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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-1999 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, July 15. 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. Absent: Commissioner Wasescha. Staff Present: Community Development Director Danielson, City Planner Richards and Community Development Secretary Hultman. Approval of A enda Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Vogt moved to approve the Agenda with the following Additions: New Business B. Procedural Issues Informational /Update C. Central Business District D. Planning Commission storage Area E. Ryder Transportation Update Carried 4 -0. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to table approval of the June 17, 1999 Minutes until later in the meeting. Carried 4 -0. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to approve the Minutes of June 22, 1999 as presented. Carried 3 -0. Hedlund abstained. Visitors David Beaudet, 6400 Lookout Trl. N., Oak Park Heights; Donna Gray, 14825 58` St. N., #31), Oak Park Heights; Steve Johnson, Department of Natural Resources; and Bob Waedelzin, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church - 14940 N. 62 nd St., Stillwater. Public Hearings A. A request by Salem Lutheran Church to con sider a Conditional Use Permit to utilize an existing single-family home for the purpose of conducting pre- school at 6282 Panama Ave N .: City Planner Richards provided a brief overview of the request and noted that Building Official, Jim Butler had completed a waltz- through of the property. After a brief discussion as to the classification of the building, Chair Hedlund opened the public hearing for comment at 7:20 p.m. Bob Waedelzin, representing Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church was present and addressed the Commission. He provided the Commission with a brief history of the churches growth and reasoning for requesting approval of conversion of the home to a pre - school. He informed the Commission that the pre- school is an integral part of the church and has been active for the past eleven years. He further noted that the church has owned the home for approximately twenty years and that in the past it had been used for teacher housing and that the maximum student housed in the pre - school will not exceed twenty (ten per teacher) as directed by Minnesota state law. Commissioner Vogt inquired about the issue of signage for the pre - school. Mr. Waedelzin indicated that it was his opinion that signage wouldn't be an issue that couldn't be worked through. Donna Gray asked whether or not the second -story of the home would be used as a pre - school area for the children. Mr. Waedelzin stated that the second story wold not be occupied by the children and that it would be used for storage Dave Beaudet inquired as to whether or not the building would be sprinkled. Richards indicated that the issue of sprinkling had not been specifically noted by the Building Official. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Vogt moved to close the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Discussion ensued as to performance standards, building use classification, parking, enrollment limitation, accessory structure placement upon the property, signage, fire protection and use of garage situated on the property. Commissioner Dahlquist and Chair Hedlund discussed the present no parking situation on Panama Ave. to the east. Richards suggested that signage could be placed stating no parking during a specified time period and noted safety as the issue behind limited "no parizing." Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Dwyer, moved to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit request, subject to the following conditions: 1. The preschool shall not exceed enrollment of 20 children. 2. Documentation of obtaining applicable licenses from the State of Minnesota shall be provided. 3. "No Parking" signs shall be placed on the west side of Panama Avenue along the east property lines of the subject site. 4. All improvements recommended by the City Building Official, including recommendation on restrooms and fire sprinkling, are completed, subject to review and approval of the City Building Official. 5. The exterior of the structures are repainted and repaired as necessary. 6. A concrete sidewalk is installed from the south entrance to the structure to the private driveway/sidewalk. 7. On -site playground equipment shall be limited to the rear (west) yard, with any permanent equipment installation being subject to review and approval by the City Building Official. 8. Three 8.5 X 20 parking stalls shall be striped onto existing driveway. 9. Use of detached garage and second floor of structure shall be limited to storage. 10. No signage shall be placed facing Panama Avenue. Any other proposed signage shall conform to Section 401.15E of the Zoning Ordinance. 11. The location and type of any additional exterior lighting shall be subject to review and approval by City Staff. Carried 4 -0. 2 B. A continued hearing to consider amendments to the Comprehensive Plan reflecting comments from the Metropolitan Council. The amendments arerelated to aviation, housing, land use, sewers, transportation, water resources management and the Capit Improvements Program Planner Richards highlighted the Planning Commission packet enclosure on this issue and noted that he hoped to have feedback from Metropolitan Council prior to the August meeting of the Commission. Chair Hedlund opened the hearing for pubic comment at 7:58 p.m. Dave Beaudet expressed his concern about the zoning of the property located on 58 i11 St. N and owned by Valley Sr. Services Alliance. Richards noted that this area was zoned O, Open Space until the Central Business District study was completed. Discussion ensued as to the open space of land located. on 58` St. N. and its potential tie into the Central Business District area. Community Development Director Danielson explained the status of the concept plans being prepared for the Central Business District. Additional discussion included the Livable Communities Action Plan andaffordable versus special housing. Danielson explained the concept of life -cycle housing. Dahlquist indicated that he felt middle- income housing was needed. Richards noted sections of the plan that covered the areas of the community's growth and further noted that Metropolitan Council has up to sixty days in which to respond to the revised plan. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Commissioner Vogt moved to continue the public hearing until the Planning Commission meeting of August 19, 1999. Carried 4 -0. Chair Hedlund called for a seven minute recess. Old Business A. A continued request for site plan review for a building expansion: Anastasi & Associates, 512 Oren Ave. N. : City Planner Richards noted that the requested additional information had not yet been received; accordingly, the issue remains tabled. Richards noted that the 120 day time period began when the application for site plan review was accepted by the City. He further noted that action will need to be taken at the August 19,1999 meeting of the Planning Commission. B. Lower Oak Park Heights Land Use and Zoning Study. Review land uses for areas north of 59 ` 1 = Street and south of the Northern States Power ponding area. Discuss zoning recommendation o June 17, 1999 meeting Richards provided an overview of his memo to the Commission regarding this issue. Steve Johnson, River Management Supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources introduced himself to the Commission and stated that he was charged with negotiating development restrictions with the Department of Transportation for the property located in lower Oak Park Heights that was cleared for the St. Croix Interstate Bridge construction. He noted that he would prefer to not see commercial use in the area and that he would also like to see a height limitation on construction remain at 35 feet or less. He asked the Commission for feedback as to any restrictions they would like to see placed on development for the area. Mr. Johnson also discussed the proposed water access to the St. Croix River. He stated that the Department of Natural Resources was approached by the City of Oak Park Heights in the early 1980's to develop a water access east to the waste treatment facility, after NSP closed their ramp to the public. He noted that the bridge location area and a waterway access are issues that are tied closely together and that they are working on mitigation with the package for the new bridge location to provide a waterway access. He further noted that as part of the package, the access may end up in the City of Stillwater. Discussion among the Commission ensued. Commissioner Vogt expressed the desire to see a planned unit development and Commissioner Dahlquist stated that he would like to see lower density uses for the area rather than commercial use of any kind. Commissioner Vogt discussed the residential property area on Stagecoach Trl. N. whose properties were re- zoned as 1, Industrial, the Ryder Transportation facility relationship and questioned whether or not it could be a long term possibility to revert the area back to residential. Commissioner Dahlquist stated that he had envisioned more up -scale industrial uses for the area and that he was concerned with the area becoming chopped up and somewhat useless as an industrial area. Dahlquist also noted that it was his understanding that the City of Bayport was looking at an industrial site to the south, which would effectuate a larger sized industrial area when you have the two combined. The Commission clarified their recommendation of June 17, 1999, which recommended approval of the zoning map amendment to R -1, Single family for the area west of Stagecoach Trail, N. to Peabody Avenue, N, beginning at 59 St. N. to the southerly boundary of the Northern States Power ponding area. Bast of Stagecoach Trail, N. to be discussed at the August 19, 1999 Planning Commission meeting. New Business A. CBD Zoning - B -2 Zoned Area West of Norell Ave. N .: Richards noted that the moratorium for the properties west of Noxell Ave. N. had expired and recommended that a public hearing be scheduled for the August 19, 1999 meeting to consider rezoning of the area to CBD, Central Business District. Community Director Danielson noted that the City's Comprehensive Plan identifies the area as being zoned CBD. M The Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m., August 19, 1999 to consider rezoning of the area from B -2, General Business to CBD, Central Business District. B. Procedural Issues Commissioner Vogt addressed several procedural issues with the Commission and staff. Council Liaison - Community Development Director Danielson clarified the extent of participation to be expected from the Council Liaison to the Commission, noting that it it the intention to have the Liaison be available but to allow the Commission to run itself. She further indicated that she would be happy to pass on to the Liaison any direction the Commission would like. 2. Informational /Update Section of the Agend - Vogt suggested that it would be nice to have an update of activity after the Commission passes its recommendations along. 3. Planning Reports - It was suggested that conditions specified within a report be broken into two sections (1) Conditions specific to the request; and (2) Conditions recommended as informational to the applicant or those that are legally required by the City Informational /Update : A. City Council /Commission Meeting Follow Up Agendas Community Development Director Danielson provided an overview of the agendas. B. Commission Attendance The Commission acknowledged receipt of the update. C. Central Business District Update Community Development Director Danielson provided the Commission with a handout and updated them as to the proposed concept plans, and meeting activity with the Central Business District Partners group. D. Planning Commission Storage Area Community Director Danielson informed the Commission that space has been made available within the Community Development Department for the Commission to store their Commission materials should they so desire. E. Ryder Transportation Updat Community Director Danielson and City Planner Richards provided an update for the project. They noted that the applicant is working very hard to move forward with the project and that they will continue to keep the Commission informed. 5 Chair Hedlund noted that it a new Commission Representation Schedule was needed. Brief discussion ensued among the Commission and the following schedule was established: July: Commissioner Hedlund August 10: Commissioner Dwyer September: Commissioner Dwyer October: Commissioner Vogt August 24: Possibly Commissioner Wasescha November: Commissioner Dahlquist December: Commissioner Hedlund Chair Hedlund also noted that it was important that the minutes adequately reflect discussions of the Commission body so as to convey accurately the intent of the Commissions communication. He suggested that perhaps motions should be more detailed to adequately communicate the Commissions recommendations. Approval of Tune 17, 1999 Minute Having been tabled earlier in the meeting, discussion of approval of these Minutes was revisited. Commissioner Dahlquist, seconded by Dwyer, moved to approve the Minutes of June 17, 1999 with the following amendments: 1) Change of date from June 22, 1999 to June 17, 1999 on heading. 2) Clarification of motion carried regarding the Request to Consider a Planned Unit Development /Conditional Use Permit, Concept Plan, Variances, Preliminary Plat and Street Vacation for a 41 Unit Senior Apartment Complex and an 8 Unit Townhome at Osgood Ave. N. and 58th St. N. The motion should read "Dahlquist, seconded by Dwyer, moved to recommend approval of the concept plan for higher density senior housing on the site, with the stipulation that the building size, position, and arrangements be re- evaluated for a better fit in to the land available and that the need for a setback variance be eliminated. Carried 5 -0." 3) That the wording " and NSP projects" be inserted after the work "bridge" in the fourth line of the fourth paragraph of Public Hearing D. 4) That the word "only' be inserted after the word "extended" in the sixth line of the fourth paragraph of Public Hearing D. 5) That the motion, made in the last paragraph, of Public Hearing D be clarified to read as " Dahlquist, seconded by Wasescha moved to recommend approval of the zoning map amendment to R -1, Single family for the area west of Stagecoach Trail, N. to Peabody Avenue, N, beginning at 59t St. N. to the southerly boundary of the Northern States Power ponding area." Carried 4 -0. Adjournment Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Dwyer, moved to adjourn at 10:40 p.m. Carried 4 -0. Respectfully submitted, Julie A. Hultman Community Development Secretary on