Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 10162000 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII 100725 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000 Document: PL MINUTES 10162000 f 2 - 103 CITY OF ST.''ANTHONY 4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES S- OCTOBER 17, 2000 6 7:00 p.m., 7 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. to ROLL CALL. 11 Present: Chair Bergstrom`, Vice Chair Melsha, Commissioners Tillmann, 12 Hanson, Thomas, Hatch. 13 14 Commissioners absent: Commissioner Stille. 15 16 Also present: Spencer Isom, Assistant City Manager 17 18 19 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THEFOLLOWING �o ITEMS: 21 Chair Bergstrom noted that this is the first Planning Commission meeting that will be televised on 22 Cable T.V. This has been considered for a long time, and has now been placed as a reality. 23 24 I. PUBLIC INPUT. 25 Chair Bergstrom invited input from the audience on issues that were not on the regular Planning 26 Commission meeting agenda. Hearing no response, Chair Bergstrom moved forward with the 27 agenda. 28 II. APPROVAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF 29 SEPTEMBER 19,2000. 30 Motion by Melsha, second by Hanson, to approve the September 19, 2000 Planning Commission 3.1 Meeting Minutes with the following modifications: . 32 33 Page-1,Line 9 delete "Thomas" 34 Page 2, Line 30, change "Attorney" to "Manager" 35 Page 4, Line 36, delete "questioned" and replace with "was unclear about" 36 Voting on the Motion: Commissioners Tillmann, Hanson,Thomas, Melsha, Hatch voted aye. 37 Chair Bergstrom abstained from voting due to absence at the meeting. �8 The motion carried 39 III. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY COUNCIL. i Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 2 1 1. Mayor Dennis Cavanaugh Would Like to Address the Commission on Various Issues. 2 Chair Bergstrom welcomed Mayor Cavanaugh to the Commission's meeting. Mayor Cavanaugh 3 wished to express his appreciation for the Planning Commission's research, discussions, and 4 decisions regarding the Apache Plaza project as proposed by Hillcrest Development. He wanted 5 to assure the Planning Commission that all of the work and input that was done over the months 6 was utilized by the Council. He noted that the issue was extraordinarily complicated and he had 7 the opinion that the City would most likely never see an issue of that strength again. 8 Mayor Cavanaugh stated that the Hillcrest Development issue was a critical learning experience 9 for the City, and he felt that the value of the.Planning Commission was recognized by all of the 10 City Councilmembers. He reviewed the project overall with the Commissioners and how the 11 Council arrived at the decision regarding the project. 12 Mayor Cavanaugh moved forward with this issue by announcing that the City is beginning a new 13 review of the property in the Apache Plaza area. A task force is being developed and he noted 14 that some of the members of the Planning Commission have been asked to be a part of the task 15 force. Additionally, he stated that he has spoken with City Manager Michael Mornson about 16 looking at other roles for the Planning Commission. He felt that the Planning Commission could 17 provide many resources for the Council. Mayor Cavanaugh noted that the Comprehensive Plan should be able to be followed and he has 19 discussed this issue with City Manager Morrison. He would like to see a long-term plan devel- 20 oped in order to be able to follow the City's Comprehensive Plan. 21 Mayor Cavanaugh noted that he had receivedI request from a resident stating that they believed 22 the Commissioners on the Parks and Planning Commission should be compensated. Personally, 23 he stated that he would like to see this take place, and although the compensation would not be of 24 a great dollar figure, it would be a symbbl of the City's appreciation for the work and diligence 25 that all of the Commissioners put f6rtli.' 26 Mayor Cavanaugh concluded his presentation by expressing his sincere presentation for the 27 Commissioner's hours of work and research that have been provided for the benefit of the City 28 and the City Council. 29 Chair Bergstrom thanked Mayor Cavanaugh,;for his input. 30 IV. REQUESTS FOR POSTPONEMENTS OR WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATIONS. 31 None. 32 V. NEW APPLICATIONS/PUBLIC'HEARINGS. 33 1. Concept Review. Proposed Walgreen's Store at the Corner of Silver Lake and 37th Avenue. 5 Chair Bergstrom requested a report from Assistant City Manager Spencer Isom. Isom reviewed 36 briefly for the Commission that Mr. Mike Kalscheur of TOLD Development Company was in 37 the audience to discuss the proposed Walgreens store for the Northwest Corner of 37th Avenue Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 3 1 and Silver Lake Road. In this respect, Isom introduced Mr. Kalscheur and invited him to address 2 the Commission. 3 _... 4 Mr. Kalscheur explained for the Commission that the project would involve an approval process. 5 The project would, in essence, involve the demolition of the existing Amoco gas station and car 6 wash buildings, along with the combination of the approximately 265 easterly feet of the 7 adjacent property owned by Ken Solie of Village Properties. There are binding purchase 8 agreements signed with both BP-Amoco and Mr. Solie. 9 10 Mr. Kalscheur presented a preliminary site plan that showed a 14,490 square foot Walgreens 11 with a drive-through pharmacy on the site. Mr.,Kalscheur explained that the drive-through 12 pharmacy is strictly for convenience pick ups,and would not provide the customers access to 13 dialogue with the pharmacist nor would it involve a loud speaker. 14 Mr. Kalscheur explained that the design of the building is intended for areas such as St. Anthony 15 where residential properties are in close proximity. As a neighborhood retailer, Walgreens has 16 developed a building exterior that utilizes pitched roofs with residential-style shingles and 17 subdued signage to fit within the surroundings. In addition, the building would be brick on all 18 four sides and would utilize only quality materials. The intent is to be more sensitive to a �9 residential neighborhood. 20 Mr. Kalscheur noted that he is looking forward to working with the Planning Commission and it 21 is his hope and intent to provide a quality buildirig and service to the community. 22 Bergstrom inquired if this property is within the boundary that there is a moratorium for that 23 area. Isom noted that he believed this property was not included within the moratorium. 24 Bergstrom inquired if a minor amendment needed to be made to the Comprehensive Plan. Isom 25 noted that this project is contingent upon Mr. Solie and the Animal Hospital being able to bring 26 their issue to a close. 27 Thomas inquired about the color of the brick. Mr. Kalscheur noted that the brick was somewhat 28 of an earth tone, but would prefer to bring a brick sample in to present to the Commission be- 29 cause the color was difficult to describe. 30 31 Thomas asked for other cities for which TOLD_ ;Development had built other Walgreens. Some 32 of the cities Mr. Kalscheur mentioned were in Chaska, Hastings, and Brainard. Thomas 33 requested that Mr. Kalscheur bring some photographs in to the next Commission meeting of the 34 other projects. Additionally, Thomas asked if there would be additional signs for the building 35 other than what was depicted on the presented drawings. Mr. Kalscheur noted that there would 36 be a minimum of signage involved,and probably less than what was depicted on the 37 presentation. Mr. Kalscheur noted that a pylon sign would be requested; however, Bergstrom noted that the City would prefer a monument sign rather than a pylon. 39 Bergstrom inquired if any variances or setbacks would be anticipated. Mr. Kalscheur noted that 40 he did not believe that any variances or setbacks would be required because all of the appropriate Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 4 1 regulations and requirements have,been obtained from the City and the plans have been drawn 2 accordingly. 3 Bergstrom inquired about the hours of the store and Mr. Kalscheur noted he would discuss this 4 issue with Walgreens but provided a typical set of hours of operation for most Walgreens. 5 Tillmann inquired about any stormwater plans that Walgreens had developed. Mr. Kalscheur 6 noted that this project was a civil engineering challenge at best, and that Walgreens was not at 7 the point in design where retaining walls had been planned. However, he noted that Walgreens 8 would be working with the engineers regarding the appropriate stormwater runoff and other 9 requirements. 10 Hatch inquired if any trees would-be taken away as part of the project. Mr. Kalscheur noted that 11 he did not believe that any trees would-be impacted. 12 Hatch inquired about the placement of the trash bins. Mr. Kalscheur explained where the trash 13 bins would be placed. Hatch further inquired about the lighting around the property and the po- 14 tential to disturb other residents. Mr. Kalscheur explained that a type of screening would be pro- 15 vided, possibly in the form of landscaping. Hatch clarified that he meant high-elevation parking 6 lights. Mr. Kalscheur explained what the development company planned on doing to alleviate that problem. 18 Bergstrom noted that the City has recently developed some lighting standards for that area, and 19 has adopted some specific lighting fixtures. Bergstrom stated that typically the City has been 20 asking that the property owner/develop select light fixtures that are generally consistent with 21 what the City has chosen for the area: :He requested that Mr. Kalscheur work with Public Works 22 Director Jay Hartman to develop a plan for the lighting that would be consistent with the City's 23 plan. 24 Ha son inquired about an anticipated construction date and a potential opening date. Mr. 25 Kalscheur stated that it would appear that a spring construction date would be planned, with a 26 potential opening in approximately October 2001. 27 Thomas asked if he knew what kind of impact.Walgreens would have on the Synders Drug Store. 28 Mr. Kalscheur noted that would be up to the,residents and they hoped to provide friendly compe- 29 tition. He added that the two stores usually peacefully co-exist within a community. 30 Bergstrom inquired what type of traffic generation was anticipated for the Walgreens. Mr. 31 Kalscheur noted that typically Walgreens was not a traffic-generator,but more of a collector of 32 traffic. Bergstrom inquired about the curb cut noted on the presentation and wondered about the place- 4 ment. Mr. Kalscheur explained why the curb cut was placed in that spot and Bergstrom 35 acknowledged that his answer was logical. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 5 • I Hatch was concerned about external;displays. Mr. Kalscheur reassured the Commission that 2 Walgreens typically,does not have outside displays, other than a possible banner now and then 3 announcing a special promotion. 4 Bergstrom summarized the presentation by stating that the design was complacent with a 5 residential setting. He noted that Walgreens was not requesting any variances, and that the 6 conditional use process would be gone through in terms of replatting. Regarding lighting, he 7 would ask that the external lighting be in compliance with the City's newly-adopted standards. 8 Pylon signs would be discouraged, but rather'a'monument sign would be encouraged. 9 Additionally, the Commission would like to see more about the colors in the general design. 10 Bergstrom noted the City's struggles with stormwater runoff over the past few years, and invited 11 Walgreens and its representatives to think seriously about stormwater issues to retain and 12 infiltrate as much water as possible. 13 Chair Bergstrom thanked Mr. Kalscheur for his presentation. 14 2. Concept Review. Accurate Wire Solutions, Inc. is Proposing to Purchase City-Owned 15 Property at the Northeastern Termination of Anthony Lane. 16 Chair Bergstrom invited a report from Assistant City Manager Isom. Isom noted that Mr. Roger 17 Stoick, President of Accurate Solutions, Inc. was present for a concept review. Isom invited Mr. Stoick to address the Commission. 19 Mr. Stoick began by stating that Accurate Wire Sblutions, Inc. understands that the land adjacent 20 to their building (which is at 2917 Anthony Lane North) is a piece of property owned by St. 21 Anthony and was originally designed to be a road connecting Anthony Lane North to Ramsey 22 County. However, he stated that the.property where the proposed road would connect to is now 23 developed, and it was his understanding that the road would not be built. 24 Accurate Wire Solutions, Inc. was interested in purchasing the property from the City and also to 25 construct an addition to the building equivalent to the size of the property that would be acquired 26 from the City. In essence, the company wanted to build a wing onto the building which would 27 be approximately 160 feet long by 40-50 feet wide. 28 Chair Bergstrom directed the Commissioner's attention to a letter dated October 11, 2000 from 29 City Attorney Soth wherein Mr. Soth offered_his legal opinion with regard to the proposal by ,30 Accurate Wire Solutions. 31 Thomas inquired if Accurate Wire.Solutions planned on adding employees. Mr. Stoick 32 responded that eventually about 5=6employees would be hired, but currently the company is in 33 need of more room in which to work., Hanson inquired about adequate parking. Mr. Stoick stated that currently the business has about 05 18-20 cars in the parking lot, which is designed for approximately 30 vehicles. 36 Assistant City Manager Isom was asked to clarify City Attorney Soth's letter. Isom noted that Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 6 1 Mr. Soth had explained that the answer to the question depends upon the status of the property 2 owned by the City. In essence, if the property is a piece of land owned by the City and is in 3 excess of City property, it could be sold to the Company. If the property is a dedicated street, . 4 created by a plat or by an easement deed, then it could not be sold to the Company. 5 Isom noted that meetings would be held with Public Works Director Jay Hartman and this issue 6 would be discussed in more detail. 7 Bergstrom summarized that this issue is worth pursuing because it could be a benefit for both the 8 Company as well as a long-term benefit to the City. This issue will be presented to the City 9 Council at the next meeting by a Planning Commissioner. There will not be a decision made, 10 however, but simply provide a background of information for the City Council. 11 Bergstrom requested that Mr. Stoick'work with Assistant City Manager Isom to facilitate this 12 matter. 13 VI. POSTPONED APPLICATIONS. 14 None. VII. REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND/OR CONCEPT REVIEWS. None. 17 VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS. 18 1. Subcommittee to Schedule First Meeting Regarding the Study/Development of New 19 Antennae Ordinance in Pretiaration for Future Commission and Council Consideration. 