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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL PACKET 01212025- WS New Commissioner OrientationCITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION AGENDA Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may do so in person. Other Business Commissioner Oaths MCORNEILLE OATH.PDF MMAYNE OATH.PDF New Commissioner Orientation Steve Grittman, City Planner, and Ashely Morello, Assistant City Manager, presenting. PRESENTATION.PDF Information And Announcments Adjournment If you would like to request special accommodations or alternative formats, please contact the City Clerk at 612 -782 -3313 or email city@savmn.com . People who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact us by using 711 Relay. Our mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through outstanding city services. I. A. Documents: B. Documents: II. III. . OFFICIAL OATH STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES OF HENNEPIN/RAMSEY CITY OF ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE I, Michael Corneille, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and I will faithfully, justly, and impartially discharge the duties of the position of Planning Commission Member of the City of Saint Anthony Village, Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability. _____________________________________ Michael Corneille Subscribed and sworn to before me this 21st day of January, 2025. _____________________________________ City Clerk . OFFICIAL OATH STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTIES OF HENNEPIN/RAMSEY CITY OF ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE I, Michael Mayne, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and I will faithfully, justly, and impartially discharge the duties of the position of Planning Commission Member of the City of Saint Anthony Village, Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability. _____________________________________ Michael Mayne Subscribed and sworn to before me this 21st day of January, 2025. _____________________________________ City Clerk 1/16/2025 1 City of Saint Anthony Village New Commission Member Orientation A Village Within the City Mission Statement Our Mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through outstanding city services. 1/16/2025 2 Agenda The City City Departments Council & Commissions Special Laws and Concerns for Commissioners Planning & Zoning 101 The City Our Mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through outstanding city services. 1/16/2025 3 The City 2.35 Total Square Miles 9,257 Population 20% seniors 20% children $375,000 medium home value ~40% without a mortgage 1,508 acres overall 44% Residential 8% Commercial/Industrial 14% Streets/Utilities/Railroad 34% Open Space/Park/Water Current Households: 46% Single Family Detached 54% Attached Household “Tenure”: 55% Owner-occupied 44% Renter-occupied 1% Vacant Affordability: 65% of all housing affordable to households at 80% of Area Median Income The City 855 cities in MN Statutory Plan B Mayor & Council - policy and legislative City Manager - administration and operations ~120 employees 1/16/2025 4 City Departments Our Mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through outstanding city services. Organizational Chart 1/16/2025 5 Administration City Manager The Administration Department administers city government within the guidelines of State law and policies established by the City Council. The City Manager supervises the Administration, City Clerk, Finance, Police, Fire, Public Works and Liquor Departments in addition to the consulting planning, legal, and engineering services. Assistant City Manager The Assistant City Manager collaborates with the the City Manager to develop and recommend overall operating policies, procedures, and protocols consistent with existing governance structure. This position serves a variety of functions related to planning, zoning review, code enforcement, and economic development as well as provides planning, direction and leadership in the areas of Communications, City Clerk, Human Resources, and Sustainability Human Resources Coordinator & City Clerk The Human Resources Coordinator & City Clerk is responsible for the human resources function in the City. Administering all the benefit programs and serving as a resource for staff needs. The position supports the City Manager, and performs City Clerk functions including serving as the pint of contact for elections administered by Ramsey County. Communications Coordinator The Communications Coordinator works in conjunction with the Assistant City Manager to handle messaging, produce the quarterly newsletter, and support all departments in their communications and outreach efforts. City Planner The City contracts with Grittman Consulting to provide all planning related work for the city to be more efficient with the services provided to residents and be conscious of planning expenditures. The planner reviews land use and development applications, work with residents on a variety of home improvement projects, and advises on long range planning for the City. Sustainability Coordinator The Communications Coordinator is responsible for integrating City sustainability and resiliency efforts including but not limited to comprehensive planning, climate plan implementation and public education. Finance Department Mission Statement Ensure that City resources and assets are managed effectively to provide residents with the City services desired and to sustain the City’s infrastructure for current and future residents. Responsibilities: •Budget Preparation and Administration •Manages Annual Audit •Accounts Payable and Receivable •Debt Management/Bond Issuance •Utility Billing •Fixed Asset Oversight •Investments •Payroll •Licenses & Permits 1/16/2025 6 St. Anthony Police Safety Through Service The St. Anthony Police Department takes pride in our high quality service. "Safety Through Service" is our motto. Our emphasis is on arresting offenders, preventing crime, solving problems, and increasing the overall quality of life for those we serve. In addition to providing police services for the City of St. Anthony, we provide services to the City of Lauderdale and effective March 2025, to the City of Falcon Heights. •25 full-time Police Officers •2 part-time cadets •1 volunteer Reserve Officers St. Anthony Fire Demand the Best The St. Anthony Fire Department is committed to excellent service to our community. We demand the best from ourselves and others while minimizing the loss of life, loss of property, and environmental damage from the adverse effects of fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous conditions. The Fire Department is responsible for the House Code, Code Enforcement and Emergency Management. •7 full-time Firefighters – 24 hours a day •24 Paid-On-Call Firefighters •Responds to all medical and fire calls 1/16/2025 7 St. Anthony Public Works Livable and Sustainable The Public Works Department’s mission is to deliver superior design, construction, operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure. From quality roads to clean water, and by continually improving our efficiency and effectiveness, we strive for a more livable and sustainable village. 14 full-time employees 5 Divisions Building Maintenance Parks Division Streets Division Vehicle Maintenance Water/Sewer Division Parks The City Parks Division maintains a total of five primary parks (Emerald, Central, Water Tower, Silver Point, and Trillium). The City also partners in maintaining Salo Park, which is privately owned and is primarily for stormwater management and treatment. In addition, the Parks Division maintains the City's ice skating rinks, which are open from about December through February, weather dependent. Emerald Park Central Park 1/16/2025 8 St. Anthony Engineering The City of St. Anthony City Engineer is WSB & Associates. They have served in this capacity with the City since 1996. The roll of the City Engineer is to: •Prepare Feasibility Studies, •Make Recommendations on Infrastructure Needs, •Prepare Construction Plans, Speciation's and Solicit Bids •Prepare Assessments •Manage Construction and Contracts Current Priorities Include: •Street and Utility Reconstruction Program •Flood Reduction •Sustainability Efforts St. Anthony Liquor Operation Mission Statement: Our goal at St. Anthony Village Wine and Spirits is to actively prevent the sale of federal, state, county and locally regulated consumables to minors and intoxicated persons, while simultaneously generating revenue for the community. The Liquor Operation contributes 100% of their profits back to the City’s General Fund. 1/16/2025 9 Council and Commissions Our Mission is to promote a high quality of life to those we serve through outstanding city services. Mayor and City Council City Council The City Council is led by a Mayor and four-member non-partisan City Council elected at-large City’s Authority Authority to act must be found expressly in Minnesota law or be inferred from such law City’s authority may be pre-empted by state or federal law Councilmember’s Authority Council must approve contracts and other significant actions of the City by a vote of the Council as a whole Role of the Mayor •Official head of city •Signs official documents •Presides over and preserves order at council meetings •Votes as member of council •Represents all residents •Chair of the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Role of a Councilmember •Community leadership At-large: represent all residents •Legislating for city •Stewards of city assets •Member of the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Role of a Commissioner •Review and recommend to the council •Represent all residents 1/16/2025 10 Commission Powers and Duties - PEC The Parks Commission advises the City Council regarding the promotion of the systematic, comprehensive and effective development of park facilities necessary for the overall health, ability and well-being of City residents of all ages. Parks & Environmental Commission 33.25 POWERS AND DUTIES. (A) To prepare, revise, and maintain a comprehensive, long-term plan for the redevelopment of parks within the city. This plan shall be viewed as a working document that serves as a framework and reference to future redevelopment; (B) To make recommendations to and advise the City Council and staff regarding park and environmental issues and ideas; (C) To establish priorities and recommend a phasing plan and schedule for implementing innovative park and environmental initiatives improvements, renovations, and plans; (D) To work with other communities to explore cooperative arrangements to develop connecting routes in the form of bikeways, walking paths, and corridors of green space wherever possible; (E) To investigate funding sources, including requests for increases in the city budget, designated for parks, green spaces and environmental initiatives; (F) To seek new areas for additional parks, natural areas, walking paths, bikeways, and green space corridors; (G) To generate community involvement in the development of parks, environmental initiatives and their elements; (H) To review and recommend revisions to the operation and maintenance of city parks and environmental initiatives; and (I) To periodically review, re-evaluate, and update the comprehensive park and environmental initiatives plan to reflect current and future park needs of the city. Commission Powers and Duties - Planning The Planning Commission advises the City Council on planning and zoning issues. The Commission also reviews plats and other land subdivisions, site plans for commercial and industrial buildings, rezoning requests, variances, conditional use permits, and other land use issues. Planning Commission 32.06 POWERS AND DUTIES. (A) Review and make recommendations to the City Council as to a comprehensive municipal plan, including the land use plan, a community facilities plan, a transportation plan, and recommendations for plan adoption and execution; (B) Consider and make recommendations to the City Council as to all proposed subdivisions and plats; (C) Consider and make recommendations to the City Council as to all proposed amendments to Chapters 153, Chapters 154 and 157 of this code regarding subdivisions and zoning; (D) Consider, hold hearings, and make recommendations on conditional use permit applications; 2010 S-2 18 St. Anthony - Administration (E) Review all applications for variance to zoning, hold hearings, and make recommendations to the City Council; and (F) Review requests for sign variances. (1993 Code, § 305.06) 1/16/2025 11 Roles and Responsibilities CITY COUNCIL •Define policy •Serve as liaisons between City and public •Establish future vision of the City •Review and approve modifications to ordinances and resolutions •Authorizing the city’s financial operations (such as levy, budget, etc.) COMMISSIONS •Advisory body to City Council •Review and provide recommendations to City Council related to policies, priorities and proposals •Recommend prioritization to Staff/City Council related to policies, priorities and proposals •Develop proposed annual work plan for the upcoming year STAFF •Manage day-to-day operations of City services •Develop and publish materials for Commission and City Council meetings •Provide technical expertise related to policies, priorities and proposals Commission Meetings •Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month on as needed basis •Meetings generally operate using Robert’s Rules of Order •Commissioners should review agenda and related materials prior to meetings •Staff posts agendas and materials online by Thursday end of day prior to a public meeting the following week •Additional meetings (such as work sessions or joint work sessions) are posted at least three days prior to the meeting •