HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 03191996 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1996
Document: PL MINUTES 03191996
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 MARCH 19, 1996
4 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
5 The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bergstrom at 7:01
6 p.m.
7
8 H. ROLL CALL.
9 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom, Commissioners Delmonico, Gondorchin, Horst,
10 Makowske,and Thompson. Commissioner Franzese arrived at 7:03
11 p.m.
12 Commissioners absent: None.
13 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant; Michael Morrison, City
14 Manager; and Cathy Sorensen, Recording Secretary.
�15 III. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 19, 1996,PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
16 Motion b Gondorchin, seconded b Makowske, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda for
Y Y Pp g g
17 March 19, 1996, as presented.
18
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20
21 IV. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 20, 1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES.
22 Page 3,Line 12, change "Commissioner Gondorchin stated that there are natural low land areas and
23 water will still flow in spite of development."
24 Motion by Makowske,seconded by Horst,to approve the Planning Commission minutes of February
25 20, 1996, as corrected.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE.
29
30 Commissioner Delmonico was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the
31 Tuesday, March 26, 1996, City Council meeting.
qVI. PUBLIC HEARING.
34 Subdivision of Lane- St. Anthony Health Center/Chandler Place
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• December 19, 1995
Page 2
1 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. Ms. Kim Moore-Sykes, Management
2 Assistant, read the report to the Commission:
3 Mike Miller, owner and partner of Chandler Place and St. Anthony Care Center, 3700 Foss Road,
4 is requesting that Lots 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 that comprise this property,be replatted to form two lots,
5 proposed Lots 1 and 2. This request is being made primarily to avail himself and the partnership of
6 lower bond interest rates for Chandler Place. Initially, the plan was to combine the lots into one
7 large lot,but an addition is being planned and drawings for that addition could not be completed in
8 time to meet the deadline for the refinancing requirements of HUD.
9 Also, this property is classified as Torrens property,which means that if the owners of the Chandler
10 Place and St. Anthony Care Center want to continue with metes and bounds legal description,they
11 will require the approval of the City Council to forego the platting process. Ramsey County has to
12 be advised as well and their approval process may take an additional two to three months.
13 Staff recommends the approval of the proposed subdivision of land. Not only will replatting allow
14 the partnership to take advantage of lower bond interest rates, it will allow for the creation of lots
15 that conform to the lot requirements of the City Code. This recommendation is based on the
40 condition that the owners provide a final plat according to the requirements of the City Ordinance
for consideration by the City Council at the March 26 City Council meeting.
18
19 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the difference is between Torrens and fee simple property. Ms.
20 Moore-Sykes explained that the County must first decide if they will allow the property to be divided
21 without a plat. She stated she does not fully understand the difference between Torrens and fee
22 simple property.
23 Chair Bergstrom inquired if the County has decided yet if they will require a plat. Ms. Moore-Sykes
24 stated they have not yet heard from the County as of yet.
25 Mr. Mike Miller of Chandler Place and St. Anthony Care Center, stated he is a partner with his wife,
26 mother-in-law, and 14 other individuals. He stated St. Anthony Care Center was built in 1966, and
27 that Sage Company manages the complexes, in addition to 14 other nursing homes. He stated the
28 Care Center has a annual payroll of 3.8 million, and is likely St. Anthony's largest employer. Mr.
29 Miller stated the Care Center and Chandler Place can serve 430 clients,with 134 nursing home beds
30 and 119 apartments.
31 Mr. Miller stated there were two reasons for the subdivision request; (1)to take advantage of lower
32 interest bond rates and refinancing; and, (2)to allow for the creation of lots that conform to the lot
33 requirements of the City Code to allow for an expansion and redesign of the Care Center.
•
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• December 19, 1995
Page 3
1 Mr. Miller gave an overview of the expansion plans. He stated they plan to redesign the current
2 four-bed wards into two-bedroom semi-private rooms, as well as expand the health care center into
3 a two-story structure for assisted living clients.
4 Mr.Miller stated the current lot line divides the current health care center in half,which is the reason
5 for the subdivision request. He stated the survey was completed two weeks ago,but are delays in
6 completing the easement language and legal description. He stated it will be replatted by the
7 Tuesday, March 26th City Council meeting so it can be refinanced.
8 Mr. Miller noted that variances may be needed at a future point, and stated ground breaking may
9 occur in late summer. He showed an overhead of the proposed plan, and described the U-shaped
10 courtyard, a segregated area for Alzheimer's patients, hospice wing, and the 20 units of assisted
11 living apartments. Mr. Miller showed an overhead of the north elevation, and noted the exterior will
12 be all brick with a scalloped front and metal roof with covers for the air handling system. He also
13 offered photographs of the current four-bed wards for review.
14 Commissioner Thompson inquired what the cost was per day for the health care center. Mr. Miller
15 replied the cost ranged from $60 to $140 per day, depending on the level of care an individual
16 needed. He noted that the cost of the addition will increase each client's cost by $4 per day.
Mr. Miller noted that lot coverage will likely be over the 50 percent code requirement, and that the
18 plan is deficient by eight parking stalls.
19 Mr. Miller stated they are approximately 30 days from a variance request,and are currently working
20 with the Rice Creek Watershed. He showed an overhead of the proposed property division, and
21 stated a final site plan should be completed within the week. He stated survey crews are completing
22 a topographical survey now, and that should answer any drainage issues that may arise.
23 Commissioner Makowske inquired how it would affect Mr. Miller's plans if the City Council
24 approved the subdivision but were not able to approve the variance request. Mr. Miller stated he was
25 not requesting a variance now,but can complete the refinancing with the subdivision approval. He
26 stated the variance is not contingent upon the refinancing.
27 Commissioner Makowske clarified that the Commission was approving a preliminary plat.
28 Mr.Miller noted the partnership owns all parcels included in the subdivision request. Commissioner
29 Makowske reiterated that he wanted to clarify that an approval of the preliminary plat would not
30 negatively affect the Care Center if a subsequent variance was not approved. Mr. Miller stated there
31 would be no issue.
Commissioner Horst stated he assumed the lot line would be split, and inquired where the buildings
will be with respect to the 50 percent lot coverage requirement. Mr. Miller stated he did not know
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 19, 1995
• Page 4
1 how the buildings would meet the 50 percent lot coverage. He stated that either project will be
2 within the lot coverage requirements, but will exceed the lot coverage with any additions.
3 Discussion was held on the minimum lot size in an R4 district. Mr. Morrison, City Manager, stated
4 the center was built in 1967,and therefore would be grandfathered into the codes. He stated that the
5 center is located on six lots now, and the subdivision would create two lots, which is an
6 improvement.
7 Commissioner Gondorchin stated that the replatting makes sense and should proceed, but noted he
8 is concerned with other issues that will have to be addressed later, as there are so many unknowns
9 at this time.
10 Mr. Morrison inquired when Mr. Miller would be applying for a variance. Mr. Miller replied it
11 should be in May, as they are currently changing architects. Mr. Morrison stated a concept review
12 will be scheduled before the public hearing on the variance. He also noted a decision will be needed
13 by the City Attorney if a conditional use permit is needed on the expansion portion of the nursing
14 home, as nursing homes are permitted only through conditional uses. Mr. Miller stated an addition
15 was completed in 1971,and a conditional use permit was needed for the addition only. Mr. Momson
16 requested that Mr. Miller share any information he has regarding that expansion.
4PChair Bergstrom stated a concept review is requested when there are "significant" variance requests
18 so the Commission and Council fully understand the intent; he noted they are very informal. Mr.
19 Miller stated that is why he was giving the overview this evening as well, to show the partnership
20 is only doing this for the refinancing; they have no intentions of selling the land.
21 Commissioner Makowske inquired if a hardship must be identified for plat approval. Chair
22 Bergstrom replied that hardships are only needed in a variance. Commissioner Gondorchin noted
23 that the Commission is only making a recommendation to the City Council.
24 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m.
25 Motion by Franzese,seconded by Makowske,to approve the preliminary plat for St.Anthony Health
26 Care Center/Chandler Place as presented, with conditions of that the final plat meet the ordinances
27 and stipulations placed by the City Council.
28
29 Motion carried unanimously.
30 Commissioner Gondorchin noted a letter from Mr. John Madden, 3701 Foss Road(attached). He
31 stated Mr. Madden is in full support of the health care center expanding, but is concerned with
32 increased traffic on Foss Road.
0
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• December 19, 1995
Page 5
1 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired if it was proposed to move the curb cut for the expansion. Mr.
2 Miller noted that the existing facility's loading dock is off of 37th Avenue,and is hard for semitrucks
3 to maneuver. He stated the new expansion will allow truck deliveries in front.
4 Commissioner Gondorchin stated that Foss Road has a posting for no truck traffic. Mr. Miller stated
5 the redesign will decrease the driveway use as a shortcut access for employees as well as general
6 traffic. Mr. Miller stated he will contact-Mr. Madden regarding his traffic concerns.
7 Chair Bergstrom stated there are many concerns regarding the health care center expansion, such as
8 lot coverage,parking, setbacks,traffic,and storm water retention. Mr. Miller stated the onsite pond
9 acts as a holding pond, and could be dredged deeper if needed.
10 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired how the parking stalls are calculated. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated
11 that parking stalls are calculated as one stall per five nursing homes beds, and employee parking
12 sufficient for the largest shift.
13 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired when the Center is short on parking. Mr. Miller stated that
14 parking reaches capacity once a month during the Chamber of Commerce meetings, and on events
15 such as Mother's Day. He did note they have an agreement with the principal of the Wilshire Park
10 Elementary school to use their parking lot during evenings and weekends if needed. He also noted
the gazebo will likely be relocated or eliminated, and that area could be used for parking if needed.
18 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he encourages the redevelopment of the center,but noted there are
19 a number of issues that will have to be addressed. Mr. Miller stated they are the only nursing home
20 in St. Anthony, and that most nursing homes exceed the 50 percent lot coverage requirement.
21 Commissioner Franzese inquired when the lot coverage issue should be addressed,and if a precedent
22 would be set regarding an allowable percentage of land improvements with respect to the retention
23 pond. Mr. Miller he will be meeting with Mr. Hamer and Ms. Moore-Sykes after the topography
24 is completed to discuss the lot coverage and the issues regarding the catch basins, drainage, and
25 underground cisterns.
26 Chair Bergstrom suggested Mr. Miller review the traffic concerns and the short cut street through
27 his property. Mr. Miller agreed, and suggested telling his employees to enter and exit on Chandler
28 Street, as well as installing speed bumps.
29 Discussion was held on Mr. Miller's options it the legal description is not complete by the City
30 Council's meeting.
31 Commissioner Franzese inquired why there is a moratorium on new nursing homes. Mr. Miller
stated the intent is that nursing home beds will be used if they are available, but will be paid for by
the state, not by private funds.
34
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• December 19, 1995
Page 6
1 VII. PROPOSED CONDITIONAL PERMITTED USES CHANGES.
2 a. Draft of Memo to Council of Recommendations
3 Chair Bergstrom reviewed a draft memo to the Council of recommendations on proposed conditional
4 permitted uses changes (attached). Discussion was held on the proposed changes.
5 Commissioner Makowske stated a library should be considered the same as a church or school in
6 an R-1 district. Commissioner Gondorchin noted libraries are.nonnally open through evening hours,
7 unlike a church or school.
8 Discussion was held on drive-in and drive-through establishments. It was decided to discourage
9 drive-in establishments, such as an A&W restaurant. Commissioner Gondorchin suggested adding
10 language that states onsite dining must be available at a drive-in establishment.
11 Discussion was held on whether to include the language of"alcoholic" beverages in permitted uses
12 in a commercial district. Commissioner Makowske cited Slick's Bar as an example of this permitted
13 use. The decision was made to word the language as "beverages, including alcohol," as part of the
14 text.
qDiscussion was held on adding a general statement regarding companies that may Pose an
16 environmental concern, such as bus stations. Commissioner Horst noted that if bus stations are
17 precluded, the City could be discouraging potential business. He cited American Monarch as an
18 example, and stated that the City cannot assume a company is going to be a problem.
19 Chair Bergstrom stated the City can require a conditional use permit, which is not the same as
20 precluding a company.
21 Commissioner Makowske stated the language should be reviewed, as he was uncomfortable with
22 stating as a specific use.
23 Commissioner Franzese cited as an example an application for a storage materials company on Foss
24 Road. Commissioner Delmonico noted that OSHA laws are designed to protect the environment as
25 well.
26
27 VIII. DISCUSSION OF CITY CODE SIGN CHANGES.
28 Commissioner Makowske presented an overview of the City Code Sign Changes to the Commission.
29 Discussion was held on the flow chart.
•
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• December 19, 1995
Page 7
1 IX. GOAL SETTING RETREAT -3/8/96.
2
3 Chair Bergstrom stated that a goal setting retreat was held March 8 and 9, 1996,to discuss the City's
4 overall goals for the future.
