HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 06171997 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1997
Document: PL MINUTES 06171997
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 JUNE 17, 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 U. ROLL CALL.
8 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom; Commissioners Franzese, Gondorchin, Horst,
9 Makowske, and Thompson.
10 Commissioners absent: Commissioner Delmonico.
11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant and Michael Morrison,
12 City Manager.
13 . III. APPROVAL OF JUNE 17, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
14 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Franzese, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda
15 for June 17, 1997 as presented.
16 Motion carried unanimously.
17 IV. APPROVAL OF THE MAY 20, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES.
qP9 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Makowske, to approve the May 20, 1997 Planning
20 Commission Meeting minutes with the following changes:
21 Page 2, Line 25: replace "Ripley" with "Lee";
22 Page 13, Line 29: replace "Radinor" with "Radman".
23
24 Motion carried unanimously.
25 V. DESIGNATE PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE FOR JUNE 24, 1997
26 COUNCIL MEETING.
27 Commissioner Gondorchin was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the
28 Tuesday, June 24, 1997, City Council meeting.
29 VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
30 1. 97-03, Exhaust Pros - Conditional Use Permit and Front Yard Variance Request.
31 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:11 P.M.
32 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Mr. Phil Rosar; owner of Exhaust Pros at 4000 Silver Lake Road,
33 is planning to expand his business at the current site to include a car wash and extra bays for
34 auto muffler repair and oil change. Mr. Rosar currently has a conditional use permit for his
4 existing business.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 2
1 The expansion proposal includes the addition of three auto repair bays; two bays will be
2 constructed on the south side of the existing building and one will be constructed on the north
3 side. The proposed car wash facility will be attached to the proposed auto bays to the south
4 of the existing building.
5 The car wash will require a front yard setback variance because it extends 24 feet beyond the
6 front of the existing building and the two adjacent buildings. The City Ordinance requires a
7 front yard setback equal to the greater of 35 feet or a distance equal to the average of the
8 front yard depths of the two adjacent lots.
9 Exhaust Pros is situated in the City's commercial zoning district. The proposed car wash is a
10 permitted use in the Commercial District according to the City's Zoning Code, Section
11 1635.05, Permitted Conditional Uses, (f) car washes. The proposed addition of auto bays to
12 the existing building, which is considered an expansion of a permitted use, also requires a
13 conditional use permit.
14 Conditions to be considered for this permit include hours of operation, landscaping, lighting
15 and signage. Exhaust Pros has residential areas to the west and east and the above-stated
16 factors may be of concern.
Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Staff is recommending approval of the conditional use permits on
8 conditions stipulated by the City.
19 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported the City did receive a letter from Mr. R.W. Morgan, 3935 Silver
20 Lake Road NE, in objection to the proposed project. It was also noted that he was writing as
21 an individual and not on behalf of the townhome association.
22 Mr. Phil Rosar, owner of Exhaust Pros, asked what Mr. Morgan's objections were.
23 Ms. Moore-Sykes read, "The Exhaust Pros facility is not well maintained with very poor
24 asphalt drive area, the grass and shrubbery is not cared for and general appearance is a
25 disgrace. We were advised when Exhaust Pros opened that there would be very little noise.
26 The noise is excessive and racing of engines is extremely loud. The exhaust work is with all
27 doors open in summer and the open doors face our houses. I see no need for a car wash there
28 in the immediate area. A car wash across from our homes will give additional traffic which
29 has also been increased on that corner by the cars from CUB Foods. We, Town Homes
30 owners, recognize that changes in our ecology do happen, but to add another unnecessary
31 expansion of Exhaust Pros is objectional to all of us and our ownership valuations."
32
33 Mr. Rosar stated the reason he was making the request for expansion was to remove the blight
34 in the area and dress it up. He was hard pressed to believe that his business was causing Mr.
35 Morgan distress. He noted the area is zoned commercial and another business could be
located there which would generate more traffic. The reason he had not cleaned the area up
7 sooner was that he was waiting to see if CUB Foods would locate in Apache Plaza. He stated
38 he was sorry to hear the objection because he had thought he was a good neighbor.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 3
1 Chair Bergstrom noted the Commission had reviewed the proposal at their May meeting as a
2 concept review and asked Mr. Rosar to explain the specifics of the proposal.
3 Mr. Rosar noted that all that was required of him by the conditional permit was to pave the
4 driveway and he could leave the building as it is. He felt the proposed expansion was much
5 better than what was currently there.
6 Mr. Rosar explained one bay will be added to the north side of the building and two bays and
7 a car wash on the south side of the building. A new roof will be constructed on the entire
8 building. The parking lot will be paved and a catch basin will be installed to address a
9 drainage problem. -
10 Mr. David Darrell, Architect of the project, noted the proposed building will be 75% new.
11 The existing portion of the building will be remodeled, landscaping will be done and the
12 driveway will be paved. The proposal will replace an eyesore.
13 Commissioner Franzese asked if the doors would be closed with the addition of the bays.
14 Mr. Rosar stated that in the summer the business will generally operate with the doors open.
15 He noted Goodyear and Tires Plus operate with the doors open and again stated this is a
commercial area. He did not foresee much increase in the muffler business but only in the oil
*7 change and car wash which are drive-through operations.
18 Commissioner Horst noted that the original proposal for this site had included landscaping and
19 the repair of the driveway. He asked why these items were not rectified then.
20 Mr. Rosar stated he had purchased the property from C.G. Rein and had been promised that
21 CUB and Knox would be locating in Apache Plaza. Those businesses did not come. Without
22 those businesses, he was considering selling the property. He stated he was willing to provide
23 the City with a security bond to guarantee the improvements.
24 Commissioner Horst stated he felt this was the best use of the property and apologized to Mr.
25 Rosar for the deceptions he had faced.
26 Chair Bergstrom noted the conditional use permit which the Exhaust Pro was currently
27 operating under was granted in 1994 and included conditions as to landscaping, hours of
28 operation, signage, and-outdoor vehicle storage limitations. He asked if the existing
29 conditions were acceptable for the proposed expansion.
30 Mrs. Karen Rosar stated the business was operating well within the established hours of
31 operation but expressed concern that it may be desirable for the car wash to be open on
32 Sunday as it would be fully automated.
•3 Mr. Rosar stated it was hard to determine what the hours of operation would be because it
34 would be dependent on customer demand. He noted the oil change may be open on Sunday
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 4
1 from 11:00 to 4:00 P.M. and it could be feasible that the car wash would be open 24 hours
2 per day.
3 Chair Bergstrom asked if building would be lit 24 hours per day.
4 Mr. Rosar stated it would only be lit during hours of operation.
5 Commissioner Gondorchin questioned the signage.
6 Mr. Rosar stated currently the signage would be on the front of the building. He noted
7 however, that he would like to.maintain the option for a monument sign.
8 Commissioner Gondorchin noted he was on the Planning Commission when Exhaust Pros
9 originally applied for a conditional use permit. The residents at that time expressed concern
10 with the appearance of the business and the hours of operation. He stated personally, he
11 would not like to see the business open before 10:00 A.M. on Sunday.
12 Commissioner Makowske questioned the noise level comparison between the oil change and
13 car wash operation and the current muffler operation.
Mr. Rosar indicated an air impact wrench will be utilized to remove drain spouts. He noted
5 this is the same equipment used by Goodyear but Exhaust Pros will use it less frequently and
16 will also be performing the work in a pit rather than at ground level.
17 Chair Bergstrom noted one condition of the existing conditional use permit was that a
18 maximum of two vehicles be stored outside for a period of not longer than 72 hours. He
19 stated that personally, he did not want any vehicles stored outside. He stated the current
20 proposal was better for the City of St. Anthony.
21 Commissioner Franzese questioned if the 13th parking stall had been added to the plan and
22 the location of that stall.
23 Mr. Rosar stated the 13th parking stall would be located in the rear of the building behind the
24 dumpster.
25 Eileen Spanno, 4009 Silver Lake Road, stated she was concerned that the building would be
26 so close to the street. She stated the City did not need another car wash in this area. She
27 expressed concern with the amount of traffic this would generate.
28 Mr. Darrell stated this would not be a large car wash. It would be rare when even two cars
29 were lined up waiting to use the service.
Mr. Rosar stated most of the car wash business will be generated by the oil change customers.
q'i He noted there are too many car washes in the area but none that are connected with an oil
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
Page 5
1 change facility. He did not feel this expansion would generate more traffic. He was only
2 attempting to attract the traffic that was going to CUB Foods.
3 Ms. Spanno noted when the business was first proposed, the intent was to please the
4 townhome owners and the business. However, Mr. Rosar has not kept up to the stated
5 conditions. She also expressed concern that her townhome was being devaluated.
6 Chair Bergstrom noted it is the City's job to ensure that the conditions of the conditional use
7 permit are adhered to. He stated the property value would probably increase with the addition
8 of a new structure which was well maintained.
9 Ms. Arlie Dick stated Mr. Rosar had not kept to the conditions of the original proposal and
10 his promises did not mean anything.
11 Edward Metz, 3933 Silver Lake Road, stated that on a number of occasions there have been
12 car engines racing at 9:30 P.M. on the site and sledge hammers are pounding by 7:30 A.M.
13 He suggested if the owner wanted to expand, he consider moving to the area south of 39th
14 Avenue.
15 Mr. Rosar stated he had no problem with this is someone wanted to trade the property. He
stated he has had twenty offers on his property since CUB Foods located in Apache Plaza and
7 he did not believe the townhome owners would be happy with the businesses that were
18 interested. He acknowledged that he had not adhered to the conditions of the conditional use
19 permit but stated he had been lied to about CUB Foods. He stated he was trying to rectify a
20 wrong with the proposed expansion.
21 Mr. Rosar stated he did not believe the noise problem was from his employees but noted he
22 would look into it. He has never received a noise or an after hours use citation.
23 Mr. Metz objected to the building being so close to the street and suggested Mr. Rosar utilize
24 the area behind the car wash.
25 Mr. Rosar stated that due to the setback requirements and the easement behind the building
26 which is owned by Hardees, there is not enough land to move the building back. He would
27 prefer to locate the car wash flush with the building as it is more expensive to build it as
28 proposed.
29
30 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:55 P.M.
31 Commissioner Horst reiterated the point he made at the hearing in 1994, that it was difficult
32 for him as a Planning Commissioner to feel he should regulate the hours of operation of a
33 business. A business should be able to do business when they can do business in a
commercial zone. He stated he believed the property will be improved and the surrounding
35 property values will be improved with this proposal, just as the property values were
36 improved with the addition of the CUB Foods Store. He stated he is not insensitive to the
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
Page 6
1 concerns of the neighbors but felt that Mr. Rosar could be a good neighbor. He stated he was
2 in support of granting the conditional use permit and letting Mr. Rosar do all the business he
3 can.
4 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he felt Mr. Rosar is the best judge of the possibility that
5 there are too many car washes in the area. It is his investment. He stated CUB Foods was
6 the generator of additional traffic and he did not feel this proposal would generate that much
7 more traffic. He stated he would like to revisit the restrictions of the conditional use permit
8 and determine the hours of operation.
9 Motion by Chair Bergstrom to recommend approval-of the conditional use permit for
10 operation of a car wash and for expansion of a permitted use for Exhaust Pros, 4000 Silver
11 Lake Road subject to the following conditions:
12 1. Submittal of a plan for aesthetic improvements to the structure including landscaping,
13 driveway, dumpster enclosure and signage plan to be implemented within six months
14 of plan approval;
15 2. Hours of operation for the Exhaust Pros shop (not including the car wash) be Monday
16 through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00
17 P.M.;
3. That signage be limited to a monument sign and a pylon sign is not allowed; and,
9 4. Outdoor vehicle storage be limited to two vehicles for a period not to exceed 72 hours.
20
21 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if a condition had been put on the hours of operation for the
22 car wash.
23 Chair Bergstrom stated the car wash would be allowed to operate 24 hours per day.
24 Commissioner Franzese noted six months would be December. She questioned if the
25 landscaping should be required sooner.
26 Mr. Rosar stated he could not install the landscaping until construction was completed. He
27 stated he would be willing to post a cash escrow for twice the cost of the improvements.
28 Chair Bergstrom stated this was not a routine requirement of the City and he did not feel it
29 should be required of Mr. .Rosar.
30 Commissioner Franzese questioned the turn lanes, especially the one nearest to Silver Lake
31 Road. She asked that the City monitor this as it may have to be modified to a right turn only
32 exit.
33 Mr. Rosar noted this is a private driveway and cannot be regulated.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 7
1 Commissioner Horst stated he hoped Mr. Rosar had heard the concerns of the homeowners
2 and would bring the message to his employees. If the problem continues, the City may have
3 to look at stricter enforcement.
4 Commissioner Franzese stated she had viewed the pictures of Mr. Rosar's other sites and this
5 will be a great improvement over what is currently on the site. She noted that the City had
6 not enforced the conditions of the conditional use permit and everyone was waiting for CUB
7 Foods, while in the meantime, the neighbors were left to look an eyesore. She stated
8 everyone will be watching to see what Mr. Rosar does with the site.
9 Commissioner Horst seconded-the motion on the floor. -
10 Motion carried unanimously.
11 Chair Bergstrom stated the second issue to consider for the Exhaust Pro expansion is a
12 setback variance request because it extends 24 feet beyond the front of the existing building
13 and the two adjacent buildings. The building will be located well within the setback
14 requirements as it is located 49 feet from the property line. However, City Ordinance
15 requires a front yard setback equal to the greater of 35 feet or a distance equal to the average
16 of the front yard depths of the two adjacent lots.
4 Commissioner Makowske asked what constraints prevented the building from being placed
18 further back on the lot.
19 Mr. Darrell explained the exit of the car wash requires a 28 foot radius for cars to turn and
20 exit the lot.
21 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Horst, to recommend approval of the 25 foot front yard
22 setback variance for Phil Rosar, Exhaust Pros, 4000 Silver Lake Road as it meets the
23 following criteria of a variance request:
24 1. Strict enforcement would cause a hardship due to the configuration of the structure and
25 existing traffic lanes;
26 2. The hardship was not created by the landowner but is unique to the individual and this
27 lot as this is a remodel/redevelopment; and,
28 3. This variance is within the spirit of the redevelopment of St. Anthony and economic
29 considerations are not the sole criteria.
30
31 Motion carried unanimously.
32 Chair Bergstrom noted this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
33 June 24, 1997.
44 2. 97-04, John and Liesha Ingdahl - Lot Width Variance Request.
35 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 8:19 P.M.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 8
1 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Mr. and Mrs. Ingdal are proposing to buy a vacant lot at 3613
2 Edward Street. The lot is 60 feet by 265 feet, giving it 15,900 square feet, which is more
3 area than is required for an interior R-1 lot. This R-1 designated lot is only 60 feet wide,
4 making it a non-buildable lot according to the City's Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning
5 Ordinance requires that all R-1 interior lots be 75 feet wide, so this lot width variance request
6 is for 15 feet.
7 Several lots in this residential neighborhood are only 60 feet wide or less and were developed
8 before the Ordinance was codified in 1976. The house on the property directly south of the
9 subject property, 3609 Edward Street, was constructed in 1964; the construction date of the
10 property north of the subject property was-1945.
11 When Mr. and Mrs. Ingdal met with Staff, there was some concern that this lot had been
12 illegally subdivided from one of the adjacent properties. The City Zoning Code does not
13 allow for the subdivision of property that creates a lot that is smaller than the minimum lot
14 size required, (Section 1650.01, Subd. 1). But upon examining the tax records and speaking
15 to the Ingdals, City Staff determined that the platting of these lots had occurred prior to
16 August 18, 1976 and the subject lot was not and had not been owned by the owners of the
17 adjacent lots.
The Ingdals are proposing to construct their home on this lot, should their variance request be
0 approved. They have assured Staff that they will not require additional variances; the square
20 footage of the lot is sufficient to build a home on.
21 The hardship that this variance request seeks to mitigate is that the lot was platted and
22 recorded with Hennepin County before the City's Zoning Ordinance was codified. The
23 hardship is not of the applicant's making, but is unique to the area and this lot. The granting
24 of this variance request would be supportive of the City's commitment to the Livable
25 Communities Act and in agreement with St. Anthony's Housing Action Plan.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated Staff is recommending approval of the lot width variance request for
27 15 feet. Mr. and Mrs. Ingdal are proposing to build their home on this site, which is one of
28 the few vacant lots remaining in the City.
29 Mr. Ingdal displayed a rough site plan of the home he and his wife are proposing. The house
30 will be 44 feet by 44 feet with 8 foot sideyard setbacks on both sides and a front yard setback
31 of 30 feet.
32 Commissioner Franzese questioned the steep elevation in the front of the property and asked
33 if the adjacent homes were setback 30 feet.
34 Mr. Ingdal stated he hoped to leave the elevation as is and save a tree located in that area.
He may need to shift the garage to the other side of the lot to accomplish this. He stated the
6 home to the north is located closer than 30 feet and the home on the south is setback about 30
37 feet.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 9
1 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if Mr. Ingdal's time frame for construction was still two
2 years.
3 Mr. Ingdal stated it was.
4 Theran Ernster, 3617 Edward Street, noted Mr. Ingdal was speaking of a tree which was
5 located on his property, not Mr. Ingdal's property. He asked why the code was changed to 75
6 feet.
7 Chair Bergstrom stated it had to do with the size of the home typically built increasing and
8 not fitting on a 65 foot wide lot.
9 Mr. Ernster stated Mr. Ingdal will be building right on top of where he lives. He stated if the
10 property is an unbuildable lot, it should be made available to him and the neighbor so they
11 can build and expand their lots.
12 Commissioner Gondorchin stated the Planning Commission is not able to address this issue.
13 It is a legal issue and does not have any bearing on the variance request. He suggested Mr.
14 Ernster contact the City of St. Anthony.
Commissioner Franzese stated the City Council has granted permission to build on a 60 foot
OP6 lot approximately 5 times in the past 10-15 years. This is not a unique situation.
17
18 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 8:30 P.M.
19 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Thompson, to recommend approval of the lot width
20 variance of 15 feet for 3613 Edward Street, John and Leisha Ingdal, buyers, as it meets the
21 following criteria of a variance request:
22 1. Strict enforcement would create undue hardship;
23 2. The hardship was not created by the landowner but is unique to the individual;
24 3. This lot could not be put to reasonable use in its current state without the variance;
25 and,
26 4. This variance is within the spirit of the redevelopment of St. Anthony and economic
27 considerations are not the sole criteria.
28
29 Motion carried unanimously.
30 Chair Bergstrom noted this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
31 June 24, 1997.
32 3. 97-05, John Trautz, Gas Station/Car Wash on Lot 4, Apache Plaza - Conditional Use
Permit.
It Ms. Moore-Sykes reported this request was withdrawn by request from the applicant. It will
35 be considered on the July 15, 1997 agenda.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 10
1 4. 97-06, Great Clips - Sign Variance Request.
2 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 8:33 P.M.
3 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Roger Ledebuhr, of Great Clips has filed an application requesting
4 a sign variance for the Great Clips store on the north side of the Video Update building.
5 Great Clips has 19 feet of business frontage on Silver Lake Road that allows them to install a
6 38 square foot wall sign on the east side of the building; Great Clips has installed a wall sign
7 that is 30 square feet. Because Mr. Ledebuhr's shop is located between other tenants and has
8 limited business frontage, he is requesting an additional wall sign on the west side to give
9 Great Clips additional exposure to "walk-in" traffic from customers visiting Video Update,
10 Ames Photo, First Bank and CUB Foods.
11 According to the Sign Ordinance and based on their right-of-way frontage, Great Clips is
12 allowed 2 square feet for every lineal foot of business frontage, giving them 38 square feet of
13 signage for the east side. Since Great Clips is located in the north west side of the building
14 between Video Update and Ames Photo and has a limited visual exposure to the north, a sign
15 on the west wall of the building would provide additional exposure. The sign Mr. Ledebuhr
16 is proposing for the west side is 16.5 square feet.
17 The traffic patterns and service roads that provide visual exposure in the Apache Plaza
Shopping Center for Great Clips are not available or are limited from City streets. Such is
9 the case with several shopping centers in the metro-area. This limited visual exposure does
20 create a hardship for Great Clips in a commercial area that is expected to be extremely
21 successful. If the request for the additional wall sign is denied, Great Clips will be hampered
22 in their attempts to create a viable and successful business in the Apache Plaza Shopping
23 Center.
24 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Staff is recommending approval of the applicants's request for a
25 sign variance to allow additional wall sign on the west elevation.
26 Commissioner Makowske noted St. Anthony Shopping Center may have a situation similar to
27 that of Great Clips.
28 Commissioner Horst stated his recollection was that similar requests have been denied. He
29 questioned the hardship in this case.
30 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the hardship was the restricted visibility of traffic in the interior of
31 the shopping center. She noted that most of Great Clip's business is "walk-in traffic". If
32 they are not visible to potential customers, they lose business and are not allowed the
33 opportunity to be as viable as the other businesses.
34 Mr. Ledebuhr, Great Clips, stated the business is located at a high elevation and they are the
middle tenant. A sign in the rear would be helpful to attract the CUB Foods patrons.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
Page 11
1 Mr. Bob Bruber, Scenic Sign Corp., stated they were asking for the minimum necessary to be
2 visible. They are requesting 18 inch letters which will be mounted on a metal raceway which
3 will protrude six inches.
4 Commissioner Franzese asked if Ames Photo or Video Update would be requesting signage
5 on the back of the building.
6 Mr. Bruber stated he did not do their work. He noted they do have signs on the side of the
7 building as well as the front. Great Clips does not have that option as they are the middle
8 tenant.
9 Commissioner Makowske noted that in order to grant the variance, a hardship must be shown
10 and it must be unique to this property. He questioned what was different about this business
11 than businesses located in the St. Anthony Shopping Center.
12 Mr. Bruber stated that the hardship is that they are the middle tenant and are not allowed
13 signage on the end of the building.
14 Commissioner Franzese noted a difference between this and the St. Anthony Shopping Center
15 was that the St. Anthony Shopping Center has a sign package for the whole shopping center.
06 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 8:41 P.M.
17 Chair Bergstrom stated he understood the desire for the signage and felt it was well done but
18 he was concerned that granting this variance would set a precedent. He also stated his
19 concern that all the initial applications regarding signage at Apache Plaza have gone well
20 beyond.the initial requests.
21 Commissioner Gondorchin noted the Great Clips facility is very small and hard to detect. He
22 noted the configuration of the store, the way it faced and the proximity to Apache Plaza made
23 it a unique situation. For this reason, he was in favor of the request.
24 Motion by Commissioner Makowske to recommend to the City Council that the request for
25 the sign variance for an additional wall sign on the west elevation for Great Clips, 2902 Silver
26 Lake Road, be denied based on the following:
27 1. This particular location while it may have some unique characteristics, does not appear
28 to be sufficiently unique compared to other areas of the cities which may have the
29 same difficulty; and,
30 2. The hardship appears to be more of an inconvenience which could possibly be
31 alleviated with the use of a monument sign or other type of sign in the front of the
32 building.
3 The motion failed for lack of a second.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
Page 12
1 Motion by Chair Bergstrom to recommend approval of the request for the sign variance for an
2 additional wall sign on the west elevation for Great Clips, 2902 Silver Lake Road as it meets
3 the following criteria of a variance request:
4 1. Granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to
5 other properties in the neighborhood or Village;
6 2. A particular hardship to the applicant would result if strict enforcement of the
7 Ordinance is adhered to; and,
8 3. The conditions upon which the variance are based are unique to the parcel of land as it
9 is inside the development of a shopping center and does not apply to other properties
10 with the same land use classification.
11 Commissioner Franzese stated the hardship in this case is that there are three businesses in
12 this building and Great Clips is located in the center. It is not like every other business in the
13 City where you can drive up to the building and see the sign and go in the door.
14 Commissioner Gondorchin stated he supported the issue as it is a non-injurious, non-intrusive
15 sign. He encouraged Commissioner Horst to abstain from the vote on this issue as he is a
16 shop owner in the Village.
VCommissioner Gondorchin seconded the motion.
18 Voting on the motion: Bergstrom, Franzese, Gondorchin and Thompson voted aye. Makowske voted
19 naye. Horst abstained.
20
21 Motion carried.
22 Chair Bergstrom noted this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
23 June 24, 1997.
24 5. 97-07, Preston Williams - Garage Permit.
25 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 8:49 P.M.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Preston Williams, owner of 2805 Pahl Avenue NE, is requesting a
27 Garage Setback Permit to allow for the reconstruction of a 40-year old garage. Dr. Williams
28 proposes to demolish the current garage and rebuild it in the same foot print. The proposed
29 garage will be visually identical to the existing garage, but will be more structurally sound
30 and built to meet contemporary building codes and standards.
31 The existing garage sits in the sideyard setback and is 2.89 feet from the property line on the
32 west side of the building. Section 1650.02, Accessory Buildings, Subd. 2, states that no
33 accessory building may be located within three feet of any property line. The Garage Setback
Permit allows for a garage to be located within the setback.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
Page 13
1 The owner has indicated that the dimensions of the proposed garage will not be greater than
2 the 24 foot dimension allowed by the Garage Setback Permit. The existing garage does
3 exceed the 24 foot dimensions on three sides.
4 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated Staff is recommending approval of the Garage Setback Permit
5 application. The applicant plans to demolish the existing garage and replace it with a more
6 modern building, which will be smaller to conform with the City's Garage Setback Permit
7 size requirement and will comply with the current building codes and standards.
8 Mr. Preston Williams, 2805 Pahl Avenue NE, stated he intends to replace the existing
9 structure as nearly as possible in the footprint of the existing structure. The exterior will
10 blend in with the neighborhood and the line of sight to the adjoining and adjacent properties
11 will remain unchanged. He stated the slab and foundation of the existing structure are
12 deteriorating.
13 Commissioner Horst asked Mr. Williams if he had spoken with his neighbors about the
14 proposal.
15 Mr. Williams stated he had spoken with the adjacent and adjoining property owners and they
�16 did support the project.
OI8 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 8:56 P.M.
19 Motion by Commissioner Makowske, seconded by Chair Bergstrom, to recommend approval
20 of the Garage Setback Permit for Preston Williams, 2805 Pahl Avenue NE, as it meets the
21 following criteria of a variance request:
22 1. This request is within the spirit of maintenance and improvements which the City has
23 previously followed;
24 2. It will comply with all current building codes and standards;
25 3. The proposed size will be almost exactly the same size as the existing building;
26 4. No one appeared to speak against this request;
27 5. There are no other buildings in close proximity to this building;
28 6. There will be no change in matters of fire safety; and,
29 7. There appear to be no other degrees of encroachments other than those stated in the
30 request.
31
32 Motion carried unanimously.
33 Chair Bergstrom noted,this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
34 June 24, 1997.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS.
6 1. Signage for Apache Medical Building - Status.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 14
1 Chair Bergstrom noted Mr. Wirth has been in contact with the City and asked them to
2 consider additional signage for the Apache Medical and Professional Center that is not
3 currently allowed under City Code. At the last meeting, the Planning Commission asked Mr.
4 Wirth to work-with Staff to derive a language change for the Code.
5 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the proposed change was located on page 8 of the packet submitted
6 by the Wirth Companies. Staff has worked with Mr. Berg the Attorney for Wirth Cos. and
7 the Shoreview Ordinance was utilized in conjunction. The language does address the
8 concerns expressed by the Commission in regard to standardized letter height, color, lighting,
9 and logos. It also states that administration and conformity with the sign plan shall be the
10 responsibility of the building owner. Revisions per the Commission would be included with
11 this draft language and it will then be forwarded to the City Attorney.
12 Chair Bergstrom asked if a professional medical building was defined in City Code.
13 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated it is not and that three alternatives for resolution of that issue are
14 included in her Staff report.
15 Chair Bergstrom proposed that a volunteer from the Planning Commission work with Staff,
16 Wirth Cos. and the attorneys to adjust the proposed changes so they will be acceptable to all
Vinvolved.
18 Commissioner Makowske volunteered to perform this task.
19 Mr. Wirth stated he would like to reserve the top eighth spot on the proposed signage to be
20 used as the building identification sign. The name of the building would be located in this
21 area and would be moved to the left and lit.
22 Commissioner Franzese stated she felt it was important to have the number of the building
23 largely displayed on the building. It allows for easy identification of the building.
24 2. Comprehensive Plan Task Force Update.
25 Report on Public Information Meeting, Parks -- June 2, 1997 by Staff.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported the agenda packet which was used for this meeting was included in
27 the Commissioner's packets. She stated Bob Koss, BRW, Inc., presented all the options for
28 the baseball diamond fields and also discussed the other parks. As a result of that meeting,
29 the City Council has put together a Park Task Force to investigate the issues and bring a
30 recommendation to the City Council.
31 Commissioner Gondorchin volunteered to be the Planning Commission representative for the
32 Park Task Force.
City Manager Morrison explained the Task Force will consist of six residents-at-large, one
4t Community Service representative, one School Board representative, one Sports Booster
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 15
1 representative, one member of the City Council, one member of the Planning Commission and
2 one youth member. Bob Koss will facilitate the meetings.
3 Commissioner Franzese asked if the Task Force would be working from the three plans
4 submitted for the parks.
5 Morrison confirmed they would.
6 Commissioner Franzese stated she felt all three plans had something to offer but she was
7 disappointed.that they were not implementable, where items could be phased in as the City
8 could afford them.
9
10 Draft Review of Comprehensive Plan -- July 16, 1997
11 Submit Draft Plan to Metropolitan Council -- July/August
12 Public Hearing, October -- City Council
13 Chair Bergstrom asked if a redevelopment plan had been submitted by BRW, Inc. He stated
14 he was displeased with the general tone and feel of the document and the process.
15 VIII. COMMENTS.
16 Commissioner Gondorchin distributed copies of a letter addressed to the City Council which
he had drafted in response to discussion of split liquor in the City of St. Anthony at the
qF8 previous meeting.
19 Chair Bergstrom noted the letter should be "cc" to City Manager and City Liquor Operations
20 Manager.
21 Commissioner Horst stated he was in favor of the concept.
22 City Manager suggested the word "bar" be removed from the first sentence of the second
23 paragraph, as the City does have a profitable bar operation.
24 Commissioner Gondorchin stated the idea is to get a combination. The food portion of the
25 City's establishments always fail. The Commission's goal was to attract establishments
26 which focus on dining with liquor, not burgers and beer.
27
28 Morrison noted this is a very complicated issue. He suggested the Council will probably take
29 this under advisement and address it at a goal setting session.
30 Chair Bergstrom noted there is a timing issue involved. He stated there is a small window of
31 opportunity available with the redevelopment of Apache Shopping Center.
Commissioner Horst noted that all business is not good business. Since the addition of the
Family Deals Store in the St. Anthony Shopping Center, his bad checks have increased by
34 300% and the shoplifting has also increased. He encouraged the addition of fine dining
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 1997
• Page 16
1 establishments in the City as he felt that type of business would help the City more than
2 others.
3
4 IX. ADJOURNMENT.
5 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Makowske, to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 P.M.
6 Motion carried unanimously.
7 Respectfully submitted,
8 Lorri Kopischke
9 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
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