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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 11161999 Meeting Sheet IIIIIIVIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII 100798 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1999. Document: PL MINUTES 11161999 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 1999 4 1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 5 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair 6 Bergstrom. 7 H. ROLL CALL. 8 Present: Chair Bergstrom;Commissioners Tilimann,Hanson,Melsha,Hatch, 9 and Stille. 10 Commissioners absent: Commissioner Horst 11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant. 12 III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 16,1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA. 13 Motion by Commissioner Stille, second by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the November 16, 14 1999 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda with the following change and addition: 15 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 16 NOVEMBER 30, 1999 CITY COUNCIL MEETING(replacing November 23, 1999) �7 =and adding- 18 VII. CONCEPT REVIEW FOR FRANK H. PERRY, 2911 ARMOUR TERRACE. 19 Motion carried unanimously. 20 IV. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 19, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 21 MINUTES. 22 Motion by Chair Bergstrom, second by Commissioner Hanson,to approve the October 19,.1999 23 Planning Commission meeting minutes with the following addition and modification: 24 III. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 19, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 25 AGENDA. 26 VII.C. Fire Chief: Code Enforcement Report.. 27 - add- "The Code Enforcement Report is continued until the November 16, 1999 28 meeting." 29 Page 4, Line 1, "Melsha" is changed to "Hatch." 30 Motion carried unanimously. 31 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NOVEMBER 30, 1999 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 03 Commissioner Tillmann agreed to attend the November 30, 1999 City Council Meeting. • 1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 Page 2 . 1 VI. PUBLIC HEARING. 2 A. Variance to Lot Coverage for John and Nadine Kittelson, 3549 Stinson Boulevard 3 B. Garage Setback Permit for John and Nadine Kittelson, 3549 Stinson Boulevard. 4 Chair Bergstrom opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. 5 Chair Bergstrom asked for a report from Staff. Ms. Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant, 6 reviewed for the Commission that Mr. and Mrs. Kittelson had submitted an application for a lot 7 coverage variance as well as a garage setback permit in order to build a two-car garage on the site 8 of the currently existing single-car garage. The current garage is apparently in disrepair and 9 structurally unsound. Ms:Moore-Sykes stated that the lot is quite narrow and long, and was 10 platted and the structures built in 1951, twenty years before the zoning code was in effect. 11 Furthermore, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the owners, without the variances, cannot put the 12 property to reasonable use, and the circumstances causing the hardship are unique to the 13 individual property. Mr. and Mrs. Kittelson are requesting that their variance requests be granted 14 in order that they can increase their garage to a more useable size, and eliminate the garage that is 15 structurally unsound. 16 Ms. Moore-Sykes clarified that Mr. and Mrs. Kittelson are requesting a Garage Setback Permit because of the configuration of their lot and the placement of their driveway. The lot is long and 088 narrow(54 feet x 153 feet) and the driveway runs along the length of the lot on the south side. 19 Due to the configuration of the structures and driveway on this property,the proposed.garage 20 must be constructed in the south side yard of their lot. 21 Staff has determined by calculation that the additional square footage from the construction of a 22 two-car garage would increase the subject property's lot coverage by 1% over the lot coverage of 23 a garage of smaller dimensions. 24 In essence, the site of the proposed garage would not negatively impact adjacent properties. The 25 property owners to the south of the Kittlesons have an attached garage and their structures are . 26 closer to Stinson Boulevard. Furthermore, the proposed garage would be adjacent to the neigh- 27 bor's rear yard and not close to any structures on the neighboring property. 28 In addition, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that if the variances are granted, the project would not alter 29 the essential residential character of the locality, and economic considerations were not an issue. 30 In short, Staff felt that the granting of the variances would be within the bounds of the spirit and 31 intent of the Zoning Code. 32 Moreover, Mr. and Mrs. Kittleson had attended a concept review at the October 19, 1999 Plan- 33 ning Commission meeting and are present at this meeting Bergstrom inquired about the need for a garage setback variance. Ms. Moore-Sykes responded 35 that the garage would sit in the side yard setback. The City Ordinance states that accessory 36 buildings cannot be in the side yard. Furthermore, the new garage would be required to be three 37 feet from the property line. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 Page 3 1 Melsha said it would appear that the Kittleson's lot coverage was less than originally anticipated. 2 In other words, less of the side yard appeared to be covered. 3 Chair Bergstrom welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Kittleson and invited them to address the Commission. 4 Bergstrom also thanked Mr. Kittleson for attending a,concept review at the Planning Commis- 5 sion's meeting on October 19 to go over his proposed plans. 6 Bergstrom asked for clarification from Mr. Kittleson about the differences in the plan he was pre- 7 senting as opposed to the plan presented at the October 19 meeting. Mr. Kittleson reviewed for 8 the Commission the differences in the two plans, which included narrowing of the driveway, 9 planting grass, and enlargement of flower boxes. ,He also reminded the Commission that the ex- 10 isting shed would be torn down. 11 Tillmann remembered that it had been suggested to Mr. Kittleson at the concept review the possi- 12 bility of narrowing the driveway to reduce lot coverage. She was concerned that the driveway 13 would ultimately be made too narrow for safety purposes and in this respect, contacted a 14 driveway company to inquire about the standard width of driveways. The company said that 15 driveways are typically about 10 feet wide. Bergstrom responded that it appeared from the plans that the total lot coverage would be about 7 the same as it currently is once the construction is finished. Bergstrom reminded Mr. Kittleson 18 that the City is sensitive to stormwater runoff, but is in favor of improvements to property. He 19 further stated that it is advantageous for the.Kittlesons that the lot coverage does not appear to be 20 increasing because it would make it easier to obtain the variances. 21 In fact, Bergstrom briefly calculated that it appeared that the proposed construction would reduce 22 the impervious surfaces to less than what it is now. 23 Hanson drew the Commission's attention to a page presented in the agenda packets that set forth 24 the total square footage of the property after the new construction, and revealed a reduction in lot 25 coverage of 213 square feet. 26 Bergstrom commended the Kittlesons on the current plans,but reminded them that if there would 27 be any increases in impervious surface coverage, the variances would be difficult to obtain from 28 the City Council. 29 Tillmann cautioned against creating safety issues by making the driveway too narrow simply in 30 order to reduce lot coverage. 31 Bergstrom thanked Mr. Kittleson for attending the meeting and presenting new plans. He 32 remarked that Mr. and Mrs. Kittleson have done an excellent job in modifying the plans pursuant to the Commission's suggestions and ensuring minimum coverage of impervious surfaces. 34 Bergstrom also encouraged Mr. and Mrs. Kittleson to attend the November 30, 1999 City 35 Council meeting to answer any questions upon review of the plans by the Council. He also Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 Page 4 I assured the Kittlesons that Tillmann would be at the Council meeting as the Planning 2 Commission representative. 3 Bergstrom asked if there was anyone in the audience that wished to address the Commission on 4 this issue. Hearing no response, Chair Bergstrom closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. 5 Motion by Commissioner Tillmann, second by Bergstrom, to grant Mr. and Mrs. Kittleson's Lot 6 Coverage Variance Request, and the Garage Setback Variance,provided that there is not any net 7 increase in their current lot coverage of approximately 38%, due to the hardships as follows: (1) 8 the size and shape of the lot, and the placement of the home on the lot;(2), the construction of a 9 new garage would correct an extraordinary circumstance, which is that the current garage is 10 structurally unsound and it is not practical to replace it with another single-car garage; (3)the fact I I that the lot was platted prior to lot minimums, the existing garage was built prior to codification. 12 of the setback Ordinances, and that this was an existing condition. 13 Motion carried unanimously. 14 VII. CONCEPT REVIEW FOR FRANK H. PERRY,2911 ARMOUR TERRACE. 15 Bergstrom asked for a report from Staff. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that Mr. Perry is interested in constructing an addition to his garage and she has had several discussions with Mr. Perry regard- 7 ing his request. 18 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that Mr. Perry desired to present plans to the Commission for a concept 19 review and receive an idea of any changes or modifications he would need for the plans. 20 Bergstrom asked about current lot coverage of the property. Ms. Moore-Sykes did not believe 21 that lot coverage would be an issue, but would look into obtaining the specific calculations for 22 Mr. Perry's lot. 23 Chair Bergstrom introduced and welcomed Mr. Frank Perry and invited him to address the Com- 24 mission. Mr. Perry stated that his current garage is only 15 feet wide and is unable to accommo- 25 date two cars. He needs the garage to be 20 feet wide and in this respect, Mr. Perry presented a 26 drawing of his plans for an addition to his garage. He clarified that the garage is entered from 27 Silver Lake Road and is on the south side of the house. 28 Hanson asked Mr. Perry if he had constructed an addition to his home. Mr. Perry stated that a 29 breezeway between the garage and the house had been added. 30 Hatch inquired if the driveway would need to be expanded due to.the addition to the garage. Mr. 31 Perry felt the current driveway was adequate. Bergstrom said that some of the concerns the City has in enforcing the Ordinances revolves 33 around lot coverage and impervious surfaces. Mr. Perry stated that he is aware of the City's sen- 34 sitivity of lot coverage issues, and it is his belief that his lot coverage is less than the current re- 35 strictions. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 Page 5 1 Bergstrom clarified with Mr. Moore-Sykes that the variance required for this addition would be a 2 rear yard setback variance. Ms. Moore-Sykes confirmed that a rear yard setback variance would 3 be needed. She clarified that the eve of the garage cannot overhang the property line. Bergstrom 4 suggested gutters as a possible avenue to catch runoff water and direct the water back to Mr. 5 Perry's property. 6 Bergstrom recapped by stating that if Mr. Perry decided to continue with the proposed project, 7 that he would need to document the lot coverage and work with the City Staff. 8 Mr. Perry responded that the lot coverage information is currently on file with the City due to the 9 recent addition to his home. 10 Bergstrom continued by stating that if Mr. Perry proposed to build up to the property line, then he 11 would need to supply a plan for catching runoff water and redirecting the water back towards his 12 property. 13 Bergstrom reviewed for Mr. Perry the process to begin a variance request. He suggested that Mr. 14 Perry submit a permit application and the accompanying check for fees. The City then has 60 15 days in which to act and Bergstrom suggested that Mr. Perry make every attempt to be available for Planning Commission and City Council meetings that would be discussing the variance re- * quest. 18 Stille inquired if the Commission had granted variances that allowed for structures being built up 19 to the property line. Bergstrom was not able to recall a precedent, but reaffirmed his belief that 20 the Planning Commission wished to assist the residents in any way possible in improving their 21 property. 22 Mr. Perry clarified that the next step for him would be to submit a contractor's drawing together 23 with a variance request. Bergstrom reiterated that Ms. Moore-Sykes would work with him di- 24 rectly on the process and steps involved in order for Mr. Perry to obtain a variance request. 25. Chair Bergstrom thanked Mr. Perry for attending the concept review and providing the City with 26 an opportunity to review the proposed plans and make suggestions. 27 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS. 28 A. Report on Landscaping for St. Anthony Shopping Center. 29 Ms. Moore-Sykes presented design plans for the St. Anthony Shopping Center. She began by 30 presenting the original plan which, she stated, had caused concern because the Phillips Garage 31 and Custom Liquidators were not shown. The plan was intended as only a concept, she stated. 32 In response, the second plan was developed and Ms. Moore-Sykes presented this plan which 33 included those businesses. •4 Ms. Moore-Sykes specified the business shown as The Hitching Post used to be the Town and 35 Country site. She pointed out the walking trail and also stated that the second plan does not in- 36 clude ponds as originally planned. It was determined that the installation of ponds, together with • 1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 Page 6 1 the proposed landscaping and decorative brick, approached a cost of approximately $2.5 million. 2 In this respect, the City returned to the drawing board and the second plan was developed, minus. 3 the ponds. Ms. Moore-Sykes pointed out the area containing a gazebo and amphitheater seating 4 .and then a village green area with a fountain in lieu of a pond. 5 Ms. Moore-Sykes presented photographs of similar enhancements completed at Centennial Lakes 6 in Edina and compared the features from that project to the St. Anthony project. 7 Bergstrom said that, although he understood that the ponds were expensive, he questioned 8 whether ponds could be implemented in the future. Ms. Moore-Sykes responded that she under- 9 stood that it is possible to have ponds at a less expensive price and that the City was attempting 10 to purchase some of the open space and could make a decision about installing ponds for the 11 future. However, Ms. Moore-Sykes cautioned the Commission that one of the concerns about 12 installing ponds in the future was the cost of materials and labor would typically be more . 13 expensive. 14 Bergstrom asked if a Developers Agreement had been signed. Ms. Moore-Sykes responded that a Letter of Understanding with Republic had been signed, and currently City Attorney Bill Soth 0 is drafting a Developers Agreement. 17 In reviewing the current drawing, Bergstrom asked if the trees depicted on the plan were intended 18 to be mature trees or if the depiction of the trees was simply an artist's rendition. Ms. Moore- 19 Sykes said that larger trees are intended to be planted in the Shopping Center area. 20 Hanson inquired about the City Council's discussions regarding this project at the November 9, 21 1999 meeting. Ms. Moore-Sykes responded that the discussion had included conversations about 22 the tax increment financing (TIF) funds that need to be committed by the end of the year. 23 Melsha asked what would happen to the project if the TIF money was not committed by the end 24 of the year or the project was not able to proceed as hoped by the end of the year. Ms. Moore- 25 Sykes responded that the project would still go forward, but the issue of funding could create 26 some obstacles. 