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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 04211992 Meeting Sheet 11111 give 11111 gill gill 11111 Nile 9119 101341 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1992 Document: PL MINUTES 04211992 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 4 5 APRIL 21 , 1992 6 7 8 1 . CALL TO ORDER 9 10 Chairperson Faust called the Planning Commission Meeting to 11 order at 7 : 30 p .m. 12 13 2 . ROLL CALL 14 15 Commissioners Present : Thompson, Franzese, Gondorchin , Murphy, 16 Werenicz, Madden , and Faust 17 18 Staff Present : City Manager Burt and Management Assistant 19 Urbia 20 21 Chairman Faust noted that this was Commissioner Thompson ' s 22 first meeting. He was welcomed by the Chairperson and 23 Commissioners . 24 25 3 . APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 18 , 1992 PLANNING 26 COMMISSION MEETING Motion by Madden , second by Murphy to approve the minutes of 9 the February 18 , 1992 Planning Commission Meeting as presented 30 and there were no corrections . 31 32 Motion carried unanimously 33 34 4 . DESIGNATION OF COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE APRIL 28 , 1992. 35 OR MAY 12 , 1992 CITY COUNCIL MEETING 36 37 Commissioner Madden will represent the Planning Commission 38 Meeting on either April 28th or May 12th. 39 40 City Manager Burt explained that the item which will determine 41 when a Planning Commissioner will have to attend a Council 42 Meeting is the conditional use permit being requested by Adel 43 Alwan for his Sheik' s Garden Restaurant.. 44 45 At this point in the Planning Commission Meeting Mr . Alwan was 46 not in attendance. It was felt if he did not attend, the 47 request would not be discussed in any detail . 48 49 50 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 51 52 A. Adel Alwan (Sheik ' s Garden Restaurant ) , 3800 Apache Plaza , Conditional Use Permit f 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 0 APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 2 4 5 The City Manager advised that this matter can be 6 considered in Mr. Alwan ' s absence. 7 8 Referring to the site plan, Franzese observed that there 9 were some differences in the location of some of the 10 amusement devices and fewer kiddy games . 11 12 Mr . Alwan -arrived at the Planning Commission Meeting at 13 7 : 35 p.m. 14 15 The Public Hearing was opened at 7 : 35 p.m. 16 17 Chairperson Faust stated that the purpose of this public 18 hearing is to consider a request from Adel Alwan for a 19 conditional use permit to allow for more than three 20 amusement devices at Sheik ' s Garden Restaurant , Inc . , 21 3800 Apache Plaza . 22 23 24 The notice of the Public Hearing appeared in the April 1 , _ 25 1992 edition of the Bulletin . 26 Urbia noted that Mr . Alwan had come before the Planning is Commission in February requesting a conditional use 29 permit to allow up to thirty amusement devices . At that 30 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the 31 request under certain conditions . The City Council , at 32 its March 10th meeting, did not approve the request by a 33 three to two vote. 34 35 Mr. Alwan was advised at the March 10th Counci-1 Meeting 36 he could reapply for a conditional use permit . 37 38 The request before the Planning Commission tonight is for 39 twenty-three amusement devices . Eight amusement devices 40 will be solely for children. The remaining fifteen 41 amusement devices will be video devices for both children 42 and adults . 43 44 Mr. Alwan' s plan. is to locate the amusement devices in 45 the older, rear portion of the restaurant . His intent is 46 to generate additional revenue from this area. 47 48 Staff noted that all three conditions for a conditional 49 use permit have been met . Staff is recommending approval 50 of the request with the following eight conditions : 51 1 ) The arcade shall prohibit tobacco, alcohol , and drugs on the premises . I PLANNING COMMISSION 40 APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 3 4 5 6 2 ) The arcade shall prohibit individuals under the 7 influence of tobacco, alcohol , and/or drugs . 8 9 3 ) Proper supervision should be available at all times 10 to ensure appropriate conduct and behavior. 11 12 4 ) The access 'from the kitchen to the dining area 13 shall be segregated to ensure safety. 14 15 5) The number of amusement devices allowed will be 16 dependent upon the available number of amusement 17 device licenses and available space within the area 18 designated on the proposed plan . 19 20 6 ) The hours of the arcade will be no later than 10 : 00 21 p.m. 22 23 7 ) The process of an annual review. consisting of City 24 staff , the Police Chief and the restaurant owner to 25 review complaints generated by the restaurant , both 26 inside and outside the establishment . 16 8 ) The arcade shall consist of twenty-three amusement 29 devices , of which eight will be solely for children 30 and fifteen will be video devices for both children 31 and adults . 32 33 Mr . Howard Knutson , 14300 Nicol let Court , Burnsville, Mn. , 34 introduced himself as a personal friend of Mr. Alwan. He is 35 speaking in support of the approval of the conditional use 36 request . He stated he has known- Mr. Alwan since he came to the 37 United States . In his opinion , Mr . Alwan has indicated every 38 intention to operate his restaurant as a family-oriented 39 establishment . Mr. Knutson felt the amusement devices will 40 attract families and noted that there will be no pool tables 41 on the premises . Mr. Alwan has also indicated to him he may 42 consider hiring security personnel to maintain a family 43 atmosphere is it becomes necessary. 44 45 Werenicz commented on the reference made in Council Meeting 46 minutes to the review requirement of the Malt Shop which had 47 previously operated in the shopping mall . He noted that 48 members of the Planning Commission have never received any 49 feedback from these reviews and inquired if there had been 50 problems .* 51 52 The City Manager responded that there had not been problems in the Malt Shop arcade only in the vicinity. There were also problems with the slow response of. the shopping mall security I PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 4 4 5 �- 6 responding to requests for . assistance from the Malt Shop 7 owner . He noted that some of these problems are presently 8 being experienced with the bowling alley in the lower level of 9 the shopping mall as well as the vicinity outdoors . 10 11 Werenicz observed that problems in the vicinity outdoors , 12 particularly ;near the bridge, are not new and may be 13 attributable to the shopping mall . 14 15 Franzese inquired if Mr . Knutson is a professional or personal 16 acquaintance of Mr. Alwan ' s . He responded that he is both ; 17 attorney and family to family . It was noted that he has had no 18 experience in a business similar to that of Mr. Alwan. 19 20 Mr . Alwan felt the intent of Bono ' s Malt Shop and the St . 21 Anthony Fun Center was to make considerable money on amusement 22 devices . There were no kiddy ridess in either business and no 23 attractions for families . 24 25 Franzese inquired how Mr . Alwan intended to "police" his 26 establishment and provide security. He responded that his floor plan is quite open and the site lines are good. There will be rules of acceptable behavior posted in the business . 9 He did not respond to his intentions regarding security. 30 31 Franzese noted he intends to be vigilant about behavior, but 32 inquired what his "plan of action" would be if there were 33 unacceptable conduct . 34 35 Mr . Alwan did not specifically address his "plan of action" 36 but referred to his methods of operation. 37 - 38 Franzese inquired if Mr . Alwan would object to closing his . 39 restaurant at 9: 00 p.m which is the time the shopping mall 40 closes . 41 42 Mr . Alwan prefers to close at 10 : 00 p.m. noting that there is 43 a potential for business after 9 : 00 and in the summer months 44 it may still be daylight outside. It was noted that the 45 closing hour for the restaurant previously located in the 46 shopping mall was 11 : 00 p.m. 47 48 Mr. Knutson addressed the proposed floor .plan for the location 49 of the video devices and the planned - party room. The party 50 room will have a movie screen, a large television screen and 51 be available for children ' s, birthday parties . He felt the 52 location of the machines would afford the management some advantage in monitoring their use. 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 5 .4 5 6 The seating capacity of the restaurant is approximately fifty 7 people. Franzese inquired what the anticipated proportion of 8 income would be from food and amusement devices . Mr . Knutson 9 noted this is a variable by location and has no hard facts 10 relative to income. He stated that the restaurant ' s present 11 income from food only is very poor. 12 13 Murphy noted that the restaurant ' s goal is to be family 14 oriented and inquired what the marketing strategies are .to 15 attract this type of clientele. Newspaper advertising and the 16 previously referred to party room will be part of the 17 marketing strategies . 18 19 Menu selections were discussed and there will be a special 20 children ' s menu. 21 22 The Public Hearing was closed at 7 : 57 p.m. 23 24 Werenicz stated his support for granting the conditional use 25 permit and noted that Mr. Alwan is focusing very hard on the 26 family oriented spirit of his business . He suggested that Condition #8 should include a reference to 9 changing the configuration of the devices dedicated to 30 children ' s entertainment . He felt if the number of kiddy 31 amusement devices is decreased the conditional use permit 32 would be cancelled. Mr . Alwan should be required to reappear 33 before the Planning Commission and the City Council if he 34 wishes to change the mix of children and adult amusement 35 devices . 36 37 Madden agreed with Werenicz regarding the change of the mix of 38 amusement devices and felt an annual review of the conditional 39 use permit should be added to the conditions . 40 41 Murphy had nothing to add other than he is supportive of 42 recommending approval of the request . 43 44 Gondorchin had not comments regarding the request . 45 46 Franzese still has a -concern regarding the closing time 47 staying at 10 : 00 p.m. She feels this time is too late and that 48 young children are not usually out that late. 49 50 Faust indicated he felt this latest request is an improvement 51 over the first request . He has no problem with the closing 52 time of 10 : 00 p.m as Daylight Saving Time adds to that part of the day when families participate in activities together . 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 6 4 5 6 Franzese noted that her specific concern regarding closing 7 times is that everything else in the shopping mall closes at 8 . 9 : 00 p.m. If the restaurant is the only business open after 9 9 : 00 p.m there is a potential for young people to gather 10 there. The bowling alley closes at 11 : 00 p.m. 11 12 Faust observed that there is no eating establishment on the 13 north side� of the City where parents can take their children 14 which does not serve alcohol . He anticipates no problems with 15 the proposed 10 : 00_ closing hour and does not view this as a 16 problem. 17 18 Motion by Madden, second by Werenicz to recommend to the City 19 Council that the conditional use permit request of Mr. Alwan 20 for Sheik ' s Garden Restaurant , 3800 Apache Plaza, be approved 21 that the eight conditions as recommended by staff be included 22 in the conditional use permit approval ; that no one appeared 23 at the Public Hearing to speak against the request ; that all 24 three questions in the application for the conditional use 25 permit were answered in the affirmative ; and, that the mix of 26 amusement devices be approved by staff . 7 Some discussion continued regarding what constitutes kiddy 9 amusement devices and rides . The Chairperson suggested that 30 there was possibly an " industry standard" which could be used 31 as a guide by the staff . 32 33 Roll call : Thompson, Franzese, Murphy, Werenicz, Madden, 34 Faust - aye 35 36 Gondorchin - . nay 37 38 Motion carries 39 40 B. James Sarna and William Vogt (Stop-N-Shop Superette) , 41 3813 Stinson Boulevard, Sign Variance 42 43 The Public Hearing was opened at 8 : 15 p.m. 44 45 Chairperson Faust stated that the purpose of the Public 46 Hearing was the consideration of the request for sign 47 variance from Mr. James Sarna and Mr . William Vogt , Stop- 48 N-Shop Superette, Inc. , 1847 Johnson Street Northeast , 49 Minneapolis , for two gasoline brand signs on the canopy 50 at 3813 Stinson Boulevard, which -requires variances for 51 number of signs and location . 52 The notice of the Public Hearing appeared in the April 8 , 1992 edition of the Bulletin . 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 0 PAGE 7 4 5 6 Management Assistant Urbia explained that a sign variance 7 had previously been approved for the applicants to have 8 a pylon sign with the Stop-N-Shop sign and gasoline brand 9 signs . Originally, the request was for two Phillips 66 10 signs ( 44" by 44" ) . The current request is for two Conoco 11 signs ( 2 ' by 6 ' ) to be placed on the north and south ends 12 of the canopy, on the side closest to the road. 13 14 He advised that there is no provision in the Sign 15 Ordinance for the type of canopy sign that is being 16 requested. The Sign Ordinance defines a canopy as a 17 permanent roof structure attached to and supported by the 18 building. 19 20 Urbia also stated that the Sign Ordinance allows for a 21 pylon sign for a gas station to have brand identification 22 signs . If the Conoco signs were to be allowed on the 23 canopy, there would be no brand identification signs on 24 the pylon sign and the pylon sign would be nonconforming. 25 26 Originally , staff had determined this request could be approved administratively. It was later determined that 29 the request required a Public Hearing. 30 31 A letter was received from Mr . Sarna and Mr. Vogt giving 32 the history of why they had changed from Phillips 66 to 33 Conoco. A new policy at Phillips 66 would not allow their 34 brand sign to be placed below that of the Stop-N-Shop 35 sign . Conoco has . indicated they want their brand sign 36 placed on the canopy and not on a pole. The proposed 37 Conoco sign would be smaller in size than the proposed 38 Phillips 66 sign . 39 40 A letter from Conoco to Mr. Vogt stated that Conoco brand 41 requirements mandate the installation of the Conoco 42 capsule sign on a canopy fascia. The policy does not 43 permit co-mingling of their trademark sign and any 44 proprietary sign on a shared basis . 45 46 Urbia noted a contradiction in the Conoco letter which 47 would not allow co-mingling on a canopy sign but would 48 allow accommodations for local. signage codes whereby 49 pole-mounted capsule signs would be allowed over canopy 50 or building capsule signs . 51 52 The City Manager noted that the owners of the Stop-N-Shop had not completed the sign request application. 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 0 APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 8 4 5 . 6 Madden inquired why the Public Hearing had been published 7 if these proceedings are not a legal Public Hearing. 8 9 The City Manager stated he felt this was a legal Public 10 Hearing and noted that the owners had been given over a 11 month to complete the application . He recalled that there 12 had been a very good relationship between the City and 13 the owners and proceeded on the basis that the legal 14 publication notice deadline be met to accommodate a 15 Public Hearing at tonight ' s Planning Commission Meeting. 16 17 The City Manager stated that originally staff had 18 considered an amendment but then realized that the sign 19 being considered was an entirely different type of sign 20 and would be non-conforming. He is concerned that if a 21 pylon sign without brand identification were allowed 22 there would be many more requests from local businesses 23 for similar variances . 24 25 Faust stated that pylon signs are allowed only when the 26 gas brand is identified on them. Murphy observed that the Conoco specifications do not 29 exactly agree with the request . Urbia explained the 30 differences . Mr. Vogt noted that the canopy was 31 originally designed for Conoco. 32 33 Thompson thinks the City should be pleased to have this 34 business in the City and it would be a real asset . He 35 referred to other similar signs located at Don ' s Car 36 Wash, Pizza Hut and Firestone. It was Thompson ' s 37 observation that the other operations run by these two 38 owners had good prices and good products . 39 40 Faust felt the issue was not how good the businesses were 41 but rather how to deal with the sign problems . 42 43 Mr. Vogt advised that Phillips 66 previously had a policy 44 where they - would co-mingle signs but the policy has 45 changed. He noted that his businesses have handled 46 Phillips 66 products for eight years at their other 47 outlets . Conoco wants their capsule sign on the top of 48 the gas pumps . He expressed concern that they may not be 49 able to secure a major gas company for their operation on 50 Stinson Boulevard. 51 2 Franzese inquired if any contracts had been .signed with Phillips 66 . Mr.. Vogt responded there have been no contracts but he and his partner had presumed they would PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 9 4 5 6 go ahead with that company. He advised that Phillips 66 7 is also requesting they remove their Stop-N-Shop signs at 8 their other two locations . 9 10 Urbia observed that if the Stop-N-Shop signs they may 11 have a less difficult time getting the gas brand signs in 12 place on the canopy sign. This would result in no non- 13 conforming signs . 14 15 Werenic2 felt removal of the Stop-N-Shop sign would 16 impact negatively in the visibility for the store which 17 was a major concern of the strip mall . Gondorchin also 18 felt this proposed removal would adversely affect the 19 marketing strategy . 20 21 Madden recalled that the Standard Oil sign was not 22 approved to include "Food Shop" but this verbiage remains 23 as staff has not followed through to have it removed. 24 25 Gondorchin inquired what Mr . Vogt' s preference would be 26 on the sign , to identify the business or the brand of 0 gasoline. . 29 Mr . Vogt responded that quite a sum of money has already 30 been spent to identify the Stop-N-Shop. Murphy inquired 31 if the partners would consider the option of having no 32 gas brand identified on the signs . Mr. Vogt felt gas 33 identification was necessary and very beneficial for the 34 credit card business . 35 36 Conoco will allow 120 days for the business to accept 37 Phillips 66 credit card charges . 38 39 Madden felt this matter was at an impasse with the 40 present proposal .' He suggested that staff and the owners 41 meet and try to work something acceptable out . He also 42 observed that. there are already many signs at this 43 business in place. 44 45 Faust agreed there appeared to be an impasse and that the 46 Planning Commission is attempting to negotiate something 47 that ultimately could not be supported for approval as 48 there is no basis to approve. 49 50 The City Manager felt a change to the Sign Ordinance 51 could be a possible solution as the present draft does not address this situation . He noted that the City Attorney has been out of town , but intends to discuss this matter with him. Burt felt there is no basis for a PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 10 4 5 6 hardship in the findings . 7 8 Franzese requested staff to contact other gas service 9 centers with pylon signs regarding the arrangements made 10 with their suppliers . 11 12 Burt noted there are no other operations similar to this 13 one in St . Anthony. 14 15. Thompson felt the location of this operation requires 16 signage for visibility. 17 18 Gondorchin inquired if all of sign allowance funding had 19 been spent on the pylon sign . Mr. Vogt responded that all 20 that is remaining to be done are the footings and they 21 are not very costly. He also noted that any oil suppliers 22 will bear the cost of a pylon . Franzese inquired if the 23 pylon signs presently in place could be used at any of 24 their other locations or be sold . Mr. Vogt felt this 25 would not be the case. 26 Faust stated that the pylon sign will remain only if there is a gasoline brand sign on it . 29 30 Burt stated that as the ordinance is written staff has 31 come to its interpretation. If the Planning Commission 32 arrives at some Findings the request can be granted. 33 34 Murphy felt this decision would be based on a 35 "condition. " Werenicz felt this may not be workable as 36 the strip was not dependent on a gas station being 37 located in it . 38 39 Werenicz observed that the Planning Commission really 40 does not want to be in the position of re-writing the .41 Sign Ordinance based on one situation. T.he pressure to 42 approve a non-conforming sign is being brought by the 43 suppliers . 44 45 The Public Hearing was closed at 8 : 41 p.m. 46 47 Faust requested that the three conditions for granting a 48 variance be read. Urbia read the three conditions for the 49 granting of a variance. They are as follows : 50 51 1 ) The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property' in .the neighborhood or 4 village . I PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 0 PAGE 11 4 5 6 7. 2 ) A particular hardship to the applicant would 8 result if the strict letter of the regulations 9 are adhered to. 10 11 3) The conditions upon which the application for 12 a variance is based are unique to the parcel 13of land for which the variance is sought and ' 14 are not applicable, generally, to other 15 property within the same land-use 16 classifica.tion. 17 18 Madden felt the only action which could be taken by the 19 Planning Commission was to table the matter for thirty 20 days . 21 22 Faust felt the Planning Commission is in a position where 23 it could not make a recommendation based on the three 24 conditions to the City Council . 25 26 Motion by Franzese , second by Werenicz to deny the request for a sign variance for the Stop-N-Shop because the request does not meet the three conditions necessary 2 for a variance . 30 31 Franzese expressed her regret at having to deny the 32 request , noting that it may meet two of the conditions 33 but not all three . 34 35 Murphy felt the situation was created. by the oil 36 companies and not by the ordinance. Faust observed that 37 the request has not as yet been viewed by legal counsel 38 and after it is , the request may not have moved forward. 39 40 Madden felt tabling would have afforded staff and members 41 of the Planning Commission an opportunity to get 42 additional information . 43 44 Franzese observed that- the, City Council functions 45 independently and if the request were tabled it could 46 have been two months before it was reviewed. 47 48 Roll call : Franzese, Gondorchin, Murphy, Werenicz, 49 Madden, Faust - aye 50 51 Thompson - nay 52 The Chairperson felt it was painful forthe members of the Planning Commission to deny this request but the 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 1992 0 PAGE 12 4 5 6 Commission is bound by rules and guidelines to which it 7 must adher . 8 9 6 . MISCELLANEOUS 10 11 A. Concept Review - St . Anthony Dry Cleaners , 3005 37th 12 Avenue Northeast 13 14 The site at 3005 37th Avenue Northeast was recently 15 purchased_ by Mr. Yash Patel . He plans to open a dry 16 cleaning service at this site. Mr . Patel is proposing to 17 have a drive through service at the current site. 18 19 As the site is presently situated, the proposed drive 20 through is not a viable proposal . Staff has met with Mr. 21 Patel to discuss solutions for the proposed drive through 22 concept . These solutions would address staff concerns 2,3 regarding parking requirements and traffic flow. 24 25 Urbia advised the following solutions have been proposed 26 to Mr . Patel : 1 ) The back of the lot be filled in 29 30 2 ) Obtain an easement or ownership to approximately 31 six feet of Rapid Oil Changes ' property 32 33 3 ) Move an utility pole 34 35 4 ) Provide parking in the rear portion of the 36 building which would require this area 'be filled in 37 38 Urbia noted that out of courtesy. to Mr. Patel this 39 request was brought to the Planning Commission. Staff 40 felt this could be a drycleaning business but not with 41 drive through services . 42 43 Burt advised that the "grandfathered" parking privileges 44 of the previous business no longer apply. Faust also 45 . observed that some accommodations must be considered for 46 employee parking. 47 48 Burt stated that the newly-installed overhead door 49 already has eliminated two parking spaces . 50 51 Murphy inquired if 'the building were torn down would 52 there be enough property to include a drive through on a new building. Burt felt this was a possiblity, but observed that Mr . Patel probably does not have enough 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 13 4 5 6 capitol for a venture of this kind as he has already 7 purchase the building and done some remodelling. 8 9 Franzese felt staff should make recommendations to Mr . 10 Patel for some other site in the City. Burt; advised he 11 has already purchased this site and building as well as 12 installed some drycleaning equipment . 13 14 Franzese suggested the service could address patron 15 comfort by "taking out" the product rather than having . a 16 drive through . Burt said he will pass this suggestion on 17 to Mr . Patel , but a parking variance may be needed to 18 accomplish this type of service. 19 20 B. _Review of Proposed Revisions to Parkina Ordinance 21 22 Residents have been calling City Hall to express their 23 concern with the parking of recreational vehicles and 24 equipment in the yards of their owners .' By some, these 25 have been considered visual pollution and invasions of 26 the aesthetic appearance of the City. 40 In response to these concerns , staff has driven throughout the City videotaping some of the situations 30 where this type of problem exists . 31 32 Burt noted that some of the problems have developed from 33 the ordinance requirement to have these vehicles and 34 equipment parked on a paved surface . Many of these items 35 were parked on the back of the lot or in the back yard 36 but were not on a paved surface. Recreational vehicles , 37 mobile homes , boats and wood piles are some of the 38 examples which were videotaped. 39 40 Also, some of these vehicles are parked in the right-of- 41 way. The City Council has requested staff to develop a 42 recommendation to alleviate these perceived nuisances . 43 44 Burt read the staff recommendation , which is as -follows : 45 "No commercial , recreational vehicles , recreational 46 trailers , watercraft or utility trailers will be 47 permitted to be parked in front of the front yard in any 48 R-1 , R-lA, R-2 , or R-3 district for more than any forty- 49 eight hour period. 50 51 The City Manager stated the City Council wants feedback 52 from the Planning Commission on this matter . Franzese inquired if the reason behind the parking 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 14 4 5 6 prohibition was because of clutter , safety hazards , etc . 7 8 The City Manager responded that some felt the City is 9 beginning to have a "cluttered" appearance . 10 11 Gondorchin noted he has never been bothered with the 12 parking of recreational vehicles in his neighbor ' s back 13 yard but another neighbor has . He questioned what the 14 criteria might be for determining what vehicles would be 15 addressed with this ordinance revision . Burt noted that 16 height and weight had been considered as criteria. 17 18 Franzese felt this ordinance revision is trying to 19 pinpoint some specific matters , yet is using a 20 "broadbrush" approach and has a very narrow approach. 21 She felt it may be difficult to enforce. 22 23 Madden is of the opinion that large boats and 24recreational vehicles . parked in front yards are very 25 ugly. He felt there is some very affordable storage space 26 ' available and is supportive of the ordinance revision. 