HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 11301997 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1997
Document: PL MINUTES 11301997
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 NOVEMBER 18, 1997
4 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
5 The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bergstrom at
6 7:00 P.M.
7 H. ROLL CALL.
8 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom; Commissioners Delmonico, Franzese,
9 Makowske, and Thompson.
10 Commissioners absent: Commissioners Gondorchin and Horst.
11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant.
12 III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 18, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
13 Motion by Thompson, seconded by Franzese, to approve the Planning Commission Agenda
14 for November 18, 1997 as presented.
15 Motion carried unanimously.
16 IV. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 21, 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
17 MINUTES.
Motion by Delmonico, seconded by Franzese, to approve the October 21, 1997 Planning
IqP9 Commission Meeting minutes as presented.
20
21 Motion carried unanimously.
22 V. DESIGNATE PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE FOR NOVEMBER 25,
23 1997 COUNCIL MEETING.
24 Commissioner Thompson was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the
25 Tuesday, November 25, 1997, City Council meeting.
26 VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
27 1. Conditional Use Permit - St. Charles Borromeo Church.
28 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:05 P.M.
29 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that in August, Gerald De Zelar, architect for Gerald De Zelar &
30 Associates, contacted the City informing Staff that St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church was
31 planning to construct a fellowship hall addition to the church. This proposed construction
32 constitutes a change to the structure and as a result of this proposed change, the church is
33 required to obtain a conditional use permit for the property.
34 St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church was constructed in 1958, before the City's zoning
35 districts and ordinances were codified. As such, the church has existed in this residential area
without the required conditional use permit because it is a grandfathered use.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 2
1 In considering the request for the conditional use permit, it must be determined that:
2
3 a. The use is one of the conditional uses specifically listed for the district in which the
4 property is located;
5 b. That specific conditions that are deemed necessary to make the use compatible with
6 other uses in the area are determined and communicated to the applicant;
7 C. The use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons
8 residing or working in the vicinity or to the values of property in the vicinity; and
9 d. The use will provide a service or a facility which is in the interest of public
1`0 convenience and will contribute to the general welfare of the community.
11 St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church is a conditional use that is specifically list in Section
12 1615.03 Permitted Conditional Uses, (a) of the City Code. St. Charles also concurs with the
13 requirement that the use will not be detrimental to the health or general welfare of persons
14 residing or working in the vicinity and does provide a service that is in the interest of the
15 public and contributes to the community's general welfare.
16 Safety has been an issue with the church because of the off-site parking that occurs whenever
17 the church holds services or schedules other events. Because worshipers park on St. Anthony
18 Boulevard and Stinson Boulevard, there is concern for the safety and welfare of pedestrian
and vehicular traffic in these neighborhoods. This concern is heightened during the winter
qPO months because plowed snow banks make it particularly difficult to park on the streets in
21 these areas.
22 Staff recommends that a condition to the conditional use permit be that the church develop
23 and enforce an on-site parking plan.
24 Chair Bergstrom noted that there has been a fair amount of discussion on this issue as it has
25 been presented to the Planning Commission on two previous occasions.
26 Commissioner Franzese noted that this request previously included a request for a setback
27 variance.
28 Ms. Moore-Sykes explained that it had been determined that a variance was not required as
29 that area was the backyard setback rather than the sideyard setback.
30 Commissioner Makowske noted that he had received a call from a resident requesting that the
31 tape or the minutes of tonight's meeting be available as he was unable to be in attendance.
32 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that would be arranged.
33 Gerald De Zelar, architect for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, displayed drawings of
the site plan, floor plan and the elevations of the proposed addition. He explained that the
5 desire of St. Charles is to construct an addition to the church of a fellowship hall of 12,000
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 3
1 square feet to be located between the existing church and the existing chapel. The addition
2 will be tucked into the property and will result in little imposition to the neighborhood.
3 The proposal will remove six trees but twelve new trees and shrubbery will be added to the
4 southern portion of the lot. The proposal includes the addition of 5,000 square feet of
5 impervious surface.
6 Commissioner Makowske questioned the drainage on the site.
7 Mr. De Zelar explained that the proposal includes a twelve inch pipe under the building to
8 collect a small amount of water from the church roof and all the water from the addition and
9 direct it to a dry well. He stated he has been required to contact the Watershed District in
10 regard to run off. He has spoken with the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management
11 Operation, the Minneapolis Environmental Department and is currently working with the
12 Minneapolis Sewer Department. The Minneapolis Sewer Department has requested that an
13 analysis of the flow and flow rate before and after the addition be provided. If there is a net
14 increase in the flow or flow rate after the addition, the church will be required to provide a
15 means of deterring the water back to it's original location. Mr. De Zelar stated that an
16 engineering firm is currently working on this issue. He noted that the Mississippi Watershed
17 Management Operation and the City of Minneapolis have no guidelines for this issue.
08 Commissioner Makowske stated that the City of St. Anthony is hypersensitive to the water
19 issue at this time.
20 Mr. De Zelar noted that the City of Minneapolis is sensitive to the water issue at this site
21 because of flooding on 27th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard. He stated that some of the water
22 will run to the east to Roosevelt, Pahl Avenue, and 27th Avenue. The water on the south
23 portion will flow to 27th Avenue and the amount of water that is on the building will be
24 dropped off on the west side to Stinson Boulevard. He stated this will be an improvement to
25 the current drainage of the site.
26 Mr. De Zelar explained that the main entrance off the parking area will be graded up to the
27 floor and will be totally handicap accessible. The addition will include an atrium with
28 amenities including a large skylight, fountain, planter, etc.; a large hall with an operable wall
29 so it can be divided; a small catering-type kitchen; a toilet; and a library. The existing chapel
30 in the convent will be remodeled under a separate contract for perpetual adoration.
31 Mr. De Zelar explained that the west elevation will include Mankato Stone and glass; the
32 south elevation will include a drive under canopy and brick which is complimentary to the
33 existing brick; and the east elevation which is screened by the garage, rectory and trees will
34 be brick.
Commissioner Makowske complimented Mr. De Zelar on the design of the addition. He
6 noted that the coat room was located close to the exit and asked if this would affect
37 pedestrian traffic.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 4
1 Mr. De Zelar agreed that this was a concern but he also wanted the coat room to be located as
2 close to the door as possible. There is a foyer which can absorb some of the congestion and
3 the coat room is a large walk-in room. He stated that under the conditions this is the best
4 location.
5 Commissioner Makowske commented that the facility appears to adapt to quite a few different
6 purposes and is a boon for the community.
7 Mr. De Zelar stated the addition is intended to be multi-functional and will be available for
8 community use.
9 Commissioner Franzese questioned the distance between the garage and the east side of the
10 building.
11 Mr. De Zelar stated there is 27 feet between the garage and the addition. There is ample
12 width for two-way traffic and emergency vehicles. He noted that the drive-under canopy is
13 high enough for an ambulance but not for a fire truck but there are other means of access for
14 fire trucks on the site.
15 Commissioner Franzese questioned the amount of handicap-accessible parking spaces on the
site.
. 0
17 Mr. De Zelar stated that six handicap-accessible spaces are required. Five spaces will be
18 provided near the building and four will be located near the entrance to the school.
19 Robert Hart, 2420-27th Avenue, stated that the water flows like a river into the intersection at
20 27th Avenue. He felt that the issue of directing water onto Stinson Boulevard needs to be
21 addressed.
22 Mr. De Zelar stated that he agreed with Mr. Hart and that he is working with the City of
23 Minneapolis on this issue. If the flow changes he has been directed to determine a means of
24 detaining the water.
25 Commissioner Franzese asked if there would be external lighting.
26 Mr. De Zelar stated there will be external security lights around the entire building and
27 parking area.
28 Commissioner Franzese asked Mr. De Zelar if he had addressed the Staff recommendation for
29 a parking plan.
30 Mr. De Zelar stated he had not addressed this issue as this was the first he had heard of it.
He did not know how to address this issue as most of the site currently is parking.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 5
1 Chair Bergstrom noted that there is currently overflow parking on Stinson and St. Anthony
2 Boulevard during significant events and Sunday Mass and it is not a function of the City to
3 have that undone. The main concern of the City is not to exacerbate this problem. He
4 suggested that the Public Works Director, City Engineer and Staff work with Mr. De Zelar to
5 optimize the parking and ensure that the situation does not get worse.
6 Mr. De Zelar stated he did not believe that the addition would make the parking situation
7 worse. The activities in the fellowship hall will be in conjunction with Mass and will not
8 increase the number of cars in the lot. Other activities in the fellowship hall will not be held
9 - during Sunday Mass and will not be of a large capacity.
10 Commissioner Makowske suggested that actions to improve the parking could include notice
11 in the church bulletin that overflow parking is available in the lower lot and making sure that
12 the lot is properly plowed in the winter.
13 Mr. Hart noted that parking of 5 to 8 cars currently occurs behind the convent. This parking
14 area will be removed by the addition.
15 Mr. De Zelar stated that this area is used for temporary parking and will be replaced by the
16 addition of three new parking spaces on the south side of the garage.
07 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:30 P.M.
18 Chair Bergstrom stated that community churches do a great deal to add to the value of a
19 community and the City should do whatever it can to foster and continue that.
20 Motion by Chair Bergstrom, seconded by Commissioner Franzese to recommend approval of
21 the conditional use permit request for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church based on:
22 a. The proposed conditional use is specifically listed for the zoning district in which the
23 property is located;
24 b. The proposed conditional use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general
25 welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity or to the values of property in
26 the vicinity
27 C. The proposed conditional use is necessary and desirable at the above location-,
28 and subject to the following conditions:
29 1. The church will develop and enforce an on-site parking plan. The plan to be approved
30 by the City Director of Public Works; and
31 2. Subject to the approval by the City of Minneapolis Sewer Department for the
32 connection and possible detention of water before it is released to Stinson Boulevard.
0 Motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 6
1 Chair Bergstrom stated this issue will be considered by the City Council at their November
2 25, 1997 meeting.
3 VII. NEW BUSINESS.
4 1. Proposed Revision of Section 1400.16 Enforcement.
5 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported the City Council received a request at the November 4th Council
6 meeting from Ron Hansen, 3220 Belden Drive, to review this section of the City Code for
7 revision. Mr. Hansen maintains that giving someone 30 days to comply with the City's Sign
8 Ordinance is too long. He feels that the City Manager should be able to make compliance
9 more immediate.
10 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported there was some concern that reducing the time of notice that a
11 person would have to comply with the Sign Ordinance may violate their due process rights.
12 She has contacted City Attorney William Soth for his legal opinion about more immediate
13 enforcement. Mr. Soth has stated that thirty days is traditionally the amount of time that is
14 allowed to comply with an ordinance. Thirty days allows a person who feels that they are not
15 in violation of an ordinance time to appeal the citation before the Board of Adjustment and
16 Appeals. Mr. Soth was not necessarily concerned with the due process rights but was
17 concerned that a sufficient amount of time be given for appeal.
Chair Bergstrom asked which sign had triggered this request.
19 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that she did not know which specific sign had triggered the request.
20 The City Council had asked that the Planning Commission consider the request.
21 Chair Bergstrom stated there is more of a problem with enforcement of the Sign Ordinance
22 than with the Sign Ordinance itself. He suggested better enforcement may be a task of the
23 new Public Works Director and the Building Inspector.
24 Ms.'Moore-Sykes noted that the Fire Department has also been given charge of code
25 enforcement.
26 There was Commission consensus to decline a revision of Section 1400.16 Enforcement due
27 to the opinion of the City Attorney, and in favor of directing appropriate members of City
28 Staff who have the jurisdiction, to pursue a more efficient enforcement of the Code.
29
30 VIII. CONCEPT REVIEW.
3.1 1. Proposed Sijzn Plan for New Citgo Gas Station, 2400-37th Avenue NE (Formerly Ston
32 `N Go).
33 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported Mr. Jim Sarna has recently purchased the Stop `N Go service
34 station on the comer of Stinson Boulevard and 37th Avenue NE and it will become a Citgo
35 affiliated gas station. Mr. Sama has submitted a sign proposal for the City's consideration.
06 The sign proposal includes the removal of the existing pylon sign as Mr. Sarna feels that
37 because of the stop signs and telephone pole, a pylon sign is obstructed and not noticed by
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 7
1 motorists. Mr. Sarna is proposing to place a lit double-sided monument sign at each curb cut.
2 There are two curb cuts on the property. These signs would exceed the 68 square foot
3 maximum for a double-sided ground sign. Each proposed monument sign is 6 feet by 8 feet
4 and which results in a total of 96 square feet of signage. If two monument signs would not
5 be acceptable, Mr. Sarna is requesting one lit double-sided monument sign at the curb cut and
6 a lit twin post canopy island sign. Mr. Sarna is also proposing wall signs similar to what
7 exists now.
8 Chair Bergstrom asked if the total coverage of the wall signage had been calculated.
9 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated it had not.
10 Jim Sarna, owner of property at 2400-37th Avenue NE, stated he is proposing to remove the
11 pylon sign on this property and locate a ground sign facing 37th Avenue NE and a ground
12 sign facing Stinson Boulevard. Each sign will be 6 feet by 8 feet.
13 Commissioner Franzese applauded Mr. Sarna for removing the pylon sign. She acknowledged
.14 the dilemma of this site and stated she preferred the second sign plan which included one
15 monument sign and a lit twin post canopy island sign.
Mr. Sarna stated he preferred the first option which included two monument signs as
7 customers would be able to see the prices from both directions. He stated the plan would
18 include enhancing the corner on which the signs are located with shrubbery, etc.
19 Chair Bergstrom noted the City's intent is to not have signs located on canopies.
20 Mr. Sarna's son asked if canopies are allowed to be lit.
21 Chair Bergstrom stated this was acceptable.
22 Commissioner Makowske asked that at the time of request for approval of the sign plan, Mr.
23 Sarna include a landscape plan for the site.
24 Commissioner Franzese asked why the monuments signs were so large.
25 Mr. Sarna stated this is the size of a typical sign. The proposed sign is small in relation to
26 the size of the lot and is a typical sign for this type of corner which is surrounded.by
27 businesses and open ground.
28
29 Commissioner Franzese asked what rationale could be given for the size of the signs.
30 Mr. Sarna stated the rationale was that he was removing the pylon sign which was
approximately 150 feet and replacing it with two signs, which are more than 100 feet apart,
aS2 and a total of 96 square feet.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 8
1 Commissioner Franzese noted that the monument sign to be placed on the border of the
2 property was to be double-sided and asked if the neighbor had been contacted.
3 Mr. Sarna stated that there is a fence on the property. He suggested that the sign will only
4 affect a small portion of the neighbor's front yard.
5 Chair Bergstrom asked if the signs would be illuminated 24 hours per day.
6 Mr. Sarna stated that the gas station will be open until 12:00 A.M. and that the lights would
7 be shut off-when the station was closed.
8 Chair Bergstrom encouraged Mr. Sarna to work with City Staff in the development of a final
9 plan.
10 IX. OTHER BUSINESS.
11 1. Comprehensive Plan Update Process.
12 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that she had received a call from Linda at the Metropolitan
13 Council stating that their informal review was almost completed. Upon completion of the
14 informal review, the Comprehensive Plan Update will be returned to the Planning
15 Commission for review and revision along with comments received from other agencies, and
then sent back to the Metropolitan Council for final review. It will then be returned to the
7 City Council for formal action.
18 Chair Bergstrom asked if a response had been received from any other agencies.
19 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she had not received any responses other than the response from the
20 Metropolitan Council.
21 Chair Bergstrom asked that Staff contact the other agencies who had been sent the
22 Comprehensive Plan Update and request their response. He asked when the comments of the
23 Metropolitan Council would be received.
24 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she expected the response within two weeks. The only comment
25 made in her phone conversation with the Metropolitan Council was that the sanitary sewer
26, portion of the Update was weak. She has conveyed this comment to Suzanne Rhees and Bill
27 Weber and they are aware of this. They will contact the Public Works Director to obtain
28 more information for that section.
29 2. Status Reports re: Task Forces.
30 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that the next Parks Advisory Task Force meeting is scheduled for
31 November 24, 1997 at 7:00 P.M. At the last Task Force meeting Councilmember Wagner
32 requested that the Task Force consider a recommendation to the City Council in regard to a
tot lot. When the City Hall/Community Service building was constructed, the City set aside
*4 funds to replace the tot lot. The proposal of the Task Force recommended the City Council
35 replace the play area immediately before the weather prohibits this. The City Council
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
• Page 9
1 concurred and a fence has been installed. The Public Works Department will install the new
2 equipment in the Spring.
3 The Task Force also acknowledged the need for an additional multi-age play area near the tot
4 lot. It was discussed and pretty much agreed, that this multi-age play area be located near the
5 water tower due to the shade of the trees in that location.
6 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that the next Storm Water Management Task Force meeting is
7 scheduled for December 2, 1997 at 7:00 P.M. WSB has requested additional time to divide
8 the City into 13 grids and study each grid specifically in regard to flood problems, topography
9 and specific characteristics. WSB will then determine the problems in-each area and a
10 solution for each section. They also plan to obtain information from residents in each area.
11 Commissioner Franzese asked if the City had submitted any grant applications.
12 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the City of St. Anthony had submitted a grant application to the
13 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and was awarded a $150,000 grant. She reported that
14 FEMA has invited the City of St. Anthony, along with the Ramsey and Hennepin County, to
15 continue on with their granting process. FEMA has $6.2 million available. That grant
16 application process is being handled by WSB.
07
8 3. Commissioner Interviews.
19 Ms. Moore-Sykes noted that Doug Bergstrom's, Rosemary Franzese's and Christopher
20 Makowske's terms expire on December 31, 1997. A letter of interest must be submitted by
21 December 15, 1997 at 4:30 P.M. to qualify for an interview by City Council. Interviews will
22 be held on December 17, 1997 at 6:30 P.M. Ms. Moore-Sykes noted that notice has been
23 published in the City newsletter and will also be published in the Bulletin Newspaper.
24 X. COMMENTS.
25 Chair Bergstrom asked Staff to obtain a firm date for the joint City Council/Planning
26 Commission Work Session.
27 Commissioner Franzese reported that the City of Bloomington is utilizing temporary
28 conditional use permits. She also reported that the City of Richfield has a Community
29 Council which is very active.
30 Commissioner Thompson noted that an Open House will be held for Public Works Director
31 Larry Hamer on November 20 from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. at City Hall. He also expressed his
32 disappointment in regard to the stadium issue.
33 Commissioner Makowske expressed a thank you to the Councilmembers who will be leaving
34 office. He also expressed congratulations to those who will be joining the City and looks
forward to working with them.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1997
Page 10
1 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that earlier this evening she, along with other City Staff and
2 elected officials, had attended a mini-grand opening of the SAV H Liquor Store. The store
3 will be open for operation on Friday, November 21, 1997, at 9:00 A.M.
4 Chair Bergstrom commented that it had been noted at the October 28, 1997 Council meeting
5 that the Planning Commission had not been invited to the grand opening. He stated that not
6 inviting the Commissioners sent a statement to the Planning Commission.
7 XI. ADJOURNMENT.
8- Motion by Makowske, seconded by Delmonico, to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M.
9 Motion carried unanimously.
10 Respectfully submitted,
11 Lorri Kopischke
12 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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