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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-2009PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting April 1, 2009 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:04 p.m. April 1, 2009. 2. Roll Call Members Present: Chair Stevenson; Commissioners Cramblit, Lang, Meehlhause, Miller, Rundle and Walsh-Kaczmarek. Absent and Excused: None. Also Present: Community Development Director Roberts. Index to Minutes Page Planning Cases CU2009-001— Consideration of a Conditional 2 Use Permit for Outdoor Seasonal Sales at Robert's Sports Bar (2400 County Road H2) 3. Approval of Minutes February 4, 2009 MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek/Commissioner Miller. To approve the minutes of the February 4, 2009 regular Planning Commission meeting as slightly amended. None. Ayes — 7 Nays — 0 Motion carried. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting 5. Planning Cases April 1, 2009 Page 2 A. Planning Case CU2009-001 — Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Seasonal Sales at Robert's Sports Bar (2400 County Road H2) Community Development Director Roberts stated Robert's Sports Bar located at 2400 County Road H2 is requesting a conditional use permit to have outdoor seasonal sales in the parking lot of the facility. The applicant is requesting to have outdoor seasonal sales such as flea markets, farmer markets and auctions in the parking lot of the property. These activities would take place in morning hours to avoid conflict with the evening activities. He is proposing to rent space to vendors. He indicated there would be vendor spots on the north and east sides of the parking lot. Community Development Director Roberts stated the property is zoned B-3. He indicated there are 167 total parking spaces. The proposed plan has 78 spaces for vendors, 20 spaces for auction and 58 customer parking spots. The zoning code states outside sales are limited to 30 percent of the gross floor area of the principal use. The building is 11,295 square feet and that equals about 20 parking spaces. As proposed by the applicant, they would be over the number of spaces allowed by code for outside sales and as such, a variance would be needed. Community Development Director Roberts stated that Chapter 1125 of the city code requires the Planning Commission to review and address any potential adverse effects this may have. The Comprehensive Plan encourages existing businesses to remain in the city along with the introduction of new businesses. The CUP would be in line with the Comprehensive Plan. He felt that because the activity is on the furthest north part of the property assists in keeping the busiest activity away from the existing residential area. He noted that the arborvitaes located on the west edge of the property are in poor health and staff has recommended these be replaced. He did not know if this activity would depreciate the surrounding area. He stated it is a subjective call and will depend on how the activity is managed. He indicated there is no statistical information for a need for this activity. He indicated if vendors come and want to be there, and there is community support, then there is a need. Community Development Director Roberts stated this proposal has been challenging for City staff. He stated the city wants to see businesses succeed but also wants to make sure all businesses are being respectful to surrounding neighbors. He stated there are three possibilities tonight: 1) approval the proposed Conditional Use permit; 2) table the proposed conditional use permit and have it brought back with specific direction for the applicant; or 3) deny the proposed conditional use permit. Commissioner Cramblit questioned why the sales would be on Thursday instead of Friday and Saturday. Mr. Kevin Halverson, Robert's Sports Bar, indicated he would like to join in on the Thursday garage sale traffic. He thought residents could bring their garage sale items to Robert's and have the sale in one location. He stated he envisions somewhat of a "Market fest" setting. Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Cramblit questioned the auction falling on a Thursday. April 1, 2009 Page 3 Mr. Halverson gave the example of an auction of an estate sale. He stated that instead of renting the spaces for ride share he thought this would be different. He stated the Blaine Jaycee's would be assisting him. He stated he has talked with the auctioneer to get his ideas on what would work in this area. Commissioner Cramblit suggested placing a fence along the west side of the property instead of the arborvitaes. He added there could be plantings of shrubs on the applicant's property that would eventually grow to cover the fence. Community Development Director stated he was fine with a fence or the arborvitaes. Historically the arborvitaes have been on the property. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek questioned whether the vendors might need additional permits or licenses by the city and how would Robert's make sure these licenses and permits are obtained. Mr. Halverson stated that the vendors have a license issued by the State of Minnesota and they will need to contact the City for licenses. He also stated if the vendor did not have the proper licensing he would not let the vendor set up that day. Community Development Director Roberts stated there will be no alcohol or tobacco sold. All other vendors will need to obtain proper licensing from the City of Mounds View. Commissioner Miller asked if there would be other events going on during the auctions. Mr. Halverson stated the auction items would be inside Robert's in the former cigar shop. Chair Stevenson asked how many neighbors are aware of the proposed outdoors sales. Community Development Director Roberts stated that staff notified 30 properties surrounding Robert's about this meeting. Chair Stevenson asked about the appearance of a flea market and table presentation. Mr. Halverson stated each vendor would provide their own tables but the displays need to be presentable. He stated his goal is to keep this a top-notch operation. Chair Stevenson stated he would like to see this request be divided into three parts: 1) farmer's market 2) flea market and 3) auctions. Mr. Halverson stated he has chosen respectable vendors and is hoping this idea would make Robert's more of an event center. Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting April 1, 2009 Page 4 Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek indicated she thought it would be beneficial to the city for residents to be able to have a garage sale somewhere other than their garage. She asked if there would be availability for Mounds View residents to participate at Robert's. Mr. Halverson stated reservations will be a first come, first served basis and he hopes Mounds View residents do take advantage of this outdoor sales operation. Chair Stevenson indicated he would like to address the auction portion. He questioned if the auction would be conducted outside as well as inside. He stated auctions are loud and could be disruptive to the neighborhood. Mr. Halverson stated that if he receives any complaints he would take care of the issue. He stated the auction noise could be brought inside to the former cigar shop area. Community Development Director Roberts stated the city did not receive any feedback from the surrounding neighbors. Chair Stevenson suggested adding additional language to the resolution limiting the bidding actions to the inside of the building. Commissioner Meehlhause questioned the hours of operations with the business starting at 7:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning. He felt this was too early and questioned if it could be moved back. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek stated she did not have a problem with Thursday or Saturday but on Sunday could the starting time be changed to 8:00 &in? Commissioner Lang stated there is not much difference between Saturday and Sunday morning. If there is going to be noise either morning it could be disruptive to the surrounding neighbors. Mr. Halverson stated when the vendors are setting up their booths he and others would be responsible for communicating to the vendors that there are neighbors surrounding Robert's and they need to be respectful to that fact. Commissioner Meehlhause questioned if there would be any overnight parking in Robert's parking lot. Mr. Halverson stated there would not be any overnight parking. Community Development Director Roberts stated the parking issue is addressed in condition eight of the resolution. He stated he would add additional language about overnight parking. Commissioner Lang commented he has concerns but he would like to see this plan succeed because it could be beneficial for Mounds View. He stated Mr. Halverson has a good idea and Mounds View Planning Commission April 1, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 5 has it envisioned in his mind. He stated it might be easier for the Planning Commission to understand if there was some documentation to back up this vision. Chair Stevenson stated he is concerned about the proposal. It sounds like a good idea but he is hesitant that it may not run as smoothly as proposed. Community Development Director Roberts asked if this was something they wanted to have brought back to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek stated it was her understanding that the regular business operation would be going on simultaneously with the outdoor sales. Commissioner Meehlhause questioned the limited amount parking for the prospective customers. Mr. Halverson stated after 9:00 am if there are any open vendor spots, these would be used for customer parking. Community Development Director Roberts asked if Robert's had a contingency plan if the parking lot is full, will there be someone at the entrance stopping cars from entering the parking lot. Commissioner Cramblit asked if he has approached Moes Restaurant as a contingency plan. Mr. Halverson stated Moe's and Robert's have worked together with parking issues previously and will talk with Moe's for a contingency plan. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek suggested adding a review date to the resolution to ensure the operation is going smoothly. Community Development Director Roberts indicated he would be surprised if parking is an issue within the first year of operation. Commissioner Cramblit indicated that he thought this idea would work but he feels the Planning Commission needs more information. Chair Stevenson asked what additional information the applicant should provide for the next meeting. Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek stated she would like to see the flea market vendor portion have some control. In addition, she would like to see Mounds View residents have some preference over other vendors. She stated she would like to see this operation be successful because it will bring vitality into the area but she feels the Planning Commission needs more written information for the next meeting. Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting April 1, 2009 Page 6 Commissioner Lang stated he has several items including traffic control with a minimum standard of how many individuals would be handling this, security regarding possible disputes with the open market style, standard for booths appearance, and noise control. Mr. Halverson stated that this his is business and that he wants to be successful. He indicated he is going to do everything he can to make sure this is a top-notch operation. Chair Stevenson stated the Planning Commission's job is to foresee issues. He stated as a commission we need to feel comfortable with the decisions we make and the reasoning behind being extra cautious. Commissioner Cramblit stated he would like to see a written policy from Robert's for the flea market and the farmer market vendors that they would need to abide by. Mr. Halverson stated that he could get this information to the commission for the next meeting. Chair Stevenson stated the parking plan shown by Mr. Halverson tonight would need to be redesigned. He stated there is not enough parking for customers. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Cramblit/Commissioner Walsh-Kaczmarek. To table Resolution 901-09, a resolution recommending approval of a conditional use permit to allow an outdoor sales operation at 2400 County Road H2; Planning Case No. CU2009-001 to the next meeting Ayes —7 Nays — 0 Motion carried. Community Development Director Roberts questioned the parking requirement with the outdoor sales going during the same time as the original business. Chair Stevenson stated the ordinance is not totally contingent on the business being open. Commissioner Meehlhause stated if the Planning Commission gives approval, the City Council might not go with the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Lang stated he would not be comfortable approving a resolution with less than 50% of the parking available for customers. Chair Stevenson stated that during the summer you would find the residents that attend auctions may be leaving for the cabins on the weekends. Chair Stevenson commented there has been plenty of information tonight. Mounds View Planning Commission Regular Meeting 6. Other Planning Activity None. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. April 15, 2009 B. May 6, 2009 8. Adjournment to Agenda Session April 1, 2009 Page 7 There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. (The meeting immediately adjourned to the Agenda Session) Respectfully submitted, Ken Roberts Community Development Director Transcribed by: Barbara Suciu TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.