HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 09191997 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1997
Document: PL MINUTES 09191997
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1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
02 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 AUGUST 19, 1997
4 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
5 The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Chair Makowske
6 at 7:04 P.M.
7 H. ROLL CALL.
8 Commissioners present: Vice Chair Makowske; Commissioners Franzese, Gondorchin,
9 Horst, and Thompson.
10 Commissioners absent: - Chair Bergstrom and Commissioner Delmonico.
11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant.
12 M. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 19,1997 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
13 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Horst, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda for
14 August 19, 1997 as presented.
15 Motion carried unanimously.
16 IV. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 17, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
�7 Motion by Thompson, seconded by Franzese, to approve the July 17, 1997 Planning
Commission Meeting minutes as submitted.
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20 V. DESIGNATE PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE FOR AUGUST 26, 1997
21 COUNCIL MEETING.
22 Vice Chair Makowske was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the
23 Tuesday, August 26, 1997, City Council meeting.
24 VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
25 1. 97-08, Rick Lorenz, 3821 Foss Road - Sideyard Setback Variance Request.
26 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Rick Lorenz, property owner of 3821 Foss Road, submitted an
27 application for a ten-foot side yard variance request to the City in order to construct an addition
28 to the tri-plex, converting the building into a four-plex with a double car tuck-under garage. Mr.
29 Lorenz intends to live in this new addition and is also planning to add a 10 x 20 storage room on
30 the back of the proposed addition. She advised the Certificate of Survey shows both the living
31 space addition and the storage room to be eight feet into the required 15-foot side yard setback.
32 The proposed layout of the addition is configured to take advantage of the existing driveway.
33 Mr. Lorenz is also proposing to remove an existing storage building to the east of the proposed
34 addition, thereby reducing the lot coverage and getting rid of an old building to improve the
35 storm water drainage of the property. This building appears to have been in the side yard as
well.
.a
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 1997
0 Page 2
1 The property is zoned R-4 and the lot is approximately 37,206 square feet. The existing tri-plex
2 building is 1,216 square feet. The proposed addition will be 928 square feet, increasing the
3 footprint of the building to 2,144 square feet. The total lot coverage by impervious surfaces is
4 10%, and the floor area ratio with the proposed additional living space is .06. With the exception
5 of side yard 'setback, the proposed addition meets the City's zoning and land use requirements.
6 The owner of the property is proposing to build the addition as his own residence. He has
7 indicated to Staff that the request for the variance is not based on economic considerations; since
8 he will be living in the proposed unit, he will not be receiving additional rental income. The
9 proposed project will not alter the essential character of the area as it is appropriately zoned for
10 this use and other multi-family properties exist in the neighborhood.
11 Ms. Moore-Sykes advised that Staff has received two inquiries from residents; one was simply to
12 better understand the project and he indicated he was in favor of the project because it would
13 "clean-up" the site with the removal of the existing storage building. The other caller was in
14 opposition because of the potential to increase parking problems that the additional unit may
15 cause. Ms. Moore-Sykes advised she explained that the proposal includes a tuck under two-car
16 garage, which may alleviate some parking problems.
Commissioner Franzese asked why the plan identifies it as a tuck under garage and not storage.
Ms. Moore-Sykes explained this is how it is indicated on the plan.
19 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:09 P.M.
20 Rick Lorenz, applicant, introduced Jack Kripentra, the builder of the project. Mr. Lorenz
21 explained he currently has a tri-plex without garage space and a storage building in the back
22 which is very old. He plans to construct a new garage and apartment to live in and will remove
23 the old storage building. He advised he has a problem with drainage during heavy rainfall.
24 When the old storage building is removed, it will create an area for water retention and reduce
25 the flooding problem. Mr. Kripentra explained this will be a walk-out type of unit.
26 Vice Chair Makowske stated he was not aware of the"gully" which exists.
27 Mr. Kripentra explained the drainage goes to the sedimentation pond by Mirror Lake retention
28 basin and it is imperative for this area to become cleared so the property drains properly. The
29 current storage building is quite large, very old, and is currently falling down.
30 Commissioner Thompson asked how long he has owned that property. Mr. Lorenz stated it has
31 been about three years and all tenants have cars but have to park on the driveways (one is asphalt
32 and the other is gravel). If approved, one of the tenants will have a garage to use.
Vice Chair Makowske inquired if the applicant is aware of the three conditions which the
Planning Commission is bound by the State to follow in recommending approval or denial of any
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 3
1 variance. He explained that one of these conditions relates to undue hardship. He asked the
2 applicant to address why this would be an undue hardship.
3 Mr. Lorenz explained that when he purchased the tri-plex there was no garage, yet the City has
4 an ordinance requiring garages. Parking and shelter is needed plus the flooding problem needs
5 to be corrected for the lower unit. Also, the gravel driveway is deteriorating and needs to be
6 updated.
7 Commissioner Franzese complimented Mr. Lorenz on the improvements he has made to this
8 property.-She explained that some of the neighbors had questioned if the property had changed
9 hands because they saw remarkable upgrades on the property.
10 Vice Chair Makowske asked the audience to speak.
11 Bruce O'Brien, 3737 Foss Road and president of the Townhouse Association to the south of the
12 tri-plex, asked if this will remain a tri-plex. Mr. Lorenz explained it will change to a four-plex.
13 Mr. O'Brien asked if the driveways will all be asphalt. Mr Lorenz stated they will. Mr. O'Brien
14 stated the Townhomes (14 units) have also had drainage problems and he understands the need
15 to correct this problem. He stated they have had engineers view the drainage situation but they
were unable to find a solution. He stated his support for this request and stated he believes it
will be a great improvement that will benefit the entire neighborhood.
18 Commissioner Horst asked how this project will alleviate the drainage problems experienced by
19 the Townhouses. Mr. O'Brien stated it will not alleviate that problem but will be an overall
20 aesthetic improvement to the neighborhood.
21 Joyce Graff, 3824 Foss Road, asked if this will be an addition to the existing tri-plex and if the
22 existing shed will be removed. Mr. Lorenz stated it will be removed.
23 Ms. Graff asked if the additional living unit will result in a parking problem. Vice Chair
24 Makowske stated the plan meets the City's parking requirement.
25 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:19 P.M.
26 Commissioner Horst commented on the existing slope to this property and asked if a PVC pipe
27 will be installed. Mr. Kripentra stated the PVC pipe was installed years ago as a drainage pipe.
28 With the use of an overhead, he reviewed the alignment of the pipe and location where it drains
29 into Mirror Lake.
30 Mr. Lorenz explained when the storage building is removed, it will allow a larger ponding area
31 where the water can stay until it drains out through the pipe.
Mr. Kripentra stated it is a natural area and-they will install some landscaping.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 1997
Page 4
1 Commissioner Horst inquired regarding the history of this property to turn it into a tri-plex use.
2 Mr. Kripentra stated when the townhouses were constructed, the same people owned most of this
3 land and remodeled the building (which was originally an old farmhouse) into a tri-plex. He
4 commented this is one of the older buildings in the area and had been deteriorating.
5 Commissioner Horst asked if it was changed from a single-family residence to a tri-plex when
6 the townhomes were constructed.
7 Ms. Graff stated it has been a tri-plex for the last 19 years.
8 Mr. O'Brien stated they have lived in the Townhouses for 20 years and the original builder of the
9 Townhouses remodeled the building 20 years ago. He stated that 20 years ago, the building was
10 a tri-plex.
11 Commissioner Thompson asked if there is room for more development. Mr. Lorenz stated it is a
12 possibility but he has no plans at this time.
13 Commissioner Horst stated in looking at the house, he would like to see improvement to the
14 area. He stated this property is in a tough spot in being close to industrial and a newer
5 townhome development. Commissioner Horst stated he would be interested in how the
architecture would fit in with the existing structure.
17 Mr. Lorenz stated they will use the same type of siding, windows, shingles, and pitch of roof.
18 Mr. Kripentra displayed a sketch of the proposed addition as it would be viewed from the road.
19 He explained it will be set back a little from the existing building and they are attempting to
20 provide the appearance of a house with a two-car garage.
21 Commissioner Horst stated he is having difficulty in answering the hardship requirement of the
22 variance and asked if there is a better way to do this.
23 Mr. Kripentra stated there is no other way to build garages due to the drainage problems.
24 Mr. Lorenz explained the south end of the property is low.
25 Commissioner Horst asked if the lower unit is having drainage problems. Mr. Lorenz stated it is
26 and has become intolerable.
27 Commissioner Horst asked if this is the hardship resulting in the need to develop this addition.
28 Mr. Lorenz stated it is as well as the need for garage space.
Commissioner Horst stated while this may be a problem, it may not be considered a hardship.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 5
] Mr. Kripentra stated it is hardship when heavy rains are received.
2 Commissioner Franzese stated she can reconcile the hardship requirement because of the way the
3 property is configured on three sides. She pointed out that with water draining on the south side
4 and removing the barn, it will create a holding pond and alleviate the drainage problem. She
5 noted there is no other location to build because of the topography of the property.
6 Commissioner Franzese stated she clearly sees a hardship.
7 Commissioner Gondorchin asked how this addition alleviates the water problem. Mr. Lorenz
8 explained that in July,.when heavy rains were received, it created a stream through his back yard.
9 He thought perhaps the pipe was plugged but it was not and was taking as much water as it
10 could.
11 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if an engineer has made the finding about alleviating the
12 drainage problem.
13 Mr. Lorenz stated he has not had an engineer study the drainage.
14' Commissioner Gondorchin stated he is having difficulty in finding a hardship and believes it is
15 more of a convenience than relieving a hardship. He stated he believes there is also an economic
benefit either now or when the units are sold. Commissioner Gondorchin stated the property is
4 set as it is unless the applicant changes its configuration. In addition, he would like expert
18 testimony that this addition will alleviate the drainage problem.
19 Mr. Kripentra stated the storage building is currently acting like a dam in not allowing water to
20 drain properly.
21 Mr. Lorenz stated if the storage building is removed, he needs a place to store his equipment.
22 Commissioner Horst stated he understands that when the storage shed is removed, another
23 location is needed for storage and the applicant has indicated it will also eliminate the drainage
24 problem, and the hardship.
25 Commissioner Franzese stated the goal is to build a living quarters for the owner to occupy.
26 Commissioner Gondorchin stated it does not matter who occupies this unit, the owner or a
27 tenant.
28 Commissioner Franzese stated there is no other location where Mr. Lorenz can build due to the
29 topography of the lot and water drainage to the south. This is the only place on the property that
30 is buildable. Commissioner Franzese reviewed a comment made at a meeting with the City's
31 residents about the recent flooding where the engineers indicated there is really no guarantee that _
it will not flood again. She inquired whether the applicant can be asked if they are sure it would
not flood again since,just recently, the City's engineers indicated there is no guarantee to
34 absolutely prevent flooding in the future.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 6
1 Commissioner Gondorchin stated there has been no engineering study done on this parcel of
2 land.
3 Mr. Lorenz indicated that is correct.
4 Commissioner Gondorchin noted there is an opportunity to move earth to change the
5 topography, although that may be quite expensive. He stated he is having a difficult time, in his
6 mind, to see a clear cut hardship.
7 Motion by Franzese to recommend approval of Case 97-08, side yard setback variance request
8 for Rick Lorenz, 3821 Foss Road, to build an addition creating a four-plex with tuck under
9 garage and 10 foot side yard variance based on the following rationale:
10 1. The physical topography of the lot can be likened to a"three-sided meatloaf pan" and
11 this is the only buildable place on the lot; the north side of the current structure.
12 2. Removing the barn/accessory building will create more room on the lot to collect water
13 as a holding pond and help alleviate drainage problems.
14 3. The PVC pipe was installed by City but the water is not pooling properly to take
15 advantage of it but removing the barn should achieve that.
4. This is a unique piece of property which will satisfy requirement #2.
5. The hardship (requirement #3) is caused by the City Ordinance for a side yard variance.
18 6. No one is speaking against the request but, rather, have affirmed it will enhance the
19 neighborhood.
20 There being no second to the motion, Vice Chair Makowske declared the motion out of order.
21 Motion by Gondorchin, seconded by Horst, to recommend denial of Case 97-08, side yard
22 setback variance request for Rick Lorenz, 3821 Foss Road, based on the rationale that the
23 request does not satisfy the three conditions of hardship as required by the State of Minnesota.
24 Voting in favor: Commissioners Gondorchin, Horst, and Vice Chair Makowske. Voting
25 against: Commissioners Franzese and Thompson.
26 Motion carried.
27 Chair Bergstrom noted this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on
28 August 26, 1997.
29 VII. CONCEPT REVIEW.
30 1. St. Charles Borromeo Church- Proposed Construction of a Gathering Place
31 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that Gerry DeZelar, architect for St. Charles Borromeo, is in
attendance to present a proposal to the Planning Commission regarding the construction of an
additional building on site to be used as a gathering place. They have the space for the building,
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 7
1 but parking is and will be an issue for this project. The Church has also applied for a conditional
2 use permit for the project.
3 Currently, the church has 200 parking spaces, including the spaces designated for the school.
4 According to the City Ordinance and based on the current seating capacity of the church, they
5 need 400 parking spaces.
6 Gerry DeZelar, architect for the applicant, explained the proposed building will be used for a
7 gathering place after services and there will probably never be a time when the church will be
8 holding services and another event in the proposed building at the same time. Mr. DeZelar used
'9 the overhead to identify the location of the current building, existing landscaping, convent,
10 proposed structure, and areas for removal of bituminous and concrete to provide a location of
11 new landscaping. He noted the proposal results in 65%building or a 2.2% increase in the
12 amount of structure. Currently, impervious surfaces cover 63% of the property.
13 Commissioner Franzese asked if the 2.2% increase in structure on the ground takes into account
14 they are adding more green space. Mr. DeZelar stated it takes into account that they are adding
15 more "green." He explained that impervious areas are considered in the City's calculation of
16 structures.
Mr. DeZelar noted there will be 12,000 square feet of building but it is calculated as only 5,000
18 square feet since they are also removing blacktop and asphalt.
19 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if this is the area where parking will be lost.
20 Mr. DeZelar stated it is not and reviewed the site plan to identify the areas where parking exists
21 and locations where several parking stalls will be lost due to the building's configuration. He
22 explained how they will use the level of the building to become handicap accessible.
23 Ms. Moore-Sykes explained the Church has always been short of parking spaces. Thus, the
24 requirement for a parking variance.
25 Mr. DeZelar reviewed the floor plan of the proposed building and noted the location of the
26 entrance, atrium lobby, multipurpose hall which can seat 300 for a banquet, catering kitchen, and
27 the chapel which will be open 24-hours a day.
28 Vice Chair Makowske asked what type of events they see happening in the proposed addition.
29 Mr. DeZelar explained gathering areas have become an important aspect of church services in
30 welcoming and greeting people. He stated other uses could be to hold a wake, a seminar, or
31 lecture area for the school. He stated there are no plans for allowing wedding receptions due to
the potential of deterioration. With regard to banquet seating, it could be used after funerals for
4i lunches or for Scout banquets.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 19, 1997
Page 8
l Mr. DeZelar described the elevations of the proposed addition and current buildings. He stated it
2 will be surfaced in stone and brick that matches the other buildings and will result in combining
3 the look of the structures.
4 Commissioner Gondorchin noted most of these activities currently take place at the convent and
5 inquired regarding the parish's position on the convent.
6 Mr. DeZelar explained that only four to five nuns are in residence and, in the future, the convent
7 may become administrative offices.
8 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if the Church is already 200 parking spaces short. Ms. Moore-
9 Sykes stated this is correct.
10 Mr. DeZelar reported the current church capacity is 1,000 seats but they are in the process of
11 removing the pews. He explained the remaining pews are being respaced because the current
12 configuration is too tight. The reconfiguration will eliminate 100 seats. He stated he believes
13 the parking will be adequate and noted the ordinance was adopted in the mid-1970's after the
14 Church was built (1958).
In response to Vice Chair Makowske, Mr. DeZelar stated they have found that the parking
spaces (in the parking lot) fill up but there is also parking on neighborhood streets and no one
17 has complained.
18 Commissioner Gondorchin pointed out the Church is not proposing to add a lot of impervious
19 surface, but some. He inquired regarding the drainage impact to residents.
20 Mr. DeZelar stated drainage is an issue since there is no storm drainage in the immediate
21 vicinity. He pointed out the location of the nearest catch basin on 27th Avenue which is part of
22 the Minneapolis system. Mr. DeZelar explained the water is currently directed into dry wells
23 and allowed to percolate into the ground. He noted the location of a large drywell which will be
24 disturbed due to the addition. He explained their intention to install a rainwater line on the east
25 side of the Church, route it under the building and parallel to the walk, and then day lighting it
26 onto the ground to allow the water to fall into the dry well or be routed to the catch basin on 27th
27 Avenue.
28 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired regarding what type of storm event this is forecasted to
29 handle.
30 Mr. DeZelar stated he is unable to answer that question but this is how the storm water is
31 currently being handled.
62 Commissioner Horst asked if the Church and grounds are not in compliance regarding ground
3 coverage. Mr. DeZelar stated the ordinance says a 35% maximum for the R-1 Zoning District
34 and their proposal is to increase to 65%. They currently have a lot coverage of 63%.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 9
1 Commissioner Horst asked if this is part of the issue. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she will research
2 that aspect.
3 Commissioner Horst stated the Planning Commission had debated other applications that were
4 only two parking spaces short. He asked how the Planning Commission would consider this and
5 what rationale could be cited.
6 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she contacted other churches in the area and had responses from three
7 of the five. The other three churches have similar problems with having to use street parking and
8 several have problems-with lot coverage as well due to parking areas: She reported several are
9 well beyond the 35% required in R-1 districts. . However, churches are conditional uses in
10 Residential Districts and may have been exempt from that lot coverage requirement because
11 many were constructed before the City Ordinances were codified.
12 Mr. DeZelar advised that in order to comply with 200 more parking spots they would need an
13 additional 2.5 acres of land which would displace homes and residents.
14 Commissioner Franzese stated there is no lot coverage requirement for Commercial, only R-1
15 and R-2 Residential.
Commissioner Gondorchin concurred that parking is a self-limiting aspect.
17 Vice Chair Makowske recapped that parking and lot coverage may be issues to address.
18 Mr. DeZelar added that setback may be another issue. According to ordinance, the building
19 needs a 25 foot rear setback or 20% of the depth of the lot. He explained that in this case, 20%
20 would be 73.5 feet from the property line which means the corner is nine feet into the setback.
21 Commissioner Horst stated this may require the need to request a variance. With regard to the
22 parking situation, he stated there is a problem getting down St. Anthony Boulevard when cars
23 are parked on both sides. He stated he would like to see the parking issue addressed by the
24 architect as well as reasoning for a setback variance.
25 Commissioner Franzese asked staff to obtain a ruling from the City Attorney whether the
26 parking issue is grandfathered in since the church was built 20 years prior to adoption of the
27 Parking Ordinance. She noted that a conditional use permit is not lost in this type of situation
28 where an addition is being proposed.
29 Vice Chair Makowske stated the use is non-conforming currently so if left, no adjustments
30 would be required. However, with an addition, it could be required to be brought up to Code.
�1 Commissioner Franzese stated she does not know if this will be an issue.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 10
1 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the City Attorney has indicated it needs to be dealt with by either
2 considering a variance or changing the Ordinance.
3 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired regarding the potential for a conflict of interest with
4 Planning Commissioners who are members of St. Charles.
5 Vice Chair Makowske stated this was checked and the City Attorney indicated there is only a
6 conflict of interest if Planning Commissioners will derive direct economic benefit by the way
7 they vote on the proposed project. He explained the need for the Planning Commission to find a
8 hardship when considering a variance request. Vice Chair Makowske encouraged the applicant
9 to make creative use of the property.
10 Mr. DeZelar stated the City's ordinances create the hardship and to fulfill the required parking
11 spaces it will create a hardship because they will need to displace homes and families. If not
12 approved, it will pull away from the worship functions which go on in today's churches.
13 Vice Chair Makowske suggested when the formal application is presented to the Planning
14 Commission, that the applicant be prepared to speak to the hardship issue, the parking shortage,
15 the lot coverage issue, and landscaping.
Commissioner Horst stated he believes it will be difficult to find a hardship or to determine there
17 is no other building which could be built. He stated he would like to find a way, if possible, for
18 the project to be exempted from that setback requirement without the need for a variance.
19 Mr. DeZelar noted the garage is also within the setback.
20 Commissioner Horst stated he would have a hard time recommending a variance be granted for
21 the setback.
22 Vice Chair Makowske stated this is an R-1 zone so the requirements to be met would be those of
23 an R-1 single family dwelling. He stated if there are several other churches with these identical
24 problems, perhaps the Planning Commission should revisit that issue on a larger basis (rather
25 than just an individual variance).
26 Vice Chair Makowske noted this will be presented formally and a public hearing held on this
27 application at the September 16, 1997, meeting.
28 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS.
29 1. Proposed Amendment to Sign Ordinance for Professional Buildings.
30 Ms. Moore-Sykes reviewed the proposed amendment to Chapter 14, Signs, which adds a
31 definition of a Professional Building to the City's Ordinances and includes Professional
162 Buildings in the requirements for a Comprehensive Sign Plan.. She advised Staff submitted the
3 proposed revision to the City Attorney for his comments and he indicated that the changes are
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 11
1 acceptable and appropriate. Once the Planning Commission has reviewed this revision, the City
2 Council will hold three readings, commencing with the August 26, 1997 City Council meeting.
3 Vice Chair Makowske stated it appears this meets what the Planning Commission was
4. attempting to accomplish.
5 Motion by Horst, seconded by Franzese, to recommend approval of the proposed revision of the
6 Sign Ordinance, Chapter 14, Signs, as presented by Staff and the City Attorney.
7 In response to Gondorchin, Ms. Moore-Sykes explained how the square footage was determined.
8 . Motion carried unanimously.
9 Vice Chair Makowske noted this request will be considered by the City Council at their meeting
10 on.August 26, 1997.
11 2. Comprehensive Plan Update.
12 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted the July 30, 1997, letter received from W. Paul Farmer, the City of
13 Minneapolis Planning Director, indicating he has examined the review draft of the
5
W4 Comprehensive Plan update and found it to be a professional document, appropriate for a fully-
developed first-ring suburb and meeting the central goal of retaining the village-like character of
16 St. Anthony Village. She reviewed the number of agencies which were sent a copy of the
17 Comprehensive Plan after it was adopted by the City Council. All of those entities have 60 days
18 to respond but so far this is the only response.
19 In response to Commissioner Horst, Ms. Moore-Sykes explained the purpose is to mitigate
20 incompatible land uses between bordering cities. She advised this process is on schedule.
21 IX. COMMENTS
22 Commissioner Horst reported the City is losing Town& Country Foods and commented this
23 may be the start of erosion of the south end as the Comprehensive Plan predicted. He stated this
24 may not impact the tax base but is something to be aware of.
25 Commissioner Thompson stated he drove by the Lorenz property and was amazed and impressed
26 with the mini-storage business located to the north. He stated this looked like a super business.
27 Commissioner Franzese asked Staff for an update on Apache Plaza and if Staff had been able to
28 research the commercial lot coverage requirement used by other cities.
29 Ms. Moore-Sykes provided a brief update on Apache Plaza and explained she only had a chance
30 to call one community which had no lot coverage requirement.
01 Commissioner.Gondorchin asked about a property on Stinson Boulevard and whether different
32 conditions exist for the fenced portion versus open portion relative to storage of vehicles. He
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
• August 19, 1997
Page 12
1 reported the area outside of the fenced area has many totaled out vehicles with no salvage value.
2 Commissioner Gondorchin stated this is very unsightly.
3 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she will check with Staff to determine whether this is a violation of City
4 Code.
5 Commissioner Gondorchin stated there has been talk about more enforcement of the Housing
6 Code.
7 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if the shopping center on the south side-of St. Anthony still has
8 a foreign owner. Ms. Moore-Sykes answered affirmatively.
9 Commissioner Horst reported the owner visited the property last year for first time in 15 years.
10 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired regarding the owner's intent. Commissioner Horst stated it
11 is to sell the center. He commented on the difficulty of getting a timely response to repairs when
12 the building is not locally-owned.
13 Vice Chair Makowske stated he attended the resident's flood meeting and was amazed by the
�4 high attendance. He named the elected officials who were either in attendance or represented at
5 thus meeting.
16 Ms. Moore-Sykes advised that City Staff has met with all of these representatives and is
17 attempting to find short-term financial assistance for these residents. However, this may not
18 happen due to focus on the major flooding of East Grand Forks by the Red River. She reported
19 Staff did attempt to provide testimony before the legislative committee but were unable to since
20 their focus was East Grand Forks. Ms. Moore-Sykes advised the question is what the City can
21 do in the future to alleviate this from happening again. She noted the City's water engineers said
22 that even if the City had spent money on a drainage system in 1992 it would not have prevented
23 the flooding in 1997 since it was caused when the rain fell too fast for any system to keep up
24 with it.
25 Vice Chair Makowske announced that the next flood meeting will be held on Wednesday,
26 August 27, 1997, at City Hall.
27 X. ADJOURNMENT.
28 Motion by Horst, seconded by Franzese, to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 P.M.
29 Motion carried unanimously.
30 Respectfully submitted,
101 Carla Wirth
32 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial