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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-2002 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Call To Order Chair Vogt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dwyer, Liljegren, Powell, and Runk; Community Development Director Danielson, City Planner Richards, and Council Liaison McComber. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to approve the Agenda, as amended, with the additions of Development Application Process as Item III under Annual Meeting Agenda, Mayoral Comments /Joint Work Session Request under Regular Agenda -New Business, and Department/ Commission Liaison Reports moved after Informational. Carried 5 -0. Annual Meeting Chair Vogt adjourned the regular meeting and opened the annual meeting of the Planning Commission. He noted that the purpose of the annual meeting is to elect the Chair and Vice Chair for a period of two years. As the Chair and Vice Chair had been elected in 2001, there was no need for an election until the annual meeting of 2003. Development Application process Chair Vogt asked Community Development Director Danielson to begin the presentation of the development application process at the City. The Commission was provided with materials that outlined key steps in the review process and Danielson noted the timing and submittal requirements involved. Danielson encouraged the Commissioners to contact her at any time for any questions they should have regarding aspects of the process. Chair Vogt thanked Community Development Director Danielson for providing the overview and asked for a motion to adjourn the annual meeting. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren moved to adjourn the annual meeting. Carried 5 -0. Approval of Minutes: Chair Vogt reconvened the regular meeting of the Planning Commission and requested review, comment and motion as to the meeting minutes of February 21, 2002. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to approve the minutes of February 21, 2002 as revised and distributed at the meeting. Carried 4 -0 -1, with Chair Vogt abstaining due to his absence at the February meeting. Visitors /Public Comment No comments were presented to the Commission Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Public Hearings Page 2 of 9 1. 1VMontanari Homes To consider requests for site plan review and planned unit development: concept plan for a 9 unit office complex at 13482 60th St. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of the applicant's requests for planned unit development, conditional use permit, preliminary/ final plat and site plan review. Richards discussed parking requirements and relationship to design guidelines for the Central Business District as well as fire suppression needs. Chair Vogt opened the hearing for public comment at 7:18 p.m. Mark Gossman, representing Montanari stated that the building had been designed to meet the standards established for the Central Business District and that in accordance with those standards, 53 parking stalls were configured. He noted that they have been working with Eagles Aerie 94 and that a non - binding shared parking agreement has been attained between the two groups. He stated that he is willing to work with the City Engineer and other staff in submitting utility plans and anything else that is needed. He asked that the Commission consider granting approval with any items remaining needed to be included within the conditions of approval. Linda Peterson- McCormack Furniture 13435 60th St N expressed her concern about the cost of relocating the power supply to the store as a result of the applicant having power poles removed and questioned who would bear the expense to have the service relocated to the store. Additionally, she expressed some concern about the setback distance of the proposed project to the street. Beyond the concerns expressed, she stated that she liked the package being presented. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to close the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Carried 5 -0. The Commission discussed conditions of planning report, Central Business District design requirements, the need for a preliminary plat, issues of accessibility and parking, and the matter of power source relocation to McCormack Furniture. Mr. Gossman displayed examples of the cement board and brick they anticipate using for the project. He indicated that the conditions within the planning report are manageable and that they are willing to address them and that they would be agreeable to bear the costs associated with relocating power service to McCormack Furniture. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to recommend that the City Council approve the requests of the applicant, contingent upon the applicant providing a preliminary plat for staff review no less than 10 days prior to the April 26, 2002 City Council meeting and additionally subject to the following revised conditions per the City Planner's report: 1. A preliminary and final plat must be submitted for City review and approval. 2. Window openings within 10 feet of property lines must have fire suppression devices acceptable to the Fire Marshal and Building Official. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 3 of 9 3. A materials board and colored elevations must be submitted for Planning Commission and City Council review. 4. Plans should be revised to show the south curb line of 60th St. N., the existing trail along 60th St. N. and the proposed sidewalk connecting to the trail. 5. Decorative light fixtures that are not full cut -off are allowed only if the City Council approves them. 6. Lighting must meet all City requirements and pole lighting must be 14 feet in height. 7. The landscape plan must be revised to comply with City Arborist recommendations found in a memo dated March 1, 2002. 8. An access permit from MNDOT is required. 9. A plan must be submitted that shows proof of parking to provide at least 52 parking stalls on -site. 10. The Planning Commission is comfortable with the proposed parking stall dimensions. 11. All snow from parking areas is required to be removed from the site. 12. Grading and drainage issues are subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and review of the applicable watershed authority. 13. The applicant must provide any additional utilities information needed by the City Engineer, and utility issues are subject to City Engineer review and approval. 14. Any signage in addition to the proposed monument sign must comply with City standards. 15. Trash enclosure details must be submitted for review and approval 16. A development agreement between the applicants and the City is required subject to the City Attorney and City Council review and approval. Carried 3 -2, Commissioners Dwyer and Powell opposed. 2. Anthony Lodge To consider request for conditional use permit, allowing major auto repair and outdoor auto sales at 14621 60th St. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of the applicant's request and noted that interior changes required additional staff review prior to Planning Commission consideration. Richards noted that the applicant is working on issues related to the project and that at such time all information has been provided, the request will be returned to the Commission for their consideration. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 4 of 9 Tony Lodge discussed the changes he expects to make to the interior of the building for a client, who wishes to perform major automotive repair. He stated that there is no bodywork or painting to occur. Bill Bisch - Motor Sport Automotive addressed the Commission as the client Mr. Lodge referred to. He stated that he currently operates a small shop in downtown Stillwater and that his nature of business is auto repair ranging from tire changes to major repair. He stated that he will not be performing body repair or painting services, but that he does repair lawn and garden equipment and that sometimes he will do this type of repair outside the service door of the shop. Mr. Bisch stated that there is no outdoor storage for his business. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Runk, moved to continue the public hearing until April 11 2002. Carried 5 -0. Community Development Director Danielson and City Planner Richards provided the Commission with an overview of the process for concept plan, general plan and final plan stages of a Planned Unit Development. 3. McKean Square West: To consider a request for a planned unit development: concept plan for Phase 11, Boutwell's Landing, located south of Norwich Pkwy. and Nolan Ave. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of the applicant's request and referred to the planning report regarding the same. Richards noted various issues related to the proposed project including private versus public streets, dwelling unit separations, drainage and utility calculations. Richards expressed that staff believed a joint worksession of the City Council, Parks and Planning Commissions would be beneficial to discuss the projects overlapping issues. Chair Vogt opened the hearing for public comment at 8:21 p.m. Dan Lindh - Presbyterian Homes addressed issues regarding drainage and utilities. He discussed visual elements of the project and made himself available to address questions regarding the project. Mary Futcher - 5676 Oakgreen Ave. N. inquired as to why the area of green space was established and expressed she had been led to believe that the green space area was to remain undeveloped. Chair Vogt explained that it has been understood that this area was to be developed, since it was a part of the original proposal for Boutwell's Landing. Lisa Pingle - 5830 Oakgreen Ave. N. inquired whether or not the entire project was to be designated for senior housing. Norma Anderson - 13902 56th St. N. inquired as to the heights of the buildings. Richards indicated that they are expected to be less than 30 feet in height. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to continue the public hearing to April 11, 2002. Carried 5 -0. The Commission discussed the number of units and the proposed layout based upon the comprehensive plan, and the naming of the streets for the area. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 5 of 9 City Planner Richards stated that in light of the substantial changes to the concept plan and passage of time since the original concept plan approval, he would appreciate receiving a project narrative of target market, with configuration of units and other element detail. Dan Lindh announced that public meetings were being held at Boutwell's Landing on Monday, March 18th and Monday, March 25th to discuss the proposed project development. He noted that this was an open meeting and that letters had been mailed to surrounding residents, inviting them to attend. He extended invitation to anyone who would like to attend and welcomed feedback, questions and suggestions. 4. Oakgreen Tillage Townhomes To consider requests for a planned unit development: concept plan, conditional use permit and zoning amendment from O, open space to R -3, multiple family residential for the construction of a multi- family housing development, located north and south of 58th St. N. and west of Oakgreen Ave. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of the applicants' request and the planning report regarding the same. Richards discussed issues as to comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, street construction, TIF funding, and dwelling design. Richards recommended the Commission continue this hearing to April, allowing the applicant to continue addressing the issues, make needed changes and provide adequate information for a thorough concept plan review in April. Chair Vogt opened the hearing for public comment at 8:47 p.m. Tim Nolde - Anchobaypro stated that the proposal is for for -sale townhomes and that they are at the preliminary design stage. Nolde expressed that he will work to address the issues noted by the City Planner and is seeking direction from the City Council on the TIF request. He added that the thought a joint work session with the Commissions and the City Council would be beneficial to have everyone at the same speed. Commissioner Powell inquired about tax increment financing. Other commissioners briefly explained the TIF process is a funding issue to be considered by the City Council. Dan Lindh -- Presbyterian Homes stated that the form of tax increment financing being sought is not the standard kind and that the City would see an immediate tax gain with an increase over a period of time. Mauritz Anderson - 13902 56th St. N. expressed his concerns about pond locations and water levels, retention of trees, the quality of overall design and the safety of creating a path to Oakgreen Ave., when it was determined that a sidewalk was not feasible. Dick Gacke - 13964 56th St. N. concerned with retaining the 150' green space area between his neighborhood and the proposed project area. He stated that he met with a number of his neighbors and provided the commission with written concerns. They would like to see the 150' green space developed as a park and has limited access to 58th St. N., where traffic is already heavy. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 6 of 9 Velessa Caspers - 13950 - 56th St. N is opposed to the layout. She is concerned with the amount of light that would spill into her neighborhood and the volume and mix of traffic using 58th St. N. and the pathway running parallel to it. Commissioner Liljegren reported that he had received a phone call from Mr. Parker of 56th St., who expressed his concern about the amount of lighting spilled into the neighborhood as a result of the proposed project. John Hauer - 13938 56th St. N. is concerned with the pond levels and how heavy rains are going to effect them. Paul Futcher - 5676 Oakgreen Ave N expressed that he felt neighborhood respect and community spirit is important. Speaking on behalf of himself and for his neighborhood, Mr. Futcher stated that the neighborhood feels very strongly about their green space and they would like the City to support them to keep it intact. Lisa Pinle - 5830 Oakgreen Ave N stated that she likes the feel of her home and neighborhood and does not want to feel like she is living in a city. She indicated that if the area has to be built, it is very important that it be done to protect the quality of the homes and neighborhoods surrounding it. Thomas Houle - 5676 Novak Ave. N. expressed concern about creating more ponds and asked why this was being considered given all the trouble they have had with the existing ponds. Chad Pingle - 5830 Oakgreen Ave. N stated that he doesn't want to view high density, multiple housing right outside his door. He is concerned with the Oakgreen Avenue issues and costs of connecting to city services. He would like to see tax increment funding approved so that the homes could be purchased and to allow for a better design of the proposed developments. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to continue the public hearing to April 11, 2002. Carried 5 -0. The Commission discussed the issues to be resolved, including those of Oakgreen Ave. It was suggested that the streets be considered as public streets if the homes are to be sold privately. Chair Vogt called for a 5- minute recess at 9:20 p.m. 5. Oakgreen Tillage Villas To consider requests for a planned unit development: concept plan and conditional use permit for the construction of a multi - family housing development, located north of 58th St. N. and west of Oakgreen Ave. N. City Planner Richards provided and overview of the applicants request and reviewed the planning report regarding the same. He noted adjacent uses to the proposed project site and how the proposed project fit as per the guidelines of the Central Business District. Richards noted that the dwelling units proposed are rental units. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 7 of 9 He discussed elements of the project including street access, utility and storm water design. Community Development Director Danielson noted that the City will need to amend its stormwater management plan to allow for construction in this area. The stormwater management plan was developed prior to the Central Business District master plan concept that depicts shared stormwater ponding underneath the Xcel Energy power lines. Chair Vogt opened the hearing for public comment at 9:28 p.m. Tim Nolde - Anchobaypro feels that the location is the proper place for a residential neighborhood and that he is willing to work with the design guidelines. Rents for the units are expected to fall with a range of $400 - $800 per month. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to continue the public hearing to April 11, 2002. Carried 5 -0. The Commission discussed to rental housing versus private ownership, the mix of rental within owner occupied neighborhoods, affordable housing, and the importance of having a balance between the rental and owner occupied housing units in the community. 6. Oakgreen Village Apartments To consider requests for a planned unit development: concept plan and conditional use permit for the construction of a multi- family housing development, located north of 58th St. N. and west of Oakgreen Ave. N. City Planner Richards provided an overview of the applicant's request and reviewed the planning report regarding the same. He noted that a total of 100 units are being proposed within two buildings and they are being proposed as rental units. He noted issues of street construction, building orientation, park dedication, building height, and plans for grading, drainage and utilities.. Chair Vogt opened the hearing for public comment at 9:41 p.m. Wally Johnson - Dominium stated that the higher heights of the buildings allow for 9- foot ceilings within the units. He stated that construction of both buildings would be simultaneously and that construction is estimated to be complete by 2003. Mr. Johnson described the grade differential at the site and how they have worked with it respect to underground parking, building design and layout of required number of parking spaces. The Commission discussed issues of landscaping, tree inventory, sanitary sewer options, utility planning, building orientation and the possibility of a variance being required for the building height. Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to continue the public hearing to April 11, 2002. Carried 5 -0. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 8 of 9 Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, moved to recommend that the City Council approve scheduling of a joint worksession with the Parks Commission, the Planning Commission and themselves to discuss McKean Square and Oakgreen Village proposals, with the City Council determining the date and time for such worksession. Carried 5 -0. 7. Set public Hearing for amending zoning ordinance 401 as it pertains to signage. Community Development Director Danielson stated that the committee had concluded its meeting and that a summary report of their finding was being prepared and would be made available to the Commission as part of their April meeting agenda. She stated that the Commission could then begin consideration of the committee's recommendations with a public hearing in May. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, moved to schedule a public hearing at the Commission's May 2002 meeting for consideration of zoning ordinance 401 as it pertains to signage. Carried 5 -0. New Business 1. Mayoral Comments / Reguest for Joint Worksession Commissioner Runk expressed concern about the Mayor's statements that the Commission is not doing its job at the recently held land use workshop. Runk said he had shared his own concerns about the Mayor's comments with some members of the City Council and some of his fellow Commissioners. Commissioner Runk stated that he feels the Commission is doing its job and doing so lawfully. He stated that he does not appreciate being reprimanded for doing something he feels is being done properly and in the manner this reprimand was delivered. Runk would like to have the five members of the City Council collectively address the Commission and advise them as to what they feel the Commission is not doing correctly or legally. Commission Liaison McComber stated that she was not aware that the Mayor had made statements to the Planning Commissioners present at the workshop. Commissioner Liljegren stated that he was in attendance at the same workshop and felt that they were being told that the Commission was not doing its job, as they should be. As a new member to the Commission, he felt awkward and taken off guard by the manner in which the sentiment was communicated to himself and Commissioner Runk, wherein they were both advised by the Mayor that they had a legal obligation to fulfill. Commissioner Liljegren stated that the thought the Commission was a recommending body and that beyond legal requirements of meeting, the City Council dealt with the direction and assumed legal responsibility for the final approval and directives. Discussion ensued as to what would be the best manner to communicate with the City Council and receive some feedback regarding what is expected of the Commission and what, if anything, the City Council is not being done properly. Planning Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 9 of 9 Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Powell, moved to ask Commission Liaison McComber, express the Commission's concern to the City Council at their meeting of March 26, 2002 and to request a joint work session with the City Council for the purpose of a discussion regarding this situation with the workshop scheduled for April 11, 2002 prior to their regular meeting. Carried 5 -0. Old Business None. Informational/ Update: None. Department /Commission Liaison Reports 1. Si nage Subcommittee The subcommittee has concluded their review and a summary report of their findings will be included for discussion on the April 1 lth Agenda. Public hearing for commission recommendation was scheduled, earlier in this meeting, to be held at the May Planning Commission meeting. 2. Hwy. 36 Partnership Study Open house was held at Stillwater Area ]High School on March 13 Approximately 100 people attended and completed surveys expressing their opinion regarding the improvements. The next meeting of the partnership study is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., March 20th at the Washington County Government Center. 3. Other Commission / Liaison Reports None. Adjournment Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Runk, moved to adjourn at 10:15 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jul' ultman Co :, unity Development Approved by the Planning Commission: April 11, 2002. 4 -0