HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2018APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
January 3, 2018
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View, MN 55112
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1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Klebsch at 7:00 p.m. for January 3, 2018.
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2. Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners Farmer, French, Klander, Klebsch, Monn, and Rundle.
Absent and Excused: Commissioners Stevenson (excused).
Also Present: City Planner/Supervisor Jon Sevald, Council Member Gary Meehlhause,
and Council Member Bill Bergeron.
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Index to Minutes Page
Oath of Office for Commissioners 1
Resolution 1081-18 a Resolution Recommending Appointment of a 2
Chairperson and Appointment of Vice-Chairperson
Resolution 1082-18 Recommending Approval of Ordinance 940, an 4
Ordinance Amending the City Code, Title 1100, Section 1124 Regulating
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
Liquor Store Discussion 5
Approval of Minutes 7
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3. Special Order of Business
A. Oath of Office for Commissioner Dennis Farmer, and Commissioner Justin
Klander
Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 2
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City Planner/Supervisor Sevald administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Planning
Commissioner Dennis Farmer.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald administered the Oath of Office to reappointed Planning
Commissioner Justin Klander.
B. Resolution 1081-18, a Resolution Recommending Appointment of a
Chairperson and Appointment of Vice-Chairperson
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald requested the Commission adopt a Resolution appointing a Chair
and Vice-Chair for 2018.
Commissioner Klander asked if nominations should be taken for both chair and vice-chair at the
same time. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald suggested nominations for these positions be taken
separately.
Acting Chair Klebsch called for nominations for Chairperson of the Planning Commission for
2018.
Commissioner Rundle nominated Gary Stevenson.
Commissioner Monn nominated Angelica Klebsch.
Acting Chair Klebsch thanked Commissioner Monn for this nomination.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald passed out ballots and the Commission voted for a Chairperson.
After tallying the votes, Angelica Klebsch was recommended as Chairperson for the Planning
Commission for 2018.
Acting Chair Klebsch called for nominations for Vice-Chairperson.
Commissioner Klander nominated Gary Stevenson.
The consensus of the Commission was to appoint Gary Stevenson Vice-Chairperson.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Rundle/Commissioner Monn. To approve Resolution
1081-18, a Resolution Recommending Appointment of a Chairperson (Angelica Klebsch) and
Appointment of Vice-Chairperson (Gary Stevenson).
Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
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Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 3
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4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
Bill Bergeron, 7729 Woodlawn Drive, addressed the Commission regarding the development of
Crossroad Pointe. He commented on the present plan for this site which included a gun club and
shooting range. He explained he was opposed to the gun club and shooting range based on
research he has conducted. He feared that neighboring properties would be adversely impacted
if a gun range were to locate on this property. In addition, he did not want this development to
become a Second Amendment issue. He stated he supported the City pursuing another
development for this site in order to keep property values stable.
Commissioner Klander thanked Council Member Bergeron for bringing his concerns to the
Commission. He explained he has visited other gun clubs in the metro area and indicated he
would keep these comments in mind when this development comes forward.
Commissioner Monn stated she attended the open house at the Mounds View Community Center
for this development. She explained she initially opposed the project, but after speaking with the
Police Chief she understood how the gun club would enhance training opportunities for the
Police Department. In addition, the proposed use would offer students an opportunity to practice
trap shooting. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald reported the applicant is proposing to construct a
full-service gun range, similar to a facility in Chanhassen.
Commissioner Monn questioned if other options had been considered for Crossroad Pointe. City
Planner/Supervisor Sevald discussed the three proposals that were submitted for this project.
Commissioner Klander stated the developer has made it clear from the start that the gun range
was not a deal breaker. He asked if this was still the case. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald
reported this was his understanding and noted the gun range could be removed and replaced with
a larger apartment complex.
The Commission requested staff research this item further and forward the findings onto the
Commission.
Commissioner Klander stated he was troubled by the fact the Police Chief supported the gun
range. He did not understand how bringing additional guns into the community would improve
community policing efforts. He requested staff speak with the Police Chief and for him to
explain to the Commission why a gun range would benefit the community and the Police
Department.
Acting Chair Klebsch supported this suggestion and stated she too would like to better
understand the cost/benefit analysis of having a gun range in the community. She explained she
had mixed feelings about this development and noted she was a gun owner. She did not want
this development to become a Second Amendment right either and stated she looked forward to
conducting further research on the project to see how it would fit into the Mounds View
Boulevard Corridor.
Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 4
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Council Member Bergeron commented he fully supported the great work being done by Police
Chief Harder. He explained the proposed range would be more convenient for the Police
Department, would create cost savings for the City and would provide greater opportunities for
advanced training. He stated he believed there were other options available for locating a gun
range.
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5. Planning Cases
A. Resolution 1082-18, Recommending Approval of Ordinance 940, an
Ordinance Amending the City Code, Title 1100, Section 1124 Regulating
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald stated during the 2017 Legislative Session, laws were amended
allowing Small Wireless facilities as a permitted use within the public right-of-way of all zoning
districts, except in residential and historic zoning districts. In those districts, local governments
have the option of requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). A Small Cell Wireless Facility is
an antenna, six cubic feet or smaller, that may be attached to a utility pole, and is intended to
enhance 5G wireless networks.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald explained the legislation primarily deals with Title 900 of the
City Code (Management of Right-of-Way). A small portion relates to the Zoning Code relating
to the option of requiring a CUP within residential districts. To be consistent in the permitting
process, Staff is recommending that Small Wireless Facilities be a permitted use within the
public right-of-way of all zoning districts. Applicants will be required to obtain a permit from the
Public Works Department. Further, Staff recommends that such facilities be prohibited from
being located on existing decorative utility poles (i.e. pedestrian lights along Mounds View
Blvd), and would require telecommunication companies to install new decorative utility poles
which are similar to those owned by the City. Staff recommended the Planning Commission
recommend approval of the Ordinance as presented.
Commissioner Klander asked how many small cell wireless facilities were anticipated to be
installed in the City. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald stated this would be difficult to estimate
and noted antennas could co-locate on the same pole.
Commissioner Klander questioned if there would be a fee to locating the antennas on the pole.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald indicated he was uncertain as to the expense.
Commissioner Klander inquired what the benefit would be to allowing small cell wireless
facilities in the City. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald reported wireless internet service would be
improved throughout the City.
Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 5
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Acting Chair Klebsch asked how the City would ensure there would be consistency with the pole
aesthetics. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald explained the City would have a design standard in
place for the ornamental poles along Mounds View Blvd.
Commissioner Farmer inquired if the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process would cause delays
in the installation process of these facilities. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald stated this was a
concern for staff and for this reason, staff was recommending small cell wireless facilities be
permitted without a CUP. He explained a larger issue was the zoning differences for streets.
The streets may be wholly or partially in one zoning district or another, and are not zoned
consistently.
Commissioner Klander stated he supported the small cell towers being permitted without a CUP.
He believed these units would be most helpful in residential areas.
Acting Chair Klebsch asked if the Ordinance would set a maximum number of small cell towers
allowed in the City. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald reported a maximum number would not be
set.
Commissioner Farmer questioned if design standards should be further considered by the
Planning Commission. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald stated design standards were covered in
other Ordinances, noting standards were already in place for Edgewood Drive and Mounds View
Boulevard.
Acting Chair Klebsch inquired if the City would be charging rent for small cell tower facilities.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald reported a fee of $150 per year would be charged by the City.
Commissioner Farmer asked if other cities would be pursuing a CUP process for these facilities.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald commented many other cities were taking a wait and see
approach to these facilities.
Commissioner Monn questioned if the City had knowledge of where the black spots were in the
community. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald indicated the City did not have this knowledge. He
stated it was his understanding the small cell towers would be used for 5G services.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Klander/Commissioner Rundle. To approve Resolution
1082-18, a Resolution Recommending Approval of Ordinance 940, an Ordinance Amending the
City Code, Title 1100, Section 1124 Regulating Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 1 (Farmer) Motion carried.
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6. Other Planning Activity
A. Liquor Store Discussion
Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 6
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City Planner/Supervisor Sevald discussed a moratorium that had been passed by the Council in
April of 2017 that prohibited the issuance of additional off-sale liquor licenses in the City. He
explained this covered the sale of hard liquor and not 3.2 beer. He reported the moratorium was
put in place to allow the City Council time to consider off-sale/liquor store regulations. He
stated the Council had directed staff to research five questions. The answers to these questions
were summarized with the Commission. Staff requested the Commission review this
information and provide staff with feedback on off-sale liquor licenses. It was noted there were
currently two liquor stores operating in Mounds View.
Acting Chair Klebsch asked if setback requirements for liquor stores were already in place. City
Planner/Supervisor Sevald reported this was the case.
Acting Chair Klebsch recommended liquor stores be more than 500 feet from all daycares within
the City of Mounds View.
Acting Chair Klebsch questioned if a taproom had to follow the same off-sale liquor store
requirements. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald reported taprooms required a different permit.
Acting Chair Klebsch stated she would like further information on how this Ordinance would
impact distilleries and micro-breweries.
Acting Chair Klebsch stated she would like to better understand what the City would be limiting
and what opportunities the City was missing out on. She recommended that a number be set for
the total off-sale licenses allowed in the City. She explained this could be based on the City’s
population and encouraged staff to speak with neighboring communities to see how this has been
regulated.
Acting Chair Klebsch asked when the moratorium would expire. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald
stated the moratorium would expire sometime between April and August.
Commissioner Klander supported the City addressing this Ordinance further.
Commissioner Farmer questioned if this topic would be impacted by the Comprehensive Plan
updates. City Planner/Supervisor Sevald explained the Comprehensive Plan was a more broad
document that assisted the City with overall planning. He believed that the minor details for this
issue had to be addressed through an Ordinance.
Council Member Meehlhause addressed the Council and discussed the history of this topic. He
commented that there really was not any consistency between cities as to how many liquor stores
should be allowed in a community.
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald thanked the Commission for their input and noted he would
report back at a future meeting.
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Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 7
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7. Reports
A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity
i. Comprehensive Plan Taskforce
ii. February 7, 2018 Review of Planning Commission Bylaws
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald stated the Comprehensive Plan Taskforce would hold its first
meeting on Tuesday, January 9th. He reported the Commission would be reviewing its bylaws on
Wednesday, February 7th.
B. Staff Updates
City Planner/Supervisor Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff noting the
City had a new Building Official. He also provided the Commission with an update on the
Public Works Facility.
C. Council Updates
Council Member Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City
Council. He stated in December the Council reviewed two proposals for daycare services at the
Community Center. He explained Council consensus was to continue the contract with Creative
Kids. He commented on the INH proposal for Crossroad Pointe. He discussed the street
improvements that would be completed in 2018. He reported the tennis and basketball courts at
Greenfield and Groveland Parks would be replaced in the coming year. He stated the Council
held a Truth in Taxation meeting in December and approved the 2018 budget. He noted the
MWF project had been approved by the Council and would be moving forward. He thanked the
Commission members for their willingness to serve on the Planning Commission and a special
thanks to those serving on the Comprehensive Plan Taskforce. He explained after a long hiring
process the Council had hired Nyle Zikmund as the City Administrator. He stated Council
Member Bergeron would be serving as the Council liaison in 2018.
D. Planning Commissioner Reports
None.
8. Approval of Minutes
November 15, 2017.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Rundle/Commissioner French. To approve the Minutes of
the November 15, 2017 regular Planning Commission meetings as presented.
Mounds View Planning Commission January 3, 2018
Regular Meeting Page 8
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Ayes – 6 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
9. Next Planning Commission Meeting:
A. Wednesday, January 17, 2018
B. Wednesday, February 7, 2018
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10. Adjournment
There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Acting Chair Klebsch
adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Jon Sevald
City Planner/Supervisor
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.