HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 04161996 Meeting Sheet
IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIIIIIII
ioiosz
Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1996
Document: PL MINUTES 04181996
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 APRIL 16, 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
6 at 7:01 p.m.
7
8 II. ROLL CALL.
9 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom, Commissioners Delmonico, Franzese,
10 Gondorchin, Horst, and Thompson.
11 Commissioners absent: Commissioner Makowske
12 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant; Cathy Sorensen,
13 Recording Secretary.
• III. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 16, 1996, PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
15 Motion by Thompson, seconded by Franzese, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda
16 for April 16, 1996, as presented.
17
18 Motion carried unanimously.
19
20 IV. APPROVAL OF MARCH 19, 1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES.
21 Page 6, Line 13, change "The decision was made to word the language as 'beverages,
22 including alcohol....' as part of the text." to "The decision was made to word the language as
23 'beverages, ....' as part of the text." (i.e., no change was made to the original text.)
24 Page 8, Line 20, change "Commissioner Franzese inquired of the status of the American
25 Monarch building." to '.'Commissioner Franzese inquiredof the status of the potential
26 development east of the American Monarch building."
27 Correct the header on each page to March 19, 1996.
Motion by Franzese, seconded by Delmonico, to approve the Planning Commission minutes
41 of March 19, 1996, as corrected.
30
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 2
1 Motion carried unanimously.
2 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE.
3
4 Commissioner Gondorchin was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the
5 Tuesday, April 23, 1996, City.Council meeting.
6 VI. PUBLIC HEARING.
8 Variance Request - The Village Commons, Nedegaard Construction
9 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Ms. Kim Moore-Sykes,
10 Management Assistant, made the following report to the Commission:
11
12 Bruce Nedegaard, President of Nedegaard Custom Homes, notified staff that the surveyor
13 had made an error and as a result determined that the hearth rooms of the twin home units
14 on Lots 8 and 10 could not be built because each unit extended nine feet into the rear yard
setbacks of the lots. In a letter submitted to Staff, Mr.Nedegaard explained that without the
hearth rooms for these units, he will be unable to sell them. The hearth rooms were designed
17 as additional living space with a fireplace and built in cabinetry. These features cannot be
18 incorporated into the floor plan without the inclusion of the hearth room.
19 The ordinance states that the rear setbacks for twin homes is to be 25 feet from the property
20 line. If the hearth rooms are built, they will be 16 feet from the property line. Lot 8 is
21 situated directly south of the Evergreen Townhomes complex and Lot 10 is southeast of the
22 Reid property.
23 Staff supports a recommendation of approval by the Planning Commission of the nine foot
24 variance requests for Lots 8 and 10. The Minnesota Statutes require that requests for
25 variances meet the following "undue hardship" criteria:
26 1. The property cannot be put to reasonable use. Mr. Nedegaard has stated in his letter
27 that if the request for the variances is denied, he will not be able to sell the units.
28 Since the replatting of the lots was approved based on a survey showing proper lot
29 lines and twin home footprints within setbacks, denial of the variance requests would
30 not allow the property to be put to its intended or reasonable use.
0 2. Circumstances causing the hardship were not created by the owner. Because the
32 request for the nine foot variances is based on an error apparently made by their
33 surveyor,the circumstances causing this situation were not created by Mr.Nedegaard.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 3
1 3. The variance will not alter the character of the locality. If granted, the variances will
2 not cause an alteration of the established residential character of the area.
3 Strict enforcement of the setback requirements would, therefore, cause undue hardship.
4 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m.
5 Chair Bergstrom inquired if the original preliminary plat depicted 16 foot setbacks on the lot
6 lines. Ms. Moore-Sykes replied that the preliminary plat depicted 25 foot setbacks, and that
7 the hearth rooms were within the 25 foot setbacks.
8 Commissioner Franzese inquired if the Reids had been notified of this public hearing and if
9 there were any comments. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated everyone within a 350 foot radius had
10 been notified and no one had contacted City Hall regarding this public hearing.
11 Bruce Nedegaard, President of Nedegaard Custom Homes, reviewed the plat map with the
12 Planning Commission. Discussion was held on the intended location of the hearth rooms.
9 Commissioner Franzese inquired if the original blueprints showed the correct location of the
q � P
14 hearth rooms. Mr. Nedegaard stated the blueprints were correct, but the survey is not. He
15 stated the hearth room locations throughout the entire subdivision are incorrect, but that only
16 Lots 8 and 10 are not within the required setbacks.
17 Chair Bergstrom inquired if a new plat will have to be filed. Mr. Nedegaard replied he
1.8 would not have to file a new plat, as this affects the rear yard setbacks only.
19 Commissioner Gondorchin stated the criteria for reasonable use and circumstances created
20 by the owner could be argued. He stated that the units could indeed be used as originally
2.1 intended without the hearth rooms, and that even though the owner personally did not create
22 the hardship, an individual acting on the owner's behalf did.
23 Chair Bergstrom agreed with Commissioner Gondorchin's argument, but felt the Planning
24 .Commission would not be setting a precedent nor negatively affect the community if the
25 variance was approved.
26 Commissioner Franzese disagreed with Commissioner Gondorchin's argument, and stated
27 unreasonable use is anything other than the original intended use, and that the owner
spersonally did not create the hardship.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 4
1 Motion by Franzese, seconded by Thompson, to approve the nine foot variance request for
2 the Village Commons, Nedegaard Construction, as presented, based on meeting the three
3 criteria for variances and that the neighbors voiced no concern.
4
5 Motion carried unanimously.
6
7 VII. PROPOSED CONDITIONAL PERMITTED USES CHANGES.
8 a. Draft of Memo to Council Regarding Recommendations
9 Chair Bergstrom reviewed the changes made at the last Planning Commission meeting and
10 asked if there were any other changes. He stated the memo will be forwarded to the City
11 Council for their review.
12 VIII. HOUSING MAINTENANCE/BEAUTIFICATION PLAN.
13 Chair Bergstrom reported to the Planning Commission that one of the goals identified from
the City goal setting retreat was housing maintenance and beautification plan. He stated that
it was agreed upon that most of the individual resident housing problems reoccur with the
16 same individuals, and discussion was held on whether to create existing codes or to enforce
17 the current ones. Chair Bergstrom stated the City Council has assigned the Planning
18 Commission to review and make recommendations on a City-wide housing maintenance
19 program by June 1, 1996.
20 Commissioner Franzese stated that additional codes are put in the book, but that it takes City
21 interaction to see that they are enforced.
22 Chair Bergstrom suggested beginning with the quantity and type of complaints received by
23 the City on housing code violations. He stated the Planning Commission could review this
24 data and determine if the problems are widespread,or if it is indeed the same individuals that
25 are not following the code.
26 Commissioner Delmonico inquired if there was any history of complaints available for
27 review. Ms. Moore-Sykes replied there was no data compiled, but that it does appear to be
28 the same individuals. She stated that complaints are received by either Judy Monson or
29 Larry Hamer, Public Works Director, and then letters are sent informing the resident
30 of the need for compliance with the code.
31 Chair Bergstrom inquired regarding the success of the current program. He stated that the
32 City's only course after notification is court proceedings, and the City is reluctant to do this.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 5
1 Commissioner Gondorchin agreed that the solution is not additional codes. He stated that
2 identifying the problems and individuals is the first step, and new codes could be added
3 during the process, if needed. He suggested lawn contests, volunteer house painting groups,
4 and City-backed low interest loans as methods that could be incorporated into the program.
5 Commissioner Horst agreed that more code enforcement is needed. He stated that the City
6 of Columbia Heights recently completed some housing clean-up through stricter code
7 enforcement.
8 Commissioner Franzese noted that the City of Fridley conducts a week-long clean-up every
9 fall. She suggested combining such an effort with block parties or other neighborhood
10 events.
11 Commissioner Delmonico inquired if there was any data available to review on code
12 compliance. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she will compile the information and forward to the
13 Planning Commission for review at the May meeting. Commissioner Gondorchin suggested
14 incorporating examples of code violations into the report.
IX. DISCUSSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
16 Chair Bergstrom stated the City is currently planning for the task of updating the
17 Comprehensive Plan. He stated 1997 budgeting is occurring now, and $5,000 per year has
18 been identified for the Comprehensive'Plan. He noted that proposals will be solicited for
19 professional planners, as the task is too great for the current staff. Ms. Moore-Sykes noted
20 the Comprehensive Plan update is due by 1998, but that preliminary building data will.need
21 to be compiled by July of 1997.
22 .Commissioner Horst inquired if consultants will be included in the monthly Planning
23 Commission meetings. Chair Bergstrom replied consultants will attend the meetings as
24 needed, and that approximately $25,000 has been budgeted for this cost.
