HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 03202001Meeting Sheet
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Box: 36
Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2001
Document: PL MINUTES 03202001
l CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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3 March 20, 2001
4 7:00 p.m.
5 1. CALL TO ORDER.
6 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Melsha.
7 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
8 Chair Melsha invited the Commission and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 3. ROLL CALL.
10 Present: Chair Melsha, Vice Chair Stille; Commissioners Hanson, Hatch,
11 Steeves, Thomas, and Tillmann
12 Commissioner absent: None.
13 Also present: Assistant City Manager Susan Henry and Councilmember Brian
14 Thuesen.
15 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
16 Motion by Hanson, second by Thomas, to approve the meeting agenda.
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Motion carried unanimously.
18 5. PUBLIC INPUT.
19 Chair Melsha asked if anyone in the audience was interested in addressing the Planning Commission
20 on issues that were not on the regular meeting agenda. Hearing no comments,Chair Melsha moved
21 forward with the agenda.
22 6. MEETING MINUTES.
23 The Commissioners requested the following corrections:
24 Page 5, line 5: "similar size, the locker rooms..."
25 Page 7, line 2"Tedlund,was to fit with the green space study. In regard to the Northwest Quadrant
26 Development Study, from a planing perspective..."
27
28 Motion by Chair Melsha,second by Stille,to approve the February 20, 2001 Planning Commission
29 Meeting Minutes as corrected above.
30 Motion carried unanimously.
31 7. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY COUNCIL.
it 7.1 Report from Brian Thuesen, Councilmember.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 2
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Councilmember Brian Thuesen introduced himself as the new Council representative to the Planning
2 Commission and encouraged the Commissioners to make him aware of when they would like him
3 to attend their meetings or advise him of special issues.
4 Tillmann requested an update on what is going on with the Salvation Army Camp and how it will
5 be used. Thuesen stated he has no recent news on the Salvation Army Camp or the Hennepin
6 County Park proposal to purchase this property. He noted they intend to make it 100%green space
7 and are not excited about housing on this piece of property. He stated he cannot speak for the rest
8 of the Council but believes this is an important and unique piece of property. Also,it is not common
9 that such a large green space becomes available and he endorses the County's desire to keep it green,
10 such as an nature interpretative center. Thuesen stated this would serve a very real need in this
I I location of the County.
12 Thomas asked about the redevelopment of the St. Anthony Shopping Center and potential for green
13 space. Thuesen stated originally there were greenspace easements but the City held off because they
14 want to see more movement from the current owners and where they are headed with redevelopment.
15 Now with Hennepin County moving forward and the new health center, it should spur activity.
16 Thuesen stated because of those recent activities and he would support revisiting that issue in the
41 near future.
18 Thomas requested an update on the Liquidators property. Thuesen stated it was asked if that
19 property could be used as a temporary teen center but the cost would be $400,000 to $500,000 and
20 there are other factors that make it unlikely the building would be used in that capacity. He noted
21 that the redevelopment of the Apache Shopping Center and Northwest Quadrant have also taken a
22 lot of attention. He stated it is important to get control of that property but some other developer
23 may come in with a project.
24 Chair Melsha noted it has been suggested by a few people to keep the redevelopment of both areas
25 going on at the same time, perhaps part of the same process.
26 Thuesen commented on a college student who works on murals that he has invited to a work session
27 to present her work to the Council. He stated he also talked to the owner of the St. Anthony
28 Shopping Center who gave permission to use part of the wall that faces the Mobile station for such
29 a mural.
30 7.2 Plan for the Joint Meeting with City Council on April 17, 2001.
31 Ms. Henry advised that on April 17, 2001, there will be a joint meeting of the City Council and
32 Planning Commission, starting at 6:00 p.m. The regular Planning Commission meeting will begin
33 at 7:30 p.m. She suggested that Planning Commissioners familiarize themselves with the City
4 Council's strategic plan.
35 Chair Melsha stated the issue of Hillcrest was discussed at the last joint meeting.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 3
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l Stille stated at the last joint meeting, the previous Chair had prepared an agenda and spoke for the
2 Planning Commission. He suggested some thought be given on how to best use this time with the
3 Council.
4 In response to Chair Melsha, Thuesen suggested the St. Anthony Shopping Center easement issue
5 be discussed.
6 Chair Melsha noted the Council's Strategic Planning Report.
7 Thuesen encouraged the Planning Commission to bring forward any concerns or issues they have.
8 Hanson suggested they blend the Council's 2001 goals with the Planning Commission's goals to see
9 if any overlap. The Planning Commission could also discuss their goals with the Council, attempt
10 to obtain their"blessing," and request direction on how to get work on these goals started.
11 Chair Melsha stated he will work with Ms. Henry to develop an agenda.
12 Ms. Henry agreed it is a good time to prioritize the Commission's goals and work with the Council
0 on how to best accomplish them.
W 7.3 Designate a Planning Commissioner to the City Council Meeting of March 27, 2001.
15 Chair Melsha stated since there is not much on the agenda tonight a Commissioner will not be
16 appointed to represent the Planning Commission at the March 27, 2001 Council meeting.
17 8. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
18 8.1 Ordinance Re ug lating a Towing Business in Residential Areas - Staff Report.
19 Ms. Henry reviewed this issue for the Planning Commission by stating that the City Council is
20 interested in adopting an amendment to the City's towing ordinance that states "no tow trucks are
21 allowed in residential areas." She advised that towing businesses located in residential areas have
22 been an issue.
23 Chair Melsha asked if the concern is that towing trucks are parking in residential neighborhoods or
24 towing businesses are being run from residential homes. Ms. Henry stated the concern is that the
25 actual business is being run from residential neighborhoods.
26 Hatch asked if the amendment means that businesses already legitimate will be grandfathered in and
27 allowed to remain or if those businesses will be pushed to relocate in a commercial area.
28 Ms. Henry stated she has no recommendation on that point at this time but will be further studying
the issues.
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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 4
1 Stille asked if towing businesses are permitted uses in residential neighborhoods. Ms. Henry stated
2 she does not believe towing businesses are specifically addressed so the suggestion was made to
3 include language in the ordinance to address towing businesses.
4 Thuesen suggested determining whether the issue is a towing business operation or a towing
5 business employee who drives the tow truck home after work.
6 Hatch asked if such an amendment will address other types of commercial vehicles that are used to
7 commute between home and work. He noted the Fire Chief may have a suggestion on other types
8 of businesses that could come into play.
9 Ms. Henry stated she will report further at the next meeting.
10 8.2 Northwest Quadrant Master Plan Update - Chair Melsha.
1 1 Chair Melsha noted the recent information that was distributed related to the three concept plans and
12 explained the differences with each. He advised that the next order of business for the task force is
13 to take a bus tour of redevelopment projects in the metro area. He explained there is concern with
14 high density apartment types of development.
0 Hatch asked if there is movement for target occupants, seniors, young families, etc. Chair Melsha
16 stated the task force has not gotten that far.
17 Thomas stated the demand for a range of housing is strong; for senior housing, townhomes, empty
18 nesters, and affordable housing as well. He noted that one task force member addressed the School
19 Board about attempts to control the population of St. Anthony. The School Board Superintendent
20 has now indicated a willingness to work with the task force recommendations. It was also
21 mentioned that housing developments would be phased in and the School Board indicated a
22 willingness to work with developers.
23 Chair Melsha agreed there was a change in tone between the School Board and developers. He
24 stated there was a discussion about how many children different developments bring in and,
25 surprisingly, the number was relatively low. He explained that this topic will be further studied
26 Stille asked if Mr.Shardlow shared rationale for density numbers or proformas. Chair Melsha stated
27 the number discussed to acquire the land and get it ready for development was$150,00 to$200,000
28 to make the project feasible.
29 Ms. Henry stated the numbers are very preliminary. She reviewed the buildings that could be
30 demolished as part of this project.
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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 5
1 Hatch asked if there was mention of businesses with residences on the second story. Chair Melsha
2 stated that was discussed at the Issues Forum where about 60 people attended to view a presentation
3 and provide input.
4 Tillmann stated it was also mentioned that type of development could be worked into any of the
5 three schemes.
6 Thomas stated if any of the Commissioners are interested, the bus tour will begin about 9 a.m. on
7 Saturday, March 31, 2001, and last about three hours.
8 Tillmann suggested that the Windsor Green townhouse area be toured.
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10 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS.
11 9.1 Report on Sign Subcommittee - City Monument Sign Recommendation.
12 Stille stated the Sign Subcommittee met and discussed several locations. He stated they recommend
13 the sign be located half-way between the tennis courts, west of the tennis courts and east of the
14 holding pond.
0 Tillmann displayed a colored picture of that location with the proposed sign sketched in.
16 Stille stated the other location north of the City Hall was considered but determined that there is not
17 enough room for more than a sign. The location by the tennis courts can accommodate plantings.
18 Also, the copy size standards were researched and determined they can have up to 150 square feet
19 of copy. Thus, the sign will be located farther from the road so it can be better seen.
20 Stille stated the Sign Subcommittee is recommending an electronic sign and suggested it be
21 discussed with the Council since Code requirements will have to be addressed. He stated clear
22 direction is needed from the Council relative to electronic signs. He noted that electronic signs can
23 be allowed throughout the City with conditions or only for educational purposes.
24 Thuesen suggested this item be discussed with the Council at the upcoming joint meeting.
25 Tillmann stated this is a two-fold recommendation. The first recommendation is for this location
26 and the second recommendation is that the City's Sign Ordinance be reviewed relative to allowing
27 electronic signs.
28 Chair Melsha stated his support for the recommended location.
29 Tillmann stated the trees are tall enough that they do not block the sight lines. Stille noted the trees
4 are also spaced farther apart by the tennis courts.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
0 Page 6
1 Hanson noted that temporary signs have been placed in that same location several times to promote
2 civic events.
3 Stille stated the cable can only be run so far so that issue will have to be researched. He advised the
4 cost for a small sign is about $30,000. Stille explained how the sign messages are changed via
5 computer modems and that a computer modem can be used to remotely change the sign message at
6 this location or another location.
7 Ms. Henry stated a committee is looking at "sprucing up" the City Hall campus and this area will
8 tie into that effort.
9 Hatch commented on the importance of this location and impression it will give to residents as well
10 as non-residents. He commented on the need for quality and a pleasing appearance.
11 Hanson stated the Sports Boosters may be interested in supporting the cost of this sign since it can
12 be used to advertise athletic events.
Stille stated they also recommend that the Code address temporary signs which he thinks should be
is eliminated. In addition,they recommend the standardization of signs. Stille stated they talked about
15 the fact that they are not experts on signs so, perhaps, the use of a consultant should be discussed
16 with the Council.
17 Tillmann stated they talked about people's image of the Northwest Quadrant and Apache area and
18 it was the general consensus that people did not like that appearance. It was also felt that
19 standardization of signs will help that area.
20 Ms. Henry stated the City requires a comprehensive sign package for a shopping center or certain
21 areas but maybe there should be overall sign standards to address what the City would like to see as
22 areas develop.
23 Chair Melsha stated it is the general consensus that the recommended location is the best spot for
24 this sign. He asked that this topic be added to the agenda for the joint meeting with the City Council.
25 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
26 Hatch asked about the status of planning cases that were considered at the last meeting. Ms. Henry
27 reported that the health club passed unanimously and Walgreens withdrew their request for the sign
28 variance and moved on.
Hatch noted the start time of the joint meeting is 6:00 p.m. and asked if a boxed meal will be
provided. Ms. Henry stated it can be provided.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2001
Page 7
l Hanson asked when Walgreens will start construction. Ms. Henry stated they pulled a demolition
2 permit for the gas station and should submit final building plans within several weeks.
3 Hanson asked if the veterinarian clinic has pulled a building permit. Ms. Henry stated she
4 understands they have closed on their property but she is unaware of the building permit status.
5 Hanson stated he looks forward to the joint meeting with the Council.
6 Tillmann stated 29th Street will be a huge mess during the spring thaw but she is looking forward
7 to seeing that street project completed.
8 Ms. Henry noted the flyer on the Center for Energy and Environment and explained that it involves
9 home improvement loans. She reported that a letter will be sent to residents about the loan programs
10 that are available.
11 11. ADJOURNMENT.
12 Motion by Steeves, second by Hatch, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
0 Motion carried unanimously.
14 Respectfully submitted,
15 Carla Wirth
16 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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