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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL AGENDA 12192000 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII ionize Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000 Document: PL AGENDA 12192000 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY •2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 19, 2000 4 7:00 p.m. 5 1. CALL TO ORDER. 6 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Bergstrom. 7 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 8 Chair Bergstrom invited the Commission and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. 9 3. ROLL CALL. 10 Present: Chair Bergstrom,Vice Chair Melsha;Commissioners Hanson,Hatch 11 (arrived at 7:11 p.m.), Thomas, and Stille 12 Commissioner absent: Tillmann 13 Also present: Assistant City Manager Susan Henry 14 4. PUBLIC INPUT.: 15 Chair Bergstrom' asked if anyone in the audience was interested in addressing the Planning 16 Commission on issues that were not on the regular meeting agenda. Hearing no comments, Chair .7 Bergstrom moved forward with the.agenda. 18 5. APPROVAL;`•OF AGENDA. 19 Henry corrected Item 8.1 by indicating it is a proposal to vacate, rather than purchase,the right-of- 20 way. 21 Motion by Bergstrom, second by Melsha, to approve the meeting agenda with the aforementioned 22 correction. 23 Motion carried unanimously. 24 6. MEETING MINUTES 25 Motion by Hanson, second by Thomas, to approve the November 21, 2000 Planning Commission 26 Meeting Minutes as presented.. 27' The motion carried unanimously. 28 7. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY COUNCIL. 29 Commissioner Stille agreed to be the Planning Commission representative to the January 9, 2001 30 City Council Meeting. 1 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS. 2 8.1 Accurate Wire Solutions Street Vacation. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 2 1 Bergstrom reviewed this issue for the Planning Commission by stating that Accurate Wire Solutions 2 has submitted a formal petition to the City of St. Anthony for a street vacation for Anthony Lane. 3 Henry.explained that with an addition planned by Accurate.Wire Solutions,more parking is needed 4 and necessary(per City Code)for the petitioner. It was noted that Staff finds it is conducive for the 5 City to grant this request to retain this business and assist with making the necessary 6 accommodations. Thus, staff recommends approval of the street vacation per the City Engineer's 7 comments as contained in his written report. 8 Roger Stoick,President of Accurate Wire Solutions,introduced himself and explained the proposed 9 addition measures 7,000 square feet and to accommodate this,Accurate Wire Solutions is requesting 10 the street vacation from the City. The City Code states required parking is 200 square feet per car. 11 Accurate Wire Solutions plans to add 20 cars to its parking lot so they would be required to have 12 4,000 square feet for parking. He presented a site plan of their existing building and proposed 13 addition, noting it far exceeds Code requirements since they will have 27,000 square feet available 14 for cars. 15 Thomas asked how many total employees they project in two.years. Mr. Stoick stated they currently 16 have 20 employees and the capacity of their organization is for 25 employees. Much of the space �}7 is to store larger products they sell along with taller ceilings to accommodate more storage. He X18 stated he is unaware of any employees that ride the bus or bicycle to work. 19 Bergstrom noted the allowable square footages and parking requirements. He stated if this request 20 is within those requirements for setbacks and lot coverages,only a building permit is needed. Mr. 21 Stoick stated he believes the request is within the requirements and stated he has not yet selected a 22 builder and will meet with staff with regard to ordinance requirements. 23 Hatch arrived at 7:11 p.m. 24 Stille inquired regarding the location of the property to be vacated. Mr.Stoick identified the location 25 on the site plan. 26 Melsha noted the letter from WSB regarding their review of this request. Mr. Stoick stated he has 27 no objection to the suggestions and has already submitted the fee to the City. 28 There being no further questions, Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. 29 Chair Bergstrom noted.the City would be giving up this property and asked if this is a reasonable 30 consideration. He stated his view that it would allow an existing business to expand and the property 31 currently serves little public purpose. 02 Melsha stated his agreement, noting a pond is located on the other side. 33 Chair Bergstrom noted the City of Roseville was contacted and indicated it is no longer in their plan 34 to construct the small stub. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 3 1 2 Motion by Bergstrom, second by Melsha, to recommend that the City of St. Anthony approve the 3 street- vacation for St. Anthony Lane as requested by Accurate ,Wire Solutions and per the City 4 Engineer's,comments as follows: 5 1. The right-of-way be vacated and a utility easement be taken over that portion of the right-of- 6 way within which the City's watermain is located. 7 2. A driveway easement be dedicated to ensure that the property located in St. Anthony 8 Industrial Park 2nd Addition, Block 1, Lot 2, is provided access to Anthony Lane. 9 3. The proposed building meet City standards for building setbacks from the rear property line 10 as the City watermain runs parallel to the eastern lot line. 11 4. Payment of internal City costs associated with this application. 12 Motion carried unanimously. 13 8.1 Walgreens Development(represented by TOLD Development Company), 14 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. 15 Henry reviewed this issue for the Planning Commission by stating that TOLD Development �6 Company,.representing Walgreens Development, proposes to construct a 14,490 square foot 7 Walgreens store with drive-thru pharmacy on the corner of Silver Lake Road and 37th Avenue 18 North. It was noted that TOLD Development Company has submitted formal petitions to the City 19 for a petition for rezoning, lot combination,petition for a sign variance, and for a Conditional Use 20 Permit(CUP). Henry noted the background information as contained in staff's report and introduced 21 the applicant. It was noted that staff recommends approval of the development,per staff comments 22 contained in her memorandum,the City Engineer's comments,and 37th Avenue curb cut approval. 23 Mr.Mike Kalscheur of TOLD Development thanked Ms. Henry and Todd Hubmer for their efforts 24 in assisting with the timely review of this full submittal. He presented the proposed site plan,noting 25 the vacant Amoco filling station would be demolished and 265 feet would be obtained from the 26 adjacent parcel and combined into one lot for the construction of a Walgreens store. Mr. Kalscheur 27 noted the realignment of an exit to the east so it better aligns with Belden Street. He explained the 28 changes made to address storm water drainage and management. He explained that on sites of.less 29 than five acres, there is usually not a requirement to retain storm drainage or to improve water 30 quality. However, in St. Anthony, guidelines have been enacted so they have added a stormwater 31 retention pond. Mr. Kalscheur stated they still intend to save as many on site trees as possible, 32 noting several will have to be removed to accommodate the storm drainage pond which is as small 33 as possible to meet the City's guidelines. He explained how the storm water will be directed to an 34 existing storm water pipe and advised of their efforts to work with the railroad in case an easement 35 is needed. If they are unable to obtain such an easement,they would propose to connect to the storm .36 pipe located to the south of this site. 37 In response to Chair Bergstrom, Mr. Kalscheur stated he believes that with either route, the water 38 goes into Silver Lake. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 Page 4 1 Mr. Kalscheur pointed out the location of a two-lane drive-thru to the north side of the building that 2 would be used for drop off only. He noted this location should not impact the trees or view to the 3 residential area. --He stated the west side contains the loading and refuse storage areas. The refuse 4 area is screened by a matching brick screening wall. Mr: Kalscheur stated it was mentioned at the 5 neighborhood meeting that people have been seen digging in the garbage dumpsters so they will 6 assure it is a secured and well lit area. He stated it was also brought to their attention that residents 7 do not want too much lighting. Mr.Kalscheur stated they will reach an appropriate level of lighting 8 to assure safety while not creating too intense lighting. He noted the locations of the perimeter 9 shoebox style of lighting fixture which is the same fixture the City used farther north on Silver Lake 10 Road. He stated this type of lighting will not result in spill-over lighting outside of their site. Mr. 11 Kalscheur presented a picture of the interior site lighting fixtures which are felt to be more 12 aesthetically pleasing. 