HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-2022APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
April 20, 2022
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
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1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Rundle at 6:30 p.m. for April 20, 2022.
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2. Roll Call
Members Present: Commissioners Curtis, Farmer, French, Munson, Nelson, Rundle, and
Stevenson.
Absent and Excused: None.
Also Present: Community Development Director Jon Sevald and Council Member Gary
Meehlhause.
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Index to Minutes Page
Resolution 1150-22; Conditional Use Permit and Development 2
Review for Expansion of a Multi-Family Dwelling at H2 Flats;
2662 Scotland Court
Approval of Minutes 5
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3. Special Order of Business
None.
4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda
None.
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Mounds View Planning Commission April 20, 2022
Regular Meeting Page 2
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5. Planning Cases
A. Resolution 1150-22; Conditional Use Permit and Development Review for
Expansion of a Multi-Family Dwelling at H2 Flats; 2662 Scotland Court
Community Development Director Sevald stated H2 Flats was built in 1972, and includes 11
buildings, totaling 385 units. In 1978, the owner proposed to build indoor and outdoor
recreational facilities. The outdoor sport courts were built. The recreational building was not.
The current plan is to remove the outdoor sport courts (unmaintained), to be replaced with sod
and a garden; and build a “club house” to include administrative offices, co-working space, and a
recreational room. The building will be in the same location as proposed in 1978 (open area
along Co unty Road H2). Additionally, dumpster enclosures will be rebuilt. A Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) is required for the expansion of a Multi-Family facility (e.g. Club House).
Community Development Director Sevald explained a Development Review is required for a
new principal building (e.g. Club House). The two reviews are duplicative. This application is
specific to the Club House, although the entirety of the property may be included in the
Commission’s discussions. The property is zoned R-4 High Density Residential, and guided
Multi-Family Residential in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The complex is boarded by Silver
View Park (north & west), wetland (east), and townhomes (south). Additionally, the owner
intends to make interior improvements to units, as they become vacant . Staff commented further
on the request and recommended the Planning Commission approve the Conditional Use Permit
and Development Review per staff’s recommendation.
Paul Humestin, Paul Mayer Architects, thanked staff for the thorough report. He discussed the
design of the new building noting it would house three management offices, a package room, a
co -working/meeting space and a fitness center.
Commissioner Nelson requested further information regarding the parking requirements for the
building. Community Development Director Sevald commented on how parking requirements
had changed since the apartment building was constructed in 1972. He stated in 1972 the
number of garages that were built was appropriate and this legal non-conformity could continue.
Commissioner Nelson asked if now was the time to bring the property into conformance with
current parking standards. Community Development Director Sevald explained this was not a
requirement. He noted the general intent of the CUP was to focus on the new use.
Commissioner Nelson stated it seemed like there was a huge gap for parking on this site based
on the new parking numbers.
Commissioner Munson reported she lived in this apartment building 15 years ago and she
recalled parking onsite was difficult.
Commissioner Nelson commented he understood there was a need for a clubhouse, but he argued
that there was also a need for additional parking. Mr. Humestin stated from the owners
Mounds View Planning Commission April 20, 2022
Regular Meeting Page 3
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perspective having appropriate onsite management facilities and other amenities for the residents
was outweighing the parking.
Commissioner Nelson indicated this was the City’s chance to fix or address the parking situation.
He noted there were 385 units on this property and the site was vastly under parked.
Further discussion ensued regarding the cost for additional garages and stormwater management
on the property.
Community Development Director Sevald reported the City Council discussed this project at
their April worksession meeting and it was determined if another garage was added, costly
stormwater management would have to be put into the property.
Commissioner Nelson explained he did not believe he would be doing his job as a Planning
Commissioner if he didn’t bring up his concerns about parking on this property.
Commissioner Curtis stated short of the garden area the only other option for parking would be
to construct a parking ramp, but he anticipated this would be cost prohibitive. Mr. Humestin
reported this was the case.
Commissioner Farmer reported the site currently has 719 parking stalls and 89 were covered. He
asked what the parking requirements were for apartment buildings at this time. Community
Development Director Sevald stated one garage stall and one and a half surface spaces is
required per apartment unit. He was of the opinion the City’s requirements were a bit higher
than was needed. He explained some cities set their parking requirements based on the number
of bedrooms in each unit versus per unit.
Commissioner Curtis questioned how wide the drive aisle was that cut east/west through the
develop ment. He asked if parking would fit on one side of the driveway. Mr. Humestin
estimated the drive lane was 24 feet wide. He did not believe additional parking would fit
against the curb.
Chair Rundle stated he was surprised this complex did not have a standalone management office.
He commented given the size of this apartment complex, the site needed a management office.
Commissioner Nelson encouraged the applicant to take another look at the plan to see if there
was any way to add more parking. Community Development Director Sevald stated plan does
show proof of parking for 18 additional stalls.
Commissioner Stevenson questioned how many additional parking stalls would be gained when
the parking lot was re-striped. Mr. Humestin commented on the number of parking stalls that
would be gained through the new parking plan.
Mounds View Planning Commission April 20, 2022
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Commissioner Nelson asked if the site had any handicap parking stalls. Mr. Humestin reported
one handicap parking stall would be added in front of the new clubhouse which met ADA
requirements. Mr. Humestin noted that there are no ADA units in the complex.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Munson/Commissioner Stevenson. To approve Resolution
1150-22, a Resolution Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Development
Review for expansion of a Multi-Family Dwelling at H2 Flats at 2662 Scotland Court.
Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
6. Reports
A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity
Community Development Director Sevald discussed upcoming planning cases with the
Commission. He noted the Commission would meet on Wednesday, May 4 to discuss a variance
request.
B. Staff Updates
Community Development Director Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff
and reported Caribou Cabin would be opening soon.
C. Council Updates
Council Member Meehlhause provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City
Council. He commented on the items the Council reviewed at their April meeting, which
included the 2025 strategic plan and the 2023 budget. He indicated the EDA sold a lot on
Groveland for a new development. He noted the Council updated the electronic sign ordinance
and the vending kiosk ordinance. He reported the 2022-2023 street projects were approved,
which included a trailway expansion along Mounds View Boulevard. He explained the Council
approved the purchase of two pavilions that would be placed near the splash pad.
D. Planning Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Curtis reported the County had grant funding available to assist multi-family
housing units with constructing dumpster enclosures.
7. Other Planning Activity
None.
Mounds View Planning Commission April 20, 2022
Regular Meeting Page 5
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8. Approval of Minutes
March 2, 2022.
MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Nelson/Commissioner Farmer. To approve the Minutes of
the March 2, 2022 regular Planning Commission meetings as presented.
Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
9. Next Planning Commission Meeting:
A. Wednesday, May 4, 2022
B. Wednesday, May 18, 2022
10. Adjournment
There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Rundle adjo urned the
meeting at 7:07 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Jon Sevald
Community Development Director
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial