PL MINUTES 09171996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • September 17, 1996 Page 12 1 Mr. Bona stated they would. He noted he had approached all of his neighbors and had received 2 no negative comments to the proposal. He stated the proposal will allow the door through which 3 the cars enter to be positioned such that the noise will be aimed at his own property rather than 4 the neighboring properties. 5 Chair Bergstrom asked if Mr. Bona was still intending to install the plantings on the north side of 6 the lot. 7 Mr. Bona stated he did intend to do the plantings. He noted the neighbor who had previously 8 requested the plantings had been involved in the decision of types of planting and the process is 9 going well. He hopes to plant in the fall of this year. 10 Chair Bergstrom noted this proposal would require a variance and suggested Mr. Bona continue 11 to work with Staff to determine the details. 12 13 VIII. CONSULTANT REVIEW. 14 A. BRW. Inc. - Bill Weber. 15 Mr. Bill Weber, BRW, Inc., stated he had completed the Comprehensive Plan for the City of St. 16 Anthony in 1,979. He stated he had a lot of related experience with many first ring suburbs including Columbia Heights, Hopkins and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He is currently working on *8 the Comprehensive Plan Update for Brooklyn Center, a City which is very similar to the City of 19 St. Anthony. 20 Mr. Weber stated his main objectives would be to create a practical handbook; understand and 21 address the key issues; address the needs of the Commission, City Council and Staff, be specific, 22 direct, clear and realistic; and meet the Metropolitan Council requirements. He stated the Update 23 would involve a continuum through the plan, written objectives and policies that pertain directly 24 to the issues, and working with the Commission to brainstorm and identify the Commission'`s 25 needs. He felt the main challenges of the Update would include stabilization of neighborhoods, 26 repositioning of the Shopping Center, accommodation of an aging and younger population,and 27 maintaining a"village" charm. The manners in which the emerging issues would be considered 28 would include "brainstorming"with officials and citizens,providing BRW, Inc.'s insights, and 29 thinking in a long-term basis. The manners used to communicate with citizens would include the 30 City newsletter,public workshops, chapter drafts, and displays. In summary, he felt BRW, Inc. 31 would be qualified for the position due to their experienced team, traffic and engineering advice 32 is available within the company, encore performance, and enthusiasm for the work. 33 Commissioner Franzese asked Mr. Weber how he intended to identify the issues which were 34 important to the City of St. Anthony. Mr. Weber stated he would work with the Planning Commission and citizens using the nominal group technique. This is a structured exercise to obtain ideas by brainstorming. There is no 37 criticism or judging. He will also bring forth issues based on his experience.