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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 01161996 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII 101023 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1996 Document: PL MINUTES 01161996 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 3 JANUARY 16, 1996 4 I. CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 5 The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bergstrom at 7:04 6 p.m. 7 8 II. ROLL CALL. 9 Commissioners present: Bergstrom, Makowske, Gondorchin, Delmonico, Thompson, and 10 Franzese. 11 Commissioners absent: Horst. 12 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant and Roger Larson, Finance 13 Director. 14 The Commission congratulated Commissioner Thompson on his re-appointment to the Planning Commission. 16 The Commission welcomed Commissioner John Delmonico to the Planning Commission. Chair 17 Bergstrom asked Commissioner Delmonico to share his background with the Commission. 18 Commissioner Delmonico indicated he has been a homeowner in St. Anthony for several years, 19 residing at 2500-27th Avenue. Commissioner Delmonico noted he had been a volunteer for the 20 Fire Department from 1977 through 1988, and is currently in his 10th year with the Minneapolis 21 Police Department. Commissioner Delmonico continued that he considered an appointment with 22- the Commission three years ago, but his shift schedule would not allow it. Commissioner 23 Delmonico indicated he wanted to be a part of the Planning Commission because he liked St. 24 Anthony and felt he could make a difference. 25 III. SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 1996 PLANNING COMMISSION. 26 Commissioner Thompson nominated Chair Bergstrom as Chair for 1996 Planning Commission. 27 Commissioner Makowske seconded the nomination. 28 Motion by Thompson, seconded by Makowske, to select Chair Bergstrom as Chair for 1996 29 Planning Commission. �30 Voting on the motion: -31 Aye: Makowske, Condorchin, Delmonico, Thompson, Franzese 32 Nay: None I Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes January 16, 1996 Page 2 1 Abstention: Bergstrom 2 Motion carried. 3 Chair Bergstrom stated he is looking forward to 1996. 4 Commissioner Makowske nominated Commissioner Thompson as Vice Chair for the 1996 5 Planning Commission. Commissioner Franzese seconded the nomination. 6 Motion by Franzese, seconded by Makowske, to select Commissioner Thompson as Vice Chair 7 for 1996 Planning Commission. 8 Voting on the motion: 9 Aye: Bergstrom, Makowske, Delmonico, Franzese 10 Nay: Gondorchin 11 Abstention: Thompson 4 Motion carried. 13 IV. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 16, 1996 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA. 14 Motion by Makowske, seconded by Gondorchin, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda 15 for January 16, 1996 as presented. 16 17 Motion carried unanimously. 18 19 V. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 19, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES. 20 Page 4, Line 33, change "is laudable and First Bank is a good company" to "First Bank's intent 21 to generate cash flow is laudable". 22 Page 6, Line 7, change "if the New Market planned for the corner part in the site plan" to 23 "whether the existing New Market located in the southwest corner in the site plan". 24 Page 6, Line 34, change "indicated" to "inquired if". 25 Motion by Makowske, seconded by Gondorchin, to approve the Planning Commission minutes 26 of December 19, 1995 as corrected. 27 Motion carried unanimously. 29 VI. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 3 1 The Commission decided that a representative will not be designated for the January 23, 1996 City 2 Council Meeting, as there are no agenda items from the Commission scheduled for the meeting. 3 4 VII. PUBLIC HEARING. 5 It was noted that there was no public hearing. 6 7 VIII. ST. ANTHONY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. 8 (Copy-of overhead presentation made by Mr. Larson to be provided by Ms. Moore-Sykes) 9 Chair Bergstrom indicated the Commission has been meeting with each City department head for 10 a department overview and question and answer session. 11 12 Mr. Roger Larson, Finance Director, presented to the Planning Commission a review of tax base, 13 as well as an overview of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). 14 Mr. Larson reviewed that property taxes are determined by the state legislature, taxing 15 jurisdictions and the county assessor. He continued that the state establish's property classes and 0 class rates, determine levels of state aid, and unfunded mandates to local government. 17 Mr. Larson reviewed revenue percentages and advised that the composition of the City tax base 18 includes 73.9 percent residential, 12 percent apartments, 12.4 percent commercial, and 1.7 19 percent other sources. Commissioner Franzese inquired what is included in the "other" category. 20 Mr. Larson responded that vacant land, such as the Clark Station, or properties that are forfeited, 21 would be examples of this category. 22 Mr. Larson reviewed the 1996 total tax rate of 148.986 percent, comprising of 76.033 percent 23 from schools, 38.099 percent from County, 28.055 percent from City, and 6.799 percent from 24 other sources. Commissioner Franzese requested Mr. Larson explain tax rate. Mr. Larson 25 responded he will later in the presentation. 26 Mr. Larson reviewed the increase in tax rates from 1995 to 1996, including a 10'.243 percent 27 increase in schools, .645 percent in County, 2.286 percent in City, and .1-80 percent in other. 28 Mr. Larson indicated that the school tax rate increased significantly. 29 Mr. Larson continued that proposed city tax rates are determined by the amount of money needed, 30 called a levy. He explained the total local levy is divided by the total local tax capacity, which 31 is $5,188,494, and then each property is assigned a tax capacity. Mr. Larson explained that each 32 resident's tax capacity is added together to get the total local tax capacity. 0 Mr. Larson indicated how critical planning is to the City, because any decrease in the $5,188,494 34 local tax capacity figure means an increase in the residential property taxes. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 4 1 Mr. Larson indicated how critical planning is to the City, because any decrease in the $5,188,494 2 local tax capacity figure means an increase in the residential property taxes. 3 Chair Bergstrom inquired the $5,188,494 is not the total value of all the property in St. Anthony. 4 Mr. Larson agreed, that the figure only represents approximately 1/10 of the total value. 5 Mr. Larson reviewed for the Commission why if valuations increase that tax rates do not 6 decrease. Mr. Larson indicated one reason was the City's fiscal disparities contribution, which 7 increased 20 percent in 1995. He continued the City has no control over this figure. Mr. Larson 8 indicated there is a great advantage to have industrial property in.the community, because the tax 9 rate is higher than residential, which allows the communities that are disadvantaged in industrial 10 to collect tax monies from a pool. Mr. Larson indicated St. Anthony has a moderate of industrial 11 properties and does receive more from the pool than it contributes. 12 Commissioner Franzese questioned if the 20 percent increase in fiscal disparities contribution was 13 high, or over a certain threshold. Mr. Larson responded that it was not, and the 20 percent 14 increase was applied to all communities. 15 Mr. Larson continued that when apartment valuations decrease, it puts pressure on the residential tax base. Chair Bergstrom questioned if apartment values are not determined by the rent monies collected. Mr. Larson agreed that higher valued properties can charge more for rent. 18 Mr. Larson reviewed that valuations for 1995 are used for the taxes due in 1996. He continued 19 that each year the City assesses approximately 1/4 of the homes, which means the entire City is 20 assessed approximately every four years. 21 Mr. Larson continued that the increases in residential values is responsible for most of the 22 valuation increase this year, because apartment and commercial values have declined in St. 23 Anthony. 24 25 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired how much of the valuations and levies are included in the 26 taxes. Mr. Larson responded that approximately 1/2 of the tax increase was because of the 27 referendum. 28 Mr. Larson reviewed the total local tax capacity in 1990 was $6,076,340. In 1996, the total tax 29 capacity is now $5,188,494, a decrease of $887,846. Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if a 30 large part of that decrease is due to Apache Plaza. Mr. Larson responded that it was, and 31 indicated the City Council is working hard to redevelop Apache Plaza. Chair Bergstrom indicated 32 the Planning Commission recognizes the importance of Apache Plaza as well. Mr. Larson reviewed that 73.9 percent of the tax base is residential properties and they pay for the majority of the tax increases. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 5 1 Mr. Larson reviewed the valuation of Apache Plaza in 1990 was $17,753,000 to $4,850,000 in 2 1995. He continued that the figures only included the core of Apache Plaza, not the outer 3 buildings such as New Market. 4 Commissioner Franzese inquired when the valuation is complete on Apache Plaza. Mr. Larson 5 responded that after the Truth in Taxation meeting, the Ramsey County Auditor contacted the City 6 to inform them that Apache Plaza had applied for another abatement. He continued that the City 7 could appeal, but has decided to postpone in light of the redevelopment that may occur. 8 Chair Bergstrom indicated Southdale had applied for an abatement as well. Commissioner 9 Makowske indicated that Roseville and the Mall of America had done the same. 10 Mr. Larson reviewed that if the Apache Plaza valuation decreases, then St. Anthony's total tax 11 capacity decreases, and taxes increase. Chair Bergstrom inquired if there was a limit to how low 12 the valuation can decrease before it would be similar to a "vacant lot. Mr. Larson indicated the 13 valuation is low, but its valuation is higher than a vacant lot would be. Chair Bergstrom inquired 14 how much more the valuation could decrease. Mr. Larson indicated that until redevelopment of 15 Apache occurs the valuation could continue to go down. Commissioner Franzese inquired of the owners of Apache Plaza. Mr. Larson responded that at 7 one time a group of doctors owned Apache Plaza, and it appears Apache was used as a capital 18 gains write off during their ownership. 19 Mr. Larson reviewed the average home owner pays approximately $42 per year because of 20 Apache Plaza's lowered tax capacity. Commissioner Gondorchin indicated the number is only 21 a fraction because the other businesses take on much of the burden. Mr. Larson agreed. 22 Mr. Larson indicated the Planning Commission needs to recognize how critical planning is to the 23 total tax capacity of St. Anthony, and make decisions with tax base concerns in mind, such as not 24 replacing commercial with residential properties. Mr. Larson made an analogy that it would take 25 183 houses of$200,000 each to replace the tax capacity of Apache Plaza. 26 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if any portion of the formula would significantly impact the 27 residents. Mr. Larson responded the certified levy (53 percent) and the HACA (Homestead 28 Credit) is a significant part of the revenue. He continued the state gives a subsidy on property 29 taxes, and the revenue is goes to the City in the form of aid.. Mr. Larson continued that HACA 30 amounts historically have not been changed. If they were services would be decreased drastically. 31 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if it was a "sacred cow" that would not be tampered with, and 32 Mr. Larson responded if it was cut, there would be a large state wide response. Commissioner Franzese indicated that HACA had been decreased in the past with special 04 education. Mr. Larson responded it was an insignificant amount of approximately $3,000 to 35 $5,000 of the total $300,000 to $500,000. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 6 1 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the Planning Commission can do, outside of the Apache Plaza 2 redevelopment, to help increase the tax rate. Mr. Larson responded that enforcing housing codes 3 in apartment and residential properties will keep the valuations high. 4 Chair Bergstrom inquired if there are other commercial or industrial properties that are not fully 5 developed. Mr. Larson indicated the only areas would be Apache Plaza and possibly the south 6 end, Industrial Park. 7 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired what Monarch contributes to the tax base. Mr. Larson 8 responded that three projects went immediately on the tax roles. Evergreen has added onto the 9 townhomes, the Arbors project and American Monarch. Mr. Larson indicated that Monarch 10 received a TIF contribution to make modifications, and is currently occupied by a business. 11 Commissioner Delmonico inquired what the trailer courts contribute to the tax base. Mr. Larson 12 responded he was unsure of the actual contributions, but indicated it would be a lower portion of 13 the tax scale. 14 Chair Bergstrom inquired of properties on the west side of St. Anthony. He continued that HRA 15 is aware of the land, and inquired if it would be worthwhile to the City to purchase it and redevelop for potential resale. Mr. Larson responded the City would need to purchase the 47 property very close to valuation. He continued the City would receive opposition if it began 18 identifying properties as potential redevelopment houses. Chair Bergstrom indicated he agreed, 19 but the City should do something if a property such as that goes on the market. Mr. Larson 20 agreed. 21 Chair Bergstrom inquired if there were other financial instruments the City could use so the costs 22 do not come from the City. Mr. Larson indicated there was, but cautioned that federal authorities 23 have low income guidelines, and you may defeat the purpose by possibly selling to individuals 24 cannot afford to keep the property in good condition. 25 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the Planning Commission can do to encourage redevelopment 26 projects. Mr. Larson responded that the Commission can assist by working through variance 27 requests and special work. Chair Bergstrom inquired if this would be done before the projects 28 begin. Mr. Larson responded that a developer would first meet with HRA, then be referred to 29 the Planning Commission. 30 Chair Bergstrom inquired what an achievable target would be for the tax base, and what it has 31 been historically. Mr. Larson responded that last year, residential was 72 percent of the base, and 32 commercial and industrial were 13 percent. He continued that realistically the City needs to 33 decrease its dependence on the residential portion, and in fairness to its residents, decrease that portion to 68-70 percent. Mr. Larson continued the only other choice would be to decrease services, because the budget has already been trimmed significantly. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 7 1 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the Planning Commission can do to decrease the residential 2 category of tax. Mr. Larson responded to be very critical of a residential project proposed in a 3 commercial area. 4 5 Chair Bergstrom inquired what would be the optimal split between residential and commercial. 6 Mr. Larson replied it would be half residential and half commercial, but the key with commercial 7 was Apache Plaza being a major contributor. 8 Commissioner Thompson indicated it was important to be kind to business to keep them in St. 9 Anthony. 10 Mr. Larson continued his presentation with an overview of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Mr. 11 Larson reviewed that when a property is identified at a certain value, that value is frozen at the 12 beginning of the project. He continued that tax money still goes to the City, school and County, 13 but when the project is complete, the increase in valuation is captured by the developer, not the 14 City. He continued that TIF monies pay off the debt and further explained that taxes,are not less, 15 they are merely split. 16 Commissioner Franzese indicated an example of TIF would be Kensington Apartments. Mr. Larson agreed, and continued that the City protects its interests by using the added valuation to 8 pay off the bonds. 19 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the developer's incentive is to do TIF. Mr. Larson responded they 20 receive money to complete their project. 21 Mr. Larson indicated there are currently three TIF districts in Ramsey County; Chandler Nursing 22 Homes, Evergreen Townhomes, and Hellickson. 23 Chair Bergstrom inquired if the TIF projects are assessed like other properties. Mr. Larson 24 responded they were, except the original value stays the same, until it is de-certified. 25 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if the captured value can increase, it is a benefit to the owner. 26 Mr. Larson responded it was, and St. Anthony HRA is a developer in the three TIF district 27 projects. Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if any increase pays the TIF faster so the monies 28 can be used elsewhere. Mr. Larson responded it can, and currently the monies will be used to 29 fund the new City Hall. 30 Mr. Larson cited that the City was given the City Hall building by the school district, and in turn 31 the district rented the space free of charge for 5 years. Commissioner Franzese indicated the 32 district sold the building to the City for $1.00 when the population was declining. it Commissioner Franzese inquired if the commercial appraised value continues to increase, then 34 taxes should decrease when fiscal disparities and housing is down. Mr. Larson agreed, because Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 8 1 commercial has decreased, residential has increased and reiterated the redevelopment of Apache 2 Plaza is critical. 3 Commissioner Franzese inquired what is the length of TIF. Mr. Larson responded a length of 4 25 years is generally used, but the Council has been sensitive to complete projects in 15 years or 5 less to get projects on the tax rolls as soon as possible. Mr. Larson indicated the Planning 6 Commission can be sensitive to valuation concerns with regards to any project in the City. 7 Chair Bergstrom indicated a low interest housing program currently in Illinois to increase the 8 " residential of the City, and inquired if a similar program would work in St. Anthony. Mr. Larson 9 responded there was discussion on a similar project. Chair Bergstrom questioned if this program 10 would be hard on the budget. Mr. Larson responded it would not be, but added there is a limited 11 amount of TIF money to be used. He continued a concern would be to attract the type of people 12 that would keep their properties in good condition, so as not to defeat the purpose. 13 Commissioner Makowske inquired if there were any major capital improvement projects planned 14 by the City beside the road project. Mr. Larson responded that due to the budget, the 1996 road 15 improvement project has been postponed until next year, and may change to an every other year 16 project permanently. Commissioner Makowske an inquired if there have been changes to TIF rules in the last few q Y 18 months. Mr. Larson responded the City currently has five TIF projects now, and the long range 19 goal is not to increase the number of TIF's, as there are now penalties, for establishing new 20 districts. 21 In closing, Mr. Larson stressed his presentation was an overview of some of the financial issues 22 which he has been involved. He asked the Planning Commission to be aware that the ultimate 23 decision of all financial issues and the direction St. Anthony takes lies with the City Council and 24 ultimately the residents of the community. 25 The Planning Commission gave their thanks to Mr. Larson for his presentation. 26 Chair Bergstrom recessed at 9:00 p.m. The Planning Commission reconvened at 9:05 p.m. 27 IX. MISCELLANEOUS UPDATE/REVIEW. 28 A. Review Apache Plaza EAW 29 Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant, indicated a copy of the proposed environmental 30 assessment worksheet that has been submitted. Chair Bergstrom, Commissioner Makowske, and Commissioner Franzese indicated they wished to have a copy. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 9 1 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if Mr. Finn's concerns from the last meeting can be 2 addressed. 3 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that Mr. Finn's charge of demolition of more than 25 percent is not 4 true according to the environment attorneys from First Bank and Opus. 5 Commissioner Makowske questioned if Mr. Finn forwarded the information he indicated to Chair 6 Bergstrom. Chair Bergstrom indicated he did not receive anything from Mr. Finn. 7 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that the attorneys are trying to anticipate those questions that may 8 come from Mr. Finn and others. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated there are few homeowners around 9 the lake area that are not supporting the Apache Plaza redevelopment due to devaluations and 10 taxes. 11 Commissioner Franzese clarified for Commissioner Delmonico the issue of the ecology of the lake 12 and the phosphorus content with respect to the Apache Plaza redevelopment. 13 Ms. Moore-Sykes reviewed with the Commission the site map presented to Staff earlier, indicating 14 Outlots A, B, and C, storm water retention ponds included in the development, and Lot 1-6, with Lot 7 remaining after demolition. She continued that Rice Creek Watershed (RCWS) has these q06 plans. 17 Chair Bergstrom indicated he spoke with the RCWS manager who indicated that at this point they 18 have no preliminary concerns with the plan, as it appears to be in conformance with RCWS 19 standards. He continued that RCWS cannot make any recommendations without the EAW's 20 approval, but at this point, it appears to be acceptable. 21 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated the January 30th Special Planning Commission will address the zero 22 lot line issue, as well as this plan. 23 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that the conceptual idea for Lot 7 on the site plan is only for the 24 purpose of the January 30th meeting, and may change. 25 Chair Bergstrom questioned if the submission for the fourth water pond is shown on the plan. 26 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated it was to appear on the plan, and may be the EAW report. She 27 continued that grading and elevations such as Phase I will run to retention ponds, and there is no 28 need to change Lot 7, as it is not developed. 29 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if the ponding will be in front of New Market. Ms. Moore- 30 Sykes indicated that it will. 10 Commissioner Thompson inquired if the name will be changed to "Silver Lake Center" as 32 indicated on the plan. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that it was being considered, but would likely Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 10 1 stay as Apache Plaza because historically the name holds meaning and background to many 2 different entities. 3 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that a vacation of easement for water and sewer is being reviewed by 4 the attorney and engineer for the City. She continued the original title included easements for 5 water and sewer, and the City may want to vacate those for construction, but then maintain them 6 after construction, as the City will always be there to ensure proper maintenance. 7 Chair Bergstrom inquired if there were any street easements. Ms. Moore-Sykes responded there 8 were only utility easements. 9 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated the EAW has addressed a traffic study, and it appears Cub Foods 10 owns a portion of the road between Hardee's and Pro-Exhaust. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that 11 Cub customers use the north roadway, and that Ramsey County will be updating the lights on 12 Silver Lake Road, installing single lights at the comer. 13 Chair Bergstrom indicated the City Council suggested the Planning Commission hold a special 14 worksession before the January 30th meeting to ensure the Commission is prepared and fully 15 informed on the Apache Plaza redevelopment plan. q6 Chair Bergstrom suggested holding the worksession meeting on January 23, 1996. Ms. Moore- 17 Sykes indicated she will have the remaining information from Opus by that time. 18 Commissioner Gondorchin indicated he would like assurances from legal counsel if variances or 19 a zero lot line will be needed before the January 30th meeting. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated a zero 20 lot line has been done in the past, but will verify what is needed before the meeting. 21 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if the detail information will be available for the worksession. 22 Ms. Moore-Sykes responded she will prepare packets for the Commission which will include the 23 information. 24 B. Vacation of Easement by City 25 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported to the Commission that an easement had been discovered for the Bruce 26 Nedegaard project during title recording, and the City has been requested to vacate the easement 27 so a clear title can be recorded. 28 Chair Bergstrom inquired if there are any disadvantages to the City in vacating the easement. Ms. 29 Moore-Sykes indicated she is unaware of any disadvantage, and that it is likely needed only to 30 clear the title. • Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 11 1 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired what will. be built over the easement. Ms. Moore-Sykes 2 indicated that there will be nothing built over the easement, that it is merely a land-locked 3 easement, and the surveyors will file once the City vacates it. 4 Commissioner Gondorchin indicated that as long as the City doesn't need the easement for 5 emergency access, the vacation should be granted. 6 Motion by Bergstrom, seconded by Franzese, to concur with the City Council in recommending 7 the proposed vacation of easement as it appears to serve no purpose. 8 Motion carried unanimously. 9 C. Permitted Conditional Uses - Commercial Zoned Districts 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported to the Commission that because of the apparent inappropriateness of 11 the Solid Rock Church in a commercial district, the City Council has requested the Planning 12 Commission review permitted conditional uses for all of the zoning districts. She continued a 13 recommendation from the Planning Commission would be made to the City Council, and upon 14 three readings of the proposed ordinance change, the change will become effective. 'P5 Chair Bergstrom inquired if the Commission should review and make a recommendation now, or 16 would a subgroup be more appropriate. 17 Commissioner Gondorchin suggested Staff provide a list with the districts, permanent uses, and 18 other information, and the Planning Commission will make a recommendation based on that. He 19 continued that he would volunteer to be part of the recommendation group. 20 Commissioner Makowske indicated that uses refer to either a commercial use or a specific use, 21 and that a church may be appropriate in a commercial use but not a retail use. 22 Chair Bergstrom indicated a subgroup comprised of himself, Commissioner Gondorchin and 23 Commissioner Delmonico, will make a recommendation by the next regular City Council meeting. 24 D. Sign Ordinance 25 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported the City Council has requested the Planning Commission to review 26 the current sign ordinance as it relates to professional buildings such as Apache Plaza Medical 27 Building. She continued that the City currently has no definition of a commercial establishment 28 in the Ordinance. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that City Council has requested the Planning 29 Commission review and make a recommendation on the definition of a commercial establishment. She continued that upon a recommendation, the City Council will hold three public readings of 4p, the proposed revision and the change will become effective upon publication. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 12 1 Chair Bergstrom suggested the recommendation process be done in the same way as the 2 conditional use recommendation. Chair Bergstrom and Commissioner Makowske indicated they 3 wish to be a part of this subgroup. 4 Chair Bergstrom indicated the sign ordinance is sufficient once a definition is determined and 5 suggested the Planning Commission complete the recommendation by the March meeting. 6 Commissioner Franzese noted the buildings along France and Crosstown 62 has signage above 7 the first floor. She also noted the professional building behind the Lunds store now has a 8 beautician as a tenant. 9 X. STAFF UPDATE. 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated the January 30th Special Planning Commission meeting will be held 11 in the Community Center Cafeteria in anticipation of large public attendance. 12 Chair Bergstrom noted an editorial appeared in the Northeaster which spoke to the financing and 13 City obligations to Apache Plaza. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated a workshop will be held on the Livable Communities Act Friday, q'5 February 16, 1996, and that Mike Mornson has requested that she and one Planning 16 Commissioner member attend. Chair Bergstrom indicated he will attend the workshop. 17 Commissioner Franzese inquired who was sponsoring the workshop. Ms. Moore-Sykes 18 responded the Metropolitan Council. 19 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated a preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision of land for the 20 redevelopment of the Apache Plaza Shopping Center was sent to Bill Soth, attorney for Dorsey 21 and Whitney. 22 Commissioner Delmonico thanked the Commission, and noted he was looking forward to working 23 with them. 24 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired where the meeting will be on January 23rd. Ms. Moore- 25 Sykes indicated it will be held in Room 9, and that the landscaping as well as other information 26 will be there for review. 27 Commissioner Gondorchin requested an artist's conception be used rather than an engineer's 28 drawing. Chair Bergstrom agreed, but suggested having both available. 9 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated Jay Scott and Westwood Engineering will be present at the meeting 0 to answer questions. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes • January 16, 1996 Page 13 1 Commissioner Franzese noted from the discussion with Mr. Larson that the City gave the school 2 district the land, not the building. 3 Commissioner Thompson noted the Schroeder property is in very good condition. 4 Commissioner Makowske welcomed Commissioner Delmonico to the group. He noted that he 5 will not be at the January 30th meeting due to a school conflict, but will be at the January 23rd 6 meeting. 7 Chair Bergstrom had no further comments. 8 XI. ADJOURNMENT. 9 Motion by Franzese, seconded by Thompson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. 10 Motion carried unanimously. 11 Respectfully submitted, Cathy Sorensen 13 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial •