HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 03161999 Meeting Sheet
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Box: 19
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1999
Document: PL MINUTES 03161999
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
4 MARCH 16, 1999
5
6
7 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
8 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair
9 Bergstrom.
10
11 II. ROLL CALL.
12 Commissioners present: Chair Bergstrom; Commissioners Hanson, Gondorchin, Kaczor,
13 Makowske, Stille and Horst.
14 Commissioners absent: None.
15 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes,Management Assistant.
16
17
18 III. APPROVAL OF MARCH 19, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA.
19 Motion by Gondorchin, second by Bergstrom to approve the March 19, 1999 Planning
20 Commission Meeting Agenda as presented.
21
22 Motion carried unanimously.
46 IV. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 16, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
25 MINUTES.
26 Motion by Bergstrom, second by Horst to approve the February 16, 1999 Planning Commission
27 Meeting Minutes with the following changes:
28
29 Page 4, line 20, change"Ms. Moore-Sykes"to"GondorchW'
30 Page 5, line 5, change"Bergstrom"to "Gondorchin"
31 Page 6, line 21, change"Carpola"to "Karkulla"
32
33 Motion carried unanimously.
34
35 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CITY
36 COUNCIL.
37 Kaczor agreed to attend the March 23, 1999 City Council meeting.
38
39 VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
40 A. James Bona, Sideyard Variance for Storage Addition, St. Anthony Mobil, 2801 Kenzie
41 Terrace.
42 Bergstrom opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 P.M.
43
44 Ms. Moore-Sykes reviewed the petition for variance submitted by James R. Bona, also known as
0 Roger Bona and owner of the St. Anthony Mobil Station located at 2801 Kenzie Terrace,
46 requesting a 10 foot variance to the sideyard setback on the west side of the existing building that
47 houses auto service and repair bays. Mr. Bona is seeking this variance in order to construct a
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
• March 16, 1999
Page 2
1 cold storage addition so that he will be able to store equipment that is used on a daily basis and to
2- support an inventory of items necessary for the conduct of his repair business. He also proposes
3 to store used tires in this proposed addition until there is a sufficient number.for disposal.
4
5 Mr. Bona is requesting a 10-foot variance similar to the one that was granted two years ago for
6 the building where he plans to construct the proposed addition. Strict enforcement of the
7 sideyard setback would cause an undue hardship because of fire code restrictions limiting the
8 types of storage units that can be used for potentially flammable items. Due to the nature of his
9 business and that he intends to store used tires, business-related inventory, and snow removal
10 equipment, the fire code prevents him from purchasing a pre-manufactured storage unit. Because
11 of the "moveability"of pre-constructed units, such a unit could be placed within the setbacks of
12 this property but they are not rated to contain a fire or restrict its spreading.
13
14 The storage of used tires and equipment outside of the building is also not conducive to the
15 City's revitalization and beautification efforts, especially since Mr. Bona's business operates
16 next to a residential area. As he states in his letter for petition for variance, Mr. Bona reiterates
17 that while his business exists in a commercial zone, he is aware of the residential aspect of the
18 neighborhood and works hard to conform to that standard so that the business can blend in rather
than stand out. Leaving equipment and used tires outside does not blend in with the character of
the neighborhood nor does erecting a tin storage shed that can be placed within the setbacks of
21 the property.
22
23 Staff has visited the Mobil Station and talked with Mr. Bona about this project. Of concern to
24 Staff was the potential loss of parking spaces in order to construct this proposed addition. Mr.
25 Bona indicated that he would lose an area equivalent to two sparking spaces, which he was
26 already using for storage of equipment and used tires. In reviewing past requests, Staff found
27 that Mr. Bona was required as part of his conditional use permit for the construction of the repair
28 bays,to add 19 more spaces. He added 21 spaces on site and another 14 parking spaces on the
29 property he owns adjacent to the repair bays building.
30
31 Bergstrom invited a representative of Roger's St. Anthony Mobil to address the Commission.
32 John Ludwig,New View Construction, presented architectural drawings depicting the proposed
33 construction. He stated the building addition will be designed with a residential look to fit in
34 with the houses around it with a brick and stucco exterior.
35
36 Hanson asked for clarification with regard to the direction which the main opening of the
37 structure would face. Mr. Ludwig stated the building will be accessible from the east on Kenzie
38 Terrace similar to the doors on both existing buildings.
39
40 Ms. Moore-Sykes presented a letter written by Gary and Cary Zahrbock, 2704 -27th Avenue
NE, "in support of St. Anthony Mobil's request for a side yard variance to allow construction of
I@ a storage addition to the north side of the service and repair bays building.
43
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 16, 1999
Page 3
1 As neighbors of Roger's St. Anthony Mobil,we have found them to be a tremendous asset to our
2 community! The building developments Roger has made have been tasteful and an
3 improvement.
4
5 We appreciate not only his excellent service and wonderful staff,but his commitment to the
6 positive image of St. Anthony."
7
8 Bergstrom closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 P.M.
9
10 Stille asked where the Zahrbock's home is situated. Mr. Bona stated the Zahrbock's home is 4
11 houses from the Mobil station.
12
13 Bergstrom stated the variance request seems to be an extension of variances granted in the past,
14 and similar to some cold storage installed at a site at 33rd Avenue and Stinson Boulevard.
15
16 Gondorchin asked if there were any options or alternatives Mr. Bona might have other than
17 constructing the proposed building. Mr. Bona stated there are no other options due to the
18 triangular shape of the lot and the need for minimum exposure for storage of unsightly items.
.46 Gondorchin asked whether there was storage space within the existing structure. Mr. Bona stated
there is not.
21
22 Motion by Makowske, second by Hanson to approve recommendation to the City Council of a
23 10-foot sideyard variance request for Roger's St. Anthony Mobil Station, 2801 Kenzie Terrace.
24
25 Motion carried unanimously.
26
27 Bergstrom stated the variance request will be presented to the City Council for approval.at their
28 March 23, 1999 regular meeting, and encouraged Mr. Bona to attend that meeting. He expressed
29 his appreciation to Mr. Bona for all his efforts within the community.
30
31 VII. CONCEPT REVIEW.
32 A. Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Sideyard Variance for Sidewalk around Mausoleum.
33 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that representatives from Sunset Memorial Park were present for a
34 concept review in preparation for a public hearing on a petition for a variance at the April 20,
35 1999 Planning Commission meeting. She added they are requesting to be allowed to construct a
36 5-foot wide sidewalk in the setbacks on the northeast and northwest sides of the recently
37 constructed mausoleum, and have agreed to a concept review so that the Planning Commission
38 can review their proposal and discuss options and suggestions.
39
40 Bergstrom asked whether the sidewalk is a requirement or an option of the owner. Ms. Moore-
Sykes stated she assumes it is an option as the building inspector had been to the site and nothing
was mentioned to Staff.
43
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
• March 16, 1999
Page 4
1 Horst asked for clarification with regard to the variance request. Ms. Moore-Sykes confirmed
2 that proposed sidewalk will be situated 5 feet within the setback. She invited representatives of
3 Sunset Memorial Park to address the Commission.
4
5 Mr. Ted Dirkman presented overhead views of the property in question, adding that 20 feet of the
6 90-foot proposed sidewalk would be within the setback, and the variance of 5 feet is the width of
7 the proposed sidewalk.
8
9 Bergstrom asked for clarification with regard to the purpose of the proposed sidewalk. Mr.
10 Dickman stated the sidewalk is necessary for families to visit crypts without walking on the lawn
11 which is not appropriate for wheelchairs,the elderly or high heels. Horst stated these points will
12 be helpful toward demonstrating a hardship.
13
14 Bergstrom asked whether the Park is under any industry rules or regulations which require the
15 sidewalk. Mr. Dirkman stated the sidewalk is not required but is necessary to make visiting
16 crypts easier for families. Makowske stated that in addition to access,there could be some safety
17 issues as well. Dirkman confirmed this, stating the sidewalk will be ploughed in the wintertime,
18 and staff will use it for operational purposes, so there are safety issues for staff as well.
Makowske stated he believes the safety issue will be key in requesting a variance with regard to
21 hardship. He stated the Planning Commission is under obligation to fulfill 3 conditions: 1)the
22 hardship must not be caused by the cemetery; 2)there must be unusual circumstances not
23 applicable to other lots; and 3)the hardship must be caused by City ordinance. He added that
24 whatever Mr. Dirkman could provide to help the Commission determine that these conditions are
25 met will be helpful in presenting the case to the City Council for final approval.
26
27 Bergstrom stated he believes the issue is very straightforward and there are no other options to
28 meet the Park's needs. He added the request will be brought before the Commission for a Public
29 Hearing and presented to the City Council in April.
30
31 VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.
32 A. Variance Request Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Public Hearing 4/20/99.
33 Ms. Moore-Sykes reminded the Commission that a public hearing would be held for Sunset
34 Memorial Cemetery's variance request at their April 20, 1999 meeting.
35
36 B. Variance Request, 4008 Fordham Drive,Public Hearing 4/20/99
37 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that a lot split and variances for lot width and area for 4008 Fordham
38 Drive was approved by the City Council 12 years ago. She added that the lot's owners, the
39 Johnson's, never had a plat survey filed and the variances expired after 12 months.
40
Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the Johnson's now wish to request the variances again and their buyers
have drawn up architectural plans for a house for the nonconforming lot. She added she received
43 notice from Johnson's in November 1998 that they had filed the plat survey with Ramsey County
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
• March 16, 1999
Page 5
1 based on the Council meeting minutes from 12 years ago and it was accepted. She stated she had
2 requested a letter from the County to this effect but has not received it to date.
3
4 Bergstrom stated that if Ramsey County proceeds with this,they will plat nonconforming lots.
5 Ms. Moore-Sykes agreed, stating the City ordinance specifies the expiration of a variance, but
6 not a subdivision. She added the Johnson's had given her a depiction of the proposed home to be
7 constructed on the nonconforming lot, and it meets the 35% lot coverage requirement.
8
9 Gondorchin stated a resident on that block had expressed concern with regard to water issues if a
10 home is built on that lot and had suggested there was a moratorium on building on that block due
11 to the storm water problems which had existed for some time. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she was
12 not familiar with that but would look into it.
13
14 Bergstrom asked whether Ms. Moore-Sykes had recommended that the Johnson's have a concept
15 review with the Planning Commission. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated they had been to the Planning
16 Commission in November 1998 and she had given them an application but they did not submit
17 the necessary fee. Horst stated he had spoken to the Johnson's and suggested a concept review,
18 but they seemed anxious to get on with the process.
46 IX. OTHER BUSINESS.
21 1. Report from the Parks Commission.
22 Bergstrom welcomed Parks Commissioner Doug Koehntop and invited him to address the
23 Commission. Mr. Koehntop stated the Parks Commission has been focusing mainly on the
24 development of the Water Tower Park play area and have arrived at final plans for a 9,000 square
25 feet multi-age interactive play with a timber surface which is cost effective and handicapped
26 accessible. He added a half basketball court will be situated behind the water treatment plant,
27 and excessive landscaping will be done along 33rd Avenue.
28
29 Mr. Koehntop stated the Commission intends to present the site plan to the City Council at their
30 March 23, 1999 meeting and hopefully have bids out by the beginning of April.
31
32 Bergstrom asked what parking is available for users of the play area. Mr. Koehntop stated a path
33 will link the existing parking near the tennis courts and community center to the play area.
34
35 Bergstrom asked about plans for a restroom. Mr. Koehntop stated a portable handicapped
36 accessible restroom unit with water fountain will be situated near the water treatment plant. He
37 added there are restrooms in the warming houses.
38
39 Horst asked for clarification with regard to plans for a basketball court. Mr. Koehntop stated the
40 Commission had originally hoped for 2 half basketball courts or 1 full court, but the architects
decided it was not possible due to grade and space constraints.
2
43 Bergstrom asked what amount of usage is anticipated. Mr. Koehntop stated that particular
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
• March 16, 1999
Page 6
1 question has not been addressed,but the Commission believes that people using the park for
2 other purposes will spend time at the play area.
3
4 Stille asked for a construction timeframe: Mr. Koehntop stated that if the final plans are
5 approved by the City Council next week, bids will be put out in April for construction to
6 commence in May and the park to open in July.
7
8 Kaczor stated he lives on 33rd Avenue across from the proposed play area, and parking is a
9 problem along that street especially as parking regulations are confusing. Mr. Koehntop stated
10 the Commission plans to do extensive, attractive landscaping along 33rd Avenue. -
11
12 2. Discussion of Goals for 1999.
13 Bergstrom stated he believed the joint worksession with the City Council on March 9, 1999 was
14 an open and frank discussion at which the Council expressed their support for the Commission's
15 desire to take on a larger role.
16
17 Makowske stated the Commission should act quickly to produce results in the near term so the
18 Council will see that they are determined to take a more active role in City planning.
46 Bergstrom stated that the Apache Plaza/Opus issue has not gained momentum, and the Mayor
21 had discussed potential new owners of the St. Anthony Shopping Center. Horst stated the new
22 owners had met with the Council previously, and he met them and was favorably impressed with
23 their plans for the shopping center. He added they are interested in other sites around the
24 shopping center and they have rejuvenated several other shopping centers in the area.
25
26 Bergstrom asked whether the sale has closed. Horst stated the potential new owners have signed
27 a purchase agreement and expect to close within 60 days. Bergstrom stated the City Council has
28 hired Mr. Dick Krier to do additional planning for the shopping center, and questioned how that
29 will dovetail in with this acquisition.
30
31 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated Mr. Krier's plan takes the whole area into consideration and not just the
32 shopping center. Horst stated he questions the value of Mr. Krier's input at this point since the
33 new owners will do whatever they want with the property. Bergstrom reiterated that Mr. Krier is
34 reviewing the entire area.
35
36 Kaczor stated that discussions at the joint worksession seemed to indicate that St. Anthony
37 shopping center is more viable than Apache Plaza. Bergstrom stated he and Ms. Moore-Sykes
38 plan to meet with City Manager Mike Morrison on March 29, 1999 at 12:00 P.M. with regard to
39 the joint worksession, and invited interested Commissioners to attend.
