HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-1998 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK
"LANNING COMMISSION D.
Call To Order: City Planner, Scott Richards called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present:
Commissioners Dahlquist, Hedlund, Schultz, Vogt and Wasescha. Staff present: City Administrator
Melena, Administrative Assistant Mesko, and Community Development Secretary Hultman. City
Consultants present: Assistant City Planner, Brad Digre. Absent: None.
Introductions:
City Planner Richards introduced himself and gave a brief history of his qualifications and
involvement with the City. This introduction was followed by each individual present giving a
brief self introduction. As they were not in attendance for this organizational meeting, City
Planner Richards provided introductions for Public Works Director Johnson, City Engineer
Anderlik and Arborist Widin as consultants the Commission will become acquainted with as
the issues require.
Role of Planning Commission and City Council in Local Government:
City Planner Richards briefed the Commission as to the materials they received with their meeting
packets and explained the general process of planning decisions, as well as what is expected of the
Commission as an advisory board.
Role of Staff /Consultant in Planning Decision Making Process:
City Planner Richards explained that the role of staff and consultants in the planning decision making
process is to aid the group with the process by making available to them the information they need to
make informed decisions.
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City Planner Richards discussed, in detail, the Planning Commission Bylaws and Zoning Ordinance
Amendment #98- 401 -01. Discussion was held pertaining to the open meeting law and conflict of
interest. Robert's Rule of Order will be followed for meeting procedures. Meeting agendas, minutes
and packet items will be kept for future reference. Audio recordings of meetings will also be kept for
a period of six months.
Discussion was held as to the number of Public Hearing held on an average. City Planner Richards
indicated that the Planning Commission will be responsible for conducting the Public Hearings and
suggested that the Commission may wish to meet more than one time per month, to allow adequate
time for dealing with issues. City Planner Richards further suggested that the Commission may wish
to have a Commissioner present at City Council meetings when issues they have made
recommendations on is scheduled on the agenda. This representation could be rotated among the
members of the Commission.
City Planner Richards indicated that training will be made available through Government Training
Service sometime this Fall or Spring of 1998 and that he would let Commission know more as he
does.
Discussion was held as to the importance of site investigations. City Administrator Melena
mentioned that other cities place signs at site investigation areas to ensure the location of
investigation. City Planner Richards suggested that this is something he should speak with Public
Works Directors Johnson about. This issue will be addressed at a future meeting of the
Commission.
Planning Commission Minutes - 2
Planning: an Overview:
City Planner Richards indicated that an order for a publication, The Job of Planning Commission,
had been placed and should arrive shortly. He indicated that this publication was very beneficial for
use as guidance through the planning process.
Comprehensive Plan
City Planner Richards explained and discussion was held pertaining to the legal requirement,
process, and use of a comprehensive plan. He indicated that the City's current plan was adopted in
1980 -81 and has had several amendments to it since that time. He indicated that it is the City
Council's desire to have the Planning Commission address the task of preparing an updated
comprehensive plan for the City as the City has changed a great deal since the adoption of the 1980-
81 Comprehensive Plan. Council wants the Commission to address the future outlook of the City,
take an inventory of what is going on and address the City's future needs. City Planner Richards
stated that Metropolitan Council is preparing a Regional Blueprint, which is a publication that lays out
the formats and element for preparing a comprehensive plan and that each member will be provided
with a copy when it becomes available.
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Discussion was held pertaining the Administrative section of the zoning ordinance and how requests
for zoning issues, conditional uses, variances, and planned unit development are processed by the
City. City Planner Richards explained the layout of the zoning code, discussed the process at
length and noted that the City Council serves as the Board of Appeals. He mentioned that future
projects the Commission will be looking at will include design review and signage ordinance revision
Subdivision Ordinance 402 was unavailable for review. Community Secretary Hultman was directed
to obtain a copy and make it available for distribution to the Commission members at its meeting of
June 18, 1998.
Upcoming Meeting /Agenda:
City Planner Richards distributed a tentative agenda for the next scheduled Commission meeting to
be held in the City Council Chamber of the Oak Park Heights City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday,
June 18, 1998.
Adjournment: City Planner Richards announced the organizational meeting of the Oak Parks
Heights Planning Commission to be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
P
Julie Hultman, Secretary
Community Development