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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMin_86May5MINUTES REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 5, 1986 Black, Boche, Mead, Finegan, Daykin, Northrup, Grittner, Trent-Sullivan, and Duncan. Also present was Council Liaison Hard. None. Grittner moved, seconded by Finegan, to approve the March 3, 1986 Minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. George Gregory, 1687 West Larpenteur, requested a variance to construct a six foot high fence along his property. His property is located to an apartment building and he has encountered problems with littering, tenants using the driveway as a play area for children, noise and allows no privacy for a private residence. He requests a variance to construct a six foot high section from the beginning of the fence to the houseline to provide for continuity, privacy and enhanced appearance. Mr. Gregory indicated that he has had discussions with the Manager of the apartments (Falcon Arms Apartments) and they have responded favorably and will share the expense. After further discussion, Mead moved, seconded by Northrup to approve the variance request .to George Gregory, 1687 West Larpenteur. Motion carried unanimously. Bullseye Golf, Inc., 1557 West Larpenteur, requested a conditional use • for the permanent use of twelve Golf-O-Mat machines, which are located in the basement of the Bullseye Plaza building. Ms. Hunt explained the Golf-O-Mat machines are computerized golf games of different golf courses throughout the country. In a survey they have taken, they have determined that the people who play are usually middle-aged with most games being operated by two people (although a foursome could play). They also did a traffic count of the parking spaces being used by each business during the 10:00 to 4:00 and the 4:00 to 10:00 timeslots (a copy of the information is on file in the Office of the Clerk Administrator). This study was conducted during the months of January and February. People who make reservations to use the Golf-O-Mat machines are instructed to park in the Embers lot and use the back door. Ms. Hunt advised the Planning Commission of the nature of the business located in the Bullseye Plaza Center and advised that the mix of tenants required short-term parking. The peak season for use of the Golf-O-Mat machines is about mid-November until March (depending on Minnesota weather). Discussions ensued about the use of the shared parking, whether more parking is needed by Bullseye Golf, Inc. now that spring and golfing season has started, and the amount of parking that will be needed for the restaurant that will be opening. Trent-Sullivan and Mead found that snow removal on the site was inadequate during the winter months. Finegan felt uneasy about granting the conditional use request as the Planning Commission had not been provided with information as to exactly what parking is required by each business and by granting the conditional use would be putting a "band-aid" on a probable larger problem. He felt an extension should be granted on the temporary conditional use and in the meantime guidelines should be established and parking reassessed. Trent-Sullivan agreed that • once the development is fully rented, the parking could be better assessed. Northrup and Grittner also agreed and felt the temporary conditional use MINUTES REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 5, 1986 PAGE 2 should be extended for a one year period. Black did not want the capacity David H. Olson, 2061 West Larpenteur, requested variances from setback requirements and parking on a structure he plans to build on the Larpenteur site. The purpose of his company is to prepare and enrich as well as train counselors and clergy to work with couples on marriage enrichment and counseling. At this site the main function will be to take the inventories prepared by married couples and run them through computers. In the evenings they plan to have opportunities for couples to take the inventory and have the computer analyze the information right away, which could be done individually or in groups. This would be done late afternoon, early evening or on Saturdays. Mr. Olson described the style of building, the square footage and suggested location on the lot. He then explained why the variances were required. He is interested in purchasing a strip of land 145 feet long and 20 feet wide from the City (who seems receptive) for additional parking. Forty-seven parking stalls have been located on the site. The present site for this business is County Road B/Spelling area. of the parking stretched too far. Finegan felt the parking should be reassessed based upon probable use of the property by existing and new tenants and allow flexability for the future. Grittner stated that the first parking scheme did not include the use of the basement area. Finegan moved, seconded by Northrup, to recommend a one year extension of the temporary conditional use permit to the City Council and that the Planning Commission initiate action to make a study of the parking requirements over the one year. Motion carried unanimously. John Uban, City Planner, reviewed the different ways the study could be undertaken. • Mr. Olson plans on renting the first floor for the first three years with hopes of expanding his business after that time. Several tenants may be interested in rental although no firm plans have been negotiated. John Uban, City Planner, reviewed his April 30th report reviewing what changes he suggested that would enhance the placement of the structure on the lot. He suggested the possible use of cross parking easements to add more parking which would allow a change in building location. Councilmember Hard advised that there had been no request for industrial revenue bond financing or tax increment bond financing--the development would essentially go right on the tax rolls and may help retire the bonds. He also advised that in discussions with the Fire Chief there could be a potential expansion of the City Hall building of an additional bay for a fire truck, which may be needed due to the development taking place within the City. Therefore, it would be positive for the city to enter into negotiations when it comes to the purchase of the 20 foot strip of property as it would provide for additional parking. Northrup questioned who pays for the work done by the City Planner on a private project. Hard stated that in a tax increment financing project, ten percent of the administrative costs are payable by the developer but in this case it won't work. He would like to see the project move forward and sees part of the costs as the costs of doing business and these costs could be debated at another time. Northrup questioned if it would be inappropriate for the City to get some "up front" money and Hard answered that it may not be inappropriate as a cap could be put on certain costs and these costs could be discussed in the negotiation process. Black then asked whether the Planning Commission should recommend or authorize some expenditures for services to which Grittner . and Hard advised that they could not be done. Hard stated that Council will have to decide who pays the costs and if they should be shared. MINUTES REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 5, 1986 PAGE 3 After a lengthy discussion, Boche moved, seconded by Grittner, to lay over the request from Mr. David Olson, urging the owner to work with the City Planner to develop a more acceptable plan moving the parking to the west through a joint arrangement with the City of Falcon Heights and to bring the matter back to the Planning Commission at the call of the Chairman. Motion carried unanimously. The Planning Commission was specifically concerned with: (1) maintaining the 30 foot setback on Larpenteur Avenue, (2) removing the four handicapped parking spots .entered directly from the access road, (3) share, lease or purchase property from the City for increased parking area to the west, (4) possible fire expansion space, and (5) widening the entrance to the parking area from Prior Avenue and provide better traffic circulation in the parking lot. Mead moved, seconded by Boche, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 P.M. • ~~ Edgar Fi an,Secretar •