HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 04201993 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1993
Document: PL MINUTES 04201993
0 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2
3 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
4
5 APRIL 20 , 1993
6
7
8 1 . CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
9
10 The meeting was called to order qt 7 : 00 p.m. and the Pledge of
11 Allegiance was led by Chair Faust .
12
13 2 . ROLL CALL
14
15 Members Present : Thompson, Franzese, Gondorchin, Werenicz,
16 Madden and Faust
17
18 Member Absent : Murphy
19
20 Staff Present :' Management Assistant Urbia and City Attorney
21 Soth
22
23 3 . APPROVAL OF MARCH 16, 1993 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
24
25 Motion by Madden, second by Thompson to approve the minutes of
the March 16, 1993 Planning Commission Meeting as presented
and there were no corrections .
28
29
30 Motion carried unanimously
31
32
33 4 . DESIGNATION OF COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MAY 11 , 1993
34 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
35
36 Commissioner Madden will attend the May 11 , 1993 City Council
37 meeting representing the Planning Commission.
38
39 MISCELLANEOUS
40
41 a. Utility Buildings
42
43 This item was discussed at this time as the published time for
44 the public hearing has not been reached..
45
46 The Planning Commission requested information on three items
47 regarding utility buildings . They were lots with front and
48 back yards on public streets ; the Uniform Building Code and
49 utility buildings ; and, lot sizes .
50
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 2
4
5
6 Each of these items were responded to in a memo from the
7 Management Assistant . One correction was made to the Uniform
8 Building Code, that being, the weight of snow. It should be
9 forty pounds per square foot rather than what was stated in
10 the memo.
11
12 Urbia looked at the specific areas requested by the Planning
13 Commission regarding front and back yard setbacks . He noted
14 that there are two right-of-ways in the areas which is
15 approximately fifteen feet . It was stated that nothing can be
16 placed in a right-of-way.
17
18 Commissioner Madden noted that there is a Northern States
19 Power easement on 37th Avenue. The setback starts from the
20 south side of the easement on 37th Avenue.
21
22 Urbia advised that property owners own the land under an
23 easement but do not own the land under a right-of-way.
24
25 Staff finds the issue is addressed appropriately at the time
0 and no further action should be required.
28
29 5 . PUBLIC HEARINGS
30
31 A. Preliminary Plat , 27th Avenue/Coolidge Street Area
32
33 The Public Hearing was opened at 7 : 05 p.m.
34
35 Chair Faust read the published public hearing notice which
36 appeared in the March 24 , 1993 edition of the Bulletin .
37
38 Members of the Planning Commission received copies of the plat
39 map which pertained to this plat . The City Attorney was
40 present to answer any questions regarding this matter.
41
42 The City Attorney reviewed the plat map. Referring to a
43 triangular shaped lot adjacent to the Bona service station, he
44 noted vacation of this lot had been considered. This vacated
45 parcel may be conveyed to Bona' s property.
46
47 He noted that at the present time the terms for this agreement
48 have not been negotiated so the parcel continues to be shown
49 as City right-of-way on the plat map.
50
•
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 3
4
5
6 The portion of land on Coolidge Street will be vacated and
7 added to the two residential lots which will be realized from
8 the two restaurant properties , the Good Luck Cafe and Rosie ' s
9 Restaurant . The two restaurant properties are in the process
10 of being acquired by the City.
11
12 Commissioner Franzese inquired as to the status of the curb
13 cut being requested by the owner of the service station. Soth
14 responded that the concept plan for this is not yet complete
15 enough for Planning Commission review.. He noted that the
16 disposition of the triangle adjacent to the Bona property
17 would be included in the concept plan when negotiations are
18 complete. Certain concessions must be considered and finalized
19 before that is done.
20
21 Soth advised that Bona sent a letter to the City but
22 additional information is needed before any plan can be
23 brought before the Planning Commission . It is hoped all of
24 this information will be prepared for presentation at the May
25 18th Planning Commission Meeting. Chair Faust observed that
these negotiations have nothing to do with the Planning
Commission .
28
29 Commissioner Madden stated he has long been concerned with the
30 former meat market building at the Bona site. He hopes the
31 negotiations will address this situation.
32
33 Soth explained that the triangular shaped property will remain
34 as right-of-way until the Bona agreement is made.
35
36 Commissioner Franzese requested the definition of an "outlot . "
37 Soth responded that this means an odd shaped lot which is not
38 buildable . He noted this designation also gives a parcel a
39 legal description . There is only one "outlot" in this plat .
40
41 There were no comments from those present for the Public
42 Hearing.
43
44 The Public Hearing was closed at 7 : 20 p.m.
45
46 Commissioner Franzese inquired when the South End Project is
47 scheduled to start . Urbia responded that it is hoped it will
48 commence this summer . The specifications are out for bid at
49 the present time.
50
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 4
4
5
6 Commissioner Franzese also inquired if the residential lots
7 are being marketed. Urbia noted this is being worked on .
8
9 Motion by Franzese, second by Madden to recommend approval of
10 the preliminary plat for the 27th Avenue/Coolidge Street area
11 to the City Council .
12
13 Motion carried unanimously
14
15
16 B. Petition for Sian Variance, Northaate Office Park
17
18 The Public Hearing was opened at 7 : 24 p.m. Chair Faust read
19 the notice of Public Hearing which was published in the March
20 24 , 1993 edition of the Bulletin .
21
22 Staff was requested to contact the management of the Northgate
23 Office Park to advise the wall sign currently being displayed
24 was different than the one for which a variance was previously
25 granted. The Planning Commission felt another variance request
should be made.
28 Kevin Applequist , a boardmember for the Northgate Office Park,
29 applied for the variance for the new sign and was in
30 attendance at the Planning Commission Meeting. He felt this
31 situation met all of the three requirements for granting a
32 variance .
33
34 Staff concurred that all of the conditions were met and
35 recommended approval of the sign variance. It was noted that
36 a hardship existed in that the current sight lines were poor .
37 Also, when a variance was granted for a previous sign in this
38 location a hardship was justified.
39
40 Commissioner Werenicz inquired what the dimensions of the new
41 sign were in that it appeared larger than the previous sign.
42 Urbia advised the sign is the same size as the first one and
43 the same metal frame is being used. No modifications were done
44 to the frame.
45
46 The Public Hearing was closed at 7 : 30 p .m.
47
48 Commissioner Franzese felt the sign should be allowed because
49 of the awkward positioning of the building. This sign would
50 identify the whole complex which would also be beneficial .
•
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
02 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 5
4
5
6 Commissioner Gondorchin felt there was no hardship. He also
7 noted that the sign did not include the identification of any
8 of the tenants in the office park . He would be inclined to
9 permit the sign as it is already in place.
10
11 Commissioner Madden did not feel there was any hardship by not
12 allowing this sign and felt it could not be allowed legally.
13
14 Chair Faust stated he sees no hardship based on visibility.
15
16 Commissioner Franzese noted that there are two issues to be
17 considered; one of visibility and the second being the
18 irregular position of the building. Both of these issues could
19 be viewed as hardships .
20
21 Commissioner Thompson felt the sign should remain as it does
22 not infringe on any residential area.
23
24 Commissioner Werenicz suggested the sign could have been
25 installed projecting from the building and would have been
more effective.
28 Motion by Franzese, second by Thompson to recommend to the
29 City Council the approval of the petition for a sign variance
30 for an additional wall signage; finding that the three
31 conditions needed for approval have been met ; and no one was
32 in attendance to speak against this variance.
33 Roll call : Franzeses , Thompson - aye
34 Gondorchin., Werenicz, Madden, Faust - nay
35
36 Motion fails
37
38
39 The Chair requested staff to advise the City Council that the
40 Planning Commission felt the hardship factor of this request
41 could not meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes .
42
43 This matter will be on the agenda of the May 11th Council
44 Meeting. Mr . Applequist was advised he would be welcome to
45 attend this meeting.
46
47 7 . MISCELLANEOUS
48
49 A. Concept Review - Stop-N-Save, 3259 Stinson Boulevard
50
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 6
4
5
6 Mr . Sarna, the owner of this service station/grocery store,
7 wants to install a canopy over his gas pumps . His purpose in
8 installing this canopy is for the convenience of his patrons
9 in inclement weather.
10
11 Staff included a drawing of Mr. Sarna ' s proposed plan in the
12 agenda packet . The proposed location for the canopy would
13 require variances of approximately 25 ' and 29 ' on two corners
14 of it . Staff also cautioned that there may be difficulty in
15 proving hardship. It was noted that granting of these
16 variances could be setting a precedent where other owners
17 would want canopies .
18
19 Commissioner Madden observed that placement of this canopy
20 would put patrons farther from the store and they may be
21 incovenienced. Mr . Sarna stated that they would not be
22 standing still when they were coming into the store. He felt
23 this canopy would cover patrons while they were standing still
24 pumping gas and protect them from the elements.
25
Chair Faust felt the size of the canopy was very large and may
be overbearing. Commissioner Werenicz suggested that the
28 placement of the canopy could be slightly changed to enhance
29 its appearance and require less of a variance.
