HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 08181998 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1998
Document: PL MINUTES 08181998
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 AUGUST 18, 1998
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 Gondorchin, Horst, Kaczor,
9 Makowske, and Thompson.
10 Commissioners absent: None.
11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant.
12 III. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 18, 1998 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA.
13 Motion by Commissioner Gondorchin, seconded by Commissioner Makowske,to approve the
14 Planning Commission Agenda for August 18, 1998 as presented.
15
16 Commissioner Horst noted that the Public Hearing, Agenda.Item VI, involves resident Robert
17 Jensen, not Johnson.
18
19 Motion carried unanimously.
41 IV. APPROVAL OF JUNE 16, 1998 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
22 Motion by Commissioner Gondorchin, seconded by Commissioner Kaczor,to approve the June
23 16, 1998 Planning Commission Meeting minutes with the following correction:
24 Page 6, line 3, change the word "commensurate" to "commence."
25
26 Motion carried unanimously.
27 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CITY
28 COUNCIL.
29 Chair Bergstrom was appointed as the Planning Commission representative for the August 24,
30 1998 City Council meeting.
31 VI. PUBLIC HEARING.
32 A. 98-09 Robert V. Jensen- Garage Setback Permit and Variance to the Size for the
33 Proposed Garage at 2908 Roosevelt St. NE
34 Chair Bergstrom opened the public Hearing at 7:05 P.M.
35
36 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that Robert and Doreen Jensen,owners of 2908 Roosevelt Street NE,
37 have submitted a request for a Garage Setback Permit in order to construct a detached double car
garage. There is currently a single car garage attached to the residence. The Jensens are
40 proposing to remodel the house and construct the detached garage set back from the primary
40 structure 23 feet so they can store other miscellaneous vehicles and equipment.
1•
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
• Page 2
1
2 According to the drawing submitted by Mr. Jensen,the proposed garage will be constructed in
3 the sideyard setback located on the north side of the property, leaving three feet to the property
4 line. Front and rear setbacks will be maintained according to the requirements of the City's
5 Zoning Ordinance. Staff advised Mr. Jensen to talk with his neighbors about his proposed
6 garage construction.
7
8 Mr. Jensen will also need a variance as part of this garage setback permit request because the
9 proposed garage is 24 feet by 30 feet and is 720 square feet. Section 1650.02, Subd. 6 of the
10 City's Ordinance states that the garage will cover an area of no more than 528 square feet and
11 will not have a dimension greater than 24 feet located either on the sideyard or rear yard. 'Mr.
12 Jensen.is proposing to build the garage larger than allowed by Ordinance so that he can store
13 recreational vehicles and other equipment.
14
15 The lot coverage of the proposed project is 34.9%, including the driveway and sidewalk and is
16 within the City's 35% lot coverage restriction. Staff has received no calls or other
17 communication stating opposition to the Jensen's proposal.
18
19 Chair Bergstrom noted that Mr. Jensen was absent from the meeting. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated
0 that she left a message at his home yesterday regarding the meeting. In the applicant's absence,
Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:07 P.M.
2
23 Commissioner Horst asked if the size of the structure was ever an issue. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated
24 that the size was discussed at the concept review and Mr. Jensen indicated he needed the space.
25 Commissioner Horst asked what criteria would be involved in getting a variance in size. Chair
26. Bergstrom stated that it would be necessary to demonstrate a hardship.
27
28 Commissioner Makowske asked whether the whole garage permit process was designed so the
29 project review process' strict guidelines would not apply. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the
30 setback permit process is designed to alleviate requests for variances.
31
32 Commissioner Gondorchin stated that Mr. Jensen has filled out the necessary paperwork for the
33 setback permit and variance and questioned the necessity of demonstrating a hardship.
34
35 Chair Bergstrom noted that Mr. Jensen arrived at 7:09 P.M. and,therefore, re-opened the public
36 hearing at 7:10 P.M.
37
38 Commissioner Horst apologized for the nearly 2 months which have lapsed since the original
39 concept review and asked for a summary of the discussion as it related to the size of the proposed
40 project.
41
Mr. Jensen stated that the large garage is necessary to increase storage capacity. Commissioner
41 Horst asked if Mr. Jensen has consulted with all neighbors affected by this project. Mr. Jensen
44 stated that all his neighbors are aware of and support his plan.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
• Page 3
1
2 Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:13 P.M.
3
4 Chair Bergstrom stated that not many people have a large enough garage for their needs. He
5 expressed uncertainty over whether a variance based on size could be granted. Commissioner
6 Horst questioned whether the large size of the garage is within the bounds of the setback
7 variance.
8
9 Chair Bergstrom stated that he was not on the Planning Commission at the time that the garage
10 setback permit process was drafted.
11
12 Commissioner Gondorchin stated that a survey was done to determine the standard garage size of
13 residents in the City and this was incorporated into the process.
14
15 Commissioner Thompson stated that the phasing out of single car garages is a positive trend.
16
17 Commissioner Horst stated that the trend is definitely a neighborhood improvement, but
18 expressed concern over the precedence being created and questioned the criteria upon which this
19 process is based. Commissioner Gondorchin stated that since lot coverage has expanded,the size
of the garage is no longer a factor.
40
22 Chair Bergstrom suggested that use of lot coverage as a basis for the granting of variances will
23 bring forth other applicants with the same logic, and therefore the ordinance might need revision.
24
25 Commissioner Gondorchin agreed that the ordinance should be revisited as the demand for larger
26 garages increases.
27 As a general note, Chair Bergstrom stated that neighbors of Mr. Jensen had been notified and no
28 opposition to this project has been raised to City staff. He also stated that this item will be
29 presented to the City Council at their next meeting and encouraged Mr. Jensen to attend,
30 apologizing again for the delay in resolving this issue and stating the Commission's appreciation
31 for his patience.
32 Motion by Chair Bergstrom, second by Commissioner Kaczor,that the garage setback permit be
33 approved as described in submittals from Mr. Jensen with respect to 1)the 3-foot side yard
34 setback and 2)the increase in total size of structure.
35 Motion carried unanimously.
36 VII. OTHER BUSINESS.
1. Report From the Parks Commission Chair.
Chair Bergstrom welcomed Parks Commission Chair Carol Jindra to the meeting, stating the
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
• Page 4
1 Planning Commission was pleased and excited about the Parks Commission's role as part of the
2 larger redevelopment of the City.
3
4 Ms. Jindra stated that she has been a life-long resident of St. Anthony, and has participated on the
5 Parks Task Force for the past year. She stated that the Parks Commission has held two meetings,
6 the first of which was strictly introductions. The Parks Commission consists of 7 commissioners
7 as well as 3 representatives from civic groups who attend as non-voting members: the Sports
8 Boosters, Community Services, and the School Board. Ms. Jindra is an elected chairperson. The
9 Parks Commission to date has accomplished the designation of Parks Ordinance and By-Laws,
10 and currently its main focus is Silver Point Park because of the proposed flood mitigation
11 project. Ms. Jindra stated that discussions are on-going concerning Central Park, and they hope
12 to have final plans and decisions to present to the City Council after the Parks Commission's
13 next meeting. Ms. Jindra invited comments and input from the Planning Commission.
14
15 Commissioner Makowske questioned whether the northern area of Central.Park was designed to
16 assist with drainage problems. Ms. Jindra confirmed that the northern area has been designed as
17 a berm to eliminate flooding on Skycroft Drive.
18
19 Chair Bergstrom asked whether there would be a loss or gain in the total number of existing
0 ballfields, soccer fields and rinks. Ms. Jindra stated that Central Park would gain a ball field
which would potentially be used as a soccer field.
22
23 Chair Bergstrom asked for the reaction of the School Board to these changes, since it owns part
24 of Central Park. Ms. Jindra stated that the School Board is supportive of the Parks Commission
25 and anxious to proceed. She added that specific financial support has not been discussed with
26 them regarding the parks redevelopment. She also stated that a School Board member will attend
27 all Parks Commission meetings as liaison.
28
29 Ms. Jindra stated that because of park redevelopment, the Parks Commission is looking into the
30 possibility of the temporary leasing of some ballfields behind Unisys. In addition,the Salvation
31 Army camp may soon be up for sale and the Parks Commission hopes to participate in a program
32 of some sort with Ramsey County to acquire and/or utilize that land.
33
34 Ms. Jindra concluded that there are a multitude of issues which the Parks Commission will be
35 addressing, but because of recent flooding,their main focus is 1) Silver Point Park and 2) Central
36 Park. The Parks Commission has the full support of the City Council and hopes that the
37 Planning Commission will follow suit. She stated that the Parks Commission hopes to arrive at
38 some sort of solicitation program for residents of the City, asking for comments/input,possibly
39 through the City Bulletin. The Parks Commission is eager to involve the general public in their
40 meetings through audience participation.
41
Chair Bergstrom asked if the Parks Commission's project timing is being driven by the
It reconstruction of 29th Avenue. Ms. Jindra confirmed that according to WSB, the reconstruction
44 project on 29th Avenue must coincide with the planning of Silver Point Park.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
. Page 5
1
2 Commissioner.Makowske asked what the role and focus of the Parks Commission will be once
3 the configuration of these parks is implemented. Ms. Jindra stated that the Parks Commission
4 has not made any plans beyond those currently on the table. She reiterated that last week's Parks
5 Commission meeting was really their first and to date their main focus has been the sharing of
6 ideas.
7
8 Chair Bergstrom referred to a section of the City's updated Comprehensive Plan, a document
9 required by the Metropolitan Council which is in final approval stage, which refers to park
10 planning. He suggested that Ms. Jindra obtain a copy from Ms. Moore-Sykes at her earliest
11 convenience. The plan provides an analysis of parks within the City in comparison with other
12 communities as well as recommendations regarding the acquisition of other property for
13 parkland, specifically the public works garage. The recommendations allow for the removal of
14 that facility to a new location due to conflicting use within the neighborhood, and the conversion
15 of the acreage into a park. Chair Bergstrom encouraged Ms. Jindra to bring the Plan to the Parks
16 Commission for general discussion and incorporation into their agenda. Ms. Jindra added that
17 the potential for passive parkland may exist when and if the City purchases several houses due to
18 flooding.
19
16 Chair Bergstrom thanked Ms. Jindra for her participation in the Planning Commission's meeting.
21 2. Storm Water Management Ordinance Review
22 Ms. Moore-Sykes reviewed the Ordinance for Storm Water Management. The adoption by the
23 City Council of this ordinance is required by the Metropolitan Council before they will approve
24 the Comprehensive Plan Update.
25
26 Chair Bergstrom stated that after reviewing the proposed ordinance, he had some minor
27 comments. All state and federal water management districts' ordinances focus on construction
28 projects which are over 5 acres and do not require the same level of detail for projects which are
29 under 5 acres. He stated that the content is appropriate for commercial developments and
30 residential developments of significant size, but does not apply to small residential projects.
31 Comments or suggestions for dealing with smaller projects would be appreciated.
32
33 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that this proposed ordinance was taken from a model ordinance
34 submitted by the Metropolitan Council, and questions or comments regarding its content should
35 be presented to the City Council for discussion. The Metropolitan Council's model document is
36 based largely on the requirements of outlying suburbs where large tract developments occur
37 regularly.
38
39 Commissioner Gondorchin expressed the need for reinforcement of limits to be incorporated in
40 the proposed ordinance. He referred to Section 9 which addresses regulations for use of lawn
fertilizer, and the practical impossibility of imposing these regulations on the average
41 homeowner.
43
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
• Page 6
1 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that there is a push across the metropolitan community for areas with
2 lakes and wetlands such as St. Anthony to renew concern over fertilizer use and disposal of grass
3 clippings.
4
5 Chair Bergstrom stated that the proposed ordinance should be utilized as a guideline only, and
6 stressed the importance of recognizing that it will be difficult to enforce.
7
8 Commissioner Gondorchin agreed that the proposed ordinance should be viewed as a
9 recommendation not to use fertilizer, but if fertilizer is used, residents should follow the
10 guidelines.
11
12 Chair.Bergstrom stated that other communities include these kinds of items in public education
13 notices. Ms. Moore-Sykes confirmed that the information had been included in the City's
14 Newsletter.
15 VIII. COMMENTS.
16 Commissioner Gondorchin stated that the resident's survey provided an interesting new
17 perspective on the demographics in St. Anthony. Residents expressed concerns regarding
18 flooding; but he expressed greater concern that residents had no concerns. He highlighted that
19
% of residents surveyed had no priorities.
21 Commissioner Gondorchin asked about the absence of Lorri Kopischke,the previous recording
22 secretary. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that she has moved to another area. Commissioner
23 Gondorchin stated that her ability to capture the flavor of the meeting will be missed and her
24 attention to detail was greatly appreciated. Ms. Moore-Sykes introduced Mary Mullen,the new
25 recording secretary.
26
27 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if there had been any progress on Apache Plaza. Ms. Moore-
28 Sykes stated that there appears that things are moving along steadily, and everyone is encouraged
29 by the developments.
30
31 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if there was any discussion on the site of New Market. Ms.
32 Moore-Sykes stated that Dick Krier will attend the September Planning Commission meeting
33 and the City Council is interested in pursuing his proposals.
34
35 Commissioner Kaczor stated that the tennis courts are definitely well-lit! The lights usually go
36 off around 11:30 p.m. or midnight. It is nice to see that they are used constantly.
37
38 Commissioner Makowske asked if the Commissioners would receive a copy of the most updated
39 version of the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Moore-Sykes said that she would ensure that each
40 Commissioner received a copy.
0 Commissioner Thompson attended a block party on Macalaster Drive in conjunction with
43 National Night Out. Many residents expressed resentment and anger regarding the digging in
Planning Commission.Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
• Page 7
1 Emerald Park. They felt that all the work being done was for the benefit of 2 houses at one end
2 of the park; in addition, they felt these issues should be addressed in New Brighton since some
3 flooding comes from that city.
4
5 Commissioner Thompson also attended a parade in LeSeuer while there for his wife's class
6 reunion, both of which they enjoyed immensely.
7
8 Commissioner Horst was surprised by the overwhelming support of residents in favor of liquor
9 and food operations revealed by the resident survey. Chair Bergstrom stated that the two were
10 not mutually exclusive.
11
12 Chair Bergstrom asked if the City had received a digital map from BRW. Ms. Moore-Sykes
13 stated that she spoke with Mr. Weber on July 31, 1998 and BRW uses Freehand, a Macintosh
14 program, for their mapping system. She added that the City of St. Anthony does not have
15 Macintosh-compatible hardware, nor does any other city with which she is familiar. Chair
16 Bergstrom stated that the Planning Commission should revisit BRW's contract, as BRW should
17 be using an IBM-compatible database.
18
19 Chair Bergstrom expressed regret at the lack of a quorum at last month's Planning Commission
meeting. He formally requested that the City Council appoint another Planning Commissioner as
soon as possible, which would aid in preventing another such lack of a quorum from occurring.
22
23 Commissioner Horst stated that the City Council was waiting until the end of the year to appoint
24 another Commissioner, presupposing that a 7th Commissioner would not be important to the
25 work of the Commission. Ms. Moore-Sykes agreed and stated that she would present this issue
26 along with a summary of this meeting to the City Council at their next meeting.
27
28 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that there has been a proposal to add a convenience store in the
29 shopping center near Town `N Country.
30
31 Chair Bergstrom addressed the audience in the Council Chamber, asking if they wished to speak.
32
33 Richard Miller, 2717 30th Avenue NE, noticed the Water Management Ordinance Review on
34 this evening's meeting agenda and came to monitor the water management situation. He stated
35 that while he understands the importance of maintaining the integrity of parklands, this issue is
36 very important to residents as many backyards are involved. Chair Bergstrom thanked Mr.
37 Miller for his interest and attendance.
38 IX. ADJOURNMENT.
39 Motion by Commissioner Horst, seconded by Commissioner Makowske, to adjourn the meeting
40 at 8:15 P.M.
Motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
August 18, 1998
• Page 8
1 Respectfully submitted,
2 Mary Mullen
3 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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