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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/2008 P&Z MinutesAPPROVED MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chair Tralle called the Lino Lakes Planning and Zon ing Board meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. on April 9, 2008. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 9, 2008 Mr. Laden made a MOTION to approve the July 9, 2008 Minutes. Motion was supported by Mr. Hyden. Motion carried 4 - 0. (2 abstained) IV. OPEN MIKE Chair Tralle declared Open Mike at 6:34 p.m. There was no one present for Open Mike. Mr. Pogalz made a MOTION to close Open Mike at 6:35 p.m. Motion was supported by Mr. Root. Motion carried 6 - 0. V. ACTION ITEMS A. Recommendation to the City Council regarding approval of the Draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan DATE : September 10, 2008 TIME STARTED : 6:31 P.M. TIME ENDED : 10:08 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Michael Hyden, Perry Laden, Rob ert Nelson, Brian Pogalz (Vice Chair), Rob Rafferty, Michael Root, Paul Tralle (Chair) MEMBERS ABSENT : None STAFF PRESENT : Paul Bengtson, Michael Grochala, Jeff Smyser, Jim Studenski Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2008 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES Jeff Smyser, City Planner, presented the staff repo rt. Mr. Smyser explained the process that led to the drafting of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Smyser stated that the draft plan was well received by the other boards, and a f ew minor corrections were suggested. Ciara Schlicting, Bonestroo consultant firm, provid ed an overview of the Comprehensive Plan and pointed out some of the proposed correctio ns. Ms. Schlicting’s presentation included key components of each chapter as well as implementation plans to support the visions, goals & policies. One suggested modification was the extension of the trail along Elmcrest Ave. Ms. Schlicting added that staff recommended additional designated bike routes along Sunset & County Road J per citizen comments. She also poi nted out some corrections that should be made to the Future Roadway System maps. As a result of the joint meeting of the Environment al Board and Park Board, a text revision was recommended in Chapter 11 regarding th e city taking over the tile system west of 20 th Avenue. Board Members requested additional information rega rding the Urban Reserve designation. Ms. Schlicting stated that most growi ng communities currently use Urban Reserve as a designation. She noted that Met Counc il began using the designation of Urban Reserve during the 1996 regional framework, a nd she is not aware of any legal challenges regarding the use of Urban Reserve. She explained that the key benefit of Urban Reserve is to keep larger parcels intact so t hat master planning can be done to achieve the goals of the plan. She explained that if large parcels are carved into smaller lots, then it becomes more difficult to provide nec essary services that interconnect to other parcels. Board Members discussed development and staging. M s. Schlicting described that although there would be no cap on development, stag ing areas would allow for projected growth that could be accommodated for in each stagi ng area. She noted that the issue of rate versus quality of development was discussed at length by the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Panel. Mr. Smyser stated that page 3-25 of the 2030 Draft Comprehensive Plan contains the Growth Management Policy Framework Outline. He exp lained that when the city approaches the 10-year threshold to when the next s taging area would begin, the City Council would need to determine whether or not the city is ready to open up that next staging area. He explained that inadequate infrast ructure may determine that new development areas are not ready for development. H e noted that development within a staging area would require a Comprehensive Plan Ame ndment prior to the designated time. Mr. Tralle opened the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. Doug Koppy, 6689 East Shadow Lake Dr., and Bill Pri nceton, 7023- 256 th St., were in attendance to represent the Rice Creek Snowmobile T rail Club. They asked if the city Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2008 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES had considered the existing snowmobile trails that are present in Lino Lakes. They stated that it appears that some of the proposed city trai ls go over the snowmobile trails that have existed for 25 years. They noted that these a re DNR sponsored trails. Mr. Koppy distributed a map of the existing snowmobile trails . He was concerned that the city would be taking the existing trails away. He added that Mr. VonDeLinde (Anoka County Parks Dept.) is aware of the existing trails. He s tated that