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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-2001 MinutesCITY OF OAK R: it PLANNING COMMISSION R , • M Call To Order Chair Vogt called the meeting to order at 7:0 p.m. Present: Commissioners Hedlund, Powell and Runk; Community Development Director Danielson, City Planner Richards and Council Liaison McComber. Absent: Commissioner Dwyer. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Runk moved to approve the Agenda with Walgreen's Public Hearing moved to later in the meeting and Signage Subcommittee added under Old Business. Carried 4 -0. Approval of September 13 2001 Minutes Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to approve the minutes as presented. Carried 4 -0. Visitors None. Public Hearings A. Andersen Corporation (Attracta Sign To consider a request for Planned Unit Development/ Conditional Use Permit 8s Design Guidelines Review for signage alteration at strip mall located at 60 St. N. and Osgood Ave. N. City Planner Richards provided a review of his report pertaining to the applicant's request for an amended planned unit development/ conditional use permit and design guidelines review to allow for a change in signage and awnings at the lower building of the St. Croix Mall. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. and invited comment from the audience. John Reiter, Attracta Signs - Addressed the Commission as the applicant on behalf of the owner Andersen Corporation. Mr. Reiter provided the Commission with color samples of awning material, drawing examples of tenant signage and photos of the building as it was with similar signage. He explained that they were attempting to provide consistent, affordable signage for the building and that he believed illumination would be significantly decreased with removal of the backlit awning. Discussion ensued as to composition of the existing awning, signage costs, alternatives, reduction of signage with change, proposed signage dimensions and merits of standard light box signage. Chair Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to close the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 2 of 9 Commission discussion ensued as to double signage allowance for corner tenants, Carbone's and Subway, changes in signage since original approval for building signage, signage styling, merits and styling. Design guideline compliance was discussed and a suggestion that the applicant reconsider the style for a more attractive sign to reduce the strip mall look. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request of applicant Attracta Signs, on behalf of Andersen Corporation, for amendment to Planned Unit Development/ Conditional Use Permit allowing for change in signage and awnings at Lower St. Croix Mall, with the following consideration and conditions: That the Planning Commission and the City Council consider the acceptability for two signs each at Carbone's Pizza and Subway. 2. The applicant should provide samples of the canvas awning material and building paint colors for review by the Planning Commission and the City Council. 3. That further changes to tenant signage or the addition of signage above tenant spaces at the lower mall may be approved subject to review of a sign permit application by the Building Official and conformance with the provisions of Section 401.15.6 of the Zoning Ordinance. Carried 3 -1, Hedlund opposed. B. Stilwater Ford To consider requests for Conditional Use Permit for off -site parking and for open /outdoor storage at Neal Ave. N. site, between Pony Express AutoWash and Arby's, across from 12969 60th St. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of his report regarding applicant's request for conditional use permits allowing for off -site parking and outdoor storage on an adjacent lot, for Stillwater Ford dealership. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. and invited comment from the audience. Brad Coates, Goldridge Group - Addressed issues of concern and conditions cited in planning report. He described how parking would be handled for employee parking and special vehicle allotment parking. Discussion ensued as to how allotment vehicles come from supplier to dealership and how applicant's client handles receipt and storage of those vehicles. Denny Hecker, Stillwater Ford - Addressed reasoning for type of use on the lot versus that of employee parking or sales due to proximity from main lot and lack of amenities for use as a sales lot. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 3 of 9 Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund moved to close the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Commission discussion ensued as to setback requirements, planners report conditions and recommendations, concern about change in use of lot and issues relating to signage at the lot and within vehicles at the lot. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund moved to recommend that the City Council approve requests submitted by Jacob Holdings of Stillwater LLC to allow for off -site parking and open and outdoor storage off Neal Ave., with the following conditions: 1. The off -site parking lot shall only be used by Stillwater Ford for employee parking, temporary parking for factory incentives and promotional allotments, and temporary placement of existing vehicles to allow for periodic maintenance of the car dealership lot. 2. The applicant shall provide a delineation of parking stall use on the car dealership lot, subject to City review. 3. No sales, repair work or servicing of vehicles will be allowed on the off -site lot. 4. The off -site lot will remain under the same ownership as the car dealership lot. 5. The City Engineer shall approve the location of the driveway from the off -site lot to Neal Ave. N. 6. No signage, including signs within car windows, except sales stickers on new vehicles, shall be allowed on the off -site lot. Directional signage, consistent with the Zoning Ordinance provisions, shall be allowed. 7. The City Council shall allow 10 -foot setbacks for all parking /curb barriers on the off -site lot. 8. The landscape plan shall be approved by the City Arborist. The lot shall be screened from the public right -of -way in compliance with Section 401.15.E of the Zoning Ordinance. 9. The grading and drainage plan shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and the Brown's Creek Watershed District. 10. Other conditions and requirements as specified by the Planning Commission, City Council or staff. Carried 4 -0. Chair Vogt called for a brief recess. Meeting reconvened at 7:45 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 4 of 9 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. City Planner Richards provided a review of the applicant's requests for a conditional use permit and variances to construct a Walgreen's Pharmacy at 6061 Osgood Ave. N. Richards provided an update of activity and site plan changes made since the September meeting of the Planning Commission. Community Development Director Danielson reviewed her memo regarding outcomes of a meeting held between Dr. Kalinoff, Walgreen's, Jim Bradshaw, Washington County and MnDOT regarding traffic and access issues related to the proposed project. She also noted that correspondence had been included in the Commission's packet from a community resident in opposition to the proposed project. Commission discussion commenced as to how access change impacts shared north access traffic and parking requirements. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 7:52 and invited comments from the audience. John Kohler, Semper Development - Discussed a joint meeting held between all the parties involved and stated that all property marking had been put in place and described the general traffic flow for the property and traffic route and pattern for deliveries to the store. Fred Kalinoff, 6143 and 6157 Osgood Ave. N. - Expressed his concern about the number of parking spaces left available for his business and tenants at his properties. Chair Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund, moved to close the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Commission discussion ensued as to criteria of setbacks due to matters of easement, traffic flow for both businesses at shared access, parking availability and design at Dr. Kalinoff's business area. Appreciation to the applicant and staff was noted for substantially addressing a large number of the concerns expressed by the Commission at its previous meeting. Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Chair Vogt, moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request for conditional use permit, variance and site plan with the following conditions: 1. An access permit from Washington County is required for the access onto Osgood Avenue. 2. Access onto 60th Street is subject to the conditions imposed by MNDot including the applicant closing 60th Street west of the access to their property as shown in the submitted plans. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 5 of 9 3. The applicant must provide a trail easement along Osgood Avenue and install a five -foot wide sidewalk. The applicant should work with Washington County in that part of the sidewalk may need to be within the right -of -way. 4. Access easements to the benefit of the subject property and the property directly to the north shall be recorded against both properties. 5. Grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to the approval of the City Engineer. 6. The proposed retaining wall must be designed by an engineer and is subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 7. The landscaping at the base of the retaining wall must be maintained by Walgreen's. 8. The landscape plan must include the following revisions: vegetative screening on the adjacent property to the north, a slight adjustment of landscaping along the west property line to allow space for a sidewalk, planters at the building entrance and two curbed and landscaped islands in the south parking lot. The applicant is responsible for all proposed landscaping. The landscape plan is subject to City Arborist review and approval. 9. The submitted tree replacement plan is subject to City Arborist review and approval. 10. A deed restriction must be put in place stating that a change in use of the property requires City review and approval and the use must comply with the City parking standards in place at the time the use changes. 11. Snow must either be stored within the green space of the site or be removed from the property. 12. The lighting plan must be revised to comply with the City's foot - candle requirements. The maximum height of the light fixtures and pole and is 25 feet. The fixtures must be a bronze, shoebox, full- cut -off style. 13. The electronic reader board is not allowed to have flashing or intermittent lights or animation, and the message must not change more often than every six hours. 14. The proposed pylon sign must not exceed 20 feet in height and the two proposed wall signs must be reviewed for compliance with the City's regulations. 15. Details of trash enclosures must be submitted. The enclosure materials must be consistent with the principal building materials. 16. Project approval will become null and void after 18 months unless the property owner or applicant has substantially started construction. Carried 4 -0 Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 6 of 9 D. Stillwater Ford To consider requests for Conditional Use Permit Amendment and Variance for lighting setback and fixture height requirements. City Planner Richards provided an overview of his report regarding the applicant's request for conditional use permit amendment and variance to address Stillwater Ford dealership lighting issues at 12969 60th St. N. Discussion ensued as to number and height of fixtures, photo- metrics, lot line in relation to boulevard and walking path at the site. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 8:14 p.m. and invited comment from the audience. Brad Coates, Goldridge Group - Stated that his client was somewhat unclear as to all of the information needed. He stated that a survey has been done that show location of all the new lights installed at the sight as part of the remodeling and proposed that the their request be continued until November to allow for meeting to address setback and photo- metric issues and further indicated that he would like to prepare a plan pulling all three lighting plans into one for ease of use and better understanding. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund moved to continue the public hearing to Novmeber, 2001. Carried 4-0. E. Routson Motors To consider requests for Conditional Use Permit for off -site parking, for open /outdoor storage and parking setback requirements variance at 14702 60th St. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of his report regarding applicant's request for a conditional use permit allowing off -site parking and outdoor storage as well as a variance from the 10 foot setback requirement for a parking area upon a parcel of land abutting Routson Motors, located north of Hwy. 36 between Oren and Osgood Avenues. Discussion ensued as to grading necessary for site, how future frontage road changes may affect any decision made. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. and invited comment from the audience. Brad Coates, Goldridge Group - Stated that the intent of the parking area is to provide additional parking for the business. He discussed issues related to lighting at the site, noted that one access is planned for access to both sites and discussed the number of parking spaces planned for the area. Discussion ensued as to issues pertaining to lighting, parking spaces, access, one lot versus two lots, and conditions within planner's report. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund, moved to close the public hearing at 8:34 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 7 of 9 Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Runk moved to recommend City Council approval of the conditional use permit, allowing off -site parking and outdoor storage, subject to the following conditions: 1. The site plan be revised to illustrate specific parking stalls and drive aisles. 2. The off -site parking lot shall only be used by Routson Motors for employee parking and vehicle staging. 3. The off -site lot shall remain under the ownership of Jacob Holdings of Stillwater LLC. 4. No sales, repair work or servicing of vehicles shall be allowed on the off -site lot. 5. No signage shall be allowed on the off -site lot. 6. That the City approve the requested variance to allow parking area setbacks less than ten feet in that the properties are directly adjacent, the existing car dealership does not have a ten foot setback at the rear property line and granting the variance would allow for one less access drive onto Oren Ave. N. 7. A revised landscaping plan, subject to review and approval by the City Arborist, shall be prepared showing: A. A planting detail for both evergreen and shade trees; B. Including a plant schedule, listing the common and scientific name of plantings, number of plantings and type of planting stock; and C. Showing that the outdoor storage area shall be screened from Oren Ave. N. via Black Hills Spruce and Amur Maple Trees (rather than Red Twig Dogwoods as indicated upon the original plan. 8. The grading and drainage plan shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and the applicable Watershed District. 9. The parking lot improvements, including the specifications for construction and requests for concrete curb and gutter shall be approved by the City Engineer. 10. The lighting plan and fixtures shall comply with Section 401.15.13.7 of the Zoning Ordinance. 11. Other conditions and requirements as specified by the Planning Commission, City Council or staff. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 8 of 9 Additionally recommended City Council approval of the requested variance from the required 10 foot parking lot setback requirement, subject to the following conditions: 1. The City approve the requested conditional use permit for off -site parking and open /outdoor storage. 2. Redevelopment of the subject property as a separate parcel shall require compliance with all parking setback requirements. 3. Other conditions and requirements as specified by the Planning Commission, City Council or staff. Carried 4 -0. F. Oak Park Station / S8s C Bank To consider requests for Preliminary Plat Approval, Planned Unit Development- Concept Plan, Planned Unit Development/ Conditional Use Permit- General Plan (S8,C Bank), Design Guidelines and Site Plan Review (S8sC Bank) for proposed Oak Park Station located at Memorial Ave. N. property known as the Kern Center. City Planner Richards provided an overview of his report regarding applicant's request for preliminary plat approval of an eight lot commercial subdivision and planned unit development /conditional use permit to allow construction of a 5,988 square foot bank with drive- through facility. Chair Vogt opened the public hearing at 8:41 p.m. and invited comment from the audience. Brad Coates, Goldridge Group - Addressed entrance concerns and suggested an alternative parking lot arrangement to create an acceptable parking entrance that meets the criteria of the City Engineer and maintains number of parking spaces. He discussed some of the possibilities for meeting watershed/ drainage requirements. John Johnson, Project En ig neer - Discussed drainage issues and ponding design used that does not alter street alignment. The applicants stressed their desire to see the bank site approved or conditioned so that it could move forward while issues as to the general development were worked through. Discussion ensued as to potential for a street light needed at that area in the future and minimum requirements necessary for preliminary plat approval. Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to continue the public hearing to November for matters of issue to be worked through. Carried 4 -0. Planning Commission Minutes October 11, 2001 Page 9 of 9 New Business There was no new business to report at this meeting. Old Business A. Sifzna2e Subcommittee Council Liaison McComber reported the process the City Council adopted regarding formation of a signage subcommittee, described the composition of its members, noting that she and City Councilmember Doerr would serve as City Council representatives, and asked for volunteers from the Planning Commission to the subcommittee. Commissioner Runk volunteered to be a Planning Commission representative on the subcommittee. Chair Vogt suggested that Commissioner Dwyer may be interested in serving as the second Planning Commission representative and that he felt it best to have Community Development Director Danielson serve as the Chair of the subcommittee. He further expressed that he thought it would be best for a public hearing to be held by the Planning Commission once the subcommittee has had an opportunity to meet and have proposed changes to discuss. Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Chair Vogt, moved to appoint Commissioners Runk and Dwyer as Planning Commission representatives and Community Development Director Danielson as Chair to the Signage Subcommittee. They further moved that any proposed changes to the sign ordinance from this subcommittee be held at a Planning Commission public hearing. Carried 4 -0. Informational Update None. Adjournment Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Runk, moved to adjourn at 9:11 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, Julie Hultman Community Development Approved by the Planning Commission: November 8, 2001