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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 02152000 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII IIID VIII VIII IIII IIII 100707 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000 Document: PLMINUTES 03152000 1 ' 2 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 15 2000 5 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 6 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair 7 Bergstrom. 8 H ROLL CALL. �,)) 9 Present: Chair Bergstrom; Vice Chair Melsha; Commissioners 'filfq nann, 10 Hanson, Thomas,Hatch, and Stille. 11 Commissioners absent: None. 12 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant. 13 III. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 15,2000 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 14 AGENDA. 15 Motion by Tillmann, second by Hanson, to approve the February 15, 2000 Planning Commission 16 Meeting Agenda as presented. 17 Motion carried unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 16,1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 19 Motion by Bergstrom,second by Hanson,to approve the November 16, 1999 Planning Commission 20 Meeting Minutes with the following modifications: 21 Page 3, Line 9, after "flower boxes." add "He made the garage thinner and longer so more area 22 would cover more of the driveway." 23 Page 3, Line 30, after "lot coverage" add"below the existing amount." 24 Motion carried unanimously. 25 V. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 18,2000 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. 26 Motion by Hatch, second by Melsha, to approve the January 18, 2000 Planning Commission 27 Meeting Minutes with the following modification: 28 Page 6, Line 20, after"into the plans" add"and also a large chunk of the green space was deleted." 29 Page 6, Line 20, change "Mr." to "Ms." 30 Motion carried unanimously. 0 VI. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 32 FEBRUARY 22,2000 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 2 1 Chair Bergstrom requested that the designation of a Planning Commission Representative be ta- 2 bled,until the end of the meeting to determine if a representative is needed to present issues at the 3 February 22,2000 City Council meeting. 4 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. 5 None. 6 VIII. OTHER BUSINESS. 7 A. Apache Plaza Update; Scott Tankenoff, Hillcrest Development. 8 Chair Bergstrom welcomed Scott Tankenoff, managing partner of Hillcrest Development., Mr. 9 Tankenoff began by distributing copies of two articles from the Star Tribune entitled "Shopping 10 for Ways to Help Malls Survive" and "Minneapolis Likes High-Tech Campus Plan." Mr. 11 Tankenoff explained that the articles were for the Commission's information and that the second 12 article, in particular, discussed a current project in which Hillcrest Development is involved. 13 Mr. Tankenoff continued by stating that it is his intention to attend the Planning Commission 14 meetings as well as the City Council meetings on a regular basis in order to provide updates on 15 the status of the Apache Plaza redevelopment and-answer questions. is Currently, Mr. Tankenoff stated, Hillcrest Development has a fully-signed purchase agreement 17 with US Bank and has met with City Staff to develop some preliminary concepts to bring for- 18 ward. Mr. Tankenoff stated that he is reluctant to release any details to the public at this time re- 19 garding the renderings and conceptual plans because the plans are still in the initial stage of 20 development and could undergo changes and modifications. 21 Furthermore, Mr. Tankenoff stated that there are several items currently being done, such as an 22 environmental review, geotechnical items to investigate, and various indoor items to investigate. 23 Hillcrest Development is in.the process of contract reviews, lease reviews, physical review of the 24 structure, and other individual review items. Mr. Tankenoff estimated that approximately 50 25 days from this date, Hillcrest Development will have the results of the condition of the structure 26 of the property. 27 Mr. Tankenoff s final message about the project is that Hillcrest Development is enthusiastic 28 about the potential uses of the property, and also about providing an attractive area of which the 29 City and community could be proud. 30 Bergstrom commended Mr. Tankenoff on the prudent approach that Hillcrest Development is 31 taking. He continued by stating that the Apache property has been the focus of the City for many 32 years and there have been many hopes for the property that have resulted in disappointment. 0 Bergstrom asked Mr. Tankenoff to indicate the boundaries of the property for which Hillcrest 34 Development has purchased. Mr. Tankenoff proceeded to point out estimated boundaries on an 35 aerial map of the City that is on display in Council Chambers. He stated that the purchase agree- 36 ment entails approximately 31 acres of property, and included the New Market site. City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 3 1 Furthermore, Mr. Tankenoff stated that an accurate survey has not been obtained at this point, so 2 specific surveying figures were not available. 3 Tillmann noted that the City Council meeting minutes had indicated discussions about a possible 4 community meeting area and she asked for details from Mr. Tankenoff. He responded by stating 5 that it is his understanding that the citizens of the community desired a community space and this 6 concept is being considered. The initial concept considered would include a type of recreational 7 area, meeting area, and a gathering point such as a coffee shop; however, even though the con- 8 cept of a community space is a priority with the conceptual plans, Mr. Tankenoff cautioned the 9 community to hold realistic expectations. 10 Tillmann inquired how the community space would be financed; i.e., would the City rent the 11 space or would other options be considered. Mr. Tankenoff stated that such an issue has been 12 discussed with City Staff and that has not been resolved at this time. However, he was optimistic 13 that a solution could be arranged and ongoing discussions would not prevent the community 14 space concept from being developed. 15 Additionally, Mr. Tankenoff indicated that the Apache property may have an area for craft displays and craft shows and he felt this expansion in development would be beneficial for the 40 community. 18 Tillmann asked how much parking would be needed for the property. Mr. Tankenoff stated that 19 the property appeared to generate adequate parking and at this point, he did not anticipate the 20 needed for additional parking, such as a parking ramp. The total need for parking would depend 21 upon the type of clients that move into the building. 22 Melsha stated that a May 2000 closing time had previously been mentioned and he inquired if 23 that continued to be a viable date. Mr. Tankenoff stated that May 2000 is still the target date, but 24 the closing depended upon the conceptual plans. Ideally, Mr. Tankenoff stated he would like to 25 have identified some clients by that point and would like to plan construction to begin in the 26 Year 2000. 27 Thomas inquired if Mr. Tankenoff was concerned about competition for finding tenants for both 28 Apache Plaza and the development project on Stinson as well. Mr. Tankenoff responded that the 29 Stinson space is differentthan the Apache space and, generally speaking, would house different 30 types of clients. 31 Stille inquired about the absorption time frame that was anticipated for Apache. Mr. Tankenoff 32 responded that it was his intention was to meet with commercial real estate brokers to present the 33 project. After that point, it was his hope to make a meaningful dent in the tenant base within three to five months of marketing the project to the brokers. 35 Bergstrom inquired if Hillcrest Development's policy was to custom build tenant space before or 36 after a tenant signed a lease. Mr. Tankenoff stated the Company would custom build.the space City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 4 1 around the tenant's specific needs. Additionally, the Company would build a show space of ap- 2 proximately 2,000-4,000 square feet. 3 Bergstrom felt it was in the City's best interest to view the plans of Hillcrest Development in the 4 context of the entire property. Mr. Tankenoff responded that he believed that, at this point, the 5 New Market property should be considered ancillary and should support the final outcome of the 6 Apache property. In other words, Mr. Tankenoff stated that he would consider other options 7 with the New Market property once more of a concept is developed for the Apache property. 8 Bergstrom thanked Mr. Tankenoff for his interest, updates and input for the Apache property. 9 B. Lot Coverage Report; Commissioner Tillmann and Staff. 10 Tillmann directed the Commission's attention to her report entitled "Proposal to Change the Lot 11 Coverage Ordinances." By way of background, Tillmann explained that the purpose behind 12 changing the lot coverage ordinances was so that the Commission was not forced to review crite- 13 ria on a case-by-base basis. This is reinforced by the fact that last fall, the Commission heard 14 two similar variance requests. Both were requests for variances from the lot coverage maximum 15 and both properties in question had undersized lots. In addition, both properties were above the 40 maximum 35% lot coverage limit. 17 Tillmann continued by stating that the.Commission is likely to have similar requests in the future 18 and, rather than reviewing each request separately, develop a criteria that can be applied consis- 19 tently. This would allow for the improvement of homes in St. Anthony without adversely affect- 20 ing the storm water control efforts. The goal of the ordinance change would be to reduce the 21 number of variance requests to only those that represent extraordinary circumstances. 