40
Makowske asked what the Commission's next step might be with regard to the priorities
discussed and decided upon at the February 16, 1999 meeting. Bergstrom stated the Mayor was
43 supportive of the Commission's proposal for the hiring of an economic development specialist
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
• March 16, 1999
Page 7
1 for the City, but that would ultimately be the decision of Mr. Mornson who is responsible for
2 staffing issues.
3
4 An audience member asked whether the shopping center's new owners are interested in
5 developing sites around the center and if so, will they be residential/rental or retail, and whether
6 the sale of the property is contingent upon the upgrading of sewer and amenities.
7
8 Bergstrom stated the Commission does not have answers to these questions and has not been
9 involved in discussions with regard to the sale of the property. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated it is
10 early in the process. The audience member stated that his home is near the shopping center and
11 he is concerned that his home might be taken. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she is unaware that the
12 shopping center's new owners plan to take any property and in any case it would be purchased.
13
14 The audience member asked if there was anything in writing to this effect. Ms. Moore-Sykes
15 stated the information is not public as the sale is between two private parties. Horst stated the
16 new owners have been very open to date. Bergstrom stated the City Manager might be able to
17 assist in answering the audience member's questions.
18
i X. COMMENTS.
Hanson expressed concern, after last week's joint worksession with the City Council, over how
21 much authority the Commission will have for accomplishing its goals for 1999, and questioned
22 whether the Commission might focus on different goals. He suggested there may be some items
23 on the original long list of goals over which the Commission.might have more control. He stated
24 he felt that the Council became less comfortable as the meeting progressed with the ideas
25 presented by the Commission.
26
27 Bergstrom stated the 5 issues discussed are long-term, large issues and an economic development
28 specialist is definitely something the Commission can push for.
29
30 Hanson asked whether a Councilmember would be attending the Commission's meetings in
31 future. He added he believes this arrangement would greatly increase communication between
32 the Council and the Commission. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated Councilmember Faust was interested
33 in starting the process,but apparently the Council is still debating the issue as there is some
34 desire to have a formal policy in place.
35
36 Bergstrom stated that a Council representative would be welcome at any time at the
37 Commission's meetings. Hanson reiterated the Commission's support of such an arrangement.
38 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the Council is generally supportive of this kind of open communications
39 and plans to adopt a similar process for the Parks Commission.
40
Hanson stated he is pleased with developments at the shopping center, and stated his clients,
many of whom are from northeast Minneapolis,have expressed their sense of encouragement
43 and intention to spend their money at the rejuvenated center.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
• March 16, 1999
Page 8
1
2 Gondorchin stated he is also pleased to hear about developments at the shopping center. He
3 asked for an update-with regard to the theater complex at Apache Plaza. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated
4 the developers are still working with Herberger's but are committed to moving ahead with the
5 project.
6
7 Gondorchin stated he is submitting his resignation from the Commission due to work conflicts as
8 a result of a new position he has taken. He added that tonight's meeting will be his last. He
9 thanked the Commission for their encouragement and support.
10
11 Kaczor apologized for his absence at the Commission's last 2 meetings which was due to water
12 problems at his home. He stated he is sorry to see Gondorchin go, and welcomed the
13 Commission's 2 new members.
14
15 Kaczor stated that volunteers are needed for VillageFest, as noted by Councilmember
16 Cavanaugh, and encouraged participation by interested residents and Commissioners.
17
18 Makowske expressed his pleasure at serving on the Commission with Gondorchin, adding he
19 considered Gondorchin to be his mentor, and he is sorry to see Gondorchin go.
21 Makowske stated that he had abstained from a vote a few years ago with regard to Roger's St.
22 Anthony Mobil due to business interests with Mr. Bona which might represent a conflict. He
23 added the business relationship ended over 2 years ago, and although the past relationship did
24 exist,the current issue is a clear one.
25
26 Makowske stated a concert will be held Sunday, March 21, 1999 at 4:00 P.M. in the community
27 center.
28
29 Stille asked for clarification with regard to Herberger's in Apache Plaza and issues surrounding
30 the new theater complex. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated Herberger's is concerned with their visibility,
31 and she has heard they plan to close the Apache location by the end of the year.
32
33 Horst stated that Gondorchin's resignation was unexpected and his insightful comments and
34 wisdom will be sorely missed by the Commission.
35
36 Bergstrom expressed his sadness at Gondorchin's resignation, adding that the Commission will
37 be diminished. He stated that he appreciated Gondorchin's service, both as an individual and as
38 Chair, and wished Gondorchin well in his job change, adding he expects Gondorchin to reapply
39 for the Commission at his earliest opportunity.
40
II. ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Horst, second by Stille to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 P.M.
43
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 16, 1999
• Page 9
1
2 Respectfully submitted,
3
4 Mary Mullen
5 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
6
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