13 Thomas stated the Vernon style of lighting fixture was desired for the main thoroughfares of St. 14 Anthony,such as along Silver Lake Road. It is being proposed this type of lighting would be on the 15 bridge, however, a shoebox style of lighting is being proposed at the entry points. Mr. Kalscheur 16 noted the Vernon style of lighting will be just off the property lines to assure the requirements of the 17 Zoning Ordinance on foot candles at the property line is met. 8 Chair Bergstrom reviewed the areas where Ramsey County is placing Vernon lighting fixtures. He 9 stated the City requested to participate in doing an enhance&design of the bridge but-he has not yet 20 seen those lighting fixtures. 21 Thomas stated the Vernon style of lighting was selected since it shines the majority of lighting 22 toward the ground and does not spill off the lot boundaries. He stated his preference to not use 23 shoebox style lighting fixtures at the entrance points since it may not match the lighting fixtures for 24 the bridge. 25' Chair Bergstrom suggested Mr.Kalscheur talk about this with Mr.Hartman or Dan Soler of Ramsey 26 County. Mr. Kalscheur stated he did meet with Mr. Hartman who recommended these lighting 27 fixtures. He stated they will revisit this issue and would consider another alternative if it is found 28 to be better. 29 Thomas asked if a barrier will be created around the retainage pond. Mr: Kalscheur stated the 30 retainage pond will have standing water so they will fence it. Chair Bergstrom noted the pond will 31 create 5:1 slopes. Mr. Kalscheur stated that is correct and they will have-significant retaining walls 32 on the north and west property lines. 33 Chair Bergstrom asked if the north property line will be fenced. Mr. Kalscheur stated if there is a 34 significant drop in elevation from the retaining wall to the site, it will be fenced. 05 Hanson asked if a loud speaker system will be needed at the drive-thru.Mr.Kalscheur explained the 36 outside lane is intended for drop off only so they do not anticipate a loud speaker system. If one 37 were needed, it would be directed toward the railroad so it would not bother anyone. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 Page 5 • I Thomas asked where the parking lot runoff will be directed during a heavy rain. Mr. Kalscheur 2 stated the intent is to have all runoff travel through the retainage pond prior to entering the City's 3 storm water system. 4 Chair Bergstrom stated this is within the Rice Creek Watershed District who will need to approve 5 the grading plan. He reviewed a past project that had problems since the grading did not match the 6 plans submitted and approved. 7 Henry noted the point on Page 2 of engineer's letter addressing grading and need to finesse the 8 grading for the site. 9 Mr.Kalscheur stated their intent to continue to work closely with WSB on the grading issues,noting 10 there may be minor grading modifications that will be accommodated. He noted the location of the 11 monument sign and explained that in keeping with the sale of this building,they are asking for a sign 12 variance to allow 50 square feet of copy per side. It was noted that 34 square feet per side is allowed 13 by the Code. Mr. Kalscheur explained that while Walgreens is a stand alone retail store, it is unlike 14 a Target type of operation. He noted the ordinance allows up to 150 square feet per sign for a strip 15 center up to 75,000 square feet and they are asking for 50 feet per square side. He stated they 16 understand the City's concern for pylon signs, and would ask that their monument sign be allowed 117 to have an electronic readerboard. Mr. Kalscheur explained that since electronic readerboards are �j 8 not called out specifically in the Ordinance; they are disallowed. He suggested it is not the same 19 type of sign as a"flashing light sign" and indicated they would agree to have the message remain 20 for a specified interval of time. 21 Mr. Kalscheur presented their proposed building signs,noting itis less than five percent. He asked 22 the Commission to use their discretion to consider the requested sign variance that incorporates an 23 electronic readerboard. He drew the Commission's attention to a sample showing a driftwood 24 colored brick and stated they are proposing to use a brick that is slightly darker and called shadow 25 - gray. He pointed out the architectural elements they will incorporate that make it a better fit for this 26 location. 27 Hatch asked if the roof will contain any-heating or cooling equipment.. Mr. Kalscheur stated the 28 roofline contains a small parapet which fully screens the rooftop equipment. 29 Hatch asked if the west end of the property will be elevated to even out the grade. He noted if that 30 is done it will create a large wall of dirt on the west end. He also asked if the pond will be lined to 31 protect the trees from saturation. Mr. Kalscheur stated the Amoco property was deemed to be 32 contaminated at one time and has now been cleaned. Thus,they will need to work with the PCA on 33 this site and if the pond needs to be lined,it will be done. He stated the pond will need to hold water 34 so he expects it will be lined but he will pose these questions to their engineers. 05 Thomas asked what the elevations will look like. Mr. Kalscheur stated they will match the grades 36 on the western side,noting this grading plan will raise the site three to four feet on the western edge. 37 However, they will address that issue with WSB prior to a design being submitted for a building 38 permit. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 6 1 Melsha asked if the sign is located within the right-of-way. Mr. Kalscheur stated it is located on 2 their property, not within the right-of-way. 3 .- Stille asked if the sign will be two=sidedand face .Silver Lake Road. Mr: Kalscheur answered 4 affirmatively stating it will run in an east/west direction. 5 Shawn Egli, 3640 Silver Lake Road, stated he lives across the street from this site and had concerns 6 about the level of lighting. He stated he has seen people coming from the area of the railroad. He 7 asked what will happen with the bus stop and if other stores will sublease from Walgreens, such as 8 a Starbucks Coffee. Mr. Egli also asked if a mailbox will be installed as a substation. 9 Mr. Kalscheur stated he is not aware of anyone else subleasing from Walgreens so that is not 10 expected. I I Chair Bergstrom explained if it was subleased, that would have to come before the City again for 12 signage and other issues. 13 With regard to hours of operation,Mr.Kalscheur stated they will be open to 11:00 p.m.but the hours 14 may be scaled back on weekends. He reiterated this will not be a 24-hour store. Chair Bergstrom 15 stated that issue will be included in the development agreement: 16 Mr. Egli asked that the parking lot lighting be turned off or scaled back after the store closes. Mr. 17 Kalscheur stated it is their practice to do so. Chair Bergstrom noted that some parking lot lighting 18 may be needed for security purposes. Mr. Kalscheur stated their average parking lot lighting is 19 under 3 foot candles. 20 Mr. Kalscheur stated they will agree that Walgreens will not be a 24 hour store at this time. 21 However, Walgreens is committing to a 25 year lease and if,at some point in the future,the 24 hour 22 store is desired,they would like the ability to*make that request before the City at that time. Chair 23 Bergstrom stated the opportunity for a modification request is always present. 24 Chair Bergstrom reviewed the luminaire plan,noting the intensity of lighting drops off significantly 25 as it approaches the site boundaries. He stated the City will assure the management of parking lot 26 lighting is addressed so resident's concerns are resolved. 27 Mr.Egli asked if the pond management includes mosquito control. Chair Bergstrom explained that 28 the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District regulates that and if it becomes a problem,the City could 29. request treatment of this pond. 30 Mr. Egli stated his support for the Walgreens project if the resident's concerns are resolved. •31 Chair Bergstrom stated he is not aware of the plans for a potential bus shelter since that is regulated 32 by Metro Transit. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 _ Page 7 • 1 Mr. Egli stated his preference that the exit not be aligned so vehicle headlights shine into their 2 homes. Mr. Kalscheur noted the existing access point and the proposed shift to the west by about 3 ten feet. 4 Mr. Egli stated his concern about cars rushing to make the traffic signal lights and the possibility of 5 installing a turn lane to allow turns into this site. Mr. Kalscheur stated he thinks their traffic levels 6 will be less than with Amoco. Chair Bergstrom stated he does not think the road is wide enough to 7 . accommodate a turn lane. 8 Mr. Egli stated it would be,nice if Walgreens could have a mail drop box. Mr. Kalscheur stated 9 Walgreens is based on convenience and the best method is.for a customer to raise that need to the 10 Store Manager. He stated he.will also raise this option to Walgreens. 1 I There being no further comment, Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. 12 Chair Bergstrom noted the need to address the rezoning, sign variance, and CUP but not the 13 subdivision lot combination issue. 14 Hanson asked if the rezoning can be considered prior to lot combination. Chair Bergstrom reviewed •1 15. the City Attorney'.s recommendation that the lot combination can be accomplished without 6 consideration before the Planning Commission-or City Council.- He noted the request is to rezone 17 the eastern most lot of Mr. Solie's property which Walgreens is buying. The Amoco parcel is 18 already appropriately zoned. Chair Bergstrom noted the rezoning request is consistent with the 19 general development of this area and would result in a minor amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. 20 Thomas stated his support to consider the requested rezoning,stating it makes sense for this general 21 area including Apache Plaza. 22 Stille asked he thinks it makes no sense to keep the other lot industrial and he supports the rezoning. 23 Motion by Hanson, second by Stille, to recommend approval of the rezoning of Lot 3, Block 1, 24 Apache Terrace 2nd Addition, from an Industrial zoning district to a Commercial zoning district 25 based on the finding that it is consistent with further development of the Apache Mall area including 26 the northwest quadrant, it is not anticipated to be detrimental to the City, it provides a service to 27 residents in the northern part of St. Anthony Village, and while it is not currently planned to be 28 rezoned commercial in the Comprehensive Plan,it is consistent with the general development of the 29 area anticipated in the Comprehensive Plan. 30 Motion carried unanimously. 31Chair Bergstrom complimented Mr. Kalscheur for not proposing a pylon sign. He stated Mr. 02 Kalscheur makes an interesting observation about the size of this building related to the sign square 33 footage. He also complimented Mr. Kalscheur on the design for limited wall signage. Chair 34 Bergstrom noted the issues related to the sign include consideration of a variance for square footage 35 and the readerboard feature which is not identified specifically within the Sign Ordinance. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 8 I Melsha stated his concern with articulating a finding of hardship. He stated he finds it to be a 2 reasonable argument that this may be similar to a strip mall. 3 Mr.Kalscheur asked if it would make more sense to change the Sign Ordinance or request a variance 4 to the ordinance. He stated they feel the Sign Ordinance should be looked at in this regard but with 5 pending changes coming to the Sign Ordinance, it seemed a variance was the appropriate request. 6 Mr. Kalscheur agreed that the hardship criteria is the most difficult to prove with any request. He 7 commented on the importance of signage for retail businesses and the level of sales that needs to 8 occur for a successful retail operation. He stated he hopes the Commission can use its discretion to 9 redefine this use as a strip mall or neighborhood shopping center. 10 Thomas stated he has no problem with a 50 square foot sign but is not convinced the City should go 1 I with an electronic readerboard. He noted the need for a City policy addressing readerboards prior 12 to considering variances. He stated if the City were to revise the ordinance-to allow readerboards, 13 he would argue that it must have a public service component (such as advising of municipal 14 meetings)and that the signage not be changed very often. He noted the location of other commercial 15 districts that had no electronic readerboards. 16 Chair Bergstrom stated it is appropriate to consider giving credit from the unused wall signage •17 toward monument signage which lobbies for being able to consider the square footage variance. 18 Also; this site will be difficult to redevelop for many reasons and, yet, the City wants to promote 19 redevelopment. On the electronic readerboard issue,he noted the City will be addressing that issue 20 and he thinks the ordinance may be revised to allow some type of electronic readerboard signage. 21 Because of that, he would prefer to not consider an electronic readerboard request prior to that 22 consideration. 23 Hanson stated he is also comfortable with considering a larger sized sign but not an electronic 24 readerboard. He noted the Northtown Walgreens has a monument sign, not a pylon sign, with no 25 readerboard feature. Hanson pointed out the anticipated Walgreens opening in February of 2001 26 which would allow time for the City's consideration of the Sign Ordinance. 27. Mr. Kalscheur stated that would be agreeable with him. 28 Stille asked if the Commission should take a more liberal look at considering this to be a shopping 29 center site and allowing credit from the unused wall signage. He stated his preference to get away 30 from a variance since a hardship cannot be found. 