30
31 After some discussion, Chair Faust noted that five Commission
32 members favored the canopy with the understanding that some
33 modification could be done to the width of it and maybe a
34 slight turning. It was agreed that the two variances would
35 still be required even with the recommended changes .
36
37
38 B. Concept Review - Consideration of Conditional Use Permit
39 for Fun Center at St . Anthony Lanes
40
41 Mr. Dave Logan, owner and operator of the St . Anthony Fun
42 Center, is considering the purchase of the St . Anthony Lanes .
43 The purchase is contingent upon the ability to obtain a
44 conditional use permit to allow an arcade (up to 35 machines )
45 at the St . Anthony Lanes location. He is interested in
46 receiving an indication of the likelihood of obtaining a
47 conditional use permit which will aid him in his decision
48 regarding the purchase of the bowling lanes building.
49
50
•
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 7
4
5
6 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if the City had any plans
7 regarding this building and its future. Urbia stated there is
8 currently no long term plans being considered. He noted that
9 representatives of the St . Anthony Shopping Center had met
10 with the Mayor and City Manager to discuss some area
11 improvements .
12
13 Commissioner Gondorchin felt the building no longer fits into
14 the area as it now is mostly residential . He also feels these
15 types of operations are detrimental to the community.
16
17 Commissioner Franzese inquired if the bowling lanes are still
18 operational . Mr . Logan advised it will be closing next week.
19 He had hoped the business would remain open until August which
20 is when he intended to purchase the building.
21
22 Commissioner Madden questioned the future of the bowling
23 business . He felt the business would really be operated by Mr .
24 Logan as an arcade and that the City already has one with the
25 present location of the Fun Center . He felt the real issue was
moving an arcade from one location to another. He agreed that
0 the building no longer fits in with the surrounding
28 residential area.
29
30 Mr. Logan stated he intend to merge the two activities,
31 bowling and the arcade. He will strive to make bowling a
32 contemporary sport , keep twelve lanes operational , install
33 pool tables and all of his arcade machines . His plans include
34 improving the interior decor as well . Mr . Logan noted he will
35 maintain the exterior of the building and the grounds , and
36 monitor behavior and traffic outside so this will find
37 acceptance by the neighbors in the surrounding residential
38 areas .
39
40 Commissioner Franzese said she finds Mr. Logan ' s plans very
41 creative. Although she is "pro-business" Commissioner
42 Franzese has reservations with this business in that its
43 location is not compatible with the area. She feels "daytime"
44 businesses are more compatible.
45
46 Mr. Logan noted he will also be requesting a 3 . 2 beer license
47 at this location . He does feel that most of his revenue will
48 be coming from bowling and food. He intends to create a new
49 atmosphere for bowling with high standards for conduct and a
50 supervised environment .
•
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 8
4
5
6 Chair Faust requested members of the Commission to state their
7 position regarding this concept review.
8
9 Commissioner Madden is opposed as he feels it will merely be
10 creating a large fun center . He noted that with the bowling
11 operation gone the site could be developed and be more
12 attractive.
13
14 Commissioner Werenicz has mixed feelings regarding _the
15 proposals . He noted the building is shoddy in appearance and
16 feels the bowling business may be too difficult to be made a
17 viable enterprise in that location .
18
19 Chair Faust is concerned about problems which could come from
20 this type of business , especially with the mix of senior and
21 young adult populations . He did not see it as his place to
22 dictate the economic viability of a building nor interfere
23 with this new concept .
24
25 Commissioner Gondorchin again stated he feels the location can
be better served with another development and the building
0 clearly is in poor condition . He also noted, based on some
28 testimonials from patrons of the Fun Center and presented by
29 Mr. Logan, it would be a very poor environment for troubled
30 youth.
31
32 Commissioner Franzese felt the proximity to the senior citizen
33 retirement homes is not desirable .
34
35 Commissioner Thompson did not state his position as he was
36 still formulating it .
37
38 Chair Faust summed up the consensus of the Planning Commission
39 as not being supportive of this operation nor of granting a
40 conditional use permit . He advised Mr. Logan he can still make
41 a formal application to the City Council .
42
43 D. Informational Signs
44
45 The Planning Commission had requested a definition of
46 informational signs .
47
48 Urbia advised that the term informational signs was created by
49 staff to attempt to sum up the types of undefined signage that
50 is already in place in the community.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 9
4
5
6 Chair Faust observed that the City Council doesn ' t see a
7 problem with this type of signage and has confidence in the
8 Zoning Administrator . The Zoning Administrator is the City
9 Manager .
10
11 Commissioner Franzese inquired how other municipalities handle
12 these types of signs . Urbia responded there appears to be much
13 looser inforcement .
14
15 Commiss.i:oner Franzese requested staff to gather information
16 from other cities and how informational signs are addressed in
17 their respective zoning ordinances .
18
19 The Chair also requested staff find out the responsibilities
20 of the Zoning Administrator in other cities . He feels the
21 Planning Commission needs more information to make
22 recommendations and decisions regarding these types of signs .
23
24 7 . STAFF UPDATE
25
0 A. Minnesota Planning Association (MPA) Membership
28 A memo from the Management Assistant reviewed the dues
29 structure for this organization. There is no 1993 budget for
30 the Planning Commission subscriptions/memberships . If
31 membership in this organization is desired in 1994 , a formal
32 budget request should be made .
33
34 Chair Faust inquired how this formal request is made. Urbia
35 advised there is a form for this purpose. He also stated that
36 the formal budget process will be beginning in the next couple
37 of months . Chair Faust requested Urbia to remind the Planning
38 Commission to submit a formal request for membership in this
39 organization .
40
41 Motion by Franzese, second by Werenicz that the City purchase
42 a membership for the Planning Commission Chair for the
43 remainder of the year so he can evaluate benefits of this
44 organization to the Planning Commission .
45
46 Commissioner Franzese advised she had attended a couple of
47 meetings of the MPA and found the information presented very
48 worthwhile.
49
50
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 10
4
5
6 Chair Faust inquired what the fiscal year of this organization
7 was . Urbia will find out this information.
8
9 Motion carried unanimously
10
11
12 B. Plannina Commission ByLaws
13
14 This will be on the agenda of a future meeting.
g _
15-
16 8 . COMMISSIONERS ' COMMENTS
17
18 Commissioner Thompson
19 Commissioner Thompson felt signs at the Conoco Station were
20 very attractive as are the berming and green shrubbery. He
21 inquired when the house on 39th and Silver Lake Road is going
22 to be burned by the Fire Department .
23
24 Urbia advised this will happen, weather permitting, on Friday,
25 April 23rd by the Public Works Department as a "controlled"
fire and on Saturday, April 24th as a practice for the
volunteer firefighters . Chair Faust stated that the service
28 station located on 39th and Stinson Boulevard has been sold.
29
30 Commissioner Franzese
31 Commissioner Franzese requested three items be researched by
32 staff ; possible consideration by the City Council to eliminate
33 the St . Anthony Bowling Lanes building, additional information
34 from other cities regarding informational signs , and,
35 proceeding with the budgeting process specifically as regards
36 memberships for the Planning Commission.
37
38 Urbia mentioned that the Planning Commission may consider
39 hosting a forum to discuss development on the south end of the
40 city. He noted that some tough issues will have to be
41 addressed. He gave examples of some of these issues .
42
43 Commissioner Franzese also requested information regarding the
44 status of the community center . Urbia responded that currently
45 the needs analysis is being completed by users of the
46 building. The next step is to combine the needs analysis with
47 staff recommendations and present this information to an
48 architectural firm. This firm will determine per square foot
49 costs .
50
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
2 APRIL 20 , 1993
3 PAGE 11
4
5 Commissioner Gondorchin
6 Commissioner Gondorchin questioned why there appears to be
7 such fertile ground for a fun center and arcade in the City.
8 He recalled the failure of a similar establishment , Sheik ' s ,
9 in Apache Plaza.
10
11 Commissioner Werenicz
12 Commissioner Werenicz noted he has heard a rumor there would
13 be no gymnasium included in the new community center . He
14 stated his opposition to this .
15
16 Commissioner Werenicz had an interest in the negotiations with
17 C.G. Rein Company for a holding pond on the Apache Plaza
18 property relative to the water quality in Silver Lake. Urbia.
19 stated there are no details readily available at this time.
20
21 Commissioner Madden
22 Commissioner Madden felt the City Council , the Planning
23 Commission and staff should take a proactive role in the area
24 of the bowling alley. He related an experience he recently had
25 while returning a book to the library late in the evening.
0 Chair Faust
28 Chair Faust inquired if there is a report of the City Council
29 goalsetting session. Urbia will check with the City Manager
30 regarding its availability.
31
32 The Chair felt this information would be useful for the
33 Planning Commission to get a sense of the Council ' s
34 philosophical views .
35
36 9. ADJOURNMENT
37
38 Motion by Franzese, second by Faust to adjourn the Planning
39 Commission meeting at 9: 35 p.m.
40
41 Motion carried unanimously
42
43
44 Respectfully submitted,
45
46
47 Jo-Anne Student , Planning Commission Secretary
48
49
50