22 Tillmann stated that there are two components of the lot coverage limit. One is the maximum . 23 percentage of coverage allowed(currently 35%). The other is the definition of impervious sur- 24 face or what is counted in calculating the lot coverage. Currently, any surface or structure is 25 counted. 26 Tillmann's report offered two options: 27 1) Clarify the "impervious surface" definition to more clearly state that it includes all 28 surfaces and structures (including decks); and increase the lot coverage maximum for lots that 29 are below the current requirements of 75 feet in width and 9,000 square feet in area to 40%. The 30 advantage of this option is simplicity. 31 2) Change the "impervious surface" definition to exclude decks (and possibly patios)that 32 meet certain requirements, and leave the lot coverage maximum at 35%. The advantage of this option is that it more closely follows the intent of the lot coverage limit to reduce storm water *4 runoff by excluding surfaces that do not affect runoff. 35 Management Assistant Kim Moore-Sykes stated that she has spoken with Todd Hubmer of WSB City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 5 1 & Associates and noted that Tillmann had been working with Mr. Hubmer on this project as 2 well. Ms. Moore-Sykes mentioned that Mr. Hubmer would be available to attend the Planning 3 Commission meeting in March to discuss the impact of modifying the lot coverage ordinances on 4 the stormwater runoff and retention. 5 In that respect, Bergstrom directed Ms. Moore-Sykes to arrange with Mr. Hubmer for him to at- 6 tend the March 2000 Planning Commission meeting and to coordinate the arrangement with City 7 Manager Michael Mornson. 8 Bergstrom thanked Tillmann for her report and Ms.-Moore-Sykes for her assistance. 9 10 C. Report on Green Space for St.Anthony Shopping Center. 11 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she wished to provide an update for the Commission on the current 12 status of the green space for the St: Anthony Shopping Center. 13 City Staff had met with some consultants regarding developing the green space, and ultimately 14 made a recommendation to the City Council to select BRW do provide the landscape planning 15 for the open space. Most of the spring would be devoted to developing the plan and concepts. Bergstrom asked if the City had an executed Developers Agreement with The Hitching Post. 17 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the City has two development agreements in place. One is with 18 The Hitching Post and the other is with the owners of the Shopping Center 19 Both Tillmann and Bergstrom inquired if the Parks Commission is going to be involved in the 20 development of the green space. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that it is planned that the Parks 21 Commission have involvement,but it was her understanding that the main role will fall to the 22 City Staff, City Council, and BRW. 23 As an aside, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the owners of Dairy Queen have approached City Staff 24 with designs and plans for a renovation. She stated that the plans indicate excellent ideas and ap- 25 pear complimentary to the overall renovation of the Shopping Center. 26 On a related subject, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that Jim Kellison,the development contractor for 27 The Hitchin Post, had contacted her. Mr. Kellison offered that renovation for The Hitching Post 28 is moving along at a fast pace and the store planned to open within a couple of weeks. 29 D. Discuss Need for Planner for Apache Site. 30 Bergstrom stated that he recently had a conversation with City Manager Michael Morrison re- 31 garding hiring a planner to work with the City and Hillcrest Development. The intention would 32 be to frame the Apache project so that it works for both the City and Hillcrest Development from a planning standpoint. It was Bergstrom's concern that the City needed to develop some con- 4t ceptual ideas to coordinate with Hillcrest Development's conceptual plans. 35 Furthermore, Bergstrom stated that on Friday, February 18, 2000,there is a retreat with the City City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 6 l Council, department heads, Chair of the Parks Commission, and he would be attending as the 2 Chair of the Planning Commission. He anticipated that he would be able to approach the subject 3 of hiring a planner for the City's interest. He reminded the Commission that the City had hired 4 Richard Krier to assist with the design of the Shopping Center on the City's behalf. 5 E. Possible Variance for Nativity Lutheran Church. 6 Ms. Moore-Sykes reviewed for the Commission the facts surrounding the sign at Nativity 7 Lutheran Church. In the 1960's, the Church installed an identification sign before the City 8 adopted a sign ordinance in later years. 9 In September 1999, a representative from Nativity Lutheran Church contacted City Staff and 10 filed a sign permit with the intention of changing the sign so that it would be easier to maintain 11 as well as have a more updated appearance. The Church did not plan to change the dimensions, 12 location, footings, electrical wiring or the base of the sign. 13 In the meantime, a resident contacted the City and complained that the Church's sign was placed 14 in the right of way and was therefore in noncompliance with the City's sign ordinance. Upon 15 further review by City Staff, it was determined that the prior sign and the newly updated sign were indeed in the right of way; however, upon further review, it was determined that the church's previous sign had been installed prior to the existence of the current City ordinance and 18 thus had been grandfathered in. 19 In any event, City Staff found that Section 1400.08, Subd. 15 allows for the replacement of 20 existing business identification signs. An important point is that the previous sign was not de- 21 molished,but simply updated. 22 Bergstrom clarified the facts with Ms. Moore-Sykes: 1)the.new sign was simply rebuilt in the 23 same place, using the existing electrical pad, footings and base, and utilizing the dimensions of 24 the existing sign; and 2) the previous sign had been built before the existing sign ordinance. 25 Hatch inquired if the City found it necessary to grant a variance for the placement of the sign, 26 would the City be held responsible if damage occurred to the sign because the sign was placed-in 27 the right of way. 28 In that respect, Bergstrom directed Management Assistant Ms. Moore-Sykes to obtain an opinion 29 from City Attorney William Soth to address if the process of rebuilding and updating the sign for 30 Nativity Lutheran would trigger the need for the removal of a nonconforming structure. In addi- 31 tion, if the City proceeded with the variance process, and approved a variance for a sign in the 32 right of way, would the City be responsible for damages caused to the sign due to the sign being 33 in the right of way. 'R4 Thomas commented that the Commission might consider as a matter of policy adopting some 35 standard principles regarding nonconforming structures that are currently in existence. City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 7 1 Bergstrom directed Management Assistant Ms. Moore-Sykes to add a review of nonconforming 2 structures and existing ordinances as an agenda item for the March 2000 Planning Commission 3 meeting. 4 F. Concept Review for Wireless Site Specialists. 5 Ms. Moore-Sykes directed the Commission's attention to a letter dated February 9, 2000 from 6 Wireless Site Specialists, Inc., a contractor for AT&T Wireless Services. AT&T is interested in 7 placing cellular antennas on a commercial structure(known as Apache Medical Building) at 8 4001 Stinson Boulevard. AT&T proposes to install three antenna mounts with 1 to 4 antennas 9 per array. 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that the contractor requested a concept review for the Planning Com- 11 mission meeting scheduled for March 21, 2000. 12 Thomas asked if.Ms. Moore-Sykes was aware of any public discussions regarding the aesthetics 13 of antennas. In that respect, Bergstrom directed Management Assistant Ms. Moore-Sykes to re- 14 search similar past situations and place her findings in the meeting package for the next meeting. G. Year In Review. 40 Bergstrom distributed a list of 1999 goals for Planning Commission consideration. This list was 17 put together last year and he requested that at the beginning of each year, a new list be 18 developed. Before putting together a list for the Planning Commission for the Year 2000, 19 Bergstrom would like to attend the City Council retreat on February 18 to discover the goals and 20 mission of the new Council, which could include identifying the Council's mission for the 21 Planning Commission. 22 Thomas inquired if the City Council would be setting its own goals for the future. Ms. Moore- 23 Sykes offered that traditionally the Council utilizes the retreat in part to develop strategic goals 24 and a vision for the future. 25 IX. COMMENTS. 26 A. Commissioners. 27 Stille wanted to wish Ms. Moore-Sykes well in her new employment-with the City of Ramsey. 28 29 Hatch echoed Stille's well wishes for Ms. Moore-Sykes. Additionally, he commented about the 30 role of the new fire chief. Specifically, Hatch inquired if the new chief would be in charge of 31 code enforcement issues or if that responsibility would be passed on to another department. 32 Bergstrom responded that it was his hope that the issue would be discussed at the City Council 33 retreat on Friday, February 18. 0 34 Additionally, Hatch inquired of Ms. Moore-Sykes if the firm of BRW, Inc. had been approached 35 about providing GIS information to the City, since BRW would have that information available 36 from prior work done for the City. Ms. Moore-Sykes made a note to contact BRW to inquire City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 8 1 about that arrangement. 