7 Burt will pursue the "weight" criteria with the Police Chief . 30 31 Faust noted that a forty-eight hour limit could not apply 32 on a long weekend. 33 34 The Public Works Director sent out forty violation 35 letters on parking violations recently. These violations 36 were noted in a very small area of the City so the 37 practice appears to be widespread. 38 39 Werenicz inquired when a citation is actually issued. 40 Burt gave the timeframe for violations . First a letter is 41 sent to the owner advising him of the violation and ten 42 days is given to contact the City and to comply. If there 43 is no response in ten days , a second letter is sent to 44 the violator and if there is no acknowledgement , then a 45 citation is written. The whole process takes about forty- 46 five days . 47 48 Werenicz stated his support for more active enforcement 49 of the ordinance. 50 51 Franzese felt the issue of safety, . especially for 52 children, should be a consideration . 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 15 4 5 6 ' Murphy inquired if staff has contacted other cities with 7 regard to their ordinances for parking of recreational 8 vehicles and equipment . Burt responded some cities have 9 a prohibition of parking of commercial vehicles in 10 residential areas . 11 12 Gondorchin felt the length criteria would be more 13 effective to write the ordinance revision on. He thinks 14 the larger units are more irritating. 15 16 Werenicz suggested that the Police Department be made 17 aware of some of the community concerns in this matter 18 and to concentrate on enforcement . Burt noted that if the 19 Police Department were responsible for enforcement there 20 would be the added dimension of better record keeping. 21 22 C. Review of Proposed Revisions to Sian Ordinance 23 24 The proposed revisions to the Sign Ordinance were 25 distributed at the Planning Commission Meeting. 26 7 The proposed revisions were briefly scanned by members of the Commission . The document had not been proofread and 9 there were some paragraphs left out . 30 31 Burt noted that the Management Assistant had added to or 32 redefined some of the language of the current Sign 33 Ordinance rather than that drafting an entire new 34 ordinance. He felt the Commission members should be aware 35 that the City is expecting some sign requests which may 36 not have been made in the past . Some examples are for the 37 CUB Store if the project goes ahead, a movie theater and 38 monument signs . 39 40 Urbia recommended that a * subcommittee be formed from 41 among members of the Planning Commission, representatives 42 of the St . Anthony Chamber of Commerce, business people 43 in the City, and representatives of the two shopping 44 malls in the City. He suggested this subcommittee plan to 45 meet in the next couple of weeks . 46 47 Faust inquired what regulations would have to be 48 considered regarding this subcommittee to be in 49 compliance with the Open Meeting Law. It was determined 50 that it could be served by two or three members of the 51 Planning Commission . Burt advised that the subcommittee 52 meetings will be posted in compliance with the Open Meeting Law. I PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 16 4 5 6 Faust polled the Planning Commission members and it was 7 unanimous to support the forming of a subcommittee to 8 review. the sign ordinance revisions as presented by 9 staff . 10 11 Franzese inquired what the process would be for the 12 recommendations and comments which will be forthcoming 13 from the subcommittee . Burt responded this information 14 will go to the Planning Commission who will then hold a 15 public hearing on the matter . 16 17 Franzese and Faust indicated an interest on serving on 18 the subcommittee and will set up meeting dates for about 19 three meetings . It was recommended that Councilmember 20 Wagner also serve on the subcommittee . 21 22 Faust requested input from all of the Planning Commission 23 members regarding the sign ordinance revisions . 24 25 There is a joint meeting scheduled between the City 26 Council and the Planning Commission for 7 : 00 p.m. on May 16 19th . 29 D. Update on South End Study 30 31 The BRW consulting firm presented three concepts to the 32 South End Task Force . 33 34 The City Manager advised that the original purpose in 35 placing a development moratorium on the south end of the 36 City was to discuss the land use plan and the traffic 37 patterns . 38 39 He noted that all three plans presented by BRW have the - 40 same street alignments . The Council is considering 41 extending the Tax Increment Financing District to include 42 this area. 43 44 The City Manager reviewed all three plans presented by 45 the consulting firm and the fourth plan as formulated by 46 the South End Task Force. 