5 Chair Bergstrom noted how impressed he continues to be with the quality of staff that is working
6 in St. Anthony.
7 Chair Bergstrom explained the retreat was conducted in general sessions,as well as through surveys,
8 questionnaires, and individual workgroups.
9 Chair Bergstrom noted discussion was held on the transitional planning that will be needed when
10 three key department heads retire within the next three years: Larry Hamer,Public Works Director;
11 Richard Engstrom, Chief of Police; and Richard Johnson, Fire Chief.
12 Chair Bergstrom stated that specific charges to the Planning Commission will include beautification
13 of the City and maintenance of the residential properties. He continued that the City Council has
14 asked the Planning Commission to give some thought on how to address City beautification and
15 housing maintenance, such as City code changes. Chair Bergstrom stated that after the minutes are
distributed, the Planning Commission will be asked to share their thoughts on these issues and to
7 outline a plan.
18 Chair Bergstrom stated the City will be getting input from youth groups and senior groups to
19 develop activities for the two age groups. He shared a comment from Councilmember Faust that
20 youth is an economic redevelopment issue, and that focus should be placed on this age group.
21 Chair Bergstrom stated other goals the City identified are increased communication to the residents
22 through newsletters,videos,and cable. He also noted that road improvement projects and city-wide
23 maintenance issues were discussed.
24 X. STAFF UPDATE.
25 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that a public hearing is scheduled for the April Planning Commission
26 meeting to discuss the Nedegaard Village Commons variance.
27 Mr. Morrison stated the subdivision of Apache Plaza for the New Market location may also be on
28 the April agenda. He stated this will be needed for refinancing reasons.
29 XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS.
Commissioner Gondorchin stated the City has a good housing maintenance code now, but it needs
10 to be enforced. He continued that he is not sure what the solution is, but suggested a City official
32 whose specific charge is to enforce the housing maintenance code.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• December 19, 1995
Page 8
1 Chair Bergstrom stated the City is now trying to set a verifiable number or threshold for housing
2 issues.
3 Commissioner Gondorchin suggested promoting a spring clean-up, or sponsoring a lawn and
4 landscape contest as ideas to help beautify the neighborhoods.
5 Chair Bergstrom noted that the City is reluctant to move past sending notices, as then there is
6 mediation and court costs.
7 Commissioner Delmonico stated that the majority of the problem housing is rental property. He
8 stated that Minneapolis implemented a"eyes of the City"program where all City employees reported
9 code violations.
10 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired of the status of the Perino property. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated
11 the owner has obtained financing and has hired a contractor. Commissioner Gondorchin inquired
12 if there was any additional settlement from the City. Ms. Moore-Sykes replied she was unsure. She
13 stated the owner has proposed to do much of the work himself.
Commissioner Franzese stated that most individuals do not want government involvement; they
4k want as few laws as possible. She suggested establishing laws as needed, then fining.
16 Commissioner Franzese stated she was happy to hear that services will be offered for youth and
17 senior groups.
18 Commissioner Franzese stated that school population has increased with preschool attendance.
19 Commissioner Franzese said that budget cuts are occurring in many school districts.
20 Commissioner Franzese inquired of the status of the American Monarch building. Ms.Moore-Sykes
21 stated she had no further information at this time, but stated there may be a concept review in the
22 future.
23 Commissioner Makowske stated he attended a telecommunications seminar on February 22nd, and
24 reported that the telecommunications act may change how public rights-of-way are-managed and
25 maintained. He stated the seminar suggested that rights-of-way should be leased to cable and
26 telecommunication companies,not used at no cost. He stated he is unaware how St. Anthony views
27 its rights-of-way or water tower space for antennas. Commissioner Makowske reviewed different
28 aspects from the seminar, including how a plan for rights-of-way should be handled and included
29 in the City's comprehensive plan, and a fee scheduled established.
Chair Bergstrom noted that the New Brighton Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey on
10 business retention.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
December 19, 1995
•
Page 9
1 IX. ADJOURNMENT.
2 Motion by Franzese, seconded by Makowske, to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.
3
4 . .Motion carried unanimously.
5 Respectfully submitted,
6 Cathy Sorensen
7 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
•