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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-1998 PC PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 7, 1998 Mounds View City Hall 2410 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Peterson at 7:00 p.m., January 7, 1998. 2. Roll Call Members present: Chairperson Peterson, Commissioners Brasaemle, Brooks, Miller, Obert, and Stevenson. Members absent: Commissioner Johnston (Excused). Also present: Community Development Director Jopke, Planning Associate Ericson, City • Council Liaison Koopmeiners, and Recorder Dave Hix. 3. Approval of Minutes: a. October 15, 1997 b. November 5, 1997 c. November 19, 1997 Chairperson Peterson asked for a motion to approve the minutes as listed. Motion/Second: Stevenson/Brooks to approve the listed minutes as amended. Ayes - 6 Nays- 0 Motion carried. Index to Minutes Page Planning Case No. 511-97, Consideration of Resolution No. 534-98, Conditional Use Permit Request by Linder's Greehouses, Inc. To Operate a Flower Mart At Mounds View Square, 2535-2585 Highway 10 6 41, Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 2 4. Citizen Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda Director Jopke introduced Julie Olsen, 2663 Lake Court Circle, the representative from the Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Association. Mr. Jopke told the Commissioners that Ms. Olsen was attending the evening's meeting to address the Commission with the Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Associations's concerns with regard to the possible development of the Anthony Properties' theater development as well as the potential development of a ring road connection through that site. Director Jopke told the Commission that the City Staff has met with the neighborhood at a meeting to discuss some of the issues and concerns that the Silver Lake Townhome Owners Association has. On Monday, January 5, 1998 the City Council was presented with a recap of that neighborhood meeting. Director Jopke told the Commission that at the current time the theater development is in the middle of the PUD approval process. The City has approved a general concept plan and is now waiting for the plans to be submitted by the developer to go through the development stage review process. The Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Association is asking the City to authorize a • change in the concept plan that would eliminate the ring road portion of the development because of its possible detrimental affect on their neighborhood. The City Council has recommended that the normal PUD process be adhered to. The elimination of the ring road should be considered at the time that all Commissions are involved in the development review process. Ms. Olsen told the Commissioners that a task force has been established within the Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Association to streamline the communication process with the City and within their own organization. Ms. Olsen told the Commission that Chuck Whiting, City Administrator, had requested that the Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Association write a formal letter stating what issues the Association wanted action taken on. Ms. Olsen referred to a letter dated December 29, 1997 which was addressed to the Mayor and the City Council. The Association drafted this letter to comply with Mr. Whiting's request to bring the issue before the Planning Commission. Ms. Olsen stated that the neighborhood's concern is that Anthony Properties has stated that they (the developer) didn't want to proceed with the theater development plan until they knew what the City's feelings were as to whether or not the City still wanted them to consider a ring road link through the theater development property. Ms. Olsen stated that the Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Association does not Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 3 want to be left out of any of the theater and ring road development processes. She asked the Planning Commission for their reassurance that notices would be sent for all meetings pertaining to this issue. Chairperson Peterson told Ms. Olsen that no more formal action has been taken on the theater development concept plan since early 1997. He added that the ring road idea and involvement of the Mn/DOT had come later in the year. Director Jopke agreed with Commissioner Peterson and added that Mn/DOT's involvement with the signaling of Highway 10 for this project is not tied in to the ring road concept. The signal issue is a stand-alone item. Ms. Olsen stated that it is the Association's understanding that if the developer could get the traffic lighting as proposed that the ring road would not be needed. Commissioner Miller asked Ms. Olsen who, in her opinion, would be using the ring road if it is developed. Ms. Olsen told the Commission that the ring road would increase the traffic on Mounds • View Drive. She referred to comments that had been made by the developer; saying that he, too, thought that most of the traffic would be coming from the south and southwest and not from the north. Several of the Commissioners disagreed and stated that the logical traffic flow would be across H-2 and up Long Lake Road. Commission Obert added that most of the people coming in to use the theater will be coming from outside of Mounds View, and the side streets, such as Mounds View Drive, would not be used. Commission Stevenson referred to a traffic study that was done for the theater development. The study showed that traffic would not increase much on Mounds View Drive. He also suggested that if the speed limit on Mounds View drive was kept very low people would not want to use the road. Director Jopke stated that SRF, the City Engineering firm, was asked to look at the theater development traffic study a second time taking into account the possibility of the ring road connection. This study showed a 200-400 car increase on Mounds View Drive if the ring road is developed. Commissioner Brasaemle added that this recent study was made not showing a curb cut • on H-2. Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 4 Commissioner Obert suggested that it is important to keep in mind that the ring road development is just speculation and no plans have been approved by the City. He also expressed concerns that the developer could decide to abandon the project due to lack of progress on the City's behalf. Director Jopke told the Commission that there is written communication from Mn/DOT saying that the traffic light proposal is justified. The issue now becomes how is it going to be paid for. Commissioner Brasaemle said he is concerned about building a road through a wetland, or at least the wetland buffer zone, and just building more roads in general in Mounds View. He added that the signalized intersection would eliminate the need for a ring road. Liaison Koopmeiners told the Commission that some of the delays that are being experienced in the theater development have come about as a result of the University of Minnesota Design Center being involved in the Highway 10 Corridor Study. The developer became involved in this study because if the ring road is developed he will lose Outlot B of the currently proposed development. In order to make up for this lost property, the developer wanted to enter into a negotiation agreement with the City that would make a future piece of property available to replace the property lost to the ring road development. Michael Berke, 2683 Lake Court Circle, told the Commission that the Silver Lake Woods Townhome Owners Association doesn't have a problem with local traffic, but the addition of the theater to the immediate area would introduce non-citizens to Mounds View Drive. Michael Grommesh, 2698 Lake Court Drive, stated that the traffic planner had stated that 10 percent of the theater attendees would exit the theater and go out to Mounds View Drive and 30 percent would go out on Highway 10. He said he disagreed with this scenario because it is human nature to go the fastest way possible, and in his opinion cutting across to Mounds View Drive would be the fastest way possible. Chairperson Peterson said that he is still very enthused about the theater development but has concerns about the traffic impact on the immediate area and the impact the development will have on the available green space in the community. He added that he felt the ball was in the developers court and that something needed to be done to get the project back on track. Ms. Olsen told the Commission that the developer had made the statement that he is waiting for the City to tell him if there is going to be a ring road or not before he continues • drawing his development plans. • Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 5 Commissioner Miller asked if the negotiation agreement had been reached between the City and Anthony Properties for the land to replace Outlot B if the ring road development is approved. Director Jopke told the Commissioners that an agreement had been reached that gives Anthony Properties 180 days to negotiate with the City concerning possible development of the City-owned property on the north side of Highway 10. Commissioner Stevenson suggested that the ring road issue was clouding the discussion. He told the Commissioners that the real issue is whether an access on Long Lake Road is necessary or one single exit and access into the theater project will be sufficient. Commissioner Obert stated that the theater concept plan had been approved without an access to Long Lake Road. The developer, through two approval stages, has not argued that point. Commissioner Stevenson told the Commission that a decision will need to be made as to whether two entrances and two exits are needed just for the theater area. . Mr. Berke stated that from comments made by the developer at a number of City Council meetings, that the developer had said that he only needed one entrance and exit as long as the signal light was approved on to Highway 10. Commissioner Stevenson suggested taking a straw poll to take to the City Council that would indicate the Planning Commissioner's feelings on the ring road issue. Chairperson Peterson called for a straw poll based on the following two issues: 1 Is there a need for a connection on to Long Lake Road to make the theater project work properly? 2. Is the idea of a ring road something that would make sense for the City? Commissioner Brasaemle suggested that Anthony Properties be made aware of the outcome of the straw poll to help them in the completion of their developmental drawings. Chairperson Peterson started the straw poll with Commissioner Brasaemle: Commissioner Brasaemle told the Commission that he felt with the approval of a signalized intersection on Highway 10 that an access on to Long Lake Road was not necessary. He added that the ring road issue has not been investigated enough to give an opinion. He said he liked the ring road concept but this particular link of the ring road • Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 6 makes no sense. Commissioner Brooks answered no to the first question. She voiced her opinion in favor of the ring road concept. Commissioner Stevenson said he wanted more studies on the possibilities of a second access; whether or not it ended up on Long Lake Road is another issue. He said the ring road is not a priority for the theater development. Chairperson Peterson said that the connection to Long Lake Road is not necessary. He added if there was to be a connection that the distances involved wouldn't necessarily help much because you end up with a long, long access that create traffic backups. He said the ring road concept plan is a possibility but more information is needed to make a good decision regarding this issue. He added his tendency at this point is that the ring road is not the best way to deal with the traffic problems on Highway 10. Commissioner Miller told the Commissioners that she feels that an access to Long Lake is not necessary to make the theater project work. She said that because of the wetland mitigation issues she is not in favor of the ring road. • Commissioner Obert said as long as the developer has agreed to proceed without a traffic light at Highway 10 it is the developer's business. He said he feels Highway 10 divides the City and if the ring road would help solve this problem he would be in favor of it. Chairperson Peterson told the Commissioners that after hearing the comments made in the straw poll that there is a consensus that there is not a need for an access on to Long Lake Road. The issue of the ring road was not firmly opposed. It was agreed by all that something needs to be done about Highway 10's traffic problems and this ring road concept may or may not be the answer. 5. Planning Case No. 511-97 2535-2585 Highway 10 Applicant: Linder's Greenhouses, Inc. Conditional use permit for flower mart. The applicant, representing Linder's Greenhouses, Inc., was not present. • Chairperson Peterson asked the staff if there was anything different on this year's • Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 7 conditional use permit request from last year's conditional use permit. Associate Ericson told the Commissioners that the water usage billed to the applicant will increase from a$1 a day to $1.40 per day. Ericson added that the applicant has inquired if it would be possible for the City to grant the conditional use permit on a five-year basis. Commissioner Brasaemle asked if Paster Enterprises is willing to commit to allowing Linder's a five-year conditional use permit. Commissioner Obert said that parking has been an issue that has been raised in the past concerning the Linder's applications. Associate Ericson told the Commissioners that one of the conditions of approval for the resolution is that the City is granting Linder's a time of operation from a given date to a given date. There is no reason that a five-year permit could not be issued as long as the owner, Paster Enterprises, gives their written permission. Director Jopke reminded the Commissioners that a conditional use permit is tied to a certain piece of land and not a user. • Motion/Second: Brasaemle/Stevenson to recommend approval of Resolution 534-98, recommending to the City Council approval of the conditional use permit for Linder's Greenhouses with stipulations as to starting and ending dates, hours of operation, lighting and signage, as amended. Ayes - 6 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Commissioner Brooks left the meeting at 9:00 p.m. 6. Staff Reports/Information Items Comprehensive Plan Update Community Forum (written report) Director Jopke presented newly developed Comprehensive Plan Maps and meeting schedules for the upcoming Community Forums. He offered to the Commissioners the draft of the meeting formats. These formats were described as follows: Introductory presentations by staff: 1) comprehensive zoning for the area Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 8 2) issues to be discussed concerning the area 3) discuss the comprehensive plan process 4) pros and cons of the community Break into small discussion groups (Planning Commissioners facilitating) Facilitator summarize the group discuss-ions 35W Coalition (verbal report) Director Jopke told the Commissioners that the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition was formed to work at the issue of joint marketing communities along the 1-35W corridor. Rather than competing against each other it was thought that working together to upgrade the whole corridor would be more beneficial to all the participating communities. The concept has expanded to include other issues. A GIS system is being developed, issues of livable communities and urban design, transportation networks and coordinating comprehensive plans just to name a few. • The University of Minnesota has been hired to help the Coalition achieve their goals. They will be coming to the various communities to hold focus groups and foster the discussions that will help solve each communities individual problems. Jopke asked the Commissioners if any of the Planning Commission members are interested in volunteering for a joint meeting to be held in March. Commissioners Peterson and Obert volunteered. Director Jopke offered, as additional information, that the developers of Red Oak Addition No. 3 would be coming before the Planning Commission with a proposed development plan for the construction of 29 high-end twinhome type townhomes. The developer is Marty Harstad, son of Keith Harstad. Associate Ericson offered, as additional information, that the Saturn Dealer is planning an expansion of their facility different than the plan that was approved under the original development. This presentation will be before the Planning Commission February 4, 1998. 7. Chairperson and Planning Commissioners' Reports There were no Chairperson or Planning Commissioners'Reports. • 8. Adjournment . Mounds View Planning Commission January 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 9 There being no further business before the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission, Chairperson Peterson adjourned the meeting at (9:45 p.m.) Respectfully submitted, Rick Jopke Community Development Director • • • RESOLUTION NO. 534-98 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST BY LINDER'S GREENHOUSES, MOUNDSVIEW SQUARE; PLANNING CASE NO. 511-97 WHEREAS, Peter Linder, representing Linder's Greenhouses, has applied for a conditional use permit to conduct open and outdoor sales at Moundsview Square Shopping Center; property zoned B-4, legally described as follows: That Part Lying Northeasterly of the Centerline of State Trunk Highway 10 of NE/4 of NE'/ (Subject to Roads and Highways) in Section 7, Township 30, Range 23 WHEREAS, the Mounds View Zoning Code allows open and outdoor sales in the B-4 Regional Business District with the approval of a conditional use permit; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the following documents regarding this proposal: • a) Planning Application b) Location Map c) Site Plan d) Greenhouse Design e) Interior Specifications f) Letter from Applicant g) Letter from Property Owner WHEREAS, The Mounds View Planning Commission makes the following findings that the criteria for approval in Section 1115.04, Subd. 2 have been met: a. Outdoor service, sales and equipment rental connected with the principal use is limited to thirty percent(30%) of the gross floor area of the principal use. The shopping center contains 102,035 square feet of building area. The applicant proposes to occupy 2,200 square feet in the parking lot, which is 2.2% of the building square footage on the site. This criterion has been met. b. Outside sales areas are fenced or screened from view of neighboring residential uses or an abutting residential district in compliance with Subdivisions 1103.08(1) through(5) of this Title. • The parking lot fronting Highway 10 does not abut any residentialro erties. The nearest P P Planning Commission Resolution 534-98 • Linders Greenhouse CUP January 7, 1998 Page 2 residential property is Wildwood Manor, an apartment building for senior citizens, which would be well screened from the proposed use by a stand of trees and separated by the intervening Highway 10. This criterion has been met. c. Sales area is grassed or surfaced to control dust. The applicant is proposing to use an existing parking lot which is surfaced with asphalt. This criterion is met. d. The provisions of Section 1125.01(1)e of this Title are considered and satisfactorily met. Adverse Effects: The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider possible adverse effects of the proposed amendment or conditional use. Its judgement shall be based upon (but not limited to)the following factors: (1) Relationship to Municipal Comprehensive Plan. (2) The geographical area involved. • (3) Whether such use will tend to or actually depreciate the area in which it is proposed. (4) The character of the surrounding area. (5) The demonstrated need for such use. The proposal is for a temporary greenhouse in the parking lot of an existing shopping center. The shopping center is surrounded by roadways and the area where the use is to be located is 1,000 feet from the nearest residential property. The short duration of the use will result in little, if any, effect upon the surrounding area. The sale of flowers and plants is a typical seasonal business in a community such as Mounds View and it serves a community need_ This criterion is met. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission recommends approval of the conditional use permit with the following stipulations: 1. The facility shall be allowed to operate from March 15, 1998, to July 15, 1998. 2. The hours of operation of the facility shall not exceed 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 3. Only the signage shown on the Greenhouse Design Plan shall be allowed. • 4. All lighting for the use shall be supplied by existingg arkin lot lighting and P � g supplemental interior lighting, if needed. Planning Commission Resolution 534-98 41) Linders Greenhouse CUP January 7, 1998 Page 3 5. The applicant shall pay a$100 deposit to use the fire hydrant in the parking lot and pay a $20 wrench deposit and a$20 adapter valve deposit, if one is needed. 6. The applicant will be charged $1.40 per day for water service, to be paid by the applicant before any deposits are returned. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Planning Commission directs staff to forward this resolution to the City Council prior to approval of the minutes. Adopted this 7th day of January, 1998. Jerry Pete on, hairperson Attest: • Rick Jopke, Co unity Development Director (Seal) NADATA\GROUPS\COMDEV\DEVCASES 511-97\LINDERPC.REs •