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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-1999 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 0 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, October 21, 1999 — 7:00 PM Call To Order Chair Hedlund called the meeting to order at 7 :00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dahlquist, Dwyer and Vogt. Staff Present: Community Development Director Danielson, City Planner Richards and Community Development Secretary Hultman. Absent: Commissioner Wasescha. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 4 -0. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to approve the Minutes of September 16, 1999 as presented. Carried 4 -0. Visitors None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. To consider an amendment to section 401, the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance to allow for auto repair -major as a conditional use in the B -2 General Business District Richards provided a brief overview of the applicant's request and outlined his report. Chair Hedlund opened the public hearing for comment at 7:00 p.m. Public testimony was received from David Beaudet, 6400 Lookout Trl. N., Oak Park Heights and Donna Gray, 14812 58` St. N. #31), Oak Park Heights. Dave Beaudet stated that he was opposed to the amendment change and Donna Gray inquired as to sprinkler requirements for such a conditional use. Danielson informed her that the issue of sprinkling is an issue governed by the Minnesota State Building Code. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Brief discussion ensued among the Commission as to interpretation of the existing language within the ordinance and concern about change and location of use within particular zoning classifications. Concern was expressed regarding the potential for a proliferation of car dealerships along Hwy. 36 if an all- encompassing change, such as the one proposed, and was adopted. It was felt that better solutions were available. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund moved to recommend that the request for amendment change to section 401, of the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance to allow for auto repair -major as a conditional use in the B -2, General Business District be denied. Carried 3 -1, Vogt opposed. B. To consider a conditional use permit request for an auto repair -major use including painting operation at Karmann Jack's located at 1462160"' St. N. Richards stated that due to the action taken at the preceding public hearing, the request being asked for consideration by applicant Jack Ibarra could not be acted upon. Chair Hedlund opened the public hearing and asked for comments at 7:30 p.m. Applicant, Jack Ibarra, was present and stated the reasoning for his request. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to table the request until November 18, 1999 to allow for further direction from the City Council. Carried 4 -0. C. To consider a request for an amended conditional use permit for expansion of existing automobile and service facility at Stillwater Ford Lincoln Mercury_ located at 12969 69 St. N. and legally described as Lot 1 Block 1 Jacob Addition Chair Hedlund discussed the status of the applicant's request in relation to earlier motion made with respect to amendment to Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance 401 to allow for auto repair - major as a conditional use in the B -2, General Business District and opened the public hearing for comment at 7:40 p.m. Public Testimony was received from Dave Beaudet, 6400 Lookout Trl. N., Oak, Park Heights and Mike Klein of M. Klein Companies, Inc. Mike Klein, representing Stillwater Ford gave a presentation showing the design of the existing facility and the proposed expansion to the North and West, including a second level showroom and office area. Mr. Klein stated, that in light of the earlier motion to deny auto repair -major as a conditional use in the B -2, General Business District he would be willing to omit the 12 service stall addition to the facility at this time so as to begin moving forward with the expansion. Mr. Klein stated that there were no items found in the City Planner's report that they have an issue with and apprised the Commission of the expansion plans as envisioned. He noted that the facility's entrance would be relocated to the west and that this final expansion would bring the building to its maximum expansion ability. He noted that the exterior design would be composed of high quality block, stucco and glass, which would be consistent throughout the expansion area and blended with the existing facility. 2 Discussion ensued as to the height of poles for lighting and drainage and the possibility of a variance being necessary for difference in lighting pole height. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Vogt moved to close the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Discussion ensued among the Commission. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Vogt moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request for expansion, not including the issue of auto repair -major use in service facility expansion, which is tabled until November 18, 1999. Carried 4 -0. D. To consider a request for Phase 1, Stage 2, Planned Unit Development General Plan approval for Valley Senior Services Alliance project - Boutwell's Landing, located south of 58 St. at Norell Ave. N. Richards provided a brief overview of the applicant's request, outlined his report and noted the Parks Commission recommendations on the issue. Richards noted that the plan shows building heights in excess of the City's requirements and further noted that height have not generally been an issue with architecture such as this project on a large piece of land. Danielson advised the Commission of the October 18, 1999 Parks Commission recommendations for the project, noting issues of reasoning behind setback and berm construction requirements. Skip Sorenson, architect for the project addressed issues as they related to the plan, including the main roadway entrance for semi -truck accessibility. Chair Hedlund opened the public hearing for comment at 8:35 p.m. Public testimony was received from John Dale, 13751 55 St. N., Oak Park Heights; Dan Lindh for V.S.S.A; Joe McQuillan, 5558 Novak Ave. N., Oak Park Heights; Ed Reid for V.S.S.A.; and Skip Sorenson for V.S.S.A. Testimony and discussion covered many issues related to the project, including trail design, building heights, roadway access, some landscaping and lighting. It was noted that the taller building design is to create a feeling of open space within the development. The light style being proposed would be consistent throughout the project with the use of lower poles and lower bulb wattage to reduce glare and light splash into areas not intending to be lighted. Dave Beaudet stated that the light fixture proposed does not comply with the City Ordinance requirements and that he would prefer to see shoe box lighting used. Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 8:52 p.m. Discussion ensued wherein it was noted that the City's lighting ordinance requirements allows the City the alter the requirements and that the style of fixture selected for the development is likely to establish a precedent for the rest of the City's lighting. V.S.S.A. representative, Dan Lindh discussed the style of the light fixture and explained. how different styles have been used in other projects. He agreed that one style can identify a community but that this did not have to be the case and noted that some communities vary fixture styles throughout as determined by the city's preference. It was suggested that the Council and Commission might wish to work closely with V.S.S.A. on lighting issues. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to recommend that the City Council approve the applicant's request based on the recommendations listed within the City Planner's report of October 14, 1999 with the following changes in conditions noted: (1) Condition 6 shall read "The site plan shall be revised to provide access to 58 Street, subject to review and approval of the City Engineer; (2) Condition 14 shall be removed; and (3) Condition 15 shall be deferred until such time that condition 16 is submitted and other options are reviewed. Carried 4 -0. E. To consider amendments to section 401.03 of the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance relating to submission requirements for variance requests Danielson explained that the request for amendment is to change the number and size of copies submitted to reflect the accurate need of information. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing at 9:38 p.m. As there were no visitors Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 9:39 p.m. Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request for ordinance amendment. Carried 4 -0. F. To consider amendments to section 401.04 of the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance relating to submission requirements for conditional use permits and amendments Danielson explained that the request for amendment is to change the number and size of copies submitted to reflect the accurate need of information. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing at 9:41 p.m. As there were no visitors Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 9:41 p.m. 11 Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request for ordinance amendment. Carried 4 -0. G. To consider amendments to section 401.06.C.3 and 401.06.C.5 of the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance relating to submission requirements under Planned Unit Developments Danielson explained that the request for amendment is to change the number and size of copies submitted to reflect the accurate need of information. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing at 9:42 p.m. As there were no visitors Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 9:41 p.m. Commissioner Dwyer, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist moved to recommend that the City Council approve the request for ordinance amendment. Carried 4 -0. . Danielson noted that the City Council would also be holding a public hearing on the amendment requests and explained the process of hearings to be held for the same. H. A continued hearing to consider amendments to the Comprehensive Plan reflecti comments from the Metropolitan Council. The amendments are related to aviation, housing, land use, sewers, transportation, water resources management and the Capital Improvements Program Richards summarized correspondence received from Metropolitan Council and recommended that the public hearing be closed and a recommendation made and sent to the City Council. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing at 9:45 p.m. Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 9:46 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to recommend that the City Council approve adoption of the final Comprehensive Plan as approved by Metropolitan Council. Carried 4 -0. Old Business A. AmericInn Motel and Suites Richards provided an update of the project, noting that items having and have not been completed per the Commissions prior recommendation. Danielson noted that the City Council has asked the Commission to review the changes made to the site plan, including parking and access and provide them with a recommendation. Contributing to the discussion of this subject were Dave Beaudet, 6400 Lookout Trl.; Debbie Brosho, applicant representative; and James McGovern, property owner representative. Danielson discussed the project layout and potential location for a restaurant. She noted the design of the parking area breaking up and controlling the flow of traffic. She noted that some type of non - primary access to the area appears to be an issue. She and Richards proposed several scenarios for this access. Discussion ensued as to primary and non - primary access issues and as to safety in general for the area. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund, moved to table further discussion of the matter until November 18, 1999 to allow staff and applicant to work through issues. Carried 4 -0. New Business None Informational /Update A. Stillwater Area High School Prairie Restoration Project Danielson reviewed correspondence received from Kathleen Macy, ISD #834 Schools Superintendent. B. Northwest Associated Consultants Contract For Services Receipt of NAC memorandum was acknowledged and reviewed. C. City Council /Commission Meeting Follow Up Agenda(s) Receipt acknowledged by the Commission. D. Weekly Notes Receipt acknowledged by the Commission. Adjournment Chair Hedlund, seconded by Dwyer, moved to adjourn at 10:43 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, J A. Hultman Community Development Secretary G