47 48 Miles Lindberg, " a consultant with BRW, will be attending 49 the May Planning Commission meeting to discuss his firm' s 50 concepts regarding the South End . 51 52 Gondorchin inquired if the City Manager had a priority list would he be including this development of the South End. The City Manager responded he most likely would be . I PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 17 4 5 6 focusing on the environmental issues regarding Silver 7 Lake. 8 9 E. Review Housina Maintenance Ordinance 10 11 Urbia advised that this version of the Housing 12 Maintenance Ordinance includes the recommended changes 13 requested by the Planning Commission. He noted that the 14 "Truth In Housing" section has been removed as it cannot 15 be enforced. 16 17 Some discussion followed regarding errors which are fn 18' the draft and some paragraphs which were omitted. 19 20 Commissioners Gondorchin and Madden felt they needed 21 additional time for review of the draft ordinance. 22 23 Urbia stated that the goal of the City Council is to hold 24 a public hearing on the ordinance in September. 25 26 Faust requested that copies of the corrected draft are 7 sent to members of the Planning Commission. 30 7 . STAFF UPDATE 31 32 Apache Plaza 33 34 The City Manager met with representatives of Super Value last 35 week. He felt the article which appeared in the Bulletin 36 erroneously reported the situation as to the delay in the CUB 37 decision. The article made it appear as though the City is 38 causing the delay. 39 40 Super Value representatives were upset by the article but have 4.1 found out why the incorrect information was printed. 42 43 The City Manager noted that Dennis Cavanaugh has not been 44 cooperative with Super Value and has changed both of the 45 proposals received for the CUB Store . The City Manager felt 46 this proposed store is the last hope for Apache Plaza. 47 48 Demographics in the St . Anthony area were supportive of this 49 store. If Super Value were to put a CUB store at both Apache 50 Plaza and at 18th and Central Avenues , both of the stores 51 would be smaller . If only one CUB store were built , and it was 52 located at Apache Plaza, it would be larger . I PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 21 , _ 1992 PAGE 18 4 5 6 Pirino Property 7 8 The City Manager contacted the attorney handling the Pirino 9 case for the City ' s insurance company. The attorney stated he 10 had thought the case had been closed. The judge had ruled that 11 Pirino could build the garage on the front portion of his lot . 12 13 Pirino has not begun building the garage and the permit has 14 expired. 15 16 Staff inspected the exterior of the property and found twenty- 17 six violations . Pirino must submit plans for 'the property and 18 pay for permits . A home which has been moved into the City 19 must also be inspected inside. This has not been done yet . 20 21 The City Manager stated that a letter was received from Pirino 22 today. The City' s response letter will state the time 23 deadlines for doing the work. If these deadlines are not met , 24 tags will be issued for the violations . 25 26 8 . COMMISSIONERS ' .COMMENTS 27 is Faust thanked staff for the activities calendar . 30 Madden inquired if there . is a report on. the St . Anthony Self 31 Storage issue yet . He was advised that this has not been done. 32 The City Manager observed that the owners fo this building 33 appear to be waiting until the sign ordinance is completed. 34 Faust suggested that Madden bring this matter up at the next 35 Council Meeting. 36 37 The City Manager stated he will bring the matter up at the 38 next Council Meeting. He feels the issue will be resolved by 39 this summer . 40 41 Faust and Franzese both attended the "Beyond the Basics" 42 seminar and found it very interesting. 43 44 Franzese inquired if there have been any reports of finding 45 raydon in the community. The City Manager responded he has not 46 heard of any but noted there are self-testing kits available 47 to conduct raydon tests in homes . 48 49 Commissioners were requested to have their comments regarding 50 the Sign Ordinance to the Chairperson by next week. 51 52 1 PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 21 , 1992 PAGE 19 4 5 6 9. ADJOURNMENT 7 8 Motion by Madden, second by Gondorchin to adjourn the Planning 9 Commission meeting at 10 : 55 p.m. 10 it Motion carried unanimously 12 13 14 15 16 Respectfully submitted, 17 18 19 Jo-Anne Student , Planning Commission Secretary 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 0 29 30 31 - 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 _. 39 40 41 42 43 _ 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 #4