HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 05201997 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1997
Document: PL MINUTES 05201997
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 MAY 20, 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 7:06 P.M.
7 H. ROLL CALL.
8 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom; Commissioners Franzese, Gondorchin,
9 Makowske, and Thompson.
10 Commissioners absent: Commissioners Delmonico and Horst.
11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant.
12 III. APPROVAL OF MAY 20, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
13 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Franzese, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda
14 for May 20, 1997 as presented.
.15 Motion carried unanimously.
16 IV. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 18, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES.
16 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Thompson, to approve the March 18, 1997 Planning
19 Commission Meeting minutes with the following changes:
20 Page 2, Line 7: Delete the word "drainage" and replace with "plumbing".
21
22 Motion carried unanimously.
23 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
24 1. Kahn Lot Area Variance Request.
25 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:09 P.M.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported the applicant, Janice Kahn is requesting a variance to the R-1
27 corner lot area requirement for the property located at 39th Avenue N.E. and Penrod Lane
28 which is currently vacant. The lot is designated as R-1 and would be a buildable lot except
29 the lot is 9,200 square feet and the City Ordinance requires R-1 designated corner lots to be
30 11,000 square feet. Ms. Kahn needs a variance of 1,800 square feet.
31 Ms. Kahn is proposing to build a two-story house on the corner lot of 39th Avenue N.E. and
32 Penrod Lane. She has indicated to Staff that the lot is of sufficient size to accommodate this
33 type of house and would meet all of the setback and lot coverage requirements of the City's
34 Zoning Ordinance for an R-1 corner lot.
aThe house will be situated with the driveway and garage entrance facing 39th Avenue N.E.,
36 and the garage side of the house being 30 feet from the street. The east side of the proposed
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 2
1 house is parallel to Penrod Lane and because of the adjacent street, Ms. Kahn's plans show a
2 30 foot setback on this side. The required rear yard setback of 25 feet is shown on the
3 drawing. Ms. Kahn also understands that the impervious surfaces cannot exceed 35% or
4 3,220 square feet of the total lot area according to City Code.
5 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Staff recommends approval of the lot area variance of 1,800
6 square feet provided Ms. Kahn constructs a house that is within the setback and lot coverage
7 requirements for a residential corner lot.
8 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted the setback requirements for this lot are a 30 foot front yard setback
9 or the average of the adjacent property (whichever is greater), a 25 foot back yard Tsetback,
10 and a total of 15 feet for both side yard setback for both sides with a minimum of 5 feet on
11 either side. She noted the house configuration submitted to Staff by the applicant did not
12 meet the lot coverage but the picture included in the packet would meet the requirements.
13 Ms. Janice Kahn, applicant, stated the garage would be located on 39th Avenue and the front
14 entrance to the home would be located on Penrod Lane. The garage would be turned to
15 achieve the setback requirements. She noted the same configuration of home was built on
16 33rd Avenue and Edward Street.
& Chair Bergstrom confirmed the front yard setback would be on 39th Avenue, the north
18 portion of the lot would contain the rear yard setback of 25 feet, and Penrod Lane and the
19 back of the home would contain the side yard setback of 15 feet.
20 Ms. Kahn confirmed this was correct.
21 Commissioner Thompson questioned the location of the driveway and questioned the price of
22 the proposed home.
23 Mr. Kahn stated the driveway would be toward the front of the home and would not conflict
24 with traffic from TCF. She estimated the value of the home to be $175,000.
25 Mr. Rob Ripley, neighbor to the north, questioned the size of the proposed home and noted
26 the land toward his home slanted downward.
27 Ms. Kahn stated the home would be 48 feet x 38 feet. She noted the elevations would have
28 to be obtained before she could comment on the topography of the lot.
29 Mr. Scott Jahner, 3909 Penrod Lane, asked if a print of the house was available. He
30 questioned if a three-car garage would fit on this site.
Ms. Kahn stated a three-car garage would easily fit on this lot. The house was 38 feet wide
and a three-car garage was only 30 feet wide. She suggested Mr. Jahner look at the house on
33 33rd Avenue and Edward Street.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 3
1 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:27 P.M.
2 Chair Bergstrom noted the Planning Commission generally is in favor of a proposal which
3 takes a lot that is less than currently allowed to be platted in terms of lot size, and constructs
4 a house which requires no setback or lot coverage variances. He noted Staff and the
5 Commission have been clear as to the setback and lot coverage requirements for this proposal.
6 The request appears reasonable and he was in favor of the variance
7 Motion by Gondorchin to recommend approval of the lot area variance of 1,800 square feet
8 provided Ms. Kahn constructs a house that is within the setback and lot coverage requirements
9 for a residential corner lot and as it meets the following criteria of a variance request:
10 1. This land cannot be put to reasonable use without granting the variance;
11 2. The hardship was not created by the landowner but is unique to the individual and this
12 lot;
13 3. This variance is within the spirit of the redevelopment of St. Anthony and economic
14 considerations are not the sole criteria.
15 Commissioner Franzese seconded the motion and suggested a fourth criteria of the variance
4 request:
17 4. No one appeared to speak against this request.
18 Commissioner Gondorchin accepted the amendment to the motion.
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20 Chair Bergstrom noted this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
21 May 27, 1997.
22 VI. DESIGNATE PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE FOR MAY 27, 1997
23 COUNCIL MEETING.
24 Commissioner Thompson was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the
25 Tuesday, May 27, 1997, City Council meeting.
26 VII. OTHER BUSINESS.
27 1. John and Liesha Ingdal -- Lot Width Variance.
28 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Mr. and Mrs. Ingdal are proposing to buy a vacant lot at 3613
29 Edward Street. The lot is 60 feet x 265 feet, giving it 15,900 square feet, which is more area
30 than is required for an interior R-1 lot. The problem is that this vacant lot is only 60 feet
31 wide, making it a non-buildable lot according to the City's Zoning Ordinance.
WMost of the lots in the neighborhood are only 60 feet wide or less, but were developed before
33 the Ordinance was codified in 1978. The house on the property directly south of the subject
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 4
1 property, 3609 Edward Street, was constructed in 1964; the construction date of the property
2 north of the subject property was 1945.
3 When Mr. and Mrs. Ingdal met with Staff, there was some concern that this lot had been
4 illegally subdivided from one of the adjacent properties. The City Zoning Code does not
5 allow for the subdivision of property that creates a lot that is smaller than the minimum lot
6 size required, (Section 1650.01). But upon examining the tax records and speaking to the
7 Ingdals, City Staff determined that the platting of these lots had occurred prior to August 18,
8 1976 and the subject lot was not and had not been owned by the owners of the adjacent lots.
9 Mr. John Ingdal, applicant, noted he and his wife planned to build on this lot one to two years
10 in the future. His wife grew up in St. Anthony and they would like to raise their children in
11 the area. He stated they did not yet have construction plans but felt a house could be built on
12 the lot according to City Code. The lot was deep and he did not foresee a problem with
13 setback requirements.
14 Chair Bergstrom confirmed that Mr. Ingdal was aware of the side yard setback requirements.
15 Mr. Ingdal stated he was aware that the side yard setback requirement was a total of 15 feet.
16 Chair Bergstrom noted that generally the Planning Commission is receptive to requests to
17 build a structure which remains within the required setback and lot coverage requirements on
18 a lot that would be substandard if platted to accommodate the current standards. -
19 Ms. Moore-Sykes advised Mr. Ingdal that he would need to submit a site plan of the lot and a
20 footprint of the house for review at the Public Hearing next month.
21 Commissioner Franzese noted this request appeared to be premature as the Ingdals were not
22 planning to build for one to two years and the variance, if granted, would expire before that
23 time.
24 Mr. Ingdal stated they would only purchase the lot if the variance were granted and they were
25 assured that they would be allowed to build on the lot.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted an extension may be available but she would review the City's
27 zoning code. The Ingdals may need to come before the City Council to request an extension.
28 2. Exhaust Pros -- Conditional Use Permit and Front Yard Variance Requests and
29 Construction Proposal.
30 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Mr. Phil Rosar, owner of Exhaust Pros at 4000 Silver Lake Road,
is planning to expand his business at the current site to include a car wash and extra bays for
auto muffler repair and oil change. A diagram of the site plan was displayed on the
33 overhead.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 5
1 Ms. Moore-Sykes explained this proposal would include a front yard variance request. While
2 the existing and proposed building exceed the 35 foot requirement for a front yard setback,
3 the Zoning Code requires the front yard setback to be the greater of 35 feet or the average
4 front yard setback of the adjacent properties. The proposed expansion will come further
5 forward on the lot than the adjacent First Bank building to the south and the Old Hardees
6 building to the north. The setback from the proposed building to the property line will be 49
7 feet.
8 Mr. Rosar currently has a conditional use permit for his existing business. He will need to
9 obtain another conditional use permit for the proposed car wash and additional auto bays,
10 according to Section 1635.05, Permitted Conditional Uses; (d) auto repair, no storage of parts
1.1 and (f) car washes.
12 Based on the total square footage of 3,782, Exhaust Pros will need 13 parking spaces. Ms.
13 Moore-Sykes noted the Staff report indicates 12 spaces are provided but in speaking with the
14 applicant there are 13 spaces provided, which is adequate. A sign proposal will need to be
15 submitted. The site plan shows areas where green areas are planned.
16 Chair Bergstrom asked where the old drive-thru access to Hardees was located and who
16 owned the access.
18 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted the drive-thru access was behind this site and was owned by Hardees.
19 It was noted that only 12 parking spaces were shown on the site plan and this issue would
20 need to be resolved before the Public Hearing.
21 Phil Rosar, owner of Exhaust Pros; David Darrell, Architect of the project; and Ed Goldy,
22 Texaco Oil Change, were present to represent the request.
23 Mr. Rosar, explained the exterior of the proposed building would include a hip roof on the
24 entire building, raised seamed panels, and illuminated backlit signage. He noted the roof was
25 not being done for structural purposes but for aesthetics. Mr. Rosar explained one bay will be
26 added on the right side of the building and 2.5 bays will be added on the left side. He stated
27 13 parking.spaces will be provided and he felt this would be more than adequate as their
28 parking needs would not be increasing much over the present needs due to the nature of the
29 business. Mr. Rosar explained the curb cuts will be redesigned to encourage a one-way traffic
30 flow.
31 Chair Bergstrom asked Mr. Rosar if he had a copy of the City Ordinance in regard to signage.
32 Mr. Darrell stated he did have a copy and believed that the proposed signage is in compliance
3 with City Ordinance.
34 Commissioner Franzese questioned the traffic flow for patrons coming to Exhaust Pro from
35 CUB Foods.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 6
1 Mr. Rosar acknowledged this traffic flow would be difficult. Traffic would have to exit the
2 shopping center, make a u-turn and come back. He stated this could not be changed due to
3 the design of Silver Lake Road.
4 Commissioner Franzese questioned the hours of operation and if the backlit sign would be on
5 24 hours per day.
6 Mr. Rosar stated they would probably be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to
7 5:30 P.M., Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., and Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00
8 P.M. He noted this would depend on demand. There is a possibility that the oil change
9 could be open until 8:00 P.M:-on weekdays if there appears to be a demand for this service.
10 Mr. Rosar stated the light would not be on 24 hours per day.
11 Commissioner Franzese noted this business had a high visibility and stated she was
12 disappointed with the amount of landscaping which had occurred on the site since it had
13 originally opened.
14 Mr. Rosar stated when he had originally purchased the property, he was told that Knox and
15 CUB Foods would be locating in Apache Mall. After he purchased the property this was put
on hold. At that point he did not feel it was worth it to put a lot of money into the site.
With CUB Foods now being located in the shopping center, he feels more confident and is
18 willing to make a financial investment in the property.
19 Commissioner Franzese asked where examples of this design of an Exhaust Pro were located.
20 Mr. Rosar stated examples of this design were located in Bloomington on 90th and Lyndale
21 and 35W and Broadway. He stated he would supply Staff with "before and after" pictures of
22 these sites prior to the Public Hearing.
23 Commissioner Gondorchin noted concerns about extended hours that were expressed by the
24 townhome owners across the street from the site when it originally opened.
25 Mr. Goldy noted the other Express Texaco Lubes were open from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on
26 weekdays, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Saturdays, and were closed on Sundays. Although Mr.
27 Rosar was free to set his own hours, he did not see hours of operation as a problem.
28 3. Gas Station/Car Wash on Lot 4, Apache Plaza -- Conditional Use Permit and
29 Construction Proposal.
30 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Mr. John Trautz, owner of Lot 4, Apache Plaza, Silver Lake Road,
31 is planning to build a gas station and car wash on this site. A diagram of the site plan was
32 displayed on the overhead.
Ms. Moore-Sykes reported she had met with the applicant yesterday and went through the
34 concept and site plan. Mr. Trautz will need to obtain a conditional use permit for the
35 proposed gas station and car wash to comply with the City's Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 16,
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 7
1 Section 1635.05, Permitted Conditional Uses, (f) car washes, and (g) gas stations. No
2 variance requests are anticipated for this project.
3 Parking requirements still need to be addressed as the site plan shows 18 spaces and more are
4 required due to the square footage of the site. If the parking stalls at the gas pumps are
5 allowed to be included in the required amount, it would increase the parking to 28 spaces and
6 this would be sufficient. Mr. Trautz needs to submit a sign proposal. The site plan illustrated
7 the green areas on the site.
8 Ms. Moore-Sykes presented a photograph which depicted the completed site. The photograph
9 was of a Freedom Gas Station and the proposal is for a Conoco which will have the same
10 appearance and layout.
11 Chair Bergstrom asked if there were curb cuts on Silver Lake Road and if the road behind the
12 site would be continued to 39th Avenue.
13 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated there were no curb cuts on Silver Lake Road. She indicated OPUS
14 would determine if the service road to the west of the lot would be continued.
Commissioner Makowske asked if placement of the building was in compliance with the
required CUB Foods sight line.
17 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the placement was in compliance with the CUB Foods, Herbergers
18 and WalMart sight line requirements.
19 Mr. Paul Struther, Architect, noted the buildings were shifted to one side of the lot to comply
20 with the required sight line restrictions. The other half of the lot will be utilized for
21 maneuvering and green space. He explained there is no access off Silver Lake Road. Access
22 is supplied by 39th Avenue. Exits are to 39th Avenue, the retail or City project on the
23 adjoining lot, and two more exits provided for convenience to the retail center.
24 Commissioner Gondorchin expressed concern for cars leaving the car wash when the parking
25 aisle on the east in front of the gas pumps was full. He also questioned accessibility of
26 emergency vehicles.
27 Mr. Struther stated there was 24 feet for a drive aisle while cars were parked in this area.
28 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he would like Fire Chief Johnson to look at this proposal
29 and verify the access.
30 Mr. Struther noted there is some flexibility in the location of the buildings on the site. They
1 can be pulled back further west on the site. He stated he felt the access was good and offered
a lot of different opportunities for vehicles to come and go.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 8
1 Commissioner Gondorchin noted this area is saturated with gas stations and questioned if
2 there is enough traffic to sustain another gas station.
3 Mr. Struther stated CUB Foods is a good generator of traffic.
4 Commissioner Franzese noted there had been concern expressed at the Planning Commission
5 earlier with regard to traffic flow in this area.
6 Mr. Struther explained he had met with the architect of the Tires Plus site and City Staff and
7 it was at their request that the access to the Tires Plus site from the gas station had been
8 installed. It was good retail business to provide access to both.
9 Chair Bergstrom asked Mr. Struther if he had a copy of the City Sign Ordinance. He noted
10 the Commission was pleased with the development at Apache Plaza but did not favor sign
11 variance requests.
12 Mr. Struther stated he was aware of the City Sign Ordinance.
13 Chair Bergstrom noted his recollection of a storm water requirement on this site as part of the
464 Tires Plus proposal.
15 Mr. Struther stated he had spoken with Westwood Engineering. The storm water would be
16 picked up through a catch basin and put into the retention ponds.
17 Commissioner Franzese questioned the hours of operation and the dumpster storage.
18 Mr. David Erickson, Erickson Oil Products, Hudson, Wisconsin, noted the hours of operation
19 have not yet been determined. He stated he operates a number of stores in the area and most
20 are open 24 hours per day. Some are only open from 6:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. He stated the
21 dumpsters will be enclosed.
22 Commissioner Franzese asked where an example of the proposed gas station could be viewed.
23 Mr. Erickson stated the closest example is located in Fridley at Osborne Road and University
24 Avenue. There are also stores located in White Bear Lake, Montevideo, and Oakdale.
25 Mr. Erickson reiterated that the placement of the driveway to the City property was at the
26 request of the City Liquor Store Operations Manager and his architect from KKE. He stated
27 they are trying to work with the City and provide a site that will be best for everyone
28 involved.
l9 Chair Bergtrom questioned the exterior of the proposed building.
30 Mr. Struther stated the exterior of the building would consist of rock face concrete block with
31 brick bands. The roof will be a color clad material with bits of shiny copper.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 1997
• Page 9
1 The representatives of the request then exited the meeting.
2 Commissioner Franzese expressed that she was extremely disappointed with the developer for
3 providing another gas station on this site. The City is saturated with gas stations. She felt the
4 City would like some amenities they could enjoy. She felt the City had been looking forward
5 to a family-style restaurant on this site and a gas station was not a good replacement.
6 Commissioner Thompson stated he agreed with Commissioner Franzese. He felt the City was
7 saturated with gas stations and this alongside the liquor store and Tires Plus would present a
8 poor image when entering the shopping center.
9 Chair Bergstrom stated he would rather see the site have another use as well and asked for
10 any suggestions.
11 Commissioner Franzese stated the developer had indicated they had negotiations with other
12 uses for this parcel. She suggested the City encourage the developer to look at other uses for
13 this site if possible.
14
15 4. Great Clips -- Sign Variance Request.
Ms. Moore-Sykes explained Great Clips is situated on the north end of the Video Update
building next to Ames Photo Finishing. She reported being contacted by Bob Bruber, Jr. of
18 Scenic Sign Corp., regarding a request for a sign variance for Great Clips on the north side of
19 the building. They currently have 19 feet of business frontage on Silver Lake Road that
20 allows them to install a wall sign on the east side of the building. According to the Sign
21 Ordinance, they are allowed 2 square feet for every lineal foot of business frontage, giving
22 them 38 square feet of signage for the east side.
23 They are proposing to apply for a variance so that they may install a 16.5 square foot sign on
24 the north side to give them additional exposure to traffic on Silver Lake Road and in the
25 shopping center.
26 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if there was a monument sign that was visible to the north
27 and if Great Clips was included on that sign.
28 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated this was correct.
29 Roger Ledeber, Owner of the Great Clips Salon and Bob Bruber, Scenic Sign Corp. were
30 present to represent the request.
31 Mr. Bruber noted the request was for a sign on the west side of the building rather than the
32 north. He noted traffic traveling south on Silver Lake Road, turning right into the shopping
3 center cannot see the monument sign due to the embankment. The request for signage on the
back of the building would also make Great Clips visible to the CUB Foods parking area.
35 Mr. Bruber stated Mr. Jay Scott has stated the proposed signage is fine with him. Mr. Scott
36 also noted that if Great Clips is allowed the signage, Video Update will probably also request
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 10
1 the same. Mr. Bruber explained the signage will be comprised of individual illuminated
2 letters and will not be extravagant in size or color.
3 Chair Bergstrom stated he understood why the owner would like a sign on this side of the
4 building and that the proposal did look reasonable and professional. He noted however that
5 the Planning Commission is not apt to give a sign variance and that it is their job to try to
6 balance the need with the aesthetics.
7 Mr. Bruber stated the signage is subtle. He stated he felt there is a hardship in this case
8 because without the sign Great Clips will lose a lot of business as people will not realize the
9 business is located in the building.
10 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he did sympathize with the proposal. He would need to
11 stand back and look at the building to draw a conclusion.
12 5. Signage for Apache Medical Building_
13 Jeff Wirth, Wirth Company and Kim Flynn, Quiet Waters Salon.
14 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported this is a continuation of the discussion of signage at the Apache
15 Medical Building. She stated she had called several cities, including Shoreview, Roseville,
6 and Fridley in an attempt to find out how other cities deal with this issue. Unfortunately,
staff from these cities have difficulty in this regard as well. Both Roseville and Shoreview
18 indicated that they require the owner or developer to present a comprehensive sign plan to the
19 Planning Commission and City Council for approval. Once approval has been received, the
20 onus is on the owner/developer to administer the sign plan. The owner/developer is
21 ultimately responsible to the City for any violation, revisions, etc., to the approved sign plan.
22 Roseville indicated that all buildings are allowed 10% coverage of signage on each wall. Ms.
23 Moore-Sykes stated she had visited Roseville and some of the signage was nicely done while
24 other signage was overdone.
25 Chair Bergstrom stated he did not feel the City of St. Anthony's Sign Ordinance had been
26 designed with a multi-story office building in mind.
27 Mr. Jeff Wirth, Wirth Company, stated that last time he had spoken with the Planning
28 Commission they had given him direction to look toward a comprehensive sign package and
29 this is what he has attempted to accomplish. He noted he had recently approached the
30 Commission to request more medical type businesses be allowed in the building but since has
31 contracted some insurance vendors as tenants and he is pleased with this.
32 Mr. Wirth noted in terms of landscaping for the Apache Medical Building, he feels he has
33 completely turned things around. He stated he had planted twelve new maple trees,
34 positioned ten large potted planters, and sodded an entire area. He noted he has also built
wooden enclosures for all the dumpsters on the site. His number one objective is to make the
building look as professional and attractive as he can.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 11
1 Jamie, Manager of the Apache Medical Building, stated he was present this evening to
2 represent the tenants. He noted the professional image of how the building was represented
3 and how the tenants were represented was his concern. He then presented a proposed sign
4 plan which included sign space for eight tenants.
5 Ms. Kim Flynn, Quiet Waters Salon'and tenant of the Apache Medical and Professional
6 Building since August of 1995, stated she loves her location in the building. She enjoys the
7 view and the natural lighting. However, her salon has no visibility to her clientele.
8 Ms. Flynn stated she had been investigating different types and styles of signs in the Twin
9 Cities area. She distributed photographs of different types of signs to the Planning
10 Commission. She noted she felt the individual identifying signage such as that on the multi-
11 story office building on Highway 694 and Central Avenue was the best type of signage she
12 had observed.
13 Mr. Wirth stated Apache Medical Building would like to pursue a comprehensive sign plan
14 utilizing the plan submitted which would include individual lettering with the same size,
15 color, depth and style of lettering with possibly some variation in the font.
Commissioner Gondore hin asked what criteria would be established to determine which
tenants would be allowed space on the sign.
18 Mr. Wirth noted that no tenant in the building has a legal right to signage. It would probably
19 be determined by who had an interest and who could afford the signage which would run
20 from $4,000 to $6,000.
21 Commissioner Gondorchin questioned the use of logos in the signage and expressed concern
22 that the proposed wall sign was limiting. He questioned if Mr. Wirth would return at some
23 point and ask for wall signage on the other side of the building.
24 Mr. Wirth stated he did not have any intent of placing signage on the other side of the
25 building. There were large trees on the other side of the building which limited sight. Also
26 the signs were not to attract street traffic but to let people already coming to the building
27 know where the tenants are located.
28 Commissioner Franzese stated she felt the proposed signage was sufficient for people who
29 lived in the area and knew where the Apache Medical Building was located. She questioned
30 the adequacy of the signage for other customers who did not know the Apache Medical
31 Building.
32 Mr. Wirth noted the word "Apache" in the white area down the middle of the signage and the
6 3 monument sign would identify the building. He also stated he had been informed by First
4 Bank that the name of the Apache Shopping Center may change and he may want to change
35 the name of the Apache Medical Building at that time.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• May 20, 1997
Page 12
1 Chair Bergstrom stated he liked the signage on the office building at Highway 694 and
2 Central Avenue. He questioned if the proposed signage would accomodate logos.
3 Commissioner Makowske stated he felt the proposal was the best he had seen thus far.
4 Chair Bergstrom instructed Mr. Wirth to work with City Staff to develop a comprehensive
5 sign plan which included specific parameters for the size, height, color, font and type of
6 lettering, lighting, logos, and maximum sign length to be submitted at the June Planning
7 Commission meeting.
8 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if this would result in a change in the City Ordinance.
9 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted it would and that she would work with the City Attorney to develop
10 specific language to address this change.
11 Mr. Wirth asked if the Planning Commission approved of the inclusion of logos in the
12 signage.
13 There was Commission consensus to approve of the inclusion of logos if they were consistent
14 . with the shape and size of other lettering of the sign.
0
15 6. Italian Restaurant Proposal -- Pizza Hut Site.
16 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Jake Cadwallader and his client Michael Monrad own the gas
17 station area and have purchased the Pizza Hut building. Their intention is to extend the
18 existing building and connect it to the other building and create an Italian-style restaurant
19 which would serve 3.2 beer and wine. Staff has highly suggested they subdivide the property
20 and replat to clean up the title. The proposal would not require a variance and there is
21 sufficient parking on the site. There would also be a small section of the building remaining
22 which could be used as retail space. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she called the applicant and
23 asked them to attend the meeting this evening but did not receive a response. She stated she
24 will continue to attempt to contact the owner.
25 Chair Bergstrom asked what issues may trigger a Public Hearing for this proposal.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated a replat or a zero lot line would require a Public Hearing.
27 7. Comprehensive Plan Task Force Update.
28 Public Information Meeting, Parks -- June 2, 1997
29 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Bob Koss will be present to look at a plan for all the parks in the
30 City. This will be an open meeting. The meeting will be video-taped and minutes will be
31 taken to be available for anyone who is not able to attend.
02 Draft Review of Comprehensive Plan -- July 16, 1997
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 1997
• Page 13
1 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported the Draft of the Comprehensive Plan will be presented for review
2 at the July 16, 1997 Planning Commission meeting. Task Force members will be invited to
3 this meeting.
4 Chair Bergstrom commented that at the last Task Force meeting there still seemed to be a
5 number of different versions of things. There did not appear to be a closure on many of the
6 items. He stated he was confident that Mr. Webber and Ms. Rhees would make reasonable
7 suggestions based on comments received but was unsure if they would get all the details right.
8 He was concerned that there would not be sufficient time to make changes to the Draft and to
9 stay within the required time line of the Metropolitan Council.
10 The Commission expressed their disappointment and frustration that they did not receive any
11 summary or information back from BRW, Inc. after the Task Force meetings.
12 Chair Bergstrom suggested BRW, Inc. should be copied on the Planning Commission packets.
13 Chair Bergstrom stated he would draft a letter to BRW, Inc. conveying the thoughts of the
14 Planning Commission and questioning why the Draft of the Comprehensive Plan would not be
15 submitted in June as originally stated to allow time for revisions prior to submittal to the
16 Metropolitan Council.
—18 Submit Draft Plan to Metropolitan Council -- July/August
19 Public Hearing, October -- City Council
20
21 VIII. COMMENTS.
22 Commissioner Gondorchin expressed his dissapointment to have missed the Volunteer
23 Appreciation Dinner due to his being out of town. He also expressed that he would be in
24 favor of the Ingdal variance request heard earlier this evening.
25 Commissioner Makowske congratulated Ms. Moore-Sykes on the Award she recently received.
26 Makowske reported the St. Anthony Civic Orchestra held their Annual Spring Benefit at the
27 City Hall/Community Center and raised $1,300 to $1,400.toward the orchestra. He stated
28 there was a neat turn out this year.
29 Commissioner Thompson reported past Commissioner John Radinor had published an editorial
30 on sports in favor of a new stadium for the Twins. Thompson reported it was a well written
31 and fun-to-read editorial.
32 Chair Bergstrom noted that at the last Task Force meeting the issue of the City monopolizing
33 on-sale liquor was raised. Bergstrom stated he subsequently asked Ms. Moore-Sykes to pull
34 together the State Statutes regarding municipal liquor. He reported there does appear to be a
_5 process whereby through petition or un-petitioned City Council action, the City Council can
vote to have split liquor, both municipal operations and private operations. Bergstrom asked
37 whether the Commissioners felt this was a significant enough development issue that the
38 Planning Commission should address and bring to the City Council. Bergstrom stated he did
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
May 20, 1997
• Page 14
1 not know the right answer but felt this was a legitimate question. Bergstrom stated he had
2 asked Jay Scott what window was open to get some restaurants into St. Anthony and Mr.
3 Scott had stated a few months.
4 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he would like to see the issue addressed if it would allow
5 some nice "fine" restaurants into the City for the betterment of the community. He would
6 however, like to see the licenses tightly controlled. He stated he did not feel it would chip
7 away at the City's operation because the City is not in the business of sponsoring a "fine"
8 restaurant with the liquor operation. He stated the motivation would be to allow an operation
9 into the City that is dedicated to the full restaurant-type service of food and liquor.
10 Commissioner Franzese stated she would want to see the cash flow, what money does it bring
11 to the City, the bottom line, and then balance that against the quality of life issue of the City
12 by having fine restaurants in the area.
13 Chair Bergstrom noted this would not be an "either/or". The City could still continue to be in
14 the on-sale business.
15
16 Commissioner Franzese stated that the City does currently have a monopoly and she would
17 like to weigh the effect against that.
IR8 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he did not feel it would cut into the monopoly but would
19 attract a different kind of clientle and create additional revenue.
20 Chair Bergstrom noted the Stonehouse is primarily a bar which serves food. Red Lobster is
21 primarily a restaurant that serves liquor.
22 Commissioner Makowske stated he felt it may be a demographic issue.
23 Commissioner Gondorchin noted that once you cross Central Avenue, there are no "fine"
24 restaurants and there is a tremendous market for that type of service which would attract a
25 different clientele than the Stonehouse.
26 Commissioner Thompson stated he felt it would be worthwhile to get some nice restaurants
27 into St. Anthony.
28 Commissioner Gondorchin suggested a franchise such as the Olive Garden, Steak and Ale,
29 Red Lobster, etc. be contacted and asked to submit a revenue projection of a facility located
30 in this vicinity. He noted the City is not in the restaurant business and this projection would
31 need to be determined by someone who was in that type of business for a living.
32 Chair Bergstrom asked what the Commissioners felt would be the City Council's threshold for
action.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• .May 20, 1997
Page 15
1 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he projected in the future there would be an increase in the
2 decline of on-sale liquor due to the increased pressure on drinking and driving. That is why a
3 restaurant that would draw families would do better than the Stonehouse. The incentive to
4 change should be to be sure that the liquor revenues are not eroding just because the City
5 does not have a product the public wants.
6 Commissioner Makowske stated he felt the City Council would need expert testimony of some
7 kind of what the City stands to gain and what they stand to lose from this change before they
8 would take any action.
9 The Commission noted that BRW, Inc. would perform a survey for a fee. They could
10 provide an analysis of the impact but they are not actually in the restaurant business.
11 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he would put his thoughts and the thoughts expressed by the
12 Commission into letter form which will then be submitted to all Commissioners for their
13 input.
14 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted a letter included in the Commission packet from the Minnesota Office
15 of Environmental Assistance announcing a series of half-day regional meetings to be held in
16 Minnesota this June. She invited the Commissioners to participate in one of these sessions.
17 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted she will be on vacation the week of June 6, 1997.
18 IX. ADJOURNMENT.
19 Motion by Makowske, seconded by Franzese, to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 P.M.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21 Respectfully submitted,
22 Lorri Kopischke
23 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
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