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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 01162007CITY OF ST. ANTHONY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING January 16, 2007 7:00 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Stromgren called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Chair Stromgren invited the Commission and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. ROLL CALL. Commissioners present: Chair Stromgren; Vice Chair Hanson; Commissioners: Crone, Galyon, Heinis, Jensen (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), and Jenson. Absent: None Also present: Assistant City Manager Kim Moore-Sykes. IV. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS IV.1. Nomination and Election of Chair Motion by Commissioner Galyon, seconded by Commissioner Jenson to approve the nomination of Joel Stromgren as Planning Commission Chair. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays Motion carried. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Commissioner Jensen arrived at 7:03 p.m. IV.2. Nomination and Election of Vice Chair Motion by Chair Stromgren, seconded by Commissioner Jenson to approve the Nomination of Todd Hanson as the Planning Commission Vice Chair. Motion carried unanimously. 38 39 40 41 42 V. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA. The agenda was approved as submitted. Motion to approve agenda was not voiced or voted on. 43 44 45 46 47 48 VI. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21, 2006. Commissioner Jensen and Vice Chair Hanson requested corrections to page 4 Line 28, and page 5 Line 6 correct spelling to Stromgren; page 9, line 13 Kenzie Terrace spelling; page 12 Line 24 change State Code to City code. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 2 1 2 3 4 Motion by Commissioner Jensen, second by Vice Chair Hanson, to approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes of November 21, 2006, with corrections. 4 Aye, 3 Abstain (Commissioners Galyon, Crone, and Heinis). Motion carried. 5 6 7 8 9 10 VII. COMMUNICATION WITH CITY COUNCIL. Chair Stromgren stated he would attend this meeting VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS. VIII.1. 2520 Kenzie Terrace – B’Yond Automotive 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Chair Stromgren opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported receiving a request from Mr. Josh Hamann, B’Yond Automotive, to locate his business at 2520 Kenzie Terrace on December 14, 2006 She stated the 60-day expiration date is February 13, 2007. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated Mr. Hamann informed her that he contacted Ms. Teresa Hawk, owner of the property and also the site of Brownie’s Restaurant and other vacant commercial buildings. She suggested that based on the information from Mr. Hamann, his business would be better suited in the Industrial Park. She indicated Mr. Hamann reported at the Concept Review on October 17, 2006, that he uses an appliqué process rather than paints, lacquers, or polishes as part of his automotive customizing services, and therefore did not believe he belonged in the industrial park. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported Mr. Hamann also installs customized tires, rims, auto interiors, stereos and speakers, and security systems. She indicated the hours of operation and the noise level would be comparable to those of the surrounding businesses. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated the only automotive use permitted in a Commercial Zoning District is for auto accessory or parts stores according to Section 1632.02(i). She stated that at the Concept Review, Mr. Hamann’s business was determined to include auto repair because of the installation and customizing services he provides. She reported the City Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit for auto repair services located in the City’s Commercial Zoning District as stated in Section 1635.03(d). Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes explained the applicant must satisfy specific criteria according to Minnesota Statutes and the City Ordinances before a Conditional Use Permit would be authorized. She reported the use is one of the conditional uses specifically listed for the district in which the property is located and not in conflict with the comprehensive plan according to Section 1635.03(d). Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported criteria number two states the use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of the persons residing or working in the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 vicinity or injurious to property values of improvements in the area. She stated, to protect the residential nature of the neighborhood, the hours of operation would be limited to Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday and no overnight outside storage would be permitted. She indicated Mr. Hamann intends to do all work in the repair bay located inside the building to control the noise level so as not to disrupt activities in the neighborhood. She stated the proposed automotive services would not include the use of solvents, paints, lacquers or strong odor producing processes. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated the third criteria is the proposed use must be necessary or desirable at the specified location to provide a service or a facility which is in the interest of public convenience and would contribute to the general welfare of the neighborhood or community. She indicated Mr. Hamann contends the B’Yond Automotive would offer a convenience to the citizens of St. Anthony in that the auto services would provide a wide variety of customizing services to the residents and contributes to the general welfare by encouraging residents to do business locally. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated the fourth criteria indicates the City Council has specified all conditions which the Council deems necessary to make the use compatible with other uses in the area. She stated the proposed automotive uses are compatible with the commercial zoning district with the conditions as set. She stated the proposed use is to be sited in the commercial area on Kenzie Terrace that is situated close to residential areas of St. Anthony and northeast Minneapolis. She indicated the site previously consisted of small restaurants and a video rental shop. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated that because of its close proximity to single family homes, Staff proposed the following conditions to protect the residential nature of the neighborhood adjacent to the proposed site of B’Yond Automotive: the hours of operation would be limited to Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday; no storage, particularly overnight; to mitigate and control the level of noise so as not to disrupt activities of the neighborhood, all work is to be done in the repair bay located inside the building; the use of solvents, paints, lacquers or strong odor producing processes would be considered a violation of an approved Conditional Use Permit and would be cause for the City to deem the approved CUP null and void. Mr. Hamann approached the Commission and stated this is a customizing shop dealing with custom stereo, alarms, tires, specialty rims, and window tinting. He stated he accepts the conditions as stated. Commissioner Jensen asked Mr. Hamann that if he continued his business beyond 5:00 p.m., but was not opened after 5:00, did he see this as subject to interpretation. Mr. Hamann replied he may have an employee working on the inside but that it would not affect noise on outside. He stated he would not have the doors open beyond 5:00 p.m. He reported the bay is in the back of the building where there are no visible windows to indicate that the business is open. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Commissioner Jensen asked Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes if, relative to criteria four, the City would have a process whereby there would be a procedure put in place to act upon this. He suggested amending the language to indicate the City would begin the process to deem the CUP null and void. He stated the intent is not to do so without a process. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes replied that was correct. Chair Stromgren asked Commissioner Jensen if he wanted to reword it to indicate the use of solvents, paints, lacquers or strong odor producing processes would be prohibited. Commissioner Jensen replied the use of those solvents, paints, lacquers or strong odor producing processes would be considered a violation of the CUP and for City to initiate the procedures for a revocation of the CUP. He stated a person is usually given time to repair the defect. He indicated the use of the word “could” rather than “would” is more permissive whereas the text the Commission is proposing to Council is more cut and dry. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated the language should be could rather than would. Commissioner Galyon asked Mr. Hamann if the back door in the bay area would be closed. Mr. Hamann replied it would be closed and the noise would be contained in the bay. Commissioner Galyon asked if the qualitative verbiage is required after “no outside storage” in point number two. Chair Stromgren closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Vice Chair Hanson asked if there needed to be any clarification or stipulation of what outside storage is. Commissioner Jensen replied that with a CUP and issues deemed out of sync with what was intended, Mr. Hamann would be called back before the Commission to deal with it. He stated St. Anthony is not in the business of regulating at that level, whereas if something is stored outside for a few days, that is different. Commissioner Galyon asked if this disqualifies the statement he made earlier. Commissioner Jensen replied it should simply state no outside storage is permitted. Chair Stromgren asked if notices were posted and neighbors notified. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes replied they were. Commissioner Jenson asked if the building had an attached trash area. Chair Stromgren replied it was in the screened area. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 5 1 2 3 4 5 Motion by Commissioner Jensen, second by Commissioner Galyon, to recommend approval of the request for a Conditional Use Permit at 25 “particularly during the overnight hour” and condition number four change the wording “could be cause for the City to begin the process of revocation of the Conditional Use Permit”. Motion carried unanimously.6 7 8 9 10 11 Chair Stromgren stated this would be presented to the City Council on Tuesday, January 23 and recommended Mr. Hamann attend. IX. CONCEPT REVIEWS. IX.1. Silverwood Park Parking Study12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Chair Stromgren stated he must step down from this discussion as he has a financial interest per City Code and must allow Vice Chair Hanson to continue. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported that last year Staff met with representatives from the Three Rivers Park District concerning plans to redevelop the site formerly known as the Salvation Army Camp. She stated the representatives would present a parking plan for consideration and comment. Mr. Michael Horn, Three Rivers Park District, stated he is pleased to be here to review Silverwood Park and the parking requirements. He stated the Park District is moving forward with preparing plans and with the demolition of 17 of the 22 structures on the site. He mentioned the Park District is excited about moving forward with Phase I development in 2007. He stated the consultants have been working long hours on plans for the visitor’s center and site work. Mr. Horn displayed a map of the site and pointed out the new park entrance off County Road E near the existing central entrance. He indicated that sweeping to the west along a new park road would be a new parking area in the approximate area of the existing tennis courts. He stated from the paved parking lot, visitors would have access to many paved and unpaved trails, the new visitor center with rest rooms, concessions, programs, and exhibit space. He pointed out visitors would have access to the outside performance area from the parking lot and access by paved trail to a new pedestrian bridge and over to the island. He pointed out the location of the park’s open space. Ms. Joan McCloud, SRF Consulting Group, stated she has had the pleasure of working with Three Rivers to convert this space into a greater asset with activities and programs that could be done on a formal or more casual bases. She explained the purpose of a parking study is to determine how much parking space is actually needed on site to decrease overflow parking into the neighborhoods around the park. She stated they have used a methodical approach to determine the kinds of visitors that would come to the park. Ms. McCloud stated she used French Park as a basis for the study as it is similar in many ways to Silverwood Park. She explained she studied how many cars arrived and how many people were in each car during the primary time for events from May to October where the most demand exists. She stated she Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 worked directly with Mr. Horn to make sure that at any point in time the park is not oversold between programming and the events or programs. Ms. McCloud directed the Commissioners to Appendix A of the study, which shows what is anticipated for any one event. She indicated she chose a summer Saturday, Sunday, weekday and a peak event that would involve the City. She explained a total supply of 296 parking spaces would be built. She pointed out where 68 overflow parking spaces would be located and used when needed. She also discussed the use of a shuttle service for specific events. Mr. Horn mentioned they are working with storm water management for the correct impervious surface such as porous pavement, rain gardens, and a new storm water treatment pond. Commissioner Jenson asked how many parking spots currently exist in the park. He asked if 296 are what would be added. Ms. McCloud stated that 296 spaces are planned as the total number. Commissioner Jenson asked if that is an increase to the current number. Mr. Horn pointed out they do not have a current count because it has not been open to the public but estimates about 100 additional spaces. Mr. Dennis Hahn, Program Director, spoke about a school weekday and the plan to include a nature based program with a naturalist and nature inspired art interpretive programming. He explained that after school activities would include community education, 4-H, and other community groups with an interest in this type of education would take place at Silverwood Park. He indicated a large formal classroom would not be constructed as in other parks, however, there would be a small space in the visitor center and in some buildings being retained that could hold classes. He stated parking space for busses would be provided. Mr. Hahn stated public programs would also be sponsored. He indicated these would be smaller programs. He mentioned the larger programs or site events would include from 300 to 500 people. He stated that occasionally special events would attract 1000-3000 people about once per year. He stated in that case parking would not be adequate, therefore the park would look at setting up a shuttle service to reduce traffic on park roads. Mr. Hahn remarked that in his experience, higher use happens on weekends with numbers of about 100 – 150 people per day. He anticipated this would increase to up to 300 people per day. He stated a large group rental space in the visitor center for 200-250 people would be available and provide space for a larger display or a larger public program. He stated these are the types of visitations used to help put together parking requirements. Commissioner Galyon asked how parking shuttle use would be enforced as opposed to parking in the neighborhoods. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Ms. McCloud replied advertising would be done similar to what the State Fair does. She stated strategies of valet parking and police directing traffic would also be an option. She mentioned signage and or guidance out on public streets would regulate traffic flow and public safety. She stated the reason they choose Roseville as a location for the shuttle is to eliminate confusion. She stated for smaller events, they have talked with churches and other parking areas to use for shuttle park. Mr. Hahn explained he is working with the City for posted signage stating no parking during events and for the City’s help with enforcement. He indicated advertising in the brochures would clearly explain where parking is allowed. He mentioned that valet, park police, or City police help with directing traffic for overflow parking would be used. Commissioner Galyon stated it could be brought back to the City Council for a mitigation strategy. Ms. McCloud stated definitely. She indicated they are not anticipate throwing a large event right away and would work closely with the City to find ways to mitigate problems. Commissioner Galyon pointed out the parking area and asked if this is where all 296 spaces would be located. Ms. McCloud explained they are working with the currently paved areas and extending somewhat south. She stated they are trying to keep many of the trees in place. Commissioner Galyon asked if there is room for cars to pass on the road, but not to park. Ms. McCloud replied yes. Commissioner Galyon stated if there would be separate areas for bikers to enter the park and would skate boarding be allowed. Ms. McCloud pointed out where the bike/pedestrian entrance would be located. She stated bike storage racks would be provided in specific areas. She mentioned she is not sure skateboarding would be prohibited. Commissioner Jensen mentioned he is unclear how the ratio per car was reached. He stated it almost appears to be a design over-park for the very large events that are difficult to predict. Ms. McCloud replied there would be 150 spaces in Phase I and this is a balancing act based on what they have experienced at other parks for specific events. She stated they are trying not to create too much demand at any given point and balance events so large events are not planned at the same time. Commissioner Jensen stated there is a pot to spend and if it is needed for maintenance in the future it is hard to get. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Ms. McCloud replied she is saying they want to have enough parking for people until other areas of the park are develop. She stated that if the demand for parking is not what was anticipated, Phase 2 would not be completed. She explained this would remain grass unless additional pavement becomes warranted. Commissioner Jensen stated a number of different scenarios such as a proof of parking where the spaces are not built right away have been looked at. He stated the space is allocated per the master plan but different approaches to parking are tried when it is primarily the peak events that take the spaces and most of time the park would be vastly over-served with parking. Ms. McCloud replied that some analysis did indicate that it was over built and they backed off from what was previously built in other parks. Commissioner Jensen indicated that some of the slightly reinforced grass paver systems used is a way to introduce some of the other green technology that would hold up better to cars after a significant rain event than typical grass. Ms. McCloud replied that was the intent Commissioner Galyon asked if cars would be ticketed and how it would be enforced. Mr. Hahn stated when the Park District has large events, the park police are out in force to patrol the area and keep people moving. He reported that when the study was done, one aspect studied was the large group rental. He reported they found one would think cars would come full when they were actually arriving with 1.9 people per car. Commissioner Jenson asked if parking would be allowed on County Road E. He stated when a large event is planned, people would go to the event to try to park, and asked how do you steer them away when parking is full. Mr. Hahn stated parking is not allowed on County Road E. He restated the park police and signage would be used to direct people. Commissioner Jenson stated if Phase I was to have 150 paved parking places, would a ramping up process be implemented as the size of the events are planned. Ms. McCloud stated the visitor center is the only building planned and this did not put a lot of people in the park. She explained that right now events would be planned to use the existing parking or to use of a shuttle for larger events. Commissioner Jensen mentioned that in the past the St. Anthony Police Reserve was used. Mr. Hahn stated the Park District would be excited about opening the park when Phase I is complete and he assumes a large number of people would attend. He stated that in this case they would plan to have shuttle service for the opening day of the park. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Mr. Horn clarified by pointing out where Phase I parking spaces would be. He stated this includes 155 paved parking spaces and the 68 overflow parking spaces in the grassy area. Ms. McCloud stated there is room to expand the grassy area if needed. Commissioner Galyon asked what type of lighting was planned for the parking area. Mr. Horn replied they would follow the Park District and local zoning standards for lighting requirements. He explained the lighting is a down light in the parking area only. Ms. McCloud mentioned there would be limited lighting to the visitor center and possibly low level lighting. She explained the Park District did not generally light the trails. Commissioner Jensen asked if cross country ski trails would be included. Mr. Hahn replied cross county ski trails are not planned at this time. He explained poles on the paved trail are destructive and not conducive to vigorous cross country skiing. He stated there would be snow shoeing activities. Commissioner Jenson complemented them on the detailed analysis as they tried to anticipate and understand scenarios. Vice Chair Hanson stated this would be a great asset to the community and asked when Phase I would begin. Mr. Horn replied construction should begin this summer. Vice Chair Hanson asked what the timeline might be. Mr. Horn did not want to put an actual date but perhaps some trails would be open in 2008. Commissioner Jenson asked when it would be open for walking. Mr. Horn replied probably summer or fall 2008. Vice Chair Hanson asked Staff if a public hearing would be held. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated that according to the ordinance, Council must approve any parking plan for recreation open space. She stated there would probably be a public hearing or review of the plan to give the Council a chance to review it. Vice Chair Hanson asked when this would be scheduled. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated she would check with the City Manager and report back to the Planning Commission. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 16, 2007 Page 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 X. REPORTS FROM STAFF. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported she sent the updated 2008 comprehensive plan to the adjacent communities for their comments and review. She stated there is a six month review process for their response. She stated this was sent mid December 2006 to the surrounding cities, the two Counties, the water shed districts, and the school district. She commented she has not received any comments as of yet. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes announced that once the sixth month review period is over, it would be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and comments. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported the code enforcement for the fourth quarter of 2006 for Planning Commission’s review. Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes mentioned that every year the City Council likes to meet in a joint session with the Planning Commission. She stated this is scheduled for March 20, 2007, beginning at 5:30 with the Planning Commission meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. XI. COMMUNITY FORUM. None. XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. Vice Chair Hanson welcomed new commissioners and asked them to introduce themselves. Commissioner Heinis stated he has lived in St. Anthony for three and one half years and previously lived in the community for about 5 years in the 1980’s. Commissioner Crone stated she has lived here for two years. She mentioned she moved to St. Anthony from Mankato where she attended college. She stated she is a stay at home mom with Masters Degree in urban and regional studies and is excited to be a part of the team. XIII. ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Vice Chair Hanson, second by Commissioner Galyon, to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.35 36 37 38 39 Respectfully submitted, Dianna Wise TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.