25 Chair Bergstrom noted that preliminary issue analysis will occur, with five or six issues
26 identified. Commissioner Horst noted that other issues will arise during this time.
27 Commissioner Horst inquired if there will be public involvement during the Comprehensive
28 Plan update process. Chair Bergstrom stated that neighborhood meetings will be held to
29 inform residents of land use changes, etc.
• Chair Bergstrom presented a timeline of steps needed for the Comprehensive Plan Update.
31 He stated he will be meeting Mike Momson, City Manager, to discuss the timeline.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 6
1
2 X. STAFF UPDATE.
3 Ms. Moore-Sykes inquired if the Planning Commission would like to reschedule the May
4 Planning Commission meeting, as she will be on vacation from May 14 through May 22,
5 1996. The Planning Commission decided to meet as scheduled. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated
6 that the City Manager will be there in her stead.
7 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that extra meetings may be likely during the Comprehensive
8 Plan review.
9 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the Volunteer Dinner is April 30, 1996, 6:30 p.m., at Donatelle's,
10 and to please contact the City Clerk to RSVP.
11 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she attended a Metropolitan's Livable Communities Act workshop,
12 and is to have an action plan to the Met Council by June 30, 1996. She stated the goal is for
13 communities to be more flexible in land use planning, setbacks, and variances in order to
0 maintain density and keep housing affordable.
15 Chair Bergstrom inquired regarding St.Anthony's housing density. Ms.Moore-Sykes replied
16 that St. Anthony is less dense than most other cities included in the North Minneapolis
17 region.
18 Commissioner Delmonico inquired how the thresholds are established in comparison to
19 North Minneapolis. Ms. Moore-Sykes replied that benchmarks are set according to 1990
20 populations and demographics. She stated like areas are compared.
21 Commissioner Franzese stated that the City has larger lot sizes and more ramblers, so the
22 density is lower. She stated that with the changing infrastructure of townhomes, the density
23 should increase.
24 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the life cycle and affordable housing is being addressed by the Met
25 Council. She stated that affordable housing is defined as housing costing between $115,000
26 to $120,000.
27 Commissioner Gondorchin verified that the entire seven-county metro area is included in this
28 study.
• Congratulations were extended to Commissioner Horst on being nominated"Business of the
t�' g
30 Year".
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 7 . .
1 XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS.
2 Commissioner Gondorchin requested that the minutes of this meeting be faxed to him in
3 order to review before the City Council meeting.
4 Commissioner Franzese stated she attended the Local Board of Review meeting, and noted
5 the low number of resident attendees.
6 Commissioner Franzese requested that Staff distribute an explanation of Torrens properties
7 and metes and bounds legal descriptions for the Planning Commission.
s Commissioner Franzese noted that the City Attorney should be contacted regarding residents'
9 data privacy laws before being included in a study on housing maintenance. Chair
10 Bergstrom stated that this was brought up at the goal setting meeting and would be
11 addressed.
12 Commissioner Franzese requested an update on Cub Foods and the new City Hall.
4A . Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that closing for Cub Foods is scheduled for April 22 1996.
Y g P
14 Commissioner Horst verified that this date was changed from April 15, 1996. Ms. Moore-
15 Sykes stated the issue of TIF monies still needs to be concluded. Chair Bergstrom stated this
16 is an action item for the City Council.
17 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated Staff is being given progress reports every two weeks. She stated
18 the footings will be complete soon, and RFP's will be sent for telephone and data lines next
19 month. She stated occupancy is projected for January 1997.
20 Commissioner Franzese asked if the contractor running cable for Community_ Services could
21 be contracted to connect it for City Hall. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated this would be possible, but
22 RFP's are still needed and the contractor would have to submit a bid.
23 Commissioner Franzese noted that crows are becoming a nuisance in her neighborhood, and
24 inquired if the State allowed population control. Ms. Moore-Sykes will research this.
25 Commissioner Thompson stated he was at the City Hall site and noted how large it will be.
26 Congratulations were extended to Commissioner Thompson on the birth of his two
27 grandsons.
•
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• April 16, 1996
Page 8
1 Chair Bergstrom stated the New Brighton Chamber of Commerce business survey is a great
2 idea, and would like it implemented in St. Anthony. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that New
3 Brighton has offered to share the survey, and she will contact them.
4
5 IX. ADJOURNMENT.
6 Motion by Delmonico, seconded by Franzese, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
8. Motion carried unanimously.
9
lo Respectfully submitted,
11 Cathy Sorensen
12 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
•
•