2 Tillmann wished Ms. Moore-Sykes success in her new employment.with the City of Ramsey. 3 Hanson stated that the Planning Commission would miss Ms. Moore-Sykes and her contributions 4 to City government, and he wished her luck. 5 Thomas offered his congratulations to Ms. Moore-Sykes and stated that he has enjoyed meeting 6 her and working with her since his appointment as a Planning Commissioner. 7 In regard to the earlier discussion regarding the potential need for a planner for the City, Thomas 8 felt that it was important to look at the Apache property as a planned development. In other 9 words, if the City could promote the development of the entire site, it could bring the community 10 together and Thomas felt that St. Anthony was in a position to capture that energy and 11 momentum. 12 Melsha expressed his congratulations on Ms. Moore-Sykes' new opportunity. Additionally, Melsha reported that he agreed with the idea of hiring a planner for the Apache property. He felt that Hillcrest Development is ahead of the City in conceptual plans and a plan- 15 ner's input and ideas would be beneficial for the City. Community input would also be helpful 16 and Melsha suggested a public hearing. 17 Chair Bergstrom presented Ms. Moore-Sykes with a card that had been signed by all of the Plan- 18 ning Commissioners and wished her well in her new job. Ms. Moore-Sykes expressed thanks to 19 the Commissioners and stated that her experience with the Planning Commission has been valu- 20 able. 21 Bergstrom reminded the Commission that there is an Open House scheduled for Friday, March 3, 22 2000 from 2:30-5:00 at the Community Center. The Open House will bid farewell to Ms. 23 Moore-Sykes, and congratulate Dick Johnson, Fire Chief, on his retirement. 24 Bergstrom directed the Commission's attention to a letter dated October 26, 1999 from the City 25 of Roseville regarding a request for proposals. Specifically, Bergstrom asked the Commission to 26 view page 2, last paragraph, wherein it stated that the City of Roseville's redevelopment policy is 27 to facilitate private sector redevelopment without assuming an official stake in the chain of title. 28 The City's strategy is to provide a comprehensive development framework and the necessary in- 29 frastructure for the redevelopment area to attract private sector redevelopment investment. 30 Bergstrom explained that the letter is an example of how a city is taking charge of redevelopment without taking charge of the title. Bergstrom planned on distributing a copy of the letter to the 2 City Staff and City Council as well. 33 B. Staff. City of St. Anthony Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 15, 2000 • Page 9 1 1. Salvation Army Camp Property. 2 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that there have not been any new developments on the Salvation 3 Army property . 4 5 Stille inquired if a planner needed to be considered for that property. Bergstrom re- 6 sponded that the City would need to set aside funds for a planner for Apache and possibly 7 for the Salvation Army property as well. One question that would arise, Bergstrom 8 stated, is the entity that would be responsible for the planner. 9 2. Bus Tour(April 15). 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that City Manager Michael Morrison thought it would be a good 11 idea to have the bus tour in conjunction with the joint meeting. Ms. Moore-Sykes had 12 checked with Public Works Director Jay Hartman about obtaining a bus and he responded 13 that the City of New Brighton had been cooperative in the past to allow the City to use 14 the vans and busses available. Ms. Moore-Sykes reminded the Commission that she 15 would need a count of the number of people that would be attending the bus tour. 16 17 Bergstrom is looking forward to viewing examples of both positive and negative issues-- for example,property maintenance, both commercial and residential. 20 Tillmann stated that she would like to see examples of companies that currently have con- 21 ditional use permits. 22 Thomas inquired if the Commission would discuss a possible route for the bus tour. 23 Bergstrom directed Ms. Moore-Sykes to place that item on next month's agenda. 24 25 3. Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting=April 18. 26 Ms. Moore-Sykes reminded the Commission that a joint meeting with the City Council 27 would take place on April 18, 2000. Although this is the Commission's regular monthly 28 meeting, Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that, in the past,the meeting has begun earlier than 29 usual to allow for extra time. 30 Stille reminded the Commission that the Volunteer Dinner is scheduled for April 28, 31 2000. Ms. Moore-Sykes added that the evening has always been enjoyable and involves 32 some type of entertainment, motivational speaker, and excellent food. 33 X. ADJOURNMENT. 34 Motion by Stille, second by Melsha, to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. �35 Motion carried unanimously. 'P6 Sue Selseth 37 TimeSaver.Off Site Secretarial, Inc.