HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2003 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Call To Order /Approval of Agenda Vice Chair Dwyer called the meeting to order at
7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Liljegren and Runk, Acting City Administrator Holst,
City Planner Putz -Yang and Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Commissioner Powell
Vice Chair Dwyer took a moment to address tragedies experienced by the Commission since
their February meeting.
Dwyer recognized the loss of Chair George Vogt and acknowledged his many contributions
and commitment to the City and the Planning Commission. Dwyer expressed that George
will be sincerely missed and extended condolences to George's family.
Dwyer also recognized the loss of City Planner Richard's father and extend condolences to
Scott and his family.
Vice Chair Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to approve the Agenda as
presented. Carried 3 -0.
Annual Meeting - Adjourn to /Call to Order
Vice Chair Dwyer adjourned to and called to order the annual meeting at 7:02 p.m.
Election of Chair Commissioner Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to
elect John Dwyer as Chair. Carried 2 -0 -1, with Dwyer abstaining. Dwyer accepted the
position of chair and will serve as chair until the annual meeting of 2005.
Election of Vice Chair Chair Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to
elect Commissioner Runk as Vice Chair. Carried 2 -0 -1, with Runk abstaining. Runk
accepted the position and will serve as vice chair until the annual meeting of 2005.
Adjourn Annual Meeting and Reconvene Regular Meeting Vice Chair Runk, seconded
by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to adjourn the 2003 annual meeting and reconvene the
regular March Planning Commission meeting. Carried 3 -0.
Approve Minutes: Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to
approve the Minutes of February 13, 2003 as amended. Carried 3 -0.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 13, 2003
Page 2 of 4
Department /Commission Liaison Reports /Other Reports
A. Hwy. 36 Partnership Study Commission Liaison McComber reported that the
City Councils of Oak Park Heights and Stillwater have met and that it was determined
that the Planning Commissions for both cities should meet for shared discussion and a
joint report. McComber provided a review of discussion held at the Joint City Council
meeting and tentative dates for a joint meeting of the Planning Commissions was
discussed. McComber will coordinate scheduling of the meeting, with request that it be
held at the Stillwater City Hall, and notify the Commission of the specifics upon
confirmation.
B. Commission Liaison: None.
C. Other: Acting city Administrator Judy Holst discussed Planning Commissioner
applicant advertising, deadline for application and interview scheduling
with the Commission.
Visitors /Public Comment There were no visitors to the meeting or public comment other
than items upon the Agenda.
Public Hearings
A. Continued: Oakgreen Village To consider requests of Valley Senior Services
Alliance Housing and Community Services, LLC for site plan review, conditional use
permit, subdivision, planned unit development: concept plan for office condos,
commercial and retail use known as Oakgreen Village to be located at 58"' St. N. and
Novak Ave. N.
Chair Dwyer noted that a letter from the applicant had been received, agreeing to a 30 -day
extension requested by the City.
Chair Dwyer opened the public hearing for anyone present who wished to comment.
Kenneth Hooge - Senior Housing Partners the applicant, informed the Commission that
they had recently met with city staff regarding the project and have prepared revised drawings
in response to the information received. He stated that they will continue to work with the
City on issues and made himself available for questions.
There being no other visitors to the public hearing, Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Chair
Dwyer, moved to continue the public hearing to April. Carried 3 -0
B. SC Mall LLC To consider requests of SC Mall LLC for planned unit development
amendment, site plan review and parking setback variance for exterior improvements
to building and site located at 5909 Omaha Ave. N.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 13, 2003
Page 3 of 4
City Planner Cynthia Putz -Yang provided an overview of the planning report for the requests
and provided an issue analysis, discussing specifics of each including the vote percentage
needed for approval.
Discussion ensued as to conditions of planner's report and trail easement and record of
correspondence received regarding the trail easement.
Chair Dwyer opened the hearing for public comment.
Marc Partridge — Project Architect addressed the conditions and issues of sidewalks and trails.
Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Liljegren, moved to close the public hearing.
Carried 3 -0.
Discussion ensued as to the specific requests, including Oren Ave. closure issues,
neighborhood meeting held regarding the change and communication from the highway
department regarding the roadway and traffic impact.
Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Chair Dwyer, moved to recommend City Council approve the
request for closure of Oren Ave. N., subject to conditions 2 and 3 of the March 6, 2003
planning report, specifically:
The City and Andersen Corporation will work out issues of snow clearing and
maintenance or Oren Ave. N. and the sidewalk connecting the road to the subject
site, subject to the approval of the City Public Works Director.
A sign must be placed on the north side of the adjacent fence to inform people about
the slope ahead, and a sign must be placed on the south side of the adjacent fence to
inform people of the traffic ahead.
Carried 3 -0.
Chair Dwyer, seconded by Vice Chair Runk, moved to recommend City Council approve the
request for PUD Amendment, subject to conditions 1 and 4 -10 of the March 6, 2003 planning
report, specifically:
The site plan must be revised to include a trail constructed by SC Mall LLC along
the south boundary of the site, subject to approval of the Parks Commission and
City staff.
2. The lighting plan must be revised so light levels do not exceed 4 foot candles along
the south property line.
Light standards must not exceed 25 feet from the ground surface to the top of the
light fixture.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 13, 2003
Page 4 of 4
4. Light fixtures must have flat lenses.
5. The two medians that are proposed to be moved at the southeast corner of the site
must be planted with disease- resistant flowering crab trees because the trees in the
existing island are diseased.
6. Placement of all fire hydrants and fire connections must be approved by the City
Fire Marshall.
7. Grading and drainage issues are subject to review and approval of the City Engineer
and review of the applicable watershed authority if required.
Any changes to existing utilities or construction over existing utility service lines is
subject to review and approval of the City Engineer.
Carried 3 -0.
Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Chair Dwyer, moved to recommend City Council approve
the variance as requested. Carried 3 -0.
New Business None.
Old Business: None.
Informational
A. Commissioner Interview Scheduling Commission members suggested that
interviews for Commissioner applicants be held one hour prior to their regular
meeting in either April or May.
B. Government Training Services (GTS) Workshops Commission Liaison McComber
noted the enclosure to the Commissioner packets regarding training opportunities
being offered by GTS.
Adjournment Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Vice Chair Runk, moved to
adjourn at 7:37 p.m. Carried 3 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jul A Hultman
Community Development
Approved by the Planning Commission: April 10, 2003. 4 -0.