and not as an independent group. A formal recommendation for the plan update will go the City Council from the Planning Commission. Informational: A. Next Meeting January 11, 2007 7:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting B. Council Representative December— Commissioner Runk January — Commissioner LeRoux Adjournment: Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to adjourn at 7:48 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, Julie)A. Hultman Planning & Code Enforcement Officer Appl•oved by die Planning Commission: 01 -11 -07