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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMin_80May5PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 5, 1980 7:30 P.M. • The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on May 5, 1980 by Chair- man Les Larson. In addition to the Chairman the following persons were present: Al Stefanson, Harold Nilsen, Erma Olson, Robert Blomberg, Elving Anderson, and Jerry Wallin. Also present were Council Liaison Sandy Larson and Councilmember Helen Brown. City Planner Carl Dale reported as follows: 1. He expects to have 95% of the text of the Comprehensive Plan drafted and available for review by the Planning Commission in advance of the next meeting scheduled for June 2, 1980. 2. Mr. Dale advised that approximately 2,000 Citizens Survey Questionnaires were distributed with the recent newsletter. The return rate appeared to be in the order of 10%. A summary of the first 24 questionnaires received disclosed the following concerns: a. Larpenteur-Snelling traffic. Mr. Dale will be having a professional traffic engineer evaluate the intersection in the near future. b. Lack of community identity. c. Dutch Elm Disease. d. Forecasting population demographics for future planning and development. e. Attracting younger families as residents. f. Maintaining a high level of city services while keeping taxes down. g. The deterioration and poor appearance of the commercial property. h. Stray cats and dogs. i. Failure to enforce ordinances. In the area of likes and dislikes, the questionnaires reflected that the residents of the City like the small village atmosphere. They generally feel that there is good fire and police protection and that snow plowing is satisfactory although it occasionally results in some curb damage. There was dissatisfaction with, again, stray dogs, high cost parking tickets, the ugly shopping area, and the perceived lack of interest in city and civic events. Mr. Dale suggested that perhpas a card file could be maintained at City Hall containing data on persons having common interests (garden clubs,~etc.) so that citizens can find out with whom they share common interests. 3. As seen by Carl Dale, the City's current and near future problems are as follows: • a. Storm drainage. PLANNING CQN~N~ZSSZQN 1~I,NUTES MAY 5, 1980 PAGE 2 • b. Upgrading the commercial property. c. Future population demographics. d. Setting of goals for planning and development. e. Decisions on how the University of Minnesota land should be zoned, etc. to deal with future contingent land sales to private interests. f. Anew City Hall. g. Capitol improvements, including curb and gutter, sidewalks, and visual screening of the commercial property from the residential areas. 4. Mr. Dale passed out segments of the Falcon Heights City Map requesting that the Planning Commission Members return the maps by the June 2, 1980 meeting with verification that all buildings in the sector have been properly marked on the map and that recommendations be made as to any observed needs in the sector. Mr. Howard Smeby, 1801 Asbury, (at Garden) appeared requesting a variance from the Zoning Ordinance to allow him to build a 36" high play yard fence. Although his application for a variance was not submitted in accordance with the proper procedure, the Chairman recognized the matter for discussion. Mr. Smeby produced a note showing lack of objection from hi.s affected neighbor and . a drawing, not to scale, showing the orientation of his yard and the location of the proposed fence. The requested variance was recommended to pass with- out a roll call vote. Further disucssion was had on preparing a job description. The draft circulated by Al Stefanson at the April 7, 1980 meeting met with general approval. A few modifications were suggested and agreed to. The final draft is attached to these minutes as Appendix A. Revision of the Planning Commission By-laws was discussed. The existing By-laws met with approval. They were amended to read as follows: ARTICLE I, Paragraph 1.2 Sub-paragraph c. review and make recommendations on all matters relating or affecting the physical development of the City. ARTICLE III, Paragraph 3.4, Duties of the Secretar The Secretary shall be responsible for recording the minutes of meetings, and actions of the Commission, preparing the agenda for the next meeting, and carrying out such other duties as are assigned by the Commission Chairperson. ARTICLE V, Paragraph 5.2 Regular Meetings. Regular Meetings of the Commis- sion shall be held the first Monday of each month. If that day falls on a legal holiday, the scheduled meeting shall be held the following Monday. A special meeting may be called by the City Council or the Planning Commis- sion Chairperson. ACTICLE VI, Paragraph 6.3 Appearance of the Petitioner. No application or petition shall be given final approval unless the applicant or petitioner appears personally or is represented at the meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 5, 1980 . PAGE 3 ARTICLE VI, A New Paragraph 6.6 Votin All votes for final approval of any matter before the Planning Commission shall be by roll call vote. Discussion was held on whether or not the Planning Commission should recommend a formal moratorium on development pending completion of the Compre- hensive Plan. Carl Dale recommended no moratorium. Upon a motion duly made, seconded and .passed the Commission voted to recommend there be no moritorium pending completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Although on the agenda for the meeting, there was no appearance by or on behalf of Nick and Rice' Chestovich, 1407 W. California pertaining to their variance request. Upon a motion duly made, seconded and carried further action on this request was tabled until the next meeting. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Commission voted to adjourn until June 2, 1980. Respectfully submitted, ~lJ G.~'t^~`, rry a lin, Secretary i ~- g°