the city’s map is not definitive enough to show the exact location of the trails, bu t the location of city trails has caused the club problems in the past. He stated that they would like to be involved in discussions of trail locations. He added that some areas of the city include snowmobile trails that run alongside of paved trails. City Staff responded that the majority of the snowm obile trails in the city are within the regional park, and are therefore not under the city ’s jurisdiction. Mr. Grochala said that the city did consider this issue when locating the trail behind the YMCA in Lino Lakes. Staff noted that language would be added to the pla n recognizing snowmobile trails. Dan Waldoch Jr., 559 Lois Ln., Lino Lakes stated he is a 58-yr. resident. Mr. Waldoch was present to discuss the proposed change for 1001 Main St. He noted that these properties are in an estate and to settle the trust they will be sold in the future. He stated that they are currently zoned with a 10-acre minimu m to provide a number of buildable sites. He said that the new proposed Urban Reserve will reduce it to two conforming lots and one non-conforming lot. He added that this wil l reduce the value of the parcels. He requested that the minimum lot size does not change and thanked the board for their consideration. Jeff Joyer, 8174 Lake Drive, stated he has been a r esident since 1978. He noted that his parcel is the “front door” to the Waldoch Farm/Cent er. Mr. Joyer spoke about three groups of parcels. He thanked the board for this a mazing process and noted that he was a former Planning & Zoning Board Member & task force member. Mr. Joyer commended the board’s efforts. Mr. Joyer distributed a hando ut he had created showing the location of the parcels he referred to as “Parcel A,” “Parce l B,” and Parcel C,” in addition to the Family Trust parcel. He noted that staff had spent a number of hours with his family describing the proposed impact to these parcels. M r. Joyer explained the size of the parcels and the use of the land, as well as the his tory of owners. He noted that utilities are currently at the intersection of Lake Dr. & Mai n St. He stated that with each plan revision, the parcels have been rezoned and the req uired lot size has increased. He was concerned that the next generations will not have a n opportunity to build. He said the current proposed plan pushes development too far in to the future and noted it was a bit of a shock to discover the recent change to his site. Mr. Joyer explained that three years ago they propo sed to add a year-round retail center to their existing garden center, and were told by t he city that it would only be possible if they brought in sewer and water and fire suppressio n throughout the greenhouses. He stated that today they are faced with the fact that they cannot build commercial without sewer and water, and that utilities will not be ava ilable until after 2030. He stated this makes it difficult to have a viable growing busines s or for the next generation to continue in a viable manner. He said this is creating an en vironment with few options for owners to build and grow. He offered a solution could be to allow a 30-acre parcel in the Urban Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2008 Page 4 APPROVED MINUTES Reserve to have commercial. He pointed out that al l three parcels directly adjoin the area where sewer will be provided. He wondered how the council proposes to provide utilities to existing properties without the extension to a n ew commercial development. He stated that a very abrupt line has been drawn along these parcels. Mr. Joyer stated that he would prefer to develop on his property prior to the proposed staging timeline, and provided specific recommendat ions for staff and the board to consider for each of the three parcels. He noted t hat he had discussed these recommendations with staff and he would welcome an option for change. Mr. Joyer added that the parcel that is held in a family trus t has been pastured and farmed for 92 years, and that this is not necessarily a practical solution for the future. Michael Grochala, Community Development Director, p rovided some insight to the process leading to the proposed changes to these pa rcels. Mr. Grochala noted that the 2007 map referenced by Mr. Joyer is the full build map included within the draft plan. The full build map identifies the Joyer property as future commercial and high density residential. In the short term (2030 Plan) the are a is shown as Urban Reserve. The location of the Urban Reserve was determined by evaluating the staging plan. Both the development forecasts and the sanitary sewer ca pacity was analyzed to guide the location of the stage 1 and stage 2 lines. He expl ained that there are five sewer districts in the city, each with sub-districts. Staging in e ach sewer district is planned to ensure there will be sewer capacity and to ensure a ration al development sequence. He pointed out that the Joyer property was located in Sewer Di strict 2. The City does not currently have capacity within the system to service all of d istrict 2. He noted that staff identified the areas that have the existing necessary infrastructure for development. The plan is to bring a trunk reliever up the west side of the city that will free up capacity in the rest of District 2. Withou t the reliever, capacity is limited to the point that only the Stage 1 area can be served. He explained that the sod farms would need to develop in order to allow for expansion int o the Waldoch area. He added that the plan is to reserve capacity for existing unsewered neighborhoods prior to allocating service to new development areas. He pointed out t hat the Waldoch property and the Joyer property will be serviced by separate lines, and the city is not projecting enough growth to bring utilities to all this land in the f oreseeable future. Mr. Grochala pointed out that keeping these propert ies Urban Reserve at one unit per forty acres would alleviate conflict as future deve lopment occurs. He noted that staff would have no issue with moving Parcel C, as identi fied, into the Stage 1 growth area, as it is immediately adjacent to the utilities from th e Pine Glen subdivision. He noted that a review of the Comp Plan every two years could provi de opportunity for revisions if development, such as the sod farms, should occur ea rlier than anticipated. Board Members voiced their understanding that reser ving capacity is one of the mechanisms to control growth before it is ready to occur. Development at this location will be dictated by what develops to the south, and that although a parcel may be moved from Stage 2 to Stage 1, development will still not occur until utilities are present. Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2008 Page 5 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Smyser explained that capacity for utilities is of utmost importance and that the problem with the last plan was that it did not cons ider the availability of service to areas. The city is trying to avoid misleading property own ers, and reiterated that the expectations of the past could not be fulfilled, so staff is trying to avoid creating this problem again. Mr. Tralle called for a 10-minute recess at 8:35 p.m. Mr. Tralle reconvened the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Board members discussed the proposed revisions to t he parcels. Staff explained that the need for fire suppression for the expansion of retail space at the garden center is a state fire code requirement. Re garding the staging areas, staff noted that a city always has to identify needs and draw a line, as development drives the installation of a pipe. Staff pointed out that a r esidential area along Orange St. and Maple Street with lots of around 10,000 sq. ft. with on-s ite sewer systems will require sewer service soon from a public health standpoint. The city needs to plan for service to that area. Board Members further discussed the Urban Reserve d esignation. Some members thought that Parcels A & B should be designated at one unit per ten acres versus permanent rural. They were reminded that any parce l designated as Urban Reserve will remain as such until someone comes in with a develo pment proposal. Staff noted that most property owners will wait to develop when sewe r is available. Board Members asked if staff had considered cluster developments. Staff replied that clustering works well in permanently unsewered area s. But, as soon as a cluster system is created, it becomes difficult to finance service to adjoining parcels when necessary, which sometimes causes a donut hole for infrastruct ure. Staff reminded the board that part of the city’s growth management strategy is to provide a fully functional system. Staff reiterated that the Urban Reserve designation is just a holding area for development. The whole point of long term planning for full buil d out is to avoid these types of issues and problems in the future. Board members discussed the consideration of reduci ng the Urban Reserve requirements to one unit per ten acres. Those in favor of reduc ing the requirements stated that they understand the value of master planning, but acknow ledge that it may cause limitations to families. Those against changing the requirements stated it would complicate things for the city, pointing out that this issue was discusse d for a long time during the Comp Plan process. Board members stated that they understand that Urban Reserve is just a designation, and that the point is to maximize plan ning for optimal path for roads, neighborhoods and businesses although it may be a b urden to some land owners. Staff reminded the board that there are areas in ne ed of service, and the city would be remiss if they are not trying to service an area th at could be a public health hazard. Staff explained the need to plan efficiently based on pub lic, health, welfare and safety, and the need to deal with existing homes rather than future potential homes. Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2008 Page 6 APPROVED MINUTES Board Members asked if Parcel B could be changed to Mixed Use. Ms. Schlicting replied that a Mixed Use designation would provide for flexibility. Mr. Grochala reiterated that they could amend the s taging of Parcel B, but that development will drive the timing regardless. Board members were concerned that the Waldoch Farm could not expand their business. Staff pointed out that in order to expand, a busine ss needs to be consistent with the full build plan of the city. Mr. Joyer’s property is cu rrently guided medium density, which means the existing business is in conflict with cit y’s existing comprehensive plan. The proposed plan will eliminate this conflict. Once a gain, staff reminded the board that the current fire and building code requirements include a sprinkling suppression system for a retail business. In addition, the current city cod e states that no future commercial development is allowed without utilities. Mr. Laden made a MOTION to amend the 2030 Comp Plan by changing the Full Build Land Use designation of Parcel A from Commercial an d High Density Residential to Mixed Use. Motion was supported by Mr. Hyden. Mot ion carried 6-0. Mr. Nelson made a MOTION to amend the 2030 Comp Pla n by changing the Staging Plan designation of Parcel B from Stage 3 to Stage 2. Motion was supported by Mr. Rafferty. Motion carried 6-0. Board Members questioned if there would be any impe diment to the city if this parcel was added to Stage 2. Staff explained that accommo dations would have to be made to keep within the agreed upon growth forecast. Motion failed 3 – 4. (Hyden, Laden, Pogalz and Raf ferty voting nay.) Mr. Laden made a MOTION to amend the 2030 Comp Plan by changing the Staging Plan designation of Parcel C from Stage 3 to Stage 1. M otion was supported by Mr. Hyden. Motion carried 6-0. Deb Waldoch, 559 Lois Ln., commented about the sewe r line near the end of Main St. near the Waldoch farm. Mr. Grochala explained that the existing sanitary sewer line is there, but that the depth of the line is too shallo w to serve the Waldoch area. Area 2C, the Waldoch area, would require a new lift station in order to be developed. Board Members asked why the lift station in Pine Gl en was designed to provide for a small area only. Mr. Studenski explained that the system is made up of trunk lines and service lines. He explained that large pipes run o n Lake Drive and Main Street, and that the elevations of land cause a difference in the lo cation of service. Cost & feasibility is considered with each service pipe. Mr. Nelson made a MOTION to recommend changing Urba n Reserve to a density of one unit per ten acres. Motion was supported by Mr. Tr alle. Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2008 Page 7 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Laden pointed out that after many meetings and work of the Comp Plan Advisory Panel, the board is drastically changing something that the panel had agreed on. Motion carried 4-3. (Hyden, Laden and Pogalz votin g nay.) Mr. Rafferty made a MOTION to close the Public Hear ing at 10:00 p.m. Motion was supported by Mr. Pogalz. Motion carried 6-0. Mr. Nelson made a MOTION to recommend approval of t he Draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan as amended to the city council. Motion was su pported by Mr. Root. Mr. Smyser added that a resident came into city hal l earlier that day and requested a revision to move a three-acre parcel and a one-acre parcel into Stage 1 growth area. Mr. Smyser stated that staff is comfortable with the re quested change because the sewer pipe is near and the additional few homes would not crea te a capacity problem. Mr. Rafferty made a MOTION to amend the motion on t he table to include the revision of the staging plan to include two small parcels on Birch St. into Stage 1. Motion was supported by Mr. Tralle. Mr. Rafferty thanked city staff and the P&Z Board m embers. Mr. Rafferty stated that he is not comfortable with the openness of the plan, but is in favor of the existing type of plan. Mr. Rafferty h as a reservation to express a positive vote, but will do his best to ensure that the plan is everything it should be. Motion carried 5 – 1. (Rafferty voting Nay.) VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. None VII. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Nelson made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 10:08 p.m. Motion was supported by Mr. Laden. Motion carried 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Dawn Bugge Community Development Assistant