HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2000 MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Wednesday, March 9, 2000 — 7:00 PM
Call To Order Due to lack of a quorum Vice Chair Dahlquist called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in
workshop format to allow other members of the Commission to arrive. Present: Commissioners Dahlquist
and Vogt. Staff Present: Community Development Director Danielson, City Planner Richards, Community
Development Secretary Hultman and Planning Intern Hoel. Others Present: City Council Liaison Swenson.
Absent: Commissioners Dwyer, Hedlund and Wasescha.
Vice Chair Dahlquist explained to the audience what is required for a quorum in order to have an active
meeting of the Commission. He noted that Commissioner Wasescha would be arriving late and that until
such time of her arrival, the meeting would be in workshop format and items not requiring official action
or a quorum would be attended to.
Old Business
A. Goal Setting City Planner Richards reviewed his memo reviewing preliminary 2000
Commission Goals as established by the commission at their February 16, 2000 meeting. Issues
encompassed within this tentative list included (1) Commercial Zoning District Review (2) Sign
Ordinance (3) Lower Oak Park Heights (4) Central Business District (5) St. Croix Mall (6) Street
Lighting and (7) Brackey Commercial Development. Brief discussion ensued as to these issues
and more. Additional items added to the Commissions 2000 Goal list include (1) Design
Guidelines (2) Comprehensive Plan (3) City Identity and (4) Communication. Chair Dahlquist
noted that the upcoming City Goal Setting Workshop is scheduled for March 31, 2000.
New Business
A. Establish Commission Representative Schedule: May- December Commissioner Vogt volunteered
to serve as the Commission Representative for the month of May. The remainder of the schedule
completion to be discussed at the April 13, 2000 Planning Commission meeting.
Informational /Update
A. Government Training Service (GTS ) Workshop Notice City Planner Richards noted training
information provided by GTS and encouraged those who could, to attend.
B. Other
1. Planner's Assoc Community Development Director Danielson noted that renewal notice
had been received for the association and asked if the Commissioners found this membership to be
of value and if they wished to have it renewed. General consensus was that the membership
should be renewed. Commissioner Dahlquist inquired as to there being a body that could be joined
which would be more individually beneficial. Richards indicated that he would look into this.
2. Americlnn Community Development Director Danielson provided update as to the
Development Agreement and extension road issue.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 9, 2000
Page 2 of 7
3. V.S.S.A.- Boutwell's Landing Community Development Director Danielson provided update as
the Development Agreement status for this project, including number and type of units and their
layout in project area. She noted that the Parks Commission had reviewed the concept plan for the
park at their February meeting and shared the recommendations made by the Parks Commission
with respect to the same and noted that they have asked for more detail of the project.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Continued: Northern States Power (NSP) - Conditional Use Permit Request- Pole Building
Relocation
Community Development Director Danielson noted Commissioner Wasescha's conflict of interest in this
matter, resulting in her inability to participate in discussion of this matter and suggested that the
Commission proceed with this matter.
City Planner Richards provided an overview of his March 1, 2000 Planner's Report, noting alternative
language proposed by NSP for condition #7, and reviewed the site plan with the Commission and the
audience. Brief discussion ensued a to items within the Planner's report and storm water contribution
issues.
Commissioner Wasescha arrived at 7:55 p.m.
Community Development Director Danielson noted that Mike Thomes from NSP was present to answer
any questions the Commission or audience may have regarding this request.
Call To Order Vice Chair Dahlquist called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m. Present: Commissioners
Dallquist, Wasescha and Vogt. Staff Present: Community Development Director Danielson, City Planner
Richards, Community Development Secretary Hultman and Planning Intern Hoel. Others Present: City
Council Liaison Swenson. Absent: Commissioners Dwyer and Hedlund.
Approval of Agenda Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha moved to approve the
Agenda with Old Business, New Business and Informational Update removed fi•om the Agenda as they
were discussed during the workshop format. Carried 3 -0.
Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist, moved to
approve the Minutes of February 16, 2000 as amended reflecting change to vote on Public Hearing A for
NSP. Vote should read "Carried 2 -0, Wasescha abstained. Carried 3 -0.
Vice Chair Dahlquist consulted the audience as to whom was in attendance for the remaining public
hearings on the agenda, after which adjusted the remaining hearings to be conducted in order timeliness for
those in attendance.
Visitors David Beaudet, 6400 Lookout Trail, N., Oak Park Heights; Chuck Dougherty, 15330 58`
St. N., Oak Park Heights; Mark Fritsche, NSP -A.S. King Plant; Gene Heger, Glenbrook
Lumber and Supply; Jay Johnson, City of Oak Park Heights; Darrel Knutson, NSP -A.S.
King Plant; Judy McDonald, TCF National Bank; Andrew Olson, 5464 Stagecoach Trail,
N., Oak Park Heights; Larry Rose, TCF National Bank; Brian Smith, 5480 Stagecoach
Trail, N., Oak Park Heights; and Mike Thomes, NSP.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 9, 2000
Page 3 of 7
CONTINUED - PUBLIC HEARINGS:
B. Glenbrook Lumber: CUP request for outside storage of building material located at 5302
Stagecoach Trail, N.
City Planner Richards reviewed the status of the public hearing per Community Development Director
Danielsons' March 3, 2000 letter to the applicant and provided an overview of his February 29, 2000
Planner's Report, noting that a site plan was lacking in submittal material for the public hearing.
Vice Chair Dahlquist opened the public hearing for discussion at 8:08 p.m.
Gene Heger, the applicant and President of Glenbrook Lumber and supply explained the panelization
process occurring at 5302 Stagecoach Trail, N. He indicated that at no time were there more than one -half
dozen people on site and that traffic was minimal. He explained that the outside storage consisted of
specialized orders of completed panels for a project and that the panels, once completed, were sent onto the
,job within less than a week of their completion. He noted that he anticipated this location to be a temporary
one ending at the end of the year at such time the operation will be moved to a different location,
conveniently located to the main business.
Neighboring residents Brian Smith and Andrew Olson stated that Mr. Heger invited the neighbors over to
view the site and were walked through the process occurring at the site. They noted that they have visited
the Commission in the past to express their discontent with issues in this very area and that they felt it
equally important to visit them to let them know when they appreciate something. They both indicated that
they would like to see Mr. Heger's request granted and to see his kind of operation take place at the site.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist, moved to continue the public hearing to
April 13, 2000. Carried 3 -0.
A. Continued: Northern States Power (NSP) - Conditional Use Permit Request- Pole Building
Relocation
City Planner Richards highlighted the issues of his Planner's report as noted earlier in the workshop format
and noted the recommendation for approval and conditions.
Vice Chair Dahlquist opened the public hearing for discussion at 8:25 p.m. and invited the applicant to
make a statement if he would like. With the applicant having declined to make a statement, Vice Chair
Dahlquist invited public comment.
Resident neighbor, Chuck Dougherty inquired as to the truck traffic in the area. Oak Park Heights resident
David Beaudet expressed his concern as to the applicability of some of the planners report conditions.
Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist moved to close the public hearing. Carried 2 -0,
Wasescha abstained.
Commissioner Wasescha noted her inability to participate in discussion due to her conflict of interest in the
matter.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 9, 2000
Page 4 of 7
Community Development Director Danielson noted the criteria based upon the City's Design Guidelines.
She further noted that this is a short -term (5 -10 years) building placement and criteria which would have
been applied had it been a permanent moved have been taken into consideration. Additional discussion
ensued regarding the Planners report conditions, billboard and trail issues.
Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist, moved to recommend approval of the request
to the City Council, contingent upon the conditions within the City Planner's report of 3/1/200, with the
language of condition number 7 be amended.
The conditions recommended for approval to be contingent upon are specifically:
NSP shall relocate the storage building to the proposed location within the lower portion of the ash
disposal facility site. The CUP for the storage building shall expire by December 31, 2005 or NSP
shall apply for an amended conditional use permit for its relocation or reconstruction, whichever
occurs first.
2. NSP shall provide health reports on fly ash including air quality monitoring reports as required by
City staff.
NSP recognizes that it contributes storm water runoff into the Perro Creek watershed area. The
City is in the process of developing plans for resolving storm water management issues for this
watershed. NSP acknowledges that it will use its best efforts to work with the City on these issues
and contribute its fair share of any expense to be incurred by the City in implementing any storm
water management solution.
4. The building shall be required to comply with all Uniform Building Code requirements as
approved by the Building Inspector, including an adequate foundation once it is replaced on the
proposed site. Any portable toilets to be placed on site shall be within the building.
Landscaping and a fence shall be placed on the northerly berm area of the ash facility. All plans
for landscaping and fences, including areas that have been seeded as prairie and the berm area
shall be subject to City Arborist review and approval.
The access from Beach Road shall be paved by NSP with an asphalt surface and extend at least 40
feet to facilitate tire clearing. A stop sign shall be installed at the intersection by NSP.
NSP has indicated an obligation to work in good faith with the City in partnering on trail locations
within the site. NSP recognizes that the City has committed to a master planning process for the
site and that NSP is willing to assist in the planning process.
8e NSP recognizes that a non - conforming billboard exists on the ash landfill site. With the
implementation of roadway, park, or trail improvements on the property, NSP agrees to remove the
billboard.
NSP shall be allowed to retain the construction trailer on the lower portion of the ash disposal
facility until, but no later than, September 30, 2000. At or before that time, NSP will be allowed
to move the trailer to a storage location at the A.S. King Plant.
Carried 2 -0, Wasescha abstained.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 9, 2000
Page 5 of 7
C. Northern States Power Conditional Use Permit Request for construction of a cooling cell tower:
A.S. King Plant - 1 103 King Plant Rd.
City Planner Richards provided an overview of his March 1, 2000 Planner's Report and outlined the request
site area, using a visual display.
Vice Chair Dahlquist opened the public hearing for comment at 9:00 p.m
Being no visitors present to the public hearing wishing to speak, Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by
Commissioner Vogt moved to close the public hearing at 9:001 p.m. Carried 3 -0.
Brief discussion ensued, during which Darrell Knutson, Project Manager for NSP -A.S. King Plant
answered Commission questions regarding tower height, number of cooling cells and screening.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, moved to recommend City Council approval of
the request subject to the following conditions:
A variance is granted to allow construction of the towers to not more than 62 feet in height.
Additional trees and landscaping or appropriate screening as agreed to by the City Staff is provided
between the cooling towers and the man -made channel. Specifications and locations of trees and
landscaping shall be subject to review and approval of the City Arborist.
3. Written approvals are received from the Corps of Engineers, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
and the Department of Natural Resources for the proposed NSP structures.
4. The City will not require conformance with the Design Guidelines for the cooling towers and
electrical equipment building.
The cooling towers and electrical equipment building shall comply with all Uniform Building Code
requirements subject to Building Official approval.
Any other conditions of City staff, the Planning Commission, and City Council.
Carried 3 -0.
A five minute Commission break was taken. The meeting reconvened at 9:11 p.m.
D. TCF• Subdivision Site Review and Rezoning request for property located at Neal Ave N °Lust
north of 5804 Neal Ave. N.
City Planner Richards provided an overview of his March 1, 2000 Planner's Report, highlighting issues and
conditions of the same.
Vice Chair Dahlquist opened the public hearing at 9:15 p.m.
There being no visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Vice Chair Dahlquist,
moved to continue the public hearing to April 13, 2000. Carried 3 -0.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 9, 2000
Page 6 of 7
Larry Rose of TCF addressed the Commission as to their request and presented them with color photos of
the proposed structure.
Discussion ensued, including issues such as landscaping, design guidelines, drive through traffic flow and
safety issues. Through discussion it was noted to alter the traffic flow at the site a variance would be
required for an additional curb cut.
Commissioner Wasescha asked that the applicant return with a structure design that complies with the City
of Oak Park Heights Design Guidelines.
Applicants for TCF indicated that they were unaware of a variance need to move forward with the project
and that they had a March 31, 2000 closing date for the property and asked if there was any way to complete
this matter prior to March 31, 2000. Brief discussion between staff and commission resulted in a request to
the applicant to attempt to coordinate a later closing date if needed, in order to complete the matter.
E. City of Oak Park Heights: CUP request for construction of a well to be located at Osgood Ave N
in from of the Oak Park Heig Correctional Facility
City Planner Richard's provided an overview of March 1, 2000 Planner's Report, noting that if approval of
this request is recommended that it would be for the well location.
Vice Chair Dahlquist opened the public hearing for comment at 9:45 p.m
Jay Johnson, Public Works Director for the City of Oak Park Heights described the site, setbacks, right -of-
way and measurements to accommodate future trails and walkway improvements in the area.
Oak Park Heights residents attending the hearing noted their concern about the placement of such a
structure. A resident neighboring the site expressed that he was generally concerned about future
constructions based on the report prepared by the Planner, He indicated that he built his home in 1975 and
appreciates the peace his home enjoys and would like to see it maintained.
Oak Park Heights resident, David Beaudet stated his concern for the selection of the well site and requested
that the latest report on chemical plumes be re- visited before continuing further work on the well.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Vice Chair Dahlquist moved to close the public hearing 9:55 p.m.
Carried 3 -0.
Vice Chair Dahlquist clarified that the recommendation to be made is not to approve the site as suitable for
well placement, but merely to approve a conditional use permit.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, moved to recommend that the City Council
approve the request for a well and well house, subject to the following conditions:
L Acquisition of an easement from the Department of Corrections with the conditions for the well
site.
2. Successful test boring results resulting in drilling of the Municipal Well #3 at the central site of the
Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 9, 2000
Page 7 of 7
Submission of building and detailed site and landscaping plans for review by the Planning
Commission and approval by the City Council. The building shall comply with all City Design
Guidelines. Approvals should be granted before issuance of a building permit for the well house
structure.
4. Any other conditions of City staff, the Planning Commission and City Council.
Carried 3 -0.
Adjouniment Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Vice Chair Dahlquist, moved to adjourn at 10:00 p.m.
Carried 3 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
u"'(!- 1 � Y J i
r;
Ju ie A. Hultman
Community Development Secretary
Approved by the Planning Commission: 4- 13-2000