HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes05_1129City of Falcon Heights
Planning Commission Minutes
November 29, 2005
PRESENT: Commissioners Lukermann, Heideman, DeLeo, Tracy, Rodich, Ryan, Lageson, Mercer-Taylor, Council Liaison Lindstrom. Also present were City Administrator Heather Worthington
and Staff Liaison Deb Jones.
ABSENT: Commissioner Harris, Council Liaison Peter Lindstrom
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
MINUTES: The minutes for September 27, 2005, were approved.
PRESENTATION: Falcon Heights Historical Archive
The presentation was given by Jane Fandrey, Planning Intern. Ms. Fandrey outlined the early history of Falcon Heights, researched from County sources, especially Gibbs Farm, and City
records. She showed slides of early and more recent photos of Falcon Heights institutions, including the State Fair and University of Minnesota. She then moved on to talk about the
architecture of the City’s residential neighborhoods, especially the University Grove, where all the homes were required to be individually designed. She closed by inviting residents
to share their memories with the archive by sending letters or email to City Hall and telling their Falcon Heights stories.
Ms. Fandrey then answered questions from Commissioners. The memories people sent in will be kept on file for future researchers and possibly added to the City website. In response
to a question from Commissioner Lukermann, Administrator Worthington said that the City has no jurisdiction over what happens to the old school house but has been a participant in discussions
between the University and other entities about what will happen on that corner. In response to a question from Commissioner Heideman, Ms. Worthington said that if anyone is interested
in finding out about businesses in Falcon Heights in the past, the City does have records because businesses were licensed. Commissioner Lukermann commented on the passing of the nursery
businesses that were once such a characteristic of Larpenteur Avenue.
PROGRESS REPORT ON RECODIFICATION
The report was given by Staff Liaison Jones. Falcon Heights contracted earlier this year with a well-known recodification firm, Municipal Code Corporation of Tallahassee, Florida.
The Planning Commission has done some preparatory work on Chapter 9, the zoning chapter. Ms. Jones reported that the process is on schedule. Municipal Code has presented the City with
a very thorough legal analysis of the existing code. The next step is the preparation of a draft, but there is no firm timetable for that. The process is chiefly an editing process.
In response to a question from Commissioner Lageson, Ms. Jones said that the Commission’s involvement would continue to be Chapter 9. There will be public hearings and ample opportunity
to take a look at the proposed draft. Commissioner Lukermann asked if Municipal Code has worked with other cities in the Twin Cities area; Ms. Jones replied that they have worked with
a number of local cities and are among the three most widely used recodification companies in Minnesota. They are very familiar with Minnesota statutes and case law. In response to
a question from Commissioner Lukermann, Ms. Jones said that the City hopes to receive the first draft in the next three months.
INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Commissioner Lageson asked whether there will be a sidewalk along the east side of Snelling, next to the new development, as originally planned. Ms. Worthington said Sherman Associates
will construct the sidewalk in the spring; the walk will go all the way down to Curtiss Field.
Commissioner Lukermann asked if people are finding the parking for Pizza Hut. Ms. Worthington replied that the City has urged the developer to create some improved signage to direct
people to the rear parking. The finishing touches on the project are still not complete.
Staff Liaison Jones said that the Black Bamboo restaurant plan for 1871 Larpenteur has fallen through because the owners were unable to arrange financing. The property has been sold
to a construction management firm who will be using it as an office. No construction materials or vehicles will be stored at the site. The new owners are not planning any changes to
the building or lot that will require a variance, only some interior remodeling. It will be good to have the property in use again. In response to a question from Commissioner Rodich,
Jones affirmed that the variances were conditional on completing the specific restaurant plan and are therefore now not in effect. Commissioner Lukermann said she had looked forward
to having another good restaurant in the neighborhood and expressed regret that the plans had fallen through.
On behalf of the City, Ms. Jones expressed thanks to Jane Fandrey for her work for the City over the last few months and wished her well in the future.
On behalf of the Staff Ms. Jones expressed appreciation to departing Commissioners for their service on the Planning Commission. Barbara Heideman will be leaving after two terms of
service. Pamela Harris will be taking up her seat on the City Council. Barbara Lukermann has also finished her term but will be reappointed.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison