HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 03181997 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1997
Document: PL MINUTES 03181997
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 MARCH 18, 1997
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
6 7:04 P.M.
7 H. ROLL CALL.
8 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom; Commissioners Delmonico, Franzese,
9 Gondorchin, Horst, Makowske, and Thompson.
10 Commissioners absent: None.
11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant.
12 III. APPROVAL OF MARCH 18, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
13 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Franzese, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda
14 for March 18, 1997 as presented.
15 Motion carried unanimously.
16 IV. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES.
16 Motion by Delmonico, seconded by Franzese, to approve the February 18, 1997 Planning
19 Commission Meeting minutes with the following changes:
20 Page 5, Line 24: Delete "$70,000" and replace with "170,000".
21 Page 8, Line 28: Delete "utilities" and replace with "utility of the land".
22 Motion carried unanimously.
23 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
24 VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
25 1. Jeff Wirth, Apache Medical Buildin,.
26 A. Discuss Other Possible Uses for Medical Building.
27 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported on February 5, 1997, she and Larry Hamer had a meeting with
28 Jeff Wirth regarding the Apache Medical building. During the discussion, it was determined
29 that because the Apache Medical Building was in the commercial district, some of the desired
30 uses were not allowed. Ms. Moore-Sykes explained Mr. Wirth was present this evening to
31 request that the City consider changing the commercial zoning district or revising the City
32 Ordinance to allow other healthcare businesses in the building, such as bio-medical research
33 laboratories.
Chair Bergstrom explained the Commission had discussed this issue at their February meeting.
16 The general consensus was that the Commission did not want to be overly restrictive with
36 conditional uses and permitted uses. He stated the Commission.was open to specific requests.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1997
• Page 2
1 Jeff Wirth, Apache Medical Building, stated he was specifically looking at uses allowed in the
2 light industrial zone such as laboratories for research and testing. He noted there is interest
3 from several graduates of the University of Minnesota who are interested in opening their own
4 businesses have approached Mr. Wirth. They are interested in the Apache Medical Building
5 because it is set up with laboratory facilities tht would allow them to provide bio-medical
6 research services to health care providers.
7 Mr. Wirth stated drainage is the biggest issue. The Apache Medical Building is unique in that
8 it is a medical building and is designed with drainage throughout the entire building and
9 would accommodate the aforementioned uses. He explained that originally Apache Medical
10 Building had been built to support St. Mary's Hospital. The medical building was built but
11 the hospital was not. Mr. Wirth stated he would prefer to maintain the medical image of the
12 building but it is difficult to attract medical practitioners to this location as there is not
13 enough traffic or an interest in the community.
14 Mr. Wirth noted that some people from the University of Minnesota are currently engaged in
15 something similar to what he is proposing at the Columbia Heights Professional Center on
16 40th Avenue and Central Avenue. The Genesis Business Center is located there and acts as
17 an incubator for new businesses. Harlan Jacobs runs the program and is interested in placing
18 some of the businesses at the Apache Medical Building.
IR9 Mr. Wirth explained the disadvantage for Apache Medical Building is that it is not located in
20 Anoka County where funding is there for start-up companies. The advantage for Apache
21 Medical Building is that it is designed to accommodate these types of businesses. These
22 businesses are generally small, start-up and are well-financed. These business have the
23 opportunity to grow and become quite large and at that point may decide to locate in the City
24 of St. Anthony and help the economics of the City.
25 Mr. Wirth stated he is requesting that the City expand the definition of what is allowed at the
26 Apache Medical Building to include basic bio-medical research laboratory and testing and
27 possibly, on a limited basis, manufacturing of the product they intend to sell.
28 Commissioner Horst expressed concern that bio-medical research would include animal
29 experimentation and disease.
30 Mr. Wirth stated he did not believe this was the case nationally. He indicated the types of
31 bio-medical research and device research he was aware of included a special type of forceps
32 to be used in delicate surgery, a special type of drug for anti-rejection of organ transplants,
33 and platelets to replace old platelets. He also noted there are state and local agencies which
34 would be governing these businesses.
35 Commissioner Horst expressed concern with regard to waste disposal and pollution. He again
questioned the possibility of animal research.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1997
• Page 3
1 Mr. Wirth stated all medical facilities deal with bio-hazardous materials. These materials are
2 currently removed from the Apache Medical Building daily and include items ranging from
3 needles and forceps to human tissue. The persons handling these materials are well trained
4 and it is well controlled by OSHA requirements. Mr. Wirth stated he did not perceive any
5 type of animal research occurring. He also stated he had no objection to a restriction that
6 would prohibit use of animals in research performed at the facility.
7 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he was generally in favor of the proposal as he would like
8 to see the opportunity for tenants. He stated he would be more comfortable if he was
9 provided with a list of client profiles who would be likely to lease space in the facility. He
10 asked that City Staff investigate other City's codes to determine how they have handle this
11 type of business. He also expressed a concern with animal research and waste disposal.
12 Commissioner Franzese stated she was not present at the February Planning Commission
13 meeting but noted in the minutes that no toxic chemicals or noxious smells would be allowed
14 in the facility. She questioned if just general "bad" smells that were not necessarily noxious
15 would be allowed. She stated she was comfortable and did support research at the facility.
16 She stated she was concerned with the timing as the City was in the process of the
17 Comprehensive Plan Update and the rehabilitation of Apache Plaza. She asked Mr. Wirth
18 what his timeline was.
49 Mr. Wirth stated he did have tenants who were interested in locating in the facility in a fairly
20 short timeframe. He stated he receives inquiries on a daily basis.
21 Commissioner Franzese stated she was concerned with parking and signage. She noted there
22 is reservation in regard to placing additional signage on the exterior of the building.
23 Mr. Wirth stated the building is designed to handle a lot of traffic. There is an axillary
24 parking area which currently is not used much. He did not perceive parking as an issue. Mr.
25 Wirth stated signage is something which is typically of more interest to a retail type business.
26 He noted he had participated in a survey through the Small Business Administration which
27 was sponsored in conjunction with a local college in 1994 and the major issue identified by
28 the community was that they did not know what type of services were available at the Apache
29 Medical Building. He stated he did support exterior signage if it was done in a tasteful
30 manner and felt it was important for the retail businesses to let the community know they are
31 there and what services they have to offer. He stated he does however, understand and
32 respect the concern of the Commission.
33 Commissioner Makowske noted that an amendment to the commercial district would also
34 affect the Apache Plaza and St. Anthony Shopping Center. He asked what precautions are
35 necessary if other commercial buildings request to have the same type of tenants that Mr.
36 Wirth is requesting.
37 Mr. Wirth stated some concerns would be the water content and traffic volume. The waste
38 disposal is not a great concern as it is standardized and well regulated within the industry.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1997
• Page 4
1 Chair Bergstrom stated there was a good consensus within the Planning Commission, within
2 certain limitations, to entertain a motion to amend the permitted and conditional uses in a
3 commercial district. He noted one difficulty would be to identify and reasonably define
4 boundaries which would satisfy the Planning Commission, City Council and members of the
5 community. He suggested City Staff investigate other City's ordinances that address this issue
6 and work with Mr. Wirth to develop some draft language that can be submitted to the
7 Planning.Commission for consideration. Bergstrom noted there was concern with signage but
8 also that the sign ordinance was not drafted with multi-story buildings in mind.
9 Commissioner Gondorchin questioned if the tenants would be regulated by the conditional use
10 permit process. He also questioned if the Commission would be in favor of allowing light-
11 manufacturing in the facility.
12 Chair Bergstrom stated that he did not feel the Planning Commission or the City Council
13 should have to be involved with evaluating every tenant. He felt language could be drafted
14 for the conditional use ordinance which would sufficiently and suitably self-screen the tenants.
15 Commissioner Franzese stated she felt the conditional use and establishment of boundaries
16 was excellent but that there should also be an instrument to evaluate each tenant.
Chair Bergstrom stated he did not feel it was the duty of the Planning Commission to evaluate
—18 each tenant.
19 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he agreed with Chair Bergstrom. He would support a
20 language draft of the permitted and conditional uses that was not overly restrictive but that set
21 boundaries for the types of uses.
22 Mr. Wirth noted the businesses would not actually be manufacturing at the facility. It would
23 be more accurate to say they may develop a prototype and test it at the facility.
24 Chair Bergstrom noted cost of rental space in the Apache Medical Building would be much
25 more expensive than in a manufacturing facility. The economic issue would in it self be self-
26 regulating.
27 Chair Bergstrom suggested Mr. Wirth work with Ms. Moore-Sykes to develop a draft of
28 specific language to be submitted to the Planning Commission for consideration.
29 Commissioner Gondorchin noted he would be in favor of ground signage for the Apache
30 Medical Building rather than wall signs on the building. He suggested Mr. Wirth be sensitive
31 to the definition of major tenants versus minor tenants and suggested a monument sign that
32 would list the businesses within the facility. He stated he was concerned with the aesthetics
33 of the building.
0
34 Mr. Wirth thanked the Commission for their time and consideration.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1997
• Page 5
1 2. Comprehensive Plan Task Force Update.
2 Chair Bergstrom reported the next Comprehensive Plan Task Force meeting is scheduled for
3 Wednesday, March 26, 1997. He stated he had attended a meeting with BRW and Ms.
4 Moore-Sykes this morning. A draft Land Use and Urban Design Plan, Transportation Plan
5 and Analysis of Condition have been created. Bergstrom stated the process is moving
6 forward.
7 Chair Bergstrom noted that-a copy of the Storm Water Management Proposal from WSB was
8 included in the Commissioner's packet. The Storm Water Management Plan is required by
9 the Metropolitan Council as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update. Also included in the
10 packet is a copy of the approval of and comments from the Metropolitan Council on the
11 City's Emergency Water Supply Plan. This is also required as part of the Comprehensive
12 Plan Update.
13 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported there will be a Public Informational meeting in regard to the Storm
14 Water Management Plan on Tuesday, April 29, 1997 at 7:00 P.M. at City Hall.
15 Commissioner Gondorchin asked that notice of the Public Informational meeting be included
16 with the notice of the Comprehensive Plan Task Force meeting.
Chair Bergstrom noted the proposal for preliminary park planning was also included in the
q'8 Commission packet.
19 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported BRW is evaluating other parks and ballfields in the St. Anthony
20 park systema There has also been discussion of where to relocate the tennis courts. It has
21 been questioned if the old City Hall site is the most appropriate location for the tennis courts.
22
23 VII. COMMENTS.
24 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted a meeting at the Landmark Center on Thursday, March 20, 1997 at
25 7:00 P.M. entitled, "Passing a Land-Use Framework for Minnesota". Issues addressed will
26 include: Details about current legislative land-use bills; Implementation strategies; and,
27 Grassroots mobilization around land-use legislation.
28 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he was disappointed at the Council's decision regarding the
29 Verkins Addition. He stated he was confused with the fact that Council had approved the
30 townhouse development without Mr. Beach even supplying a detailed plan of the
31 development. He stated he was surprised at Councilmember Enrooth's comment that a
32 Commissioner who was absent would have voted yes and Gondorchin questioned how this .
33 would have even made a difference. Gondorchin stated he was confused by the resident
34 Makowske appearance in favor of the project and did not understand the connection.
35 Commissioner Makowske presented a draft of a proposed amendment to the "Sign Ordinance"
(Chapter 14. Signs) which read:
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1997
• Page 6
1 1400.10 Ground Signs. Are permitted in all districts subject to the following and District
2 Schedules (section 1400.12):
3 1400.12, Subd. 1 add:
4 (4) Each of the following, located within the corporate limits of this City, may erect
5 and maintain one ground sign subject to the provisions of section 1400.10 of
6 this chapter.
7 (a) Schools and publicly owned facilities (as listed in section 1615.02 (b) and
8 (c).
9 (b) Churches, temples, synagogues and City buildings (as listed in section
10 1615.03 (a) and (c).
11 Commissioner Makowske noted he would also like to include under (a) (and section 1616.02
12 (b) and (c)), which would address the RI-A district. He also would like to include under (b)
13 (and section 1616.03 (b)).
14 Commissioner Makowske noted under this language state-licensed facilities and day care
15 facilities as well as single and two family dwelling would not be allowed ground signs. He
16 also asked if the Commission felt there needed to be more restriction for size under 1610. for
0 ground signs of churches, school, public owned buildings and City buildings.
18- There was Commission consensus that this language adequately'expressed and addressed the
19 intent of the Commission in regard to ground signs. Staff was directed to forward the
20 proposed amendment to the City Attorney for his input.
21 Commissioner Makowske noted his attendance at the City Hall/Community Center Open
22 House. He stated it was an enjoyable and well attended event. He commended the City Staff
23 for the nice job they had done.
24 Chair Bergstrom asked if the Planning Commission meetings would be broadcast on cable
25 television.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the meetings eventually would be broadcast but it would not be in
27 the near future.
28 Commissioner Horst stated he was disappointed that the City Council did not pay much
29 regard or put much credence on the determination made by the Planning Commission in
30 regard to the Verkins property. He stated that although he was on the opposing side of the
31 issue, he will abide by the decision of that body.
32 Commissioner Horst noted the Grand Opening of Coast to Coast is scheduled for April 9-12,
•3 1997.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1997
• Page 7
1 Commissioner Thompson complimented the City on the Open House and noted how lit up the
2 Apache Mall is with Video Update and the CUB Food Store light on.
3 Commissioner Franzese noted her disappointment and questioned why the proposed bagel
4 shop had not located at Apache Plaza. She stated there is not another bagel shop in the area
5 and hoped that St. Anthony had not been deselected due to demographics. Franzese also
6 questioned the store which is.locating in the St. Anthony Shopping Center next to the
7 Salvation Army Store.
8 Commissioner Horst stated it is the Family Dollar Store which is a $140 million operation
9 that has stores in several states.
10 Commissioner Franzese stated she was not pleased with the amount of signage on the Video
11 Update building. She also noted the dentist located across from Apache Plaza is looking for a
12 tenant.
13 Chair Bergstrom stated he was disappointed with the decision of the Council in regard to the
14 Verkins property but he noted there will be differences of opinion between the Planning
15 Commission and the City Council and he felt that was good. He felt the job of the Planning
16 Commission was to be an obstacle for proponents of variances rezonings, and replattings.
q'8 VIII. ADJOURNMENT.
19 Motion by Horst, seconded by Delmonico, to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 P.M.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21 Respectfully submitted,
22 Lorri Kopischke
23 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
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