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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-14-2001 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION 11 Call To Order Chair Vogt called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dwyer, Hedlund, Runk, and Wasescha. Staff Present: City Planner Richards, Community Development Director Danielson, and Council Liaison McComber. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Runk moved to approve the Agenda with the following additions: Carried 5 -0. C. Fuel Pumps Approval of May 10 2001 Minutes Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to approve the minutes with typographical corrections. Carried 5 -0. Visitors Introduced the Community Development Intern, Scott Johnson. Public Hearings A. Continued m Village Area -East Rezoning Request: To consider rezoning of the Village Area -East from R -2, Low and Medium Density Residential to R -1, Single Family Residential. City Planner Richards reported on several concerns raised at the last meeting, stating that the oldest maps of the area show it as R -2. It was not rezoned with the West side of Stagecoach in 1999. Chair Vogt opened the hearing for public comment at 7:23 p.m. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to close the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Discussion ensued as to what the real concerns of the residents of the East Village Area were. It was concluded that the area feared large homes, 4plexes and the like. Commissioner Hedlund requested and indulgence be granted, and that the chair recognize Terry Poirier. Terry Poirier, 5636 Perkins Ave. N. addressed the commission, stating that he was concerned with road traffic in the area. He believed that the extra traffic produced if a duplex or 4plex were installed would damage the roads in the area. Commissioner Hedlund inquired as to if a zoning change would increase or decrease the property value of the land. City Planner Richards replied that he was unwilling to venture a guess. Planning Commission Minutes June 14, 2001 Page 2 of 5 Citing no compelling reason to change, the commission moved to recommend to the City Council not to change the zoning for the East village Area. Carried 5 -0. B. Stillwater Ford Temporary Sign Variance To consider a request for a temporary sign variance. City Planner Richards gave a brief summary of his report, stating that the wall signage request was not unreasonable. He recommended one pylon sign, two monument signs, and that the facility brings their light poles into conformance. Community Director Danielson stated that Stillwater Ford would have all their vehicles removed from Rainbow's parking lot in 45 -60 days. Chair Vogt opened the hearing to public comment at 7:53 p.m. Bill Rambo, Dennv Hecker Automotive Group addressed the commission. He stated that Stillwater Ford would like to keep the two existing pylons, and add one monument style sign. The signage would be subtle, and bases could be built around the pylons. Discussion ensued on the height of the monument sign and the lighting of the signs. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Wasescha, closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Discussion was held as to the need of signage, possible examples of 8ft monuments, and how large the Stillwater letters would be if they were Oak Park Heights instead. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Hedlund, motioned to recommend to allow: Stillwater Ford to keep the two existing pylons, not to exceed 130 square feet and 30 feet in height. One monument sign, not to exceed 80 square feet and no more than 8 feet in height. All proposed wall signage except for the advertising above the windows on two facades consisting of the wording "alignment, brakes, tires, struts, shocks, and air conditioning. " The applicant may choose the wording /logos on the pylon and monument signs based upon the examples provided. Commissioner Wasescha added a friendly amendment - to allow the Ford and Lincoln Mercury signs to be backlit 24 hours a day, and all other signage lighting to be turned off at 10:30 P.M. Accepted 5 -0. Planning Commission Minutes June 14, 2001 Page 3 of 5 The motion then read: To recommend to the City Council to allow: Stillwater Ford to keep the two existing pylons, not to exceed 130 square feet and 30 feet in height. One monument sign, not to exceed 80 square feet and no more than 8 feet in height. All proposed wall signage except for the advertising above the windows on two fagades consisting of the wording "alignment, brakes, tires, struts, shocks, and air conditioning. " The applicant may choose the wording /logos on the pylon and monument signs based upon the examples provided. Allow the Ford and Lincoln Mercury signs to be backlit 24 hours a day, and all other signage lighting to be turned off at 10:30 p.m. Carried 4 -1. C. Continued: Walgreen's Pharmacy Conditional Use Permit Variance and Site Plan Review To consider a conditional use permit request, variance, and site plan review for construction of a Walgreen's Pharmacy at 6061 Osgood Ave. Community Development Director Danielson gave a summary of the latest developments, including the Walgreen's - MNDOT meeting in which MNDOT stated that they would require the Frontage Road to be closed. Also, the Brown's Creek Watershed District sent several advisory comments concerning the proposed development, but since the development would be small they were only for advisory purposes. Walgreen's requested that the hearing be extended into July. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Wasescha, motioned that the public hearing be continued to the July 12th meeting. Carried 5 -0. D. Sprint Conditional Use Permit and Height Variance To consider a conditional use permit request for construction of a 160' telecommunications monopole and height variance request at 5920 Memorial Ave. N. Community Development Director Danielson relayed Sprint's request for an extension of the public hearing. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 8:26 p.m. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Dwyer, motioned for the public hearing be continued to the July 12th meeting. Carried 5 -0. The Planning Commission had a brief recess at 8:27 p.m. The Planning Commission reconvened at 8:38 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes June 14, 2001 Page 4 of 5 New Business A. Commissioner Recognition: Chair Vogt read resolutions recognizing Commissioner Wasescha and. Commissioner Hedlund for their contributions to the Planning Commission. B. Council Liaison Community Development Director Danielson informed the Planning Commission that the City Council requested input as to the role of the council liaison. To that end, Director Danielson distributed a questionnaire to commission members, and received three responses. Director Danielson stated that a June 28th, 2001 Joint Meeting of the Council, Planning and Parks Commissions is to occur at 6:00 to discuss this issue. Director Danielson also stated that responses were still being accepted. City Planner Richards was asked his view of the role of the Council Liaison, as he has witnessed liaisons in various cities. Planner Richards replied that liaisons are helpful but should be limited in discussions and should not influence the decisions of the Commission. Commissioner Wasescha stated that she agreed with Planner Richard's view on the role of liaisons, and believed that they were very helpful. Commissioner Hedlund said that he felt it was a mistake to limit the role of the liaison too greatly, and that it was also a mistake to keep vocal people away. The more opinions the better. The Commission agreed that the Council Liaison should keep the Commission informed without compromising their independence. Director Danielson mentioned the possibility of coordinating interviews for the upcoming vacancy to the Planning Commission with the Joint Meeting, if any applications are in at that time. C. Fuel Pumbs: Commissioner Runk reviewed the past decision to deny Rainbow's request to allow their gas station to remain open 24 hours a day. The reasons for this denial were safety concerns, and Commissioner Runk questioned the fairness of denying Rainbow's request when other gas stations in the area are open 24 hours a day. Discussion was held on the reasoning behind the denial, and it was decided to direct staff to inquire to the reasoning at the next staff meeting. Planning Commission Minutes June 14, 2001 Old Business Page 5 of 5 A. Telecommunications Towers and Antenna Placement Ordinance Commission Development Director Danielson and City Planner Richards reviewed the document for the commission, and stated that the Council asked it to be reviewed and requested recommendations. Discussion was held on the document, and the general consensus was that the document covered all the issues concerning tower and antenna placement. B. Commission Re- appointment Appointment Extension and Advertisement Chair Vogt stated that this issue had adequately been addressed earlier in the meeting. C. City Goals Community Development Director Danielson reviewed the seven goals put forth by the Council, and brief discussion was held. Informational / Update: A. Lighting Community Development Director Danielson stated that the lighting plan for the Boutwell's Landing development was approved with the exception of 24 -ft poles. The City Council would like the Planning Commission to give them a recommendation to approve or disapprove the lights by the June 26th City Council Meeting. Discussion was held as to when a special meeting should occur. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Wasescha, motioned to hold a special meeting to review the 24 ft pole on June 19th, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. Director Danielson also mentioned a complaint received about the lighting at Amoco. Discussion was held as to the best way to address the complaint. Possible solutions were found in hiring an independent firm to test the brightness of the lights, to see if they are within the set limits. Adjournment Commissioner Runk, seconded by Wasescha, moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Re pectfully s bmi ted, Scott` ohnson Community Development Intern Approved by the Planning Commission: July 12, 2001