31 Chair Bergstrom noted that shopping centers over 75,000 are allowed to have pylon signs. He stated 32 he believes there are some hardships with this request that would be articulated. 33 Melsha stated he is not comfortable with categorizing this as a strip mall because it does not meet 1034 that definition. 35 Hanson suggested if the sign ordinance is not being considered for approval, it be passed onto the 36 Council who can consider this discussion in their decision. He stated he does not believe this Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 9 1 consideration will result in the delay of this project. Hanson stated his support to not consider this 2 sign variance since the Sign Ordinance will be considered during the next several months and would 3 not.delay ground breaking. 4 Mr. Kalscheur stated ground breaking is slated for spring but their concern is the lease signage 5 component. Due to the importance of signage to Walgreens,it is an integral component to the lease 6 and those negotiations. He stated they could withdraw the electronic readerboard variance request 7 to allow time for the City to address that issue and apply only for the 50 square feet of sign copy per 8 side. 9 Hatch noted that if the electronic sign area is removed, the square footage per side is within five 10 square feet. However, if the electronic readerboard is approved at this point, it cannot be changed 11 after the ordinance is considered for revision. He stated his preference to not consider either the sign 12 variance or electronic readerboard request at this time. 13 Chair Bergstrom stated that while the Commissioners are sympathetic, it is being voiced that 14 meeting the hardship criteria will be difficult to meet. 15 Mr. Kalscheur thanked the.Commission for their consideration and explained that out of obligation .16 to their client and in consideration of timing, he would like to move forward to the Council even if 17 the Planning Commission recommendation is for denial. 18 Bergstrom stated he believes a hardship exists since the City is interested in getting this property 19 redeveloped and this is not an easy parcel to develop for many reasons. Also, Walgreens has 20 considerably reduced their wall signage with respect to what is allowable. Thus,he would consider 21 allowing more on the monument sign since the total square footage is still well below what is 22 allowed in the ordinance. However, he would not support the electronic readerboard sign feature. 23 Hanson asked Mr.Kalscheur if it would be beneficial to advise his clients that while the sign square 24 footage was allowed, the electronic readerboard was not considered. 25 Thomas stated he could support 50 square feet of signage but not the electronic readerboard feature. 26 Motion by Thomas, second by Bergstrom, to recommend approval of a sign variance to allow for 27 a ground (or monument) sign consisting of 50 square feet of copy on each side, for a total surface. 28 copy area of 100 square feet,without any electronic reader board on each side,based on the'finding 29 that this is a difficult property to redevelop,this parcel is unique in nature,denying this variance also 30 impacts the economic viability of the development,the development is of benefit to the St. Anthony 31 Village,and a number of sign ordinance variances have been granted to other businesses within the 32 vicinity. 03 Stille stated he would like to review previous sign variances granted and discuss whether the Sign 34 Ordinance should be amended to allow additional square footage. He stated that while he is not 35 opposed to this sign variance request, he would prefer to define the hardship issue. f , Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 • Page 10 1 Chair Bergstrom agreed that it may be timely to review the Sign Ordinance in that regard. 2 3 ayes (Hanson, Thomas, Bergstrom),.3 nays (Melsha, Hatch, Stille). Motion failed. 3 Chair Bergstrom clarified there may be outdoor speakers that are similar to that used at a bank. Mr. 4 Kalscheur answered affirmatively. 