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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-1999 Minutes'�P PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, August 19 1999 — 7:00 PM Call To Order Vice Chair Dahlquist called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Dwyer, Vogt and Wasescha. Chair Hedlund arrived at 7:35 p.m. Staff Present: City Planner Richards and Community Development Secretary Hultman. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha moved to approve the Agenda with the addition of Letter Received From City Administrator Melena Re: Supporting Staff to Informational /Update Carried 4 -0. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to approve the Minutes of July 15, 1999 as amended. Carried 4 -0. Visitors Tom Arndt; Tim and Georgianne Bartylla, AmericInn Applicants; David Beaudet, 6400 Lookout Trl. N., Oak Park Heights; Debra Brodsho, Brodsho Consulting; Mark Brouwer, Stillwater Evening Gazette; Anthony & Lisa Cervantez, 5755 Newberry Ave. N., Oak Park Heights; Rollie Crawford, Legal Counsel for Bob Brackey; Donna Gray, 14825 58th St. N., #31), Oak Park Heights; Jack Ibarra, 14621 60th St. N.; Karen Rheinberger, 5325 Monarda Ave., Baytown Township; and Mike Schmiesing, 12595 53rd St., N., Baytown Township. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. A request by Jack Ibarra to consider a conditional use permit and site plan review for automotive sales at 14621 60th Street, N. City Planner Richards provided a brief overview of the request. Jack Ibarra was present and informed the Commission of his proposed plans using displays depicting the building exterior design and construction material. Vice Chair Dahlquist opened the public hearing for comment at 7:20 p.m. Dave Beaudet questioned whether or not it was going to be required that curb and gutter be installed around the existing parking lot where it does not currently exist. Vice Chair Dahlquist inquired as to the requirements for concrete curb installation. City Planner Richards noted that the concrete curb improvements, subject to Zoning ordinance requirements and City Engineer approval are one of the conditions being recommended as part of an approval for this project. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Discussion ensued as to sales area percentage, number of vehicles for sale, parking, and city ordinance related to automobile businesses. City Planner Richards noted that the ordinance as it pertains to this type of use will need to be addressed by the Commission in the upcoming future. Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend approval of the site plan and conditional use permit, allowing outside sales as an accessory use and minor auto repair, subject to the following conditions: The outdoor sales area shall be limited to not more than 30 percent (30 %) of the gross floor area of the principal structure. 2. All automobile repair activities shall be conducted within the principal structure and the doors to the service bays kept closed except when vehicles are being moved in our out of the service areas. The applicant shall specify the proposed colors for the building facades and canopies, subject to review and approval of City staff. 4. The proposed neon accent on the building facade is removed. The landscape plan is subject to review and approval of the City Arborist. 6. The bituminous parking surface and concrete curb are improved, subject to Zoning Ordinance requirements and the review and approval of the City Engineer. Comments of other City staff. Carried 4 -0. Chair Hedlund arrived at 7:35 p.m. Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist moved to schedule a public hearing for September 16, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. to consider amendments to the B -2 Zoning District to allow certain major auto repair operations as a conditional use. Carried 4 -0, Hedlund abstained. B. A request by AmericInn Motel and Suites to consider a rezoning from O Open Space Conservation to B -2, General Business, a preliminary and final plat and site plan review for that property East of Stillwater Ford on 60th Street N. City Planner Richards reviewed his planner's report and noted that he had been provided with a new plan for the building design prior to the Commission meetings, which included a change to the landscape plan. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing for public comment at 7:45 p.m. The applicants were present and their representative addressed the conditions as stated within the City Planner's report. The issue of traffic was briefly discussed; wherein Richards noted traffic flow onto the roadways in the proposed project area. N Lisa Cervantez and Tom Arndt of the Autumn Ridge neighborhood were present and expressed their objection due to the volume of traffic on the roadway. They stated that they feel the volume of traffic is already too heavy and do not wish to see it increased. Commissioner Dahlqusit, seconded by Wasescha, moved to close the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Commission discussion ensued as to issues regarding lighting, zoning, design guideline applicability, compatibility with the Central Business District planning, exterior building material composition, signage design and access. Rollie Crawford, legal counsel for Bob Brackey, adjacent property owner, informed the Commission that Mr. Brackey supports the applicant and feels that their motel is an excellent use for the site. Counsel Crawford further expressed Mr. Brackey's desire to work with the City to make access as compatible as possible so as to make it desirable. Commissioner Vogt moved to recommend approval of the applicant's requests, subject to the conditions stated in the City Planner's report with the condition of curb and gutter installation being added to the conditions. Motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Wasescha moved to recommend approval of the rezoning from O, Open Space Conservation to B -2, General Business, preliminary and final plat and site plan review for that property East of Stillwater Ford on 60th Street, N. subject to the following conditions: The shared access easement is extended to the south property line to serve future development of the remainder Outlot A, subject to review and approval of the City Attorney. The north and east facades are revised to utilize three forms of Grade I materials and Grade I and Grade II materials must represent at least 65 percent (65 %) of the respective facades. The parking islands and landscape plans are revised as illustrated on Exhibit B of City Planner's report dated August 11, 1999, subject to further review and approval of the City Arborist. Additional landscaping is provided at the southwest corner of the property. The site plan is revised in consideration of the revised landscaping to provide a total of 61 off - street parking stalls. An enclosure is provided for the exterior trash container, subject to review and approval of the City Building Official. The freestanding sign shall be redesigned to conform to the Design Guidelines for the City of Oak Park Heights and a monument sign is suggested instead of the proposed pylon sign. All grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 9. The applicant enter into a development contract with the City and post all required securities, subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and City Attorney. 3 10. The applicant receive approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the City Engineer for the proposed access to 60th Street, N. 11. The access roadway shall be paved to its full width on either side of Lots 1 and 2 and shall extend to the south property line. Curb and gutter shall be provided on the development portion of Lot 1 upon opening of the motel. Curb and gutter shall be deferred on the east edge of the access roadway until the development of Lot 2. 12. Approval of the preliminary and final plat shall be subject to providing all required easements and shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer. 13. Comments of other City staff. Carried 5 -0. Chair Hedlund called for a five- minute recess at 8:50 p.m. The public hearing portion of the August 19, 1999 Planning Commission reconvened at 8:55 p.m. C. A request by School District #834 to consider an amendment to the existing conditional use permit to allow for changes in the parking plan, including the addition of 97 new parking stalls at the Stillwater Area High School located at 5701 Stillwater Blvd, N. City Planner Richards reviewed his planner's report, noted the locations of proposed parking area increase and further noted that the city staff discussions suggested the possibility of eliminating daily parking passes. Richards stated that the original conditional use permit does allow for future review and recommendation for the City. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing for public comment at 9:02 p.m. Lisa Cervantez of Autumn Ridge expressed concern about students parking on the neighborhood streets and in non- school parking locations and there being no recourse available for the situation. Dave Beaudet addressed the subject of watershed district issues related to the request. ISD 4834 Director of Operations, Mike Brabender; Assistant Principle, Ginny Kruse and Interim Principle, John Bianchi were present on behalf of School District #834. Mr. Brabender noted that parking postings are in place and addressed various conditions as noted in the City Planner's report. Mr. Bianchi introduced himself to the Commission and informed them of the steps the school has attempted to take in relation to the existing parking situation and enumerated for them approximate numbers of students utilizing the parking areas and a variety of reasons why they are using them. Ms. Kruse stated that the number of annual permits has been reduced and that the number of daily permits issued has also been reduced and are designed to meet the needs of the students who drive to school occasionally. She noted that there are two security guards hired to maintain the parking lots and to check to ensure that cars are permitted and properly parked. 11 Mike Schmiesing of 12595 53rd St. N. expressed his concern about the schools activity and its effect upon the neighboring community. He discussed water level elevations and run off water concerns for the holding pond in his neighborhood. He stated that he did not feel the holding pond design was working and voiced his objection to any creation of additional hard surface parking until such time the run off and elevation issues are dealt with. Mr. Schmiesing provided the Commission with a file of documentation related to the water run off and elevation issues. Karen Rheinberger of 5325 Monarda Ave. provided the Commission with photos of the holding pond and expressed her objection to activity that will increase the water levels of the holding pond. City Planner Richards noted that the City Engineer did not mention any problems with run off water when review of the applicant's plans was made for parking expansion. He further noted that when the original pond plan was designed, it was done so with consideration for additional parking. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to close the public hearing at 9:52 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Brief discussion ensued among the Commission as to the water issues, original conditional use permit, existing parking situation and proposed layout design. Commissioner Vogt moved to recommend approval of amendment to the existing conditional use permit to allow for changes in the parking plan, as follows: The increase of spaces on existing hard surface shall be conditioned upon: The curbed island near the west entrance must extend the length of the parking stalls at the north and south ends of the island. Two van accessible parking stalls should be provided with the new parking at a location to be approved by City staff. The increase of spaces upon areas that are non - existing hard surface shall be subject to the following condition: Creation of additional stalls and changes to the median areas to be created by the addition of paved surface shall be allowed only upon approval by the Valley Branch Watershed District and the City Engineer. In both situations of the existing hard surfaced area and the area proposed to become hard surfaced, it is required that: Independent School District #834 establish and enforce a plan for administrative measures to reduce the parking demand at the Stillwater Area Senior High School. The plan shall be subject to the review and approval of City staff. Carried 3 -2, Dahlquist and Hedlund opposed. D. A request to consider an amendment to Section 401.151.41. 13 and 17 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow exceptions to the paving, curb and gutter requirements for rear or side yards within the Kern Center City Planner Richards reviewed his planner's report, noting that staff recommends an exception be made regarding curb and gutter, but not surfacing, based upon the City's decision not to provide curb and gutter along Memorial Ave. and 58th St. N. as part of the Summer, 1999 road reconstruction. After brief discussion by the Commission as to areas having been constructed prior to annexation, Chair Hedlund opened the hearing for public comment at 10:20 p.m. Dave Beaudet commented to the Commission that one of the nice things about curb and gutter is that it does provide control for water flow. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to close the public hearing at 10:25 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Brief discussion by the Commission ensued as to the history of the subject of curb and gutter and their concerns about granting exceptions. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Chair Hedlund, moved to recommend that no changes be made to Ordinance 401.15.4.h.13 and 17 of the Zoning Ordinance language regarding paving or curb and gutter requirements for the Kern Center. Carried 4 -1, Vogt abstained. E. A request to consider a zoning map amendment for that area directly to the west of Norell Av N. at 60 St., N. that is currently zoned B -2, General Business District proposed to be rezoned to CBD, Central Business District City Planner Richards reviewed his planner's report and provided a brief overview of the CBD history. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing for public comment at 10:35 p.m. There being no visitors to comment for the public hearing, Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to close the public hearing at 10:36 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Brief discussion was held by the Commission as to how the urban design study conducted for the CBD by BRW correlated with the Comprehensive Plan decisions made by the Commission. Chair Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Dahlquist, moved to approve the zoning map amendment as requested based upon its compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan and not due to recommendations made by BRW so as not to confuse the reasoning for the recommendation. Carried 5 -0. F. A continued hearing to consider amendments to the Comprehensive Plan reflecting comments from the Metropolitan Council. The amendments are related to aviation, housing land use sewers, transportation, water resources management and the Capital Improvements Program City Planner noted correspondence received from Metropolitan Council indicating that formal review of the plan is taking place and is anticipate review to be completed for the September meeting of the Planning Commission. In light of the information received from the City Planner this matter was tabled to a later meeting to allow time for formal review by Metropolitan Council. Old Business A. To deny the request for site plan review for a buildins expansion: Anastasi & Associates. 6120 Oren Ave. N. for lack of required submittal information City Planner Richards noted that the requested additional information had not yet been received despite numerous reminders to the applicant for the needed information. Richards further noted that the 120 day time line for approval /denial of project required that then Commission make a recommendation on the matter. Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer moved to recommend denial of the application from Anastasi & Associates for site plan review and building expansion due to lack of required information. Carried 5 -0. B. Lower Oak Park Heights Land Use and Zoning Study. Review land use and zoning issues for that area east of Stagecoach Trail N. : Richards provided an overview of his memo to the Commission regarding this issue and asked for general discussion and feedback regarding the area. Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to table this matter until the September meeting of the Planning Commission. Carried 5 -0. New Business None Informational /Update A. City Council /Commission Meeting Follow Up Agenda(s) The Commission acknowledged receipt of the follow -up agenda(s). Commissioner Dahlquist noted that he would like to see a recommendation follow -up, noting its process and what transpired as to each recommendation. B. Cable Casting of Planning Commission Meetings No discussion was held. C. Letter From City Administrator Melena Re: Staff Support : Brief discussion was held as to the letter received by the Commission members for Administrator Melena. Adjournment Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Wasescha, moved to adjourn at 10:50 p.m. Carried 5 -0. Respectfully submitted, i i Julie A. Hultman Community Development Secretary 7