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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMin_91Feb25• MINUTES REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2991 7:30 p.m. Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Boche. PRESENT: Barr, Boche, Daykin, Duncan, Finegan, Nestingen, Gibson Talbot Cernia APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commission requested an amendment to the January 28 minutes to include the findings for revoking the conditional use permit issued for a game arcade at 1544 W. Larpenteur. REPORT ON THE POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF POOL HALLS AND GAME ARCADES AS CONDITIONAL USES IN A B-2 ZONE f9-10.01(2)(p)(q)1 City Planner Hoyt reported on the possible exclusion of, or further restrictions on game arcades and/or pool halls as conditional uses in the City's B-2 zone. • Planner Hoyt explained that when considering whether or not to remove billiard/pool hall and/or games arcades as conditional uses from the zoning code, two questions need to be asked, 1) "Is a pool hall and/or games arcade a desirable land use in the City"?, and 2) "Is a pool hall and/or game arcade in a B-2 zone compatible with other land uses in the City"? Three site criteria were discussed. One, adequate parking in front of the establishment with no rear exit to allow police to better patrol; two, exits away from residential neighborhoods; and three, highly visible entrances and exits for observation by patrolling police. Due to the close proximity of all businesses and residential neighborhoods, the Commission agreed there was no appropriate location for such an establishment in a B-2 zone in Falcon Heights since the option of establishing minimum distance requirements was not available to the City. Commissioner Finegan moved and the Commission unanimously accepted to recommend the removal of both uses from the zoning code, 9- 10.01(2)(p) - billiard/pool hall and 9-10.01(2)(q) - game arcade. Councilman Cernia will bring this to the City Council as a Planning Commission recommendation. If the Council approves, a hearing notice will be published and a public hearing will be 1 • • held in March by the Planning Commission. REPORT ON THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN PLANNING RELATED FEES Planner Hoyt announced she has been re-evaluating all planning fees and recommended increases. After a brief discussion on the fee changes, the Commission unanimously recommended staff take the recommendation to the City Council for a final decision. REPORT ON ZONING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR RETROACTIVE SCREENING OF EXISTING BUSINESSES A complaint brought by Falcon Height resident, Mr. Warren Peterson, against Hamline Hoyt Repair for having junk cars and tires stored on his property at 1565 Hamline Avenue N. was discussed. Planner Hoyt reported City Staff had talked to the owner, and he is making every effort to be in conformance with city code. The Commission then reviewed proper methods of screening of property as required in the code. They agreed that frequently screening would not be appropriate and/or possible, but cleaning up the business property would be appropriate. Discussion about the revision of the retroactive screening requirement in Section 9-14.01(5)(b)(d)(e) of the code followed. Because retroactive screening was frequently impossible or inappropriate, it was suggested that the City set minimum • property upkeep standards for existing businesses. Chairman Boche asked staff to begin to draft specific things that are enforceable that might be substituted for those that are now unenforceable. REVISED POLICIES FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFLECTING COMMENTS AT JANUARY 28, 1991 MEETING Changes suggested in the Comprehensive Plan by Commission are: In the section on the State Fairgrounds and University of Minnesota Objectives: 1. "To encourage the State Fairgrounds to remain in Falcon Heights" be changed to read: To encourage the State Fair as it currently operates, to remain in Falcon Heig s. Policies: A fourth POLICY be added: 4. Regulate non-State Fair development on the State Fair 2 C] • property. In the section on Community Facilities and Services Policies: 1. "Provide emergency service including police, fire and rescue within a four minute response time to any place served by the City" be changed to read: Provide emergency service including police, fire and rescue comparable to surrounding communities. In the section on Transportation Objectives: A seventh objective be added: 7. To maintain the transportation infrastructure of the City. Planner Hoyt said the Comprehensive Plan should be ready for final review and discussion at either the March or April meeting. A public hearing will be held on the final draft. The document will then be sent to the City Council for approval. • Meeting adjourned at 9:25. ee Swenson. Recor ing ecre ary Susan oy Ci y anner 3 •