5 Hanson stated his support for hours of operation of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 6 Motion by Bergstrom,second by Melsha,to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for the 7 construction of a 14,490 square foot Walgreens store on the corner of Silver Lake Road and 37th 8 Avenue North with a two lane drive-thru pharmacy on the north side of the building, based on the 9 finding that the use is not detrimental or injurious,the use is necessary and desirable at this location, to and subject to staff comments contained in its memorandum,the City Engineer's December 7 and 11 December 19, 2000 comments, and the following conditions: 12 1. The proposed westerly entrance to the site from 37th Avenue NE be aligned with Belden 13 Drive on the south side of 37th Avenue NE. 14 2. Access permits to Silver Lake Road be acquired from Ramsey County and City access permit 15 for 37th Avenue NE, and copies submitted to the City of St. Anthony. •16 3. The proposed site discharges directly to Silver Lake. Therefore, treatment to NURP. 17 recommended standards will be required. However,due to site restrictions,a 5:1 slope could 18 replace the 10:1 bench requirement at the normal water elevation. 19 4. The developer receiving approval of the development plan from the MPCA. 20 5. Due to existing soil contamination,the pond be lined to address any concerns of the MPCA. 21 6. The outlet from the proposed ponding area should provide skimming for floatable materials. 22 This may be accomplished by submerging the outlet pipe below the normal water elevation. 23 In regard to the proposed outlet structure, the top of casting on the manhole should be an 24 open grate set at an elevation below the overflow so as to provide an emergency outlet in the 25 case that the primary outlet is plugged or iced up during spring conditions. 26 7. Lighting be consistent with City and Ramsey County lighting standards for Silver Lake Road 27 as judged by Dan Soler and/or Jay Hartman and in coordination with lighting standards on 28 37th Avenue NE. 29 8. The hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 P.M. 30 9. Conditions listed in the letter from Dorsey & Whitney LLP of November 9, 2000, relating 31 to 20 foot utility easement along the east line of Lot 3 property line to be incorporated into 32 the conditional use permit. 33 10. All elements in design and submittals for application to be incorporated into the conditional 34 use permit. 35 Motion carried unanimously. • 36 9. NEW APPLICATIONS. 37 None. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 19, 2000 Page 11 • 1 10. OTHER ITEMS. 2 10.1. City Monument Sign Subcommittee Update. 3 10.2. Electronic Signs - Issues Report. 4. Bergstrom noted the information contained in the meeting packet.. He explained that he.and Stil.le 5 put some thoughts together in a cover letter and a number of issues have been identified that need 6 to be looked at. He stated they met with the Director.of Public Works who staked an area where the 7 City would like to erect an electronic readerboard sign. A sign company then set up a portable 8 readerboard sign but it was found the location was not the best due to limited visibility. He noted 9 the staff suggestions as contained in the December 12, 2000 memorandum as to issues that should 10 be considered which relate to electronic signs. Bergstrom also noted the draft language proposed 11 and requested input so a recommendation can be formulated for the Council. 12 Hatch expressed concern with regard to aesthetics, noting the need for consistency. He stated he 13 would like to see colored photographs of signs showing different colored lettering. He stated that 14 LED signs may be preferable. Hatch noted another consideration is if the sign serves the public 15 interest. 16 Bergstrom agreed the school and city have a higher threshold of informing the public which is 17 different than signs used for retail sales. He stated the issue is whether it serves the public interest 8 to allow commercial operations to have electronic readerboards: He stated he does not think it is a •1 i 9 bad thing as-long as the issues of aesthetics are properly addressed. Bergstrom noted the League of 20 Minnesota Cities was contacted for samples of sign ordinances that regulates electronic readerboards 21 and it was found that the requirements varied greatly. He noted the suggestion is to not allow 22 scrolling readerboards. 23 Hanson stated he struggles with the need to allow any electronic readerboards given the village 24 atmosphere of St. Anthony. 25 Thomas stated he is not convinced it is the route to go, noting the level of media pollution that 26 currently exists. On the other hand,if the Council decides to approve it,he believes there should be 27 a required public service component even if it is to advertise the dates of municipal meetings. 28 Henry stated there are Walgreen signs without the electronic readerboard component. 29 Thomas agreed that electronic readerboards eliminate the concern with vandalism. Hatch questioned 30 the level of vandalism with the Stonehouse sign. 31 Thomas stated if it is approved, the issue of aesthetics would need to be fully addressed. 32 Melsha stated that depending on what is allowed,he may prefer an electronic readerboard which may •33 look better than signs with moveable letters. 34 Hatch suggested the use of smoked glass to filter the glare of exposed light bulbs. Bergstrom agreed 35 with the need to control color and intensity. r Planning Commission Meeting Minutes ' December 19, 2000 • Page 12 I Stille stated flashing signs are currently allowed as long as they are temporary so the City may want 2 to consider if that type of sign is necessary in St. Anthony. 3. Chair Bergstrom thanked the:.Commissioners for their input and stated a draft will be submitted for 4 review. 5 10.3 Antenna/Tower Subcommittee Update. 6 Melsha presented the anticipated time line for adoption of a new antenna/tower ordinance which 7 anticipates approval by March of 2001. 8 Hatch commented on the scenario of a pole owner requiring an exorbitant fee for a co-location and 9 possible regulations that can be placed to prohibit that from occurring. He stated the industry is 10 moving towards digital service which requires shorter poles. 11 Thomas raised the option of wireless.components on light poles. Bergstrom stated that relates to 12 wireless internet,not cellular telephones. He noted this points out the uncertainty in these fields of 13 technology. 14 Thomas asked if there was discussion of citing them on City-owned property so there is municipal 5 control'and possible revenue producing opportunities.. Hatch.stated that was discussed,noting these 6 requests cannot be denied and areas must be allowed for towers. However, issues of.safety need to 17 be addressed. He stated he leans toward lower towers with stealth technology. 18 Thomas stated most of the sites have been in the northwest quadrant and asked if it could be 19 addressed by the planning team for the northwest quadrant. Bergstrom explained those locations are 20 in-fill areas that have a weak signal. 21 Bergstrom suggested that a consultant with expertise in this area be considered to answer these 22 questions and advise of the options available. 23 Melsha asked if the LMC has resources available. Henry stated she will contact them and report 24 back. 25 Bergstrom stated he finds the proposed time line to be quite ambitious but believes it is a good start. 26 11. OTHER ITEMS: 27 11.1 New Chair: Goal Setting Session-January 19, 2001, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 28 Bergstrom noted the upcoming goal setting session scheduled at the Sheraton on January 19,2001 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 30 12. COMMISSION INPUT. 1 12.1 Commissioner's Comments. 32 Stille stated he has enjoyed working with Chair Bergstrom and appreciates his knowledge of St. 33 Anthony. He added that Bergstrom will be greatly missed. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes • December 19, 2000 • Page 13 1 Hatch concurred and added his appreciation. Hatch noted the Council comment indicating Eagle 2 Scouts are looking for a project. He asked if there are any surveys or drain stenciling activities that 3 could be offered. 4 Chair Bergstrom stated it has been his pleasure and honor to work with the Planning Commissioners 5 but he knows all are dedicated and fully functional Planning Commissioners so the Commission will 6 be left in good hands. 7 Melsha added his appreciation to Chair Bergstrom for his leadership and shared knowledge. He 8 stated it will be difficult to fill that void. 9 Thomas concurred and commented on a past meeting he had with Bergstrom who provided a history 10 of a certain development which he found to be greatly beneficial. Thomas stated his support to . 11 consider the use of Eagle Scouts for a stenciling project. 12 Hanson thanked Bergstrom for his years of service and leadership. 13 Hanson advised of his discussion with the librarian who indicated Hennepin County Commissioners 14 have approved funding for relocation of the library to a larger space within the Apache Mall. It was 15 also indicated the floor plan will include a meeting space. Hanson stated there is also anew State 06 ' Farm agent in.the Apache Mall. He reviewed a recentnewspaper article announcing the location of 17 a multi-workout gym within the Apache Mall. .18 Hanson asked that an upcoming agenda item include a goal setting session for 2001 and that copies 19 of past goals be provided to the Commission. 20 Henry stated she is pleased to be here tonight and part of the Planning Commission group. 21 13. ADJOURNMENT. 22 Motion by Bergstrom, second by Hatch,to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. 23 Motion carried unanimously. 24 Respectfully submitted, 25 Carla Wirth 26 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.