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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-2007 Minutesr CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, March 8, 2007 Call to Order / Approval of Agenda: Chair Runk called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Present: Vice Chair Liijegren, Commissioner LeRoux and Wasescha, City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards and Commission Liaison Abrahamson. Commissioner Powell arrived late to the meeting, during the discussion of New Business, item A. Vice Chair Liijegren, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to approve the Agenda, as presented. Carried 4 - 0. Adjourn to Annual Meeting: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Vice Chair Liijegren, moved to adjourn to the annual meeting. Carried 4 - 0. Call Annual Meeting to Order: Chair Runk called the annual meeting to order. A. Declaration of Commissioners Liijegren & Wasescha, Whose Terms End May 31, 2007 Regarding arding Reappointment Chair Runic inquired of Commissioners Liijegren and Wasescha, their intent to seek reappointment to the Planning Commission. Both Commissioners Liijegren and Wasescha expressed their desire to be reappointed to a second 3 -year Planning Commission term. Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to recommend that the City Council reappoint Commissioner Michael Liijegren and Commissioner Warren Wasescha to the Planning Commission for 3 year terms, commencing May 31, 2007 and culminating May 31, 2010. Carried 4 - 0. B. Election of Chair & Vice Chair Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Chair Runic, moved to nominate Commissioner Liijegren as Chair. Carried 4 — 0. At this point, outgoing Chair Runic, passed gavel and turned the meeting over to new Chair Liijegren, who proceeded with the annual meeting. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to nominate Commissioner Wasescha as Vice Chair. Carried 4 — 0. Chair Liijegren and Vice Chair Wasescha terms commenced immediately and will culminate at the annual meeting in March, 2009. Adjourn Annual Meeting & Reconvene Regular Meeting: Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner LeRoux, moved to adjourn the annual meeting and reconvene the regular Planning Commission meeting. Carried 4 — 0. Planning Commission Minutes March S, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Approve Minutes of January 11, 2007: Commissioner LeRoux, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to approve the Minutes as presented. Carried 4 - 0. Department /Commission Liaison Report /St. Croix Crossing Update & Other Reports: None. Visitors /Public Comment: None. Public Hearings: None. New Business: A. Manley Commercial Site Plan & Design Review for proposed Oak Park Center Retail at 60 St., East of Jerry's Auto Body and known as Lot 2, Block 1, Wal -Mart Addition. City Planner Richards reviewed the request for a proposed 11,500 square foot retail building, noting that the proposed project meets the requirements of the zoning for the site and does not require a public hearing, but does require site and plan and design guidelines review by the Planning Commission and City Council approval. Richards reviewed and discussed issues related to the site, including the existing Wal -Mart sign at 60"' St, noting that the Wal -Mart has agreed to remove the sign for the development to proceed. Commission discussion ensued as to issues of tenant mix and parking requirements, the parking area layout in relation to snow removal and the proposed trail, proposed awnings colors and banding, boulevard tenant sign, general signage mix, styles and locations and the mechanical supply to the building. Chair Liljegren invited the applicant to speak. Cindy Weber of Manley Commercial introduced herself and stated that she had M.F.R.A. Engineer, Mike Brandt and Kathy Anderson of Architectural Consortium with her to address the questions raised. Weber provided and reviewed a revised site plan for the site parking and access layout. Kathy Anderson of Architectural Consortium advised the Commission that each tenant space will have their own roof -top mechanical supply, which will be screed by the building parapet. She noted that Manley will retain control of colors and signage and that some color was being added to the awnings to provide a bit of festivity for the retail aspect of the building and that she expected to see varied signage per each tenant for their own identity. City Administrator Johnson inquired as to whether the applicant had been in contact with MnDot as to their access from the frontage road. He encouraged them to contact MnDot prior to their meeting with City Council as to the access from the frontage road and their proposed trail. Commissioner Powell arrived to the meeting. Planning Commission Minutes March 8, 2007 Page 3 of 4 Commissioner LeRoux inquired as to the number of entry and exits at the building structure. Kathy Anderson stated that the number of exit areas required, are determined by the building code, based upon the tenant space square footage. Mike Brandt of M.F.R.A. discussed the parking placement design, turning radius allowance and plan for snow piling and removal at the site. Commissioner Runk suggested installation of a central postal box at the retail center. Discussion ensued as to multiple retail tenant postal service and postal box locations. Runk offered to provide Architect Anderson with the postal box information. There being no further discussion, Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend City Council approval of the Site Plan and Design for the site, subject to the following conditions: The Wal -Mart freestanding sign, including foundations, shall be removed no later than May 1, 2007. The applicant shall post a cash escrow, as specified by the development agreement, that will be released upon sign removal and as approved by City staff. 2. The grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer. The proposed signage for the site shall be consistent with Section 401.15.G of the Zoning Ordinance. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the erection of any signs on the subject site. 4. Landscape plans shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Arborist. The applicant must submit updated lighting plans, detailing the proposed parking lot and exterior building lighting, subject to City staff review and approval. All lighting shall be full cut off fixtures and compliant with Section 401.15.8.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Commission was favorable to the building elevations and building material selection. A snow removal plan shall be submitted for City staff review and approval. The applicant shall provide a plan indicating locations of mechanical equipment and screening, subject to review and approval of City staff. 9. The applicant shall bury the overhead distribution lines along 60 Street N. The timing of that improvement shall be coordinated with the burying of distribution lines in front of Lowe's, along 60` Sheet N. The applicant shall escrow sufficient funds, as specified by the City Engineer, to complete the improvement or agree that the City will complete the work and petition for the public improvement, waiving notice of public hearing and assessments, as required under Minnesota Statute 429. Planning Commission Minutes March 8, 2007 Page 4 of 4 10. The Wal -Mart access agreement and easements shall be provided to the City Attorney for review and approval. i 1. The final trail location and placement along 60"' Street N. shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 12. The applicant shall provide a plan for a central postal box for the retail center, subject to review and approval of the City and the Postmaster. 13. A development agreement shall be required, subject to review and approval of the City Attorney. Carried 5 — 0. Old Business: A. Comprehensive Plan Update City Planner Richards reported that maps were being assembled and that he was preparing a review /issues summary from the committee's last meeting. The center of the April 12, 2007 meeting will be the last meeting summary, the maps, a review of the old community goals established and discussion of new goals for the update. Informational: A. Upcoming Meetings April 12, 2007: ® 6:30 p.m. Comprehensive Plan Update Committee (Large Conference Room) ® 7:30 p.m. Regular Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) B. Council Representative March — Commissioner Liljegren April — Commissioner Wasescha Adjournment: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Chair Liljegren, moved to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. Carried 5 - 0. Respectfully submitted, A t Julie A. Hultman Pl�nning & Code Enforcement Officer Approved by the Planning Commission: April 12, 2007.