Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-2022APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 2, 2022 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Rundle at 6:33 p.m. for March 2, 2022. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Curtis (arrived at 6:43 p.m.) Farmer, Nelson, Rundle, and Stevenson. Absent and Excused: Commissioners French and Munson. Also Present: Community Development Director Jon Sevald and Council Member Gary Meehlhause. Index to Minutes Page Sketch Plan Review – 7700 Long Lake Road 1 Resolution 1147-22, Recommending an Amendment to the 2 Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7 (Transportation) Resolution 1148-22; Recommending Approval of Ordinance 988, 4 Amending City Code Chapter 161 related to Dynamic Displays Resolution 1149-22; Recommending Approval of Ordinance 989, 4 Amending City Code Chapter 160.167(F) related to Outdoor Vending Kiosks Approval of Minutes 6 _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Special Order of Business A. Sketch Plan Review - 7700 Long Lake Road Mounds View Planning Commission March 2, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Sevald stated Schifsky Development has submitted a Sketch Plan for 7700 Long Lake Road (northwest corner of Long Lake Road & County Road I). The project includes a three lot subdivision, with twin-homes on each lot (six units, total). The intent of a Sketch Plan is for the City Council/Planning Commission to provide comments to the developer prior to the applicant incurring costs of preparing a preliminary plat. Comments are non-binding. If the project is (3) twin-homes, then zoning can be R-2 or R-3. There is no difference between the two, if twin-homes. If zoned R-3, then the project could include two twin homes and one tri-plex (7 units), attached townhomes (6 units), detached townhomes (6 units), or apartments (6 units). A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for anything more than twin- homes. Staff commented further on the proposed plans and requested feedback from the Commission. Commissioner Farmer asked if one drive way would serve all six units. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. Commissioner Nelson questioned if there was an example of a similar development in the community. Community Development Director Sevald stated at County Road H2 and Long Lake Road there was a similar twinhome development. Carson Schifsky, Schifsky Development, discussed the proposed project in further detail with the Commission. He commented further on how the driveway would be oriented and anticipated a variance may be needed from the side yard setbacks. Commissioner Stevenson supported the applicant working on the plans further and reporting back to the Commission at a future meeting. It was noted the Commission prefers the access point to the development be from Long Lake Road. Chair Rundle questioned what the timeline was for this project. Ford Wagner, Schifsky Development, reported the property was under contract for five months. 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. 5. Planning Cases A. Public Hearing: Resolution 1147-22, Recommending an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7 (Transportation) Chair Rundle opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Community Development Director Sevald stated staff is requesting a Text Amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to include reference to the Ramsey County Pedestrian and Bicycle Mounds View Planning Commission March 2, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Plan. During the City Council’s October 25, 2021 meeting, Ramsey County Staff provided a presentation about the county’s Active Living Communities. It was noted that Mounds View is one of three cities whose Comprehensive Plan does not reference the county’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan, nor the Connected Ramsey Communities Network. Ramsey County Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan (2015) The Plan establishes a Vision and Goals to improve access to pedestrian facilities. These culminated from several outreach efforts and surveys, concluding that residents walk and bike for recreation and as a mode of transportation. Residents want more separation from traffic, safe connections between sidewalks and trails, year-around maintenance, and meaningful engagement. The Connected Ramsey Communities Network (2015) This network is a map of various routes that connect from city to city, and county to county. Community Development Director Sevald reported the concepts within both plans are included in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, although the Plan does not reference them directly. The City facilitated committees in the 1990’s and 2000’s, culminating in a sidewalk and trail plan to be implemented as part of the City’s street reconstruction program. Each street project is designed based on this past work, and generally includes a sidewalk or striped road shoulder within ¼ mile of every home, and on school routes. It should be noted that residents have often objected to sidewalks for various reasons (e.g. tree preservation, loss of street parking). Reasons opposing sidewalks have not included maintenance. Since 1988, the city has removed snow from public sidewalks and trails, providing year-around use. Staff commented further on the text amendment, recommended the Planning Commission hold a public hearing and recommend approval of the Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan as requested. Chair Rundle opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Hearing no comments from the public, Chair Rundle closed the public hearing at 6:56 p.m. Commissioner Nelson requested staff provide the Commission with a final Comprehensive Plan once this amendment was approved. Community Development Director Sevald stated he would provide this document to the Commission once it was complete. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Nelson/Commissioner Stevenson. To approve Resolution 1147-22, a Resolution Recommending Approval an Amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7 (Transportation). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View Planning Commission March 2, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ B. Resolution 1148-22; Recommending Approval of Ordinance 988, Amending City Code Chapter 161 related to Dynamic Displays Community Development Director Sevald stated Dynamic Displays (e.g. digital signs) are permitted in the B2, B3, B4, and PUD zoning districts, and conditionally permitted (CUP) in residential districts for churches and non-commercial uses. They are not permitted in the Industrial district. In 2021 Bauer Welding, 2159 Mustang Drive (Industrial district), applied for a Ground Sign permit with a Dynamic Display, which was denied. The topic of should Dynamic signs be allowed in the Industrial district was discussed at the February 7th City Council Work Session and Council consensus was to support this use. The proposed Text Amendment addresses two items; (1) Dynamic Displays in the Industrial district; and, (2) Menu Boards at drive-thru businesses. Community Development Director Sevald explained Dynamic Display regulations came about in 2008 as many static billboards around the Twin Cities were replaced with digital billboards. Staff skimmed through City Council minutes finding no discussions as to why they are not permitted in the Industrial district. The Industrial district includes Central Sandblasting, and properties along Mustang Drive/Mustang Circle, and Coral Sea Street (north of Medtronic). Most of the warehouse/manufacturing-type properties in the city are zoned PUD. As the technology has advanced, dynamic displays have become more affordable and popular. In recent years, dynamic displays have been installed at The Station, Holiday, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Popeye’s, Subway, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, The Bear Lot, and soon; Caribou Cabin. The Sign ordinance was most recently reviewed by the Planning Commission at its June 16, 2021 meeting, focusing on Dynamic Displays. No changes were requested. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval of the Ordinance amendment as requested. Commissioner Nelson stated he could support the amendment as proposed by staff. He asked if this was something that should be reviewed on a yearly basis given how quickly technology changes. He anticipated animation would be coming soon. Community Development Director Sevald recommended the code be reviewed when changes are requested or the new technology shows up. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Farmer/Commissioner Curtis. To approve Resolution 1148-22, a Resolution Recommending Approval of Ordinance 988, Amending City Code Chapter 161 related to Dynamic Displays. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. _______________________________________________________________________ C. Resolution 1149-22; Recommending Approval of Ordinance 989, Amending City Code Chapter 160.167(F) related to Outdoor Vending Kiosks Community Development Director Sevald stated staff received an inquiry from a vender (ByBox) regarding installing a business-to-business (b2b) vending kiosk at a gas station. The City code limits outdoor vending kiosks to movies and video game rentals (e.g. redbox), thus, the Mounds View Planning Commission March 2, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ proposed b2b kiosk is not permitted. This topic was discussed at the City Council’s February 7, 2022 Work Session. The Council’s consensus was to allow them. Community Development Director Sevald reported Outdoor Vending Kiosks are a permitted accessory use in the B1, B2, B3, B4, and PUD zoning districts, and located at retail stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Outdoor redbox kiosks are located at Holiday and Walgreens. Additionally, there is an Amazon kiosk at Holiday, in violation of the City Code. The proposed ByBox kiosk would be used by an electronics manufacturing company, allowing customers to pick up parts at the kiosk, vs. having parts delivered. The City Code was amended in 2012 to allow Outdoor Vending Kiosks. At that time, the City Council and Planning Commission discussions focused on if they should be a permitted use vs. conditionally permitted (CUP), and concerns about vandalism and clutter. Staff is not aware of any problems with redbox kiosks. There has been vandalism (attempted theft) to other types of kiosks containing cash, such as ATM’s and car wash code kiosks. The proposed amendment allows any type of outdoor kiosk (e.g. is not limited to movie and video game rental). Staff does not recommend requiring a permit. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval of the code amendment. Commissioner Nelson questioned if ADA violations were occurring at gas stations when they have items for sale on the sidewalks. Community Development Director Sevald commented on the ADA access requirements. Commissioner Nelson recommended that language be added to the code that states any outdoor kiosk could not violate ADA accessibility requirements. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Curtis/Commissioner Stevenson. To approve Resolution 1149-22, a Resolution Recommending Approval of Ordinance 989, Amending City Code Chapter 160.167(F) related to Outdoor Vending Kiosks. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. Reports A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity Community Development Director Sevald stated he has no upcoming planning cases. B. Staff Updates Community Development Director Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff. He noted staff was working on the building plan review for the Villas of Mounds View which would be located on the former Skyline property. He anticipated construction on this property would being this yet spring. Mounds View Planning Commission March 2, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ C. Council Updates Council Member Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City Council. He explained the Council recently approved the conditional use permit for the oversized garage at 7975 Long Lake Road. He stated the EDA approved the purchase of a single family home at 8271 Long Lake Road which was a one bedroom home that was built in the 1940’s. He indicated this home would be demolished and the property could potentially be considered for redevelopment. D. Planning Commissioner Reports None. 7. Other Planning Activity None. 8. Approval of Minutes February 2, 2022. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Nelson/Commissioner Farmer. To approve the Minutes of the February 2, 2022 regular Planning Commission meetings as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - Cancelled B. Wednesday, April 6, 2022 10. Adjournment There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Rundle adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ Respectfully submitted, Mounds View Planning Commission March 2, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Jon Sevald Community Development Director Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial