HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 01162001 Meeting Sheet
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Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2001
Document: PL MINUTES 01162001
1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
3 JANUARY 16, 2001
4 7:00 p.m.
5 1. CALL TO ORDER.
6 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.by Vice Chair Melsha. He requested that Agenda Items
7 3 and 4 be considered prior to Item 2, Appoint Chair/Vice Chair.
8 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
9 Vice Chair Melsha invited the Commission and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
10 4. ROLL CALL.
I 1 Present: Vice Chair Melsha; Commissioners Hanson, Hatch (arrived at 7:01
12 p.m.), Steeves, Stille, Thomas, and Tillmann (arrived at 7:01 p.m.).
13 Commissioners absent: None.
14 Also present: Assistant City Manager Susan Henry
2. APPOINT CHAIRIVICE CHAIR.
Stille made and Thomas seconded the nomination of Christopher Melsha to the position of Chair.
17 Tillmann made and Melsha seconded the nomination of Randy Stille to the position of Chair.
18 Motion by Hanson, second by Thomas, to close nominations for the Year 2001 Planning
19 Commission Chair.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21 Vice Chair Melsha requested a voice vote to determine the election.
22
23 1 vote for Stille (Tillmann); 5 votes for Melsha (Hanson, Steeves, Thomas, Hatch, and
24 Stille; 1 abstain (Melsha).
25 Melsha stated his acceptance of the position of Chair and appreciation to the Planning
26 Commissioners for this nomination.
27 Thomas made and Chair Melsha seconded the nomination of Randy Stille as Vice Chair.
28 Motion by Tillmann, second by Chair Melsha, to close nominations and elect Randy Stille as the
29 Year 2001 Planning Commission Vice Chair.
0 Motion carried unanimously.
•Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 2
l 5. PUBLIC INPUT.
2 Chair Melsha asked if anyone in the audience was interested in addressing the Planning Com-
3 mission on issues that were not on the regular meeting agenda. Hearing no comments, Chair
4 Melsha moved forward with the agenda.
5 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
6 Chair Melsha advised that Agenda Item 9, reconsideration of Walgreens sign variance request,
7 has been tabled to February 20, 2001 at the request of the applicant.
8 Motion by Thomas, second by Hatch, to approve the meeting agenda with the aforementioned
9 revision.
10 Motion carried unanimously.
11 7. MEETING MINUTES
12 7.1 Review and Approve Planning Commission Minutes of December 19, 2000
13 The Commissioners requested the following corrections:
14 Page 8, Line 1: "Stille stated his concern . . ."
15 Page 8, Line 25: "Hanson pointed out the anticipated Walgreens opening in October of 2002..."
Page 9, Line 35: "opposed to the proposed size of the sign, he would prefer to define the hardship
it issue..."
18 Page 13, Lines 14, 16 and 17: replace term "Apache Mall" with "St. Anthony Shopping Center"
19 Motion by Hanson, second by Thomas, to approve the December 19, 2000 Planning Commission
20 Meeting Minutes as corrected above.
21 Motion carried unanimously.
22 8. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY COUNCIL.
23 8.1 Designate a Planning Commissioner to the City Council meeting of January 23, 2001
24 Commissioner Hanson agreed to be the Planning Commission representative to the January 23,2001
25 City Council Meeting.
26 9. RECONSIDERATION OF WALLGREENS SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST PER COUNCIL
27 ACTION ON JANUARY 9, 2001.
28 This item was tabled to the February 20, 2001 meeting at the applicant's request.
29 10. REPORTS AND INFORMATION: NEW BUSINESS
30 10.1 Proposed Code Enforcement Policy
31 It was noted that the Planning Commissioners are being asked to review the proposed City Code
32 Enforcement Policy and provide feedback to Fire Chief Joel Hewitt.
403 Fire Chief Joel Hewitt introduced Captain Don Drusch and reviewed his background in Code
34 enforcement issues. He noted the copy of his memorandum which was included in the
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 3
t Commission's meeting packet. He explained this was a first draft after receiving a directive from
2 City Manager Morrison to address the City's Code enforcement policy.
3 Fire Chief Hewitt explained that the Fire Department has been in charge of Code enforcement for
4 several years and would like to involve all staff and commissions to assist them in this enforcement
5 activity. He stated that while they have made progress, he believes there is still room for
6 improvement and has talked with code enforcement officers of other communities to learn what they
7 are doing.
8 Fire Chief Hewitt commented on the importance of consistency in Code enforcement to avoid
9 confusion and treat all equally. He stated they found the Fire Department also needs training in
10 personal conflict resolution skills since they sometimes find themselves in the middle of
11 neighborhood conflicts. He stated they also need training about which Code and Code section would
12 apply so it can be identified which jurisdiction applies. Fire Chief Hewitt stated their intent to find
13 a win-win situation for all involved.
14 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they have developed a complaint form which is used by City staff when a
15 complaint call is received. He reiterated their desire to apply the Code consistently within a
16 reasonable time line. He reviewed how Fire Department officers are scheduled and their attempt to
4 assure timely complaint response.
18 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they also need to find a method to receive feedback from City staff and the
19 City Council. He read their overall goal which states: "To improve the visual impression of our
20 community, the City staff of St. Anthony Village are committed to the mission of enforcing the
21 Housing Code, to include residential and commercial properties by enforcing the land use and
22 housing provisions City Code, specifically the nuisance section; responding to the concerns and
23 complaints of our residents and City Council."
24
25 Fire Chief Hewitt stated he believes Code enforcement will result in improved neighborhood and
26 commercial appearances, growing pride of resident and business owners, maintaining property
27 values,instill confidence that violations will not be allowed to continue,and encourage reinvestment
28 in neighborhoods and commercial areas.
29 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they now have a digital camera to document photographs and present a
30 visual record of the condition of the site. He reviewed their efforts to determine the objective, an
31 enforcement procedure, office follow-up, and re-inspection. In summation, Fire Chief Hewitt
32 thanked the Planning Commission for their consideration of the issues raised and offered the
33 following recommendations:
34 To authorize discussion and facilitate discussion resulted from this correspondence with City
35 Council, Planning Commission and City Staff.
• To provide conflict resolution,dealing with difficult people,Code jurisdiction identification
7 training to Fire Personnel.
38 To adopt the Overall Goal, and to review it annually for direction and approval by the City
39 Council
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•Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 4
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1 To adopt the Code Enforcement Resolution and Inspections Procedures
2 To authorize a feasibility study for the hiring of a Code Specialist/Fire Marshal,this position
3 would resolve several issues enhance enforcement of the Housing and Fire Codes, provide
4 Fire Code interpretation, and enhance our fire service delivery.
5 Chair Melsha thanked Fire Chief Hewitt for providing this information in written form.
6 Stille asked how they find violations. Captain Gruth stated they try to, as time permits, notice
7 violations while in the field and address them at the time they are noticed. He stated they also
8 respond to complaints, as needed.
9 Thomas noted that grass over six inches tall is a violation. He asked if ornamental types of grasses,
10 which are generally taller, are further identified. Fire Chief Hewitt stated they are aware of one
1 l prairie grass lawn in St. Anthony which they view differently than the typical residential lawn. He
12 stated he thinks non-traditional types of lawns may become more common.
13 Captain Gruth stated they have been fairly lenient but he believes the Code currently does not allow
14 any type of lawns taller than six inches. He noted the Code was developed years ago and, perhaps,
15 should be reevaluated. He suggested that the Code also be reviewed to assure it complies with State
Statutes.
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17 Fire Chief Hewitt stated they would like to evaluate these goals and policy issues on an annual basis
18 to assure that issues such as prairie restoration lawns are properly addressed and the Code conforms
19 to the times.
20 Chair Melsha agreed with the need to assure the Code is up-to-date and suggested sections that need
21 to be reviewed be referred to staff.
22 Hanson stated the Planning Commission was frustrated with Code enforcement about a year ago so
23 former Fire Chief Johnson came and addressed the issue. He stated he hopes the City supports them
24 by providing the requested training. Hanson suggested the Code Enforcement Policy be broadcast
25 on Cable television, posted on the City's web page, and included in a City newsletter. He
26 encouraged the Fire Department to bring any Code sections before the Planning Commission as they
27 become aware there is a need for revision.
28 Thomas stated several weeks ago he and Henry met with representatives from the Center for Energy
29 and Environment to look at putting together a grant for home rehabilitation. Data is now being
30 collected so a grant can be filed in the fall and, hopefully, grant funds will be available by the end
31 of the year to improve housing stock.
32 Tillmann stated it is important to have written procedures to assure enforcement is consistent. She
suggested a general comment be included to identify how violations are found by the Fire
4 Department.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 5
1 Tillmann asked how the Fire Department determines a Code violation and if training is needed in
2 that area as well. Captain Gruth explained that they review the Code when a particular complaint is
3 received but sometimes they find inconsistency in Code language.
4 Tillmann asked if there will be an opportunity for a more informal compliance and enforcement
5 procedure. Fire Chief Hewitt stated the Fire Department staff includes great employees who are on
6 the cutting edge of providing customer services to the community. He stated many residents will
7 not even know it is a Code violation since it will just be mentioned to them and they will be asked
8 to take care of it. Fire Chief Hewitt reviewed their efforts to remain flexible and work with the
9 residents to gain cooperative compliance.
10 Tillmann asked who is responsible for enforcement of Conditional Use Permits. Fire Chief Hewitt
11 stated the Fire Department is not responsible for that compliance issue.
12 Chair Melsha asked how Conditional Use Permit documents are stored. Henry stated the larger
13 project files contain all paperwork and meeting minutes. However, if the project is smaller in size,
14 it may take longer to locate the appropriate meeting minutes.
15 Chair Melsha suggested the Conditional Use Permits be compiled in a summary fashion so the City
6 knows which properties are subject to a Conditional Use Permit. The Commissioners agreed that
this would be a good goal for 2001.
18 Stille relayed that this same concern was raised at the last City Council meeting and staff was
19 directed to locate the files and, in the future, the permits will be recorded with the property.
20 Hatch asked about enforcement of noise complaints. Fire Chief Hewitt stated that violation would
21 be under the jurisdiction of the Police Department but the Fire Department would work closely with
22 them.
23 Hatch asked if there are additional issues that the Planning Commission should include in its 2001
24 goals. Fire Chief Hewitt stated they have struggled with the Code Enforcement book physically and
25 found that it is difficult to locate the pertinent sections of the Code and assure that it complies with
26 State Statutes.
27 Chair Melsha suggested an additional goal of Code enforcement is promoting public safety. He
28 stated his support for the requested training in conflict resolution which is vital in gaining
29 enforcement.
30 Fire Chief Hewitt thanked the Planning Commission for its input and stated he will include the
31 suggestions in his presentation before the City Council.
10.2 2001 Planning Commission Goals
it Melsha noted the request for the Planning Commission to form goals for the year 2001.
34 Following discussion, the following Year 2001 goals were established:
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 6
10 Continued redevelopment of St.Anthony Shopping Center(fire station,Stonehouse,
2 Kenzie Terrace properties)
3 0 Identifying and submitting grant applications (first ring suburb grants)
4 0 Development and facilitation of residential property grant/loan programs
5 0 Update Ordinance related to communication towers and antenna
6 0 Update the Sign Ordinance
7 0 Redevelopment of the Northwest Quadrant
8 0 Compile Summary of Conditional Use Permits
9 0 Develop a plan of action to bury overhead power lines and tie it into the City' Capital
10 Improvement Plan
I l 0 Address Codes to assure they are appropriate
12 Hatch stated he had talked with former Chair Bergstrom and it was mentioned there may be a need
13 for a part-time City Planner who could address some of the goals mentioned. He suggested this
14 position could be established with a term,such as two years,and he believes there would be qualified
15 candidates who would be interested.
16 Stille stated the City also has to address how to spend funds to implement liveable communities
17 which would relate to the Salvation Army property and updating the housing stock.
Thomas stated Hatch makes an excellent suggestion and he also believes there is a need for a part-
19 time Planner to identify these needs. He noted the Northwest Quadrant Study identified some
20 interesting initial data which could be addressed by a City Planner.
21 Thomas and Hanson volunteered to meet as a Code Review Subcommittee.
22 10.3 Application Status to Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
23 Thomas advised that he and Henry met with staff from the Center for Energy and Environment
24 (CEE) regarding a potential single family application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
25 (MHFA) for the establishment of some rehabilitation funds/loans for St. Anthony residents. After
26 discussion,the consensus was to pull back on this application round due in February so as to collect
27 more housing and demographic information,as well as to find out more about community needs,like
28 from a community survey. Henry explained that the City will work with the CEE on a spring
29 mailing to residents describing current MHFA loan products available for housing fix-up projects.
30 Once the housing needs of St. Anthony residents is better determined, an application will be pulled
31 together for the fall round.
32 11. REPORTS AND INFORMATION: OLD BUSINESS.
33 11.1. Antenna/Tower Subcommittee.
34 Chair Melsha stated they are currently in the informational gathering stage. Henry reviewed the
35 information she has compiled which has been provided to the Subcommittee members.
06 11.2 City Monument Sign Subcommittee.
1
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 7
1 Henry noted that the City Council is asking for Planning Commission direction on an electronic City
2 monument sign for the front of the City Hall/Community Center. She stated that she wants to keep
3 this issue in front of the Planning Commission.
4 Stille stated he and Henry comprise this Subcommittee and asked if there are any volunteers.
5 Chair Melsha stated he thinks, perhaps, the Ordinance should be addressed before making a
6 recommendation on the City monument sign. Henry noted the City is interested in erecting a sign
7 in the spring but that should allow enough time.
8 Tillmann volunteered to join Stille and Henry on the City Monument Sign Subcommittee. Chair
9 Melsha requested an update at the next meeting.
10 11.3 Electronic Signs
I 1 Hatch noted the Planning Commission, at the last meeting, denied a request for an electronic sign.
12 He suggested that rather than considering it to be a variance or conditional use, the ordinance be
13 amended to allow government to have electronic signs based on rationale such as safety and
14 providing information to the community.
Chair Melsha concurred and noted the Commission will also have to address whether the current
prohibition is still appropriate.
17 12. OTHER ITEMS.
18 12.1 Northwest Ouadrant Redevelopment Study Update.
19 Henry announced the Northwest Quadrant Master Planning Project,Planning Steering Committee,
20 Meeting 2 will be held on January 18, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Anthony City Hall.
21 12.2 New Chair: City Goal-Setting Session, January 19, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
22 Melsha announced the City Goal Setting Session which is scheduled for January 19,2001,from 9:00
23 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and stated he will attend to present the Planning Commission's input. He stated
24 he will provide a report to the Planning Commission at the February 20, 2001 meeting.
25 13. COMMISSION INPUT.
26 13.1 Commissioner's Comments.
27 Steeves introduced himself and stated he is excited to serve on the Planning Commission. He
28 reviewed his professional experience and stated he looks forward to becoming involved in those
29 types of activities in St. Anthony.
30 Tillmann welcomed Steeves to the Planning Commission. All of the Commissioners added their
31 welcome.
0 Hanson and Thomas congratulated Melsha and Stille on their appointments to Chair and Vice Chair.
33 Chair Melsha thanked the Commissioners for their support, noting the Planning Commission has a
34 "full plate" ahead of them in 2001.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2001
Page 8
1 Hatch stated he always looks forward to attending the Planning Commission meetings and extended
2 his congratulations to the Chair and Vice Chair.
3 Stille reviewed his presentation before the City Council and comments made by Councilmember
4 Horst advising how the Sign Ordinance came to be. He relayed that the City Council is not
5 enthusiastic about considering the sign variance; however, there may be a hardship since the
6 elevation of the Walgreens building is quite low.
7 Chair Melsha asked staff to relay to Mr. Kalscheur of TOLD Development to be more prepared to
8 specifically identify hardship issues.
9 Henry suggested the Commissioners visit other Walgreens sites to see what their signage looks like.
10 Hanson noted Mr.Kalscheur had withdrawn his request for the electronic readerboard sign and asked
11 if he had indicated such before the City Council. Stille stated Mr. Kalscheur did make that
12 indication.
13 Henry advised that Mr. Kalscheur had asked if a sign with manual changeable copy is allowed,
14 which it is.
0 Hanson asked if the Planning Commission will have a joint meeting with the City Council. Chair
16 Melsha stated he will make that request at the upcoming goal setting session.
17 14. ADJOURNMENT.
18 Motion by Hanson, second by Chair Melsha, to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m.
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20 Respectfully submitted,
21 Carla Wirth
22 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
41
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2001
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY, MINNESOTA
7 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PUBLIC INPUT
The public may speak at this time on any planning and zoning related matters of a general
nature. However, there will not be any discussion or action by the Commission at this time.
6. MEETING MINUTES
6.1 Review and Approve Planning Commission Minutes of January 16, 2001
7. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY COUNCIL
7.1 Designate a Planning Commissioner to the City Council meeting of March 13, 2001
8. RECONSIDERATION OF WALGREENS SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.1 Fitness Crossroad, 2912 Pentagon Drive: Request for Conditional Use Permit for Health
Club and Tanning Salon
10. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
10.1 Northwest Quadrant Master Plan Update
11. COMMISSION INPUT
11.1 Commissioner's Comments
12. ADJOURNMENT