27 Hanson relayed that he had watched the video replay of the City Council meeting of November 9, 28 1999 and stated that Councilmember Marks had made a valid comment that the gazebo is placed 29 in an area that could be noisy for performers and for listeners. 30 Bergstrom asked if the Parks Commission would be involved with the design and color scheme 31 of the Shopping Center. He commented on the excellent job the Parks Commission did with Water Tower Park and Silver Point Park and thought that Commission's input would be 33 beneficial for the Shopping Center as well. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 • Page 7 1 Ms. Moore-Sykes responded that the Parks Commission would be provided the drawings for in- 2 put and suggestions. Bergstrom felt that the Parks Commission's attention to detail in Water 3 Tower and Silver Point Park would be an excellent benefit for the Shopping Center. 4 Tillmann confirmed her disappointment that the ponds would not be incorporated into the Shop- 5 ping Center plan. 6 Bergstrom inquired about the responsibility-for maintenance at Trillium Park. Ms. Moore-Sykes 7 stated that gardeners maintain Trillium Park, in conjunction with Public Works. She mentioned 8 the same people could possibly work in conjunction with the Shopping Center project. 9 Hanson asked for input from Fire Chief Johnson, who was in attendance. Chair Bergstrom 10 invited Chief Johnson to address the Commission. 11 Hanson asked Chief Johnson's opinion about the possible relocation of the fire station. Mr. 12 Johnson stated that a central location would be ideal.. Currently the fire station employs 19 part- 13 time individuals and two full-time employees. He stated that the present location of the fire 14 station works well, but a few meters down the road would be suitable as well. B. Code Enforcement Report: Fire Chief. 06 Chief Johnson reported to the Commission that his approach in enforcing code violations tends 17 to work the best when a controlled approach is utilized. For example, Mr. Johnson prefers to 18 allow the residents an opportunity to correct a situation. 19 Mr. Johnson also stated that he takes the opportunity to work with the residents in correcting 20 code violations and also utilizes opportunities to involve the neighbors if the resident is in need 21 of assistance to help correct a violation: 22 Mr. Johnson stated that the complaints from residents regarding the manner in which code 23 enforcements are handled have declined. 24 The enforcement of conditional use permits has been a little more challenging, but Mr. Johnson 25 stated that he is now working with Ms. Moore-Sykes on addressing conditional use permit viola- 26 tions. 27 Mr. Johnson asked if the Planning Commission had taken a tour of the City. Bergstrom said the 28 tour had not been taken yet, but is planned for the near future. 29 Bergstrom said that, about five years ago, the City Council directed the Planning Commission to 30 recommend a plan for beautification of the City. Bergstrom stated that he believed the most im- 31 portant theme the Planning Commission could follow for the long run is to ensure the homes are allowed to be improved and maintained at the least. Bergstrom felt this theme coincided with '33 code enforcement. Bergstrom asked Mr. Johnson what trends he was witnessing on the residen- 34 tial side. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 • Page 8 1 Mr. Johnson commented that many times he notices that the maintenance of a particular home 2 will be ignored. When he inquires about the condition of the home, sometimes he is informed 3 that the owner has passed away and the owner's children are attempting to maintain the home. 4 Hanson remarked that he was impressed with the scope of Mr. Johnson's code enforcement pro- 5 cedures and admired the amount of forethought that Mr. Johnson gave to each particular circum- 6 stance. - 7 Bergstrom asked Mr. Johnson if there was anything the Planning Commission could do to assist 8 Mr. Johnson regarding code enforcement.- Mr. Johnson responded that the best course of action 9 is for residents to get to know their.neighbors and to help each other when needed. 10 Chair Bergstrom thanked Mr. Johnson for his report and attendance at the meeting. Bergstrom 11 also announced that Mr. Johnson would be retiring next year and he wished to express his appre- 12 ciation for his dedication and contributions. 13 C. Lot Coverage Report; Commissioner Tillmann and Staff. 14 Tillmann presented a report that supplied her research of decks as they pertain to lot coverage 15 limits. She had also talked with Todd Hubmer of WSB & Associates about impervious surfaces. Mr. Hubmer stated that the industry definition of impervious surfaces differed from the Webster's Dictionary definition. The industry definition, he stated, included nearly any structure 18 that was built over grass. Tillmann inquired if there were various levels of classifications, such 19 as for decks, and Mr. Hubmer was not aware of any different classifications. 20 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that she had spoken with Mr. Hubmer as well. Mr. Hubmer had agreed 21 to research how much the lot coverage restriction minimizes the effect of stormwater runoff. In 22 other words, Mr. Hubmer's calculations will help to determine if keeping the lot coverage restric- 23 tion at 35%helps the City maintain the water problems or not. 24 Bergstrom stated that the Commission's task at hand is to look at some of the structures that are 25 considered less impervious than others, and the calculations and advice from Todd Hubmer 26 would be beneficial. 27 In the meantime, Tillmann was concerned about the correct way to approach the issue of decking. 28 Bergstrom offered that the process would begin by drafting a document that would modify the 29 existing code and reflect the Commission's findings, and this document would be presented to 30 the City Council for review. The path, he stated, is to define ideas, present research and 31 conclusions, and attach a modification of the Code for presentation to the Council. 32 Hanson suggested Tillmann obtain direction from the City Council when she attends the next 33 Council meeting on November 30, 1999 as the Planning Commission representative. 34 Ms. gg Moore-Sykes suggested that the Commission be proactive and suggestive in obtaining the Y 35 Council's input and pulling the project together. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 • Page 9 1 Bergstrom directed Ms. Moore-Sykes to contact Todd Hubmer and ask him to correlate some 2 ideas and provide the Commission with calculations and recommendations. 3 IX. COMMENTS. 4 A. Commissioners. 5 Tillman expressed congratulations to Dick Horst for winning a seat on the City Council, as well 6 as to Ms. Moore-Sykes for winning a seat on the New Brighton City Council. 7 Tillman reported that a co-worker had attended the neighborhood meeting for 33rd Avenue. The 8 co-worker had been impressed with the meeting and stated that the public works department did 9 an excellent job in fielding questions and communicating with the residents. The co-worker had 10 mentioned that a.sidewalk was planned along one side of the street and there were some residents 11 apparently that were concerned. 12 Tillmann raised the issue of residents making choices about having sidewalks when the 13 sidewalks are included as part of the Comprehensive Plan. 14 Ms. Moore-Sykes offered that the City might witness a change in trend about residents' feelings 15 regarding sidewalks,particularly when residents view children walking along the streets on 29th Avenue where there are not any sidewalks. 17 Tillmann was concerned that the City would have a fragmented sidewalk implementation. In 18 other words, she suggested reviewing the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the views of a majority 19 of the residents. 20 Bergstrom clarified that some items in the Comprehensive are simply goals for which the City. 21 can hope to achieve. 22 Hanson congratulated Dick Horst and Ms. Moore-Sykes as well, and indicated the possibility that 23 the new City Council would ask more of the Planning Commission in the future. 24 Hanson asked Ms. Moore-Sykes if there was one seat available on the Planning Commission. 25 Ms. Moore-Sykes responded that there were two seats, Kim Tillmann's and Dick Horst's. 26 Tillmann had written a letter indicating she wished to continue with the Planning Commission, 27 and there are two applicants for Dick Horst's position on the Commission. In short, there is 28 currently one seat available. 29 Hanson asked if the City had received a response from Exhaust Pros to its letter. Ms. Moore- 30 Sykes said the City had not received a response, but that Staff is currently considering options. 31 She stated that she has spoken with Steve Carlson of the prosecuting attorneys office, and also to City Attorney Bill Soth. It is her understanding that a letter will be forthcoming to the City 462 Council with options that would be available for consideration. 34 Melsha as well congratulated Horst and Ms. Moore-Sykes. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 1999 • Page 10 1 Bergstrom expressed congratulations to Ms. Moore-Sykes and to Dick Horst. 2 Hatch mirrored Bergstrom's congratulations. On another issue, Hatch suggested the possibility 3 of continuing with the City's original vision for St. Anthony Shopping Center and not allowing 4 capital to dictate the results. 5 Stille expressed support for Ms. Moore-Sykes in her role as a New Brighton City Council mem- 6 ber, and to Dick Horst in his role as a newly elected City Council member. 7 B. Staff Report: 8 Ms. Moore-Sykes thanked the Commissioners for their support and congratulations. On a differ- 9 ent matter, she drew the Commission's attention to two newspaper articles from the Northeaster. 10 One article was entitled "Can You Imagine a Village Green at St. Anthony Shopping Center?" 11 and discussed the renovations planned for the Center. The other article entitled, "A Tale of Two 12 Cities -- and 10 Tow Trucks,"concerned Sroga's towing company. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that 13 the articles were presented to the Commission for informational purposes. 14 X. ADJOURNMENT. 15 Motion by Commissioner Stille, second by Chair Bergstrom, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. 06 Motion carried unanimously. 17 Respectfully submitted, 18 Sue Selseth 19 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •