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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ Minutes; 01-23-12APPROVED AS PRESENTED, 2-13-12 City of Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2012 Chairman Van Zandt called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Haggard, Hall, Obermueller, Pelletier, Van Zandt, and Williams. Absent: Fliflet and Ziertman. STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Klatt. Commissioner Williams moves to amend agenda item 4b, as it will include a presentation from Martin Voss, a lighting engineer from 3M. M/S/P, Van Zandt/Hall, move to approve the agenda as amended, Vote: 6-0. Minutes- November 14, 2011 M/S/P, Hall/Obermueller, move to accept the minutes from the Planning Commission meeting on 11/14/2011, Vote: 6-0. Minutes- January 9, 2012 M/S/P, Williams/Hall, move to accept the minutes from the Planning Commission meeting on 1/9/2012, Vote: 5-0. Abstained: Haggard. Public Hearing- None Business Item – Fire Department Presentation Fire Chief Greg Malmquist made a presentation to the Planning Commission regarding the operation of the Lake Elmo Fire Department, as well as challenges posed to the fire department related to planning. These challenges include the width of streets, designs of driveways, cul-de-sacs with center islands, and a lack of visibility of street addresses. Chief Malmquist wanted to highlight that the design of many driveways make it difficult for the fire trucks to access the homes. In addition, lack of maintenance of overhead trees cause problems for access as well. Regarding other challenges, Chief Malmquist noted that the large front-yard setbacks of homes in Lake Elmo make it difficult for the ladders top reach the top of some homes. For this reason, purchasing a 100’ ladder truck has been in the conversation. In addition, there has been a lack of fire hydrants in many residential developments. These hydrants must be placed every 500’. Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 1-23-12 1 APPROVED AS PRESENTED, 2-13-12 Chairman Van Zandt noted that the lack of visible address numbers makes it difficult to find your way to certain homes in Lake Elmo. He felt that visible signs should be mandated to make it easier for emergency response vehicles. Commissioner Pelletier asked about the procedure regarding the review of new development in terms of fire-related issues. Planning Director Klatt noted that the Fire Chief does review all major development projects. Chairman Van Zandt noted that the members of the Planning Commission should be cognizant of how plans affect the Fire Department. Commissioner Williams noted that proactive support for the Fire Department should be written into code for the areas slated for future development in the Village Area and South of 10th St. Area. Chairman Van Zandt inquired as to what authority the City has to make sure that residents trim their trees along their driveways. Chief Malmquist noted that one way or another, the Fire Department will get the job done. Whenever there is a call to residential homes, the Fire Department takes those opportunities to educate residents about how their property affects emergency response. Commissioner Hall asked whether the Lake Elmo Fire Department responds to calls outside of Lake Elmo. Chief Malmquist noted that they do respond to mutual aid calls per agreement with neighboring Fire Departments. Commissioner Obermueller asked whether there are any opportunities to find used 100’ ladder trucks to save money. Chief Malmquist noted that the Fire Department typically does not find good opportunities for used ladder trucks because the maintenance costs are so high on old trucks. In addition, Chief Malmquist noted that they methods of current light-weight construction are strong, but are extremely susceptible to fire due to the materials. Business Item – Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Planning Director Klatt made a presentation to the Planning Commission highlighting various concerns related to the current exterior lighting ordinance. These concerns include a lack of clarity when it is required to submit a light plans, residential decorative lighting, temporary lighting, and night-time lighting. Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 1-23-12 2 APPROVED AS PRESENTED, 2-13-12 Chairman Van Zandt noted that the City should keep up on the latest technology and advances in lighting for the purpose of energy conservation and performance. Martin Voss, an electrical engineer at 3M specializing in LED lighting, made himself available to answer any questions posed by the Planning Commission. In addition, he reviewed current types of available light technologies. He stressed the fact that LED lighting can be focused and not increase light pollution. Commissioner Pelletier asked whether Mr. Voss knows anything about lighting as it relates to City Code. Mr. Voss noted that he is willing to work with the City on potential demonstration projects for new lighting products. These products are able to focus light very specifically and not light up unintended areas that should remain dark. Commissioner Williams noted that the City should pursue an exterior lighting ordinance that focuses on performance standards as opposed to specific technologies. Commissioner Haggard asked whether all LED light emit blue colored lights. Mr. Voss noted that LED can have a similar color to an incandescent bulbs. However, these lights are not as efficient as the blue colored LED’s. M/S, Van Zandt/Williams, move to recommend a future amendment to the light ordinance in order to act proactively before future development and limit bad outcomes. Commissioner Obermueller recommends that the amendment make some mention of limiting light trespass. In addition, the residents of Lake Elmo should be made aware of these issues through the City Newsletter. Commissioner Pelletier asked whether a public hearing would be appropriate. Planning Director Klatt felt that the ordinance amendment is not developed enough to hold a public hearing. Commissioner Williams wanted to obtain some feedback from the City Council to find out whether or not they support the Planning Commission’s efforts to amend the exterior lighting ordinance. Planning Director Klatt noted that he can make an update at the next City Council meeting. M/S/P, Van Zandt/Hall, move to approve the previous motion as amended, Vote:6-0. Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 1-23-12 3 APPROVED AS PRESENTED, 2-13-12 Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 1-23-12 4 Greg McGrath, 1509 15th St. Ct. N., noted that he has experienced many challenges with exterior lighting regardless of what the ordinance states. He noted that code enforcement remains a concern. City Council Updates- Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for 5577 Lake Elmo Ave.- Withdrawn by the Applicant Staff Updates- Buberl/Nass/Bidon Property Detachment Klatt reported that the Buberl/Nass/Bidon property detachment petition was approved by the Office of Administrative Hearings, and that effective as of January 3, 2012 this property was no longer part of Lake Elmo. Commission Concerns- None Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nick M. Johnson Interim City Planner