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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 01182000 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII 100705 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000 Document: PL MINUTES 01182000 I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 03 JANUARY 18, 2000 4 I. CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE 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 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Present: Chair Bergstrom; Commissioners Tillmann, Hanson, Melsha, 9 Thomas, Hatch and Stille. 10 Commissioners absent: None. 11 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant. 12 III. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF CHAIR. 13 Bergstrom stated that, although he is completing his fourth term as Chair and would continue to 14 serve if elected, he felt it would be wise to consider rotating positions and electing a new Chair. 15 Chair Bergstrom opened the floor at 7:05 p.m. to accept nominations for the position of Chair. 16 Commissioner Tillmann nominated Doug Bergstrom for the position of Chair. •7 After calling for any additional nominations and hearing none, Chair Bergstrom entertained a 18 motion to close the floor. 19 Motion by Commissioner Stille, second by Commissioner Melsha,to close the floor at 7:06 p.m. 20 Motion carried unanimously. 21 Chair Bergstrom then asked for a vote on the nomination of Doug Bergstrom as the Year 2000 22 Planning Commission Chair. 23 Six ayes were counted, with one abstension. 24 The motion carried. 25 IV. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR. 26 Chair Bergstrom opened the floor for nominations at 7:07 p.m. 27 Commissioner Hanson nominated Chris Melsha for the position of Vice Chair. 28 Commissioner Hatch nominated Randy Stifle for the position of Vice Chair. 29 After calling for any additional nominations and hearing none, Chair Bergstrom entertained a zoo motion to close the floor. 31 Motion by Chair Bergstrom,-second by Commissioner Hanson, to close the floor at 7:08 p.m. to Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 Page 2 1 nominations. 2 Motion carried unanimously. 3 Chair Bergstrom called for a vote on the nomination of Chris Melsha for the position of Year 4 2000 Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. 5 Four ayes were counted, with one abstension. 6 The motion carried. 7 Chair Bergstrom called for a vote on the nomination of Randy Stille for the position of Year 2000 8 Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. 9 Two ayes were counted with one abstention. 10 The motion did not pass. 11 V. APPROVAL OF.JANUARY 18,2000 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA. 12 Motion by Chair Bergstrom, second by Commissioner Melsha, to approve the January 18, 2000 13 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda with the following addition: 04 X. COMMENTS. 15 C. Report from Council Liaison Dick Horst. 16 Motion carried unanimously. 17 VI. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 16, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 18 MINUTES. 19 Bergstrom noted that the November 16, 1999 Minutes were not included in the Commission's 20 Agenda package, and the approval of those Minutes would be postponed until the February 15, 21 2000 meeting. 22 VII. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 23 JANUARY 25, 2000 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 24 Bergstrom noted that the Commission typically designates a representative if a particular issue 25 needs to be brought to the Council's attention. At this time, Bergstrom would rather defer the 26 designation of a representative. 27 VIII. PUBLIC HEARING. 28 None. 29IX. OTHER BUSINESS. 00 A. Mayor's Greeting. 31 Bergstrom greeted Mayor Cavanaugh and invited him to address the Commission. 32 Mayor Cavanaugh began by stating that he wanted to provide an overview regarding some possi- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 Page 3 • 1 bilities and goals for the Planning Commission. Mayor Cavanaugh continued by stating that he 2 felt it would be beneficial to develop a charter of sorts that would set forth the scope and goals of .3 the Planning Commission. In addition to assisting the Planning Commission, Mayor Cavanaugh 4, felt that the charter would guide the City Council in referring projects to the Planning Commis- 5 sion. Specifically, Mayor Cavanaugh felt that it would be beneficial for the Planning 6 Commission to arrive at a proposed budget. In this respect, the Council would have a resource in 7 which to refer to regarding commitments for goals during the next 12 months. 8 Mayor Cavanaugh stated he felt that code enforcement was a priority issue. He mentioned busi- 9 nesses that were obviously not in code compliance and felt that the Planning Commission should 10 be made aware of those specific issues. 1.1 In respect to Conditional Use Permits, Mayor Cavanaugh felt it would be beneficial to have a 12 book specifically designed to set forth the rules and regulations of Conditional Use Permits. 13 Furthermore, Mayor Cavanaugh stated that the City is in a period of tremendous activity with re- 14 spect to the Parks and Planning Commissions. In that respect,he would encourage the Planning 15 Commission to develop a document that would define the charter, budget, control, and resources 16 needed in order to interface with the City Council. 07 Mayor Cavanaugh announced that Richard("Dick") Horst is the City Council Liaison to the 18 Planning Commission and he is looking forward to the establishment of a communication 19 connection between both entities. 20 Bergstrom responded that, in the past, the Commission has experienced frustration when it has 21 made recommendations to the City Council, and some of those recommendations have been hon- 22 ored and some have not. Bergstrom felt that the Commission would welcome additional partici- 23 pation between the Planning Commission and the Council. He also supported Mayor 24 Cavanaugh's suggestion of a document setting forth the Planning Commission's mission and 25 charter. 26 Mayor Cavanaugh suggested researching the charters or mission statements of cities in the 27 surrounding area to assist in developing a similar document for the Planning Commission. 28 Bergstrom mentioned that Mayor Cavanaugh had been instrumental in the idea of a bus tour of 29 the City, and that such item was on the agenda for later in the meeting. Bergstrom stated that he 30 understood there is a possibility of a joint tour with the City Council. 31 Bergstrom thanked Mayor Cavanaugh for his suggestions and input, and Mayor Cavanaugh ex- 32 pressed his appreciation for the Commission's attention. 03' B. Scott Tankenoff, Hillcrest Development re: Apache Plaza. 34 Bergstrom welcomed Scott Tankenoff and invited him to speak to the Commission. 35 Mr. Tankenoff stated that he is the managing partner of Hillcrest Development. By way of back- . 1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 • Page 4 : 1 ground, Mr. Tankenoff stated that the company specializes in redeveloping property that is un- 2 dervalued or has severe development issues. In this respect, Mr. Tankenoff circulated literature 3 to the Commissioners that depicted past projects of Hillcrest Development. 4 Additionally, Mr. Tankenoff stated that Hillcrest Development is working with US Bank to pur- 5 chase the Apache property. Upon initial review of the property, Mr. Tankenoff saw a site that 6 was structurally sound with some deferred maintenance issues. 7 Although the project is still conceptual, Mr. Tankenoff felt that the property would not be viable 8 as a retail site. However, it is his hope that he canwork with City Staff and arrive at viable op 9 tions for the property. He firmly believed that tie property should ultimately consist of an 10 office/tech environment, with the possibility for a coffee shop or restaurant. 11 Bergstrom stated that his preference for the Apache property would be of a retail nature. 12 Mr. Tankenoff expressed his understanding; however, he stated that the property lacked two 13 items that would make retail a viable option: (1) freeway access; and (2) visibility. In any event, 14 Mr. Tankenoff said that the project has tremendous potential to bring jobs, additional tax base, 15 and an opportunity for something of which the community can be proud. 06 Thomas stated that he had met with Management Assistant Kim Moore-Sykes several weeks ago 17 about the Apache project and they had discussed possible options at length. Consequently, 18 Thomas asked Mr. Tankenoff if the purchase agreement included all of the land or simply the 19 mall itself. Mr. Tankenoff responded that the purchase agreement included all of the land 20 (approximately 31 acres). However, one acre, he stated, will be needed to resolve a ponding 21 issue for the City. 22 Thomas inquired if Mr. Tankenoff could imagine other uses for the mall other than business. 23 Mr. Tankenoff responded that a retail component such as a coffee shop or restaurant had been 24 suggested. Mr. Tankenoff felt that would be an important component. This would be desirable, 25 he stated,to employees working in the mall area, as well as to the community. Mr. Tankenoff re- 26 iterated his desire to redevelop the property in a manner in which the community and the City. 27 would be pleased. 28 Bergstrom expressed an interest in recruiting a fine-dining restaurant to the site similar to a 29 steakhouse or Italian restaurant. 30 Hatch asked Mr. Tankenoff if clients were secured prior to the redevelopment or after the project 31 was completed. Mr. Tankenoff responded that it depends upon the project, but that many times 32the project is purchased and options are considered. At that point, an artist's rendering is ob- 03 tained and clients are secured. However, in this project, Hillcrest Development does not have a 34 specific client in mind, and is simply considering options at this point. Mr. Tankenoff reminded 35 the Commission that US Bank has been discussing tearing the mall down, and it is his opinion 36 that the mall could be made into a viable office space environment with some retail options. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 • Page 5 = 1 Tillmann asked if Mr. Tankenoff envisioned one large company as a client, or a combination of 2 smaller and larger companies. Mr. Tankenoff responded that he prefers diversity in clients. 3 Tillmann asked if Mr. Tankenoff envisioned several different options along the restaurant or 4 coffee shop line of thinking. Mr. Tankenoff stated that vision would depend upon the density of 5 the job base. 6 Hatch mentioned the public space proposed for the inside of the St. Anthony Shopping Center, 7 and asked Mr. Tankenoff about his thoughts regarding some type of public space for the Apache 8 mall. Mr. Tankenoff responded that he does not anticipate a great deal of public space for 9 Apache because it would mostly be housed withclients. 10 Bergstrom stated his belief that the City would like to coordinate efforts with Mr. Tankenoff on 11 developing a community gathering space. This concept could be ultimately combined with land- 12 scaping elements. Mr. Tankenoff agreed that he has an obligation to provide a certain caliber of 13 space for his clients and that landscaping, in particular, is desirable for the outside of the 14 building. 15 Melsha inquired about the time frame anticipated for the purchase of the project. Mr. Tankenoff •6 responded that the closing would be in approximately 120 days. 17 Thomas inquired if Mr. Tankenoff envisioned any development of the land outside the mall. Mr. 18 Tankenoff responded that Hillcrest Development would focus on the land after options for the 19 mall itself are considered. He felt that, after options for the 300,000 plus square footage of the 20 mall have been discussed, that the rest would fall into place. He reassured the Commission, 21 however, that an option would be developed for the land outside the mall that would be 22 compatible and agreeable with the City and the community. 23 Tillmann asked if the Herbergers store would cause a stumbling block for the redevelopment 24 project. Mr. Tankenoff responded that Herbergers still has some time left on their lease, but 25 would cause an obstacle for the project. The perception has been, he stated, that Herbergers 26 would consider changing the store over to a warehouse or possibly an outlet.store. But an option 27 would be for Herbergers to vacate the location.. Otherwise, Mr. Tankenoff stated, the remaining 28 tenants are on a month-to-month basis. 29 Hanson asked if the shell of the building would remain the same. Mr. Tankenoff responded that 30 the nature of the building is such that he would like to take sections and add windows for more 31 light. For aesthetic purposes, the building would require additional light. 32 Hanson asked Mr. Tankenoff if he was aware if US Bank had previously researched the concept W3 of obtaining other retailers for the building. 34 In essence, Mr. Tankenoff stated that the Bank obtained the property after the loan was defaulted. 35 It ultimately became the bank's conclusion to tear down the building because it was known that 36 retail had not been successful at that site. Mr. Tankenoff believed that the pool of potential Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 Page 6 • 1 retailers is shallow, particularly because there is not convenient access to a highway. 2 Hanson asked if Mr. Tankenoff would be applying for variances for the property. Mr. Tankenoff 3 . stated that he understands that the property is zoned for commercial and he planned to coordinate 4 efforts with City Staff to determine what options fall into that scope. Additionally, Mr. 5 Tankenoff stated that he would make every attempt to fall within those standards, but there 6 would be the possibility that a variance would need to be considered at some point in time. 7 Bergstrom thanked Mr. Tankenoff for attending the Commission's meeting and for sharing his 8 thoughts and input. He would encourage Mr. Tankenoff to work with City Staff in developing 9 more ideas and in working within the zoning guidelines. 10 C. Report on Green Space for St. Anthony Shopping Center. 11 Management Assistant, Kim Moore-Sykes, provided an update for the redevelopment of the St. 12 Anthony Shopping Center. She stated that she and City Manager, Michael Mornson, met with 13 Richard Krier, RLK-Kuusisto, regarding the latest drawing of the proposed green space. This 14 drawing included a fountain and gazebo area near the Dairy Queen, as well as a trail system and 15 transit stop. The Dairy Queen is apparently interested in re-landscaping their space as well. •16 Ms. Moore-Sykes and Mr. Mornson also met with Custom Liquidators, and stated that the City is . 17 intending to obtain a large portion of that property, and plans are being discussed about a total 18 purchase. 19 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the construction of the green space is planned to begin in the spring. 20 Tillmann expressed disappointment that ponds would not be incorporated into the plans. Mr. 21 Moore-Sykes explained that the ponds were determined to be expensive, and were not able to 22 hold enough storm water runoff from the Center. 23 City Council Liaison Dick Horst mentioned that the redevelopment is planned for three phases. 24 The original plan was determined to cost approximately $2.2 million, and the project had been 25 anticipated to cost approximately $650,000. It was determined that $800,000 of the $2.2 million 26 estimated was due to the installing of the decorative,ponds. In that respect, a new drawing was 27 created, without the ponds, and instead included a fountain. This new drawing depicted costs to 28 be approximately $1.2 million. 29 Hatch inquired about the possibility of eventually returning to the original concept of installing a 30 pond. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that, once the project is developed, it would be turned over to the 31 Parks Commission and to the Public Works Department. Those entities would have the option of 32 considering ponding as a future issue. 03 D. Lot CoveraReport; Commissioner Tillmann and Staff. 34 Tillmann reported that there had not been any progress on the research issue since the last meet- 35 ing. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that she recently has attempted to reach Todd Hubmer of WSB & 36 Associates, and as of this date had not been successful. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 • Page 7 1 Bergstrom clarified that Todd Hubmer is being requested to assist the Commission in defining 2 the issue of impervious versus pervious surfaces. Tillmann stated that Mr. Hubmer previously 3 had mentioned to her that there is a specific definition for different types of soil, but not other 4 surfaces. 5 E. Year in Review. 6 Bergstrom stated that he had planned to present a report for the Year in Review, but instead sug- 7 gested that the Commission look ahead to the Year 2000 and consider the earlier suggestions of 8 Mayor Cavanaugh. 9 X. COMMENTS. 10 A. Commissioners. 11 Tillmann did not have any comments. 12 Hanson stated that he was appreciative of Mayor Cavanaugh's comments. He supported the idea 13 of designating a specific purpose of the Planning Commission and is looking forward to the 14 possibility of receiving more issues from the City Council. 15 Hanson stated that he viewed the January 11, 2000 City Council meeting on cable wherein Mr. 06 Tankenoff spoke to the Council regarding Apache Plaza. Hanson stated that he understood that 17 the preference for Apache was full retail,but he did not feel it was a feasible option. Instead, Mr. 18 Tankenoff has offered an attractive option and it is his belief that it should be seriously 19 considered. 20 In response, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the property currently is not providing a tax base at all 21 to the City. If a business base could be achieved, the value of the property would increase and 22 with appropriate landscaping and redevelopment, the City and community would enjoy the 23 benefits of a desirable property and increased tax base. 24 Ms. Moore-Sykes mentioned that in October 1999, she and Jay Hartman, Public Works Director, 25 were invited to the University of Minnesota to the Department of Urban Design. As part of a 26 class project, students were to view the Apache Plaza and return with concepts and designs. Ms. 27 Moore-Sykes felt that there were very interesting ideas and that some of the concepts were 28 fascinating. 29 Ms. Moore-Sykes said it was particularly interesting to note that all of the concepts presented by 30 the students offered a mixed use of the property. She stated that she originally had been opposed 31 to other options besides retail, but that after viewing the concepts from the students, she had 32 changed her mind and felt other options should be considered. 03 33 Melsha reported that he was interested in Mayor Cavanaugh's comments about developing a 4 charter that would contain goals and missions of the Planning Commission. He believed that this 35 was an excellent opportunity to develop a charter and increase the role of the.Planning 36 Commission. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 1.8, 2000 • Page 8 ,- 1 In reference to Hillcrest, Melsha stated that Mr. Tankenoff s concept provides a different way of 2 thinking and he is cautiously intrigued by his proposal. 3 Additionally, Melsha wished to welcome Commissioner Thomas to the Planning Commission. 4 Thomas thanked Melsha for his greeting and continued by stating that he agreed with Hanson's 5 and Melsha's comments regarding a proposed charter for the Commission. 6 In connection with the Apache project, Thomas would envision residential and light industrial. 7 He believed that Apache was a large piece of property that was underutilized, and he was im- 8 pressed with the projects that Hillcrest Development has done in the past. Thomas's main 9 concern about the Apache project was any redevelopment done on the outside or around the mall. 10 He believed that the area could support more retail and possibly housing, and in turn the housing 11 could support the retail. 12 In regard to a charter for the Planning Commission, Thomas agreed that the Commission should 13 have some framework, especially if recommendations are going to be made to the Council. 14 Thomas volunteered to assist in gathering information for a proposed charter. �5 Thomas also stated that he is proud to be a member of the Planning Commission. 16 Bergstrom expressed his sincere appreciation to Dick Horst for his work and diligence while he 17 was a member of the Planning Commission. Bergstrom stated that he felt a sense of loss without 18 Mr. Horst on the Commission, but wished to congratulate him on his election to the City 19 Council. 20 In connection with the Mayor's comments regarding the Standing Rules for the City Council, 21 Bergstrom requested a copy of those Rules from Ms. Moore-Sykes. 22 Bergstrom suggested that Richard Krier work with Mr. Tankenoff in order to assist in 23 establishing boundary conditions,particularly over the next 60-90 days. 24 Hatch expressed his concern about increased traffic patterns if Apache Plaza houses many 25 employees. 26 Hanson confirmed that Mr. Tankenoff had addressed that issue at the previous City Council 27 meeting. Mr. Tankenoff had stated that the traffic patterns would be researched and that there 28 would possibly be different shifts of employees. 29 Ms. Moore-Sykes offered that there are enough alternative routes to aid in congestion. so Stille commented that he commended Mr. Tankenoff s concept in redeveloping Apache Plaza 31 and expressed his appreciation for his initiative. Stille echoed previous comments that the 32 redevelopment plan is a significant decision and he agreed with the idea of obtaining a Planner to 33 assist in the project. A planner would also be able to confirm that retail is not a viable option. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2000 Page 9 - 1 In addition, Stille wished to extend a warm welcome to Commissioner Thomas. 2 B. Staff. 3 1. Heart of the Earth. 4 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that Heart of the Earth School has a deadline of mid-January in order to 5 make a down payment on the Salvation Army property. There was a financial obstacle for Heart 6 of the Earth last December when a main financial benefactor canceled support. In the meantime, . 7 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated,the Staff has received telephone calls from a developer to discuss 8 potential uses of the property should the site become available. 9 2. Bus Tour(April). 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that she had spoken with Public Works Director Jay Hartman about 11 resources that are available for the bus tour. In the past, Mr. Hartman stated,the City has con- 12 tacted New Brighton and the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the use of that City's van. 13 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that she would be contacting New Brighton and will inform the 14 Commissioners the results of her discussions. 15 Bergstrom reminded Ms. Moore-Sykes that it appeared that the bus trip might be coordinated 16 with the City Council. •17 Ms. Moore-Sykes also mentioned that the City might be able to rent a bus from the company that 18 provides bussing service to the School District. A date for the bus tour was discussed and 19 determined to be set for April 15, 2000. 20 In regard to a joint meeting with the Planning and Parks Commissions, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated 21 that the meeting is proposed to be scheduled on April 18, 2000. In this respect, the meeting 22 could take place after the bus tour and offer a means of discussion. 23 Ms. Moore-Sykes reported that the goal setting retreat with the City Council is scheduled for 24 February 18, 2000 and the Chairs of both the Planning and Parks Commission are invited to at- 25 tend. 26 C. City Council Liaison Report. 27 Chair Bergstrom welcomed Dick Horst and invited him to address the Commission. 28 Mr. Horst began by stating that he is the City Council Liaison to the Planning Commission, and 29 his job is to provide input to the Planning Commission from the Council, and vice versa. Mr. 30 Horst stated that there is an opportunity this year to increase the role of the Planning Commission 31 and it is his hope that the Commission will utilize his role as a communicator between the 32 Commission and the Council. .&3 Mr. Horst wished to clarify the Mayor's earlier comments regarding code enforcement. The 34 Planning Commission, Mr. Horst stated, is not in charge of code enforcement. By way of back- 35 ground, Mr. Horst stated that the Planning Commission inadvertently became involved in some 36 issues regarding conditional use permits some time ago,but as a general rule, code enforcement Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 1.8, 2000 • Page 10 - 1 is handled by another area within the City. 2 Additionally, Mr..Horst would agree that the bus tour is intended to promote awareness amongst 3 the Commission about certain areas of the City. 4 In connection with the Apache project, Mr. Horst felt that Mr. Tankenoff would be searching for 5 approval from the City and the Planning Commission and he encouraged the Commissioners to 6 determine if the change in direction for Apache was an acceptable variation. Naturally, Mr. 7 Tankenoff would need to begin the project at the Planning Commission level and he encouraged 8 the Commissioners to be the voice of the City, hold public hearings, and then ultimately report to 9 the Council. 10 Regarding the green space for the St. Anthony Shopping Center, Mr. Horst believed this was 11 moving quickly towards more of an issue for the Parks Commission and that the role of the 12 Planning Commission was decreasing for that project. 13 Mr. Horst closed his presentation by stating that he is anticipating a successful year as Council 14 Liaison to the Planning Commission and looks forward to providing a link between the people 15 and the City. 016 X. ADJOURNMENT. 17 Motion by Commissioner Stille, second by Commissioner Melsha, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 18 p.m. 19 Motion carried unanimously. 20 Respectfully submitted, 21 Sue Selseth 22 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •