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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2002 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTJ Thursday, February 21, 2002 Call To Order Vice Chair Dwyer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Commissioners Liljegren, Powell, and Runk; Community Development Director Danielson, City Attorney Vierling, City Planner Licht, Council Liaison McComber, and Community Development Secretary Hultman. Absent: Chair Vogt. Approval of Agenda Community Development Director Danielson noted the new format of the Agenda. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 4 -0. Approval of Planning Commission Minutes - January 10 2002 Community Development Director Danielson noted some minor changes made to the minutes, provided to the Commissioners with their packets. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to approve the minutes as amended. Carried 4 -0. Department /Commission Liaison Reports 1. SignaRe Sub- committee Vice Chair Dwyer provided the report, noting that the committee was nearly half -way through the process and anticipated reporting back to the Commission at their March meeting. The next meeting of the committee will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at City Hall. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to recommend acceptance of the membership of the signage sub - committee with the additions of Kirk Schultz and Duane Gemelke as members. Carried 4 -0. 2. Hwy. 36 Partnership Study Commissioner Powell provided the report, noting several suggestions that had been offered for the reworking of Hwy. 36. There will be an open house on this issue at the Stillwater Area High School on March 13, 2002. The next partnership study meeting will be March 20, 2002 at Washington County Government Center. 3. Other Commission / Liasion Reports None. Visitors / Public Comment None. Public Hearings Vice Chair Dwyer read a statement of conduct and process for public hearings. A. Continued, - Montanari Homes To consider requests for site plan review and planned unit development: concept plan for 9 unit office complex at 13481 60th St. N. Community Development Director Danielson informed the Commission that correspondence was received from the applicant, requesting a continuance to March. Vice Chair Dwyer acknowledged the request and opened the hearing for public comment at 7:10 p.m. There being no comment, Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to continue the public hearing to March 14, 2002. Carried 4 -0. Planning Commission Minutes February 21, 2002 Page 2 of 5 B. Re- Opened - Walgreen's Pharmacy To consider requests for conditional use permit, variance and site plan review for construction of a Walgreen's Pharmacy at 6061 Osgood Ave. N. Community Development Director Danielson provided a brief summary of the applicant's changes to the original site plan as previously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. City Planner Licht provided a review of the Planner's analysis and report regarding the project, noting that as a result of the changes a variance is no longer necessary. He discussed areas of concern and identified conditions. The applicant, John Kohler, addressed the Commission, distributed photos of the proposed structure and site, and walked through the design changes, explaining the reasoning behind the changes made and stated that the request for a variance was now withdrawn. Vice Chair Dwyer opened the hearing for public comment at 7:20 p.m. Vice Chair Dwyer noted written public comment received from Jeanne Anderson for the record. There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to close the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Discussion commenced between the commission, the applicant, city staff, and city consultants as to the number and location of access points to the business, light fixture design and placement, and glare from vehicle head -lamps as they move through the parking area. Additional discussion commenced among the commission, city staff and consultants as to the conditions listed within the Planner's report. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to recommend that the City Council approve the applicant's request for conditional use permit and site plan review for construction of a Walgreen's Pharmacy at 6061 Osgood Ave. N., subject to the following conditions: 1. Access permits from Washington County are required for 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 on the submitted plans. 3. The applicant must provide a trail easement along Osgood Avenue and install a concrete sidewalk or bituminous trail. The applicant should work with Washington County because part of the sidewalk may need to be within the right - of -way. 4. The project is subject to review and approval by the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization. 5. Grading, drainage, and utility easements are subject to the approval of the City Engineer. Planning Commission Minutes February 21, 2002 Page 3 of 5 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 even though it is at a lower elevation than the rest of the property. 8. The landscape plan must include the following revisions: a slight adjustment of landscaping along the west property line if necessary to allow space for a sidewalk, planters at the building entrance, landscaping on the north property line if the access in Exhibit L of the City Planners report, dated February 15, 2002, is approved by the City and Washington County. 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 removed from the property. 12. Pilasters must be added to the north and east sides of the building. 13. The lighting plan must be revised to comply with the City's foot - candle requirements. The maximum height of the light fixture is 25 feet. The style of the light fixtures must be bronze, shoebox, full - cut -off, and 90- degree angle. The proposed fixtures are not acceptable. No spotlights or neon lighting is allowed. Signage lighting must not have exterior lighting. 14. The electronic reader board is not allowed to have colored, flashing or intermittent lights or animation, and the message must not change more often than every six hours. 15. Project approval will become null and void after 18 months unless the property owner has substantially started construction. Carried 4 -0. C. Stillwater Area High School - Stadium Improvements To consider a request for conditional use permit amendment and variance for accessory building/ structures for stadium improvements at Stillwater Area High School at 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. City Planner Licht provided an overview of the applicant's request, noting City ordinance requirements and prior requests for approvals. Commission discussion commenced with staff and consultants regarding various criteria and conditions noted within the report. Planning Commission Minutes February 21, 2002 Page 4 of 5 Jeff Carpenter, representing the applicant, addressed the Commission and explained the elements of timing involved in relation to the funding and contractual bidding obligations for the project. He provided display material and written comment for the conditions within the planner's report and reviewed the same. He noted that, with the loss of Miller Stadium, it was their hope to fast track this request and award contracts in March or April for the project. Mr. Carpenter made himself available for questions. Vice Chair Dwyer opened the hearing for public comment. Jason Willett - 12811 53rd St. N. asked that the Commission consider denial in that he has not heard anything suggesting that a new stadium is needed. He would like to know why Miller Stadium is no longer considered usable. He stated that he felt the stadium use was incompatible with the neighborhood and that if the Commission saw to approve the project, to please consider requiring a lesser light pole height. Finally, Mr. Willett noted the increased residential growth and school facility use; he suggested that pedestrian walkways should be considered as part of planning for the area. Kent Grandlienard - 4477 Northbrook Blvd. - introduced himself as the Baytown Township Chair and thanked the City for including Baytown in the discussion and providing them with a very thorough report. He expressed that he felt the school district had done a good job in trying to address the township concerns and additionally noted appreciation for the addition of trees within their planning. John Kern - 5469 Stillwater Blvd. N. stated that it has been his understanding that a stadium was always part of the original project, but that he never had any idea of it being a dual use stadium. He feels the 90' light pole heights are overly excessive and suggested that the school district consider Oakland Jr. High for a stadium and provide busing. He is concerned about lighting, increased traffic and long term accountability by the school district for the area and its amenities. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to close the public hearing. Carried 4 -0. Vice Chair Dwyer asked for clarification on the process for continued discussion/ action on the issue, to which Community Development Director Danielson and City Attorney Vierling complied. Discussion of the conditions within the planners report was held, with exchange among the commissioners, staff, consultants, applicant and other ISD #834 representatives, including Sherm Danielson, SAHS Activity Director, Lyle Koski, SAHS Principal and Jim Barrons of Muska Lighting. City Attorney Vierling suggested the Commission consider handling the requests for Conditional Use Permit and Variance separately. Chair Dwyer initiated discussion as to the best process to facilitate discussion of the issue so that the Commission has a thorough understanding of the matter. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to schedule a meeting for 7:00 p.m., March 4th to continue discussion of the issue. Carried 4 -0. New Business Planning Commission Minutes February 21, 2002 Page 5 of 5 A. Receive Commissioner Guides Community Development Director Danielson informed the Commission that a useful variety of resources had been compiled into one guide, that she hoped they would find useful. She encouraged feedback for improving the guide. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren moved to receive the Commissioner Guides. Carried 4 -0. B. Old Business None. Informational/ Update A. Annual Meeting in March Community Development Director Danielson informed the Commissioners that the annual meeting for election of a new Chair and Vice Chair would be held at the March meeting. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Powell moved to receive the information. Carried 4 -0. B. Land Use Training - March 2 2002 Community Development Director Danielson informed the Commission that an in -house training session, by Government Training Services, on land use would occur at the City Hall on March 2, 2002 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She noted that this opportunity was open to all members of the commissions, staff and encouraged attendance if possible. Those planning to attend were asked to confirm with Acting City Administrator, Kim Kamper, no later than February 27, 2002. Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren moved to receive the information. Carried 4 -0. Adjournment Commissioner Runk, seconded by Powell, moved to adjourn at 10:23 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, Julie Hultman Community Development Approved by the Planning Commission: March 14, 2002.