20 Melsha suggested scheduling the meeting for Tuesday, October 24, depending upon the 21 availability of Commissioner Stiller` 22 IX. COMMISSION INPUT. 23 1. Chair to Select a Commissioner as the Representative to the Council Meeting on October 24 24, 2000. 25 Commissioner Hanson volunteered to be the Planning Commission's representative at the City 26 Council meeting on October 24, 2000.' 27 2. Commissioner Bill Thomas To Present Information Re ag rding Available State Grant 28 Money Programs. 29 Thomas noted that additional information would be coming to the Commissioners, however, in 30 the meantime, he noted that there,are-grant programs available, such as the Community Revitali- 31 zation Program. He would like forAhe Commission to review the information that he would pro- 32 vide, and then make a recommendation to the City Council for the grant. Now that the City has a 33 Planner/Consultant on Staff, it would be beneficial to apply for the grant. The grant is competi- 0 tive, he stated, but there is a chance that St. Anthony could receive some funds. 35 Thomas would like to see the Commission go on record that the City should apply for the grant 36 money from some available sources. 1 1 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 7 I Bergstrom noted that he was in full support of the concept and stated that this is an issue that the 2 Planning Commission had considered for a long time. He commended Thomas for researching 3 this issue. Additionally, Bergstrom would like to see a task force developed. Thomas 4 announced his willingness to serve on such a task force, and noted he will compile additional 5 information and provide the same to the Commissioners. 6 3. Commissioners' Comments. 7 Bergstrom noted that he had received a letter from Mayor Cavanaugh regarding the task force for 8 the Apache Plaza/Salvation Army property. Thomas volunteered to serve on the committee, as 9 well as Melsha. Tillmann noted that the entire Planning Commission should be involved, not 10 necessarily as members, but to attend the meetings and stay informed and involved. Tillmann 11 expressed her willingness to be ori'the'committee. 12 Tillmann wished to recognize the loss to the community of the closing of the Hardware Hank 13 store. She asked if the Commission could have an update on that area at the next meeting. 14 Hanson noted that one of the businesses, Alex's Shoes, would be closing soon due to the owner's 15 health concerns. Additionally, he has been told that the State Farm Agent plans on being in the 16 old flower store soon, and possibly that Snyders would be expanding. Isom noted that he was not aware of further activity with regard to the master plan for the space at St. Anthony Shopping Center. 19 Tillmann noted that she thinks it would be helpful in deciding issues to know about the potential 20 financial impact. For instance, it would have been beneficial in the recent past to have had some 21 education regarding TIF financing. This involvement and education of sorts might be beneficial 22 for the Commission in assisting and supporting the City Council in making important decisions. 23 Bergstrom acknowledged that the Commission should be aware of some baseline numbers. He 24 suggested that possibly the Commissioners could contact City Staff to obtain some of that infor- 25 mation prior to meetings where those issues would be presented. 26 Tillmann expressed support for the televising of the Planning Commission meetings. 27 Additionally, she expressed delight that the Hennepin Parks is interested in the Salvation Army 28 property. 29 Hanson did not have any comments. 30 Thomas commented that the issues of tax increment financing, zoning, re-zoning, and others are 31 important for the Commission to be aware of the contraindications for residents. Additionally, 32 the Commission should be made aware of the benefits for the residents and the City. He used an 33 example by noting that the City of Minneapolis had used public money to assist Home Depot in developing a store, but in turn, that assistance it has negatively impacted some important 5 businesses in St. Anthony. 36 Melsha commented that he appreciated the Mayor's appearance and felt his comments were help- Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2000 Page 8 1 fal to understand the Mayor's prospective on the Hillcrest project. Although Melsha did not 2 agree with the Council's decision, he was appreciative of hearing Mayor Cavanaugh's side of the 3 project. 4 Hatch did not have any comments. 5 Assistant City Manager Isom noted that Chair Bergstrom and Commissioners Melsha and Hatch 6 are nearing the end of their terms. It is the City's hope, Isom relayed, that those gentlemen 7 would submit a letter to the City requesting reappointment by December 1. 8 X. ADJOURNMENT. 9 Motion by Tillmann, second by Bergstrom, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. 10 Motion carried unanimously. 11 Respectfully submitted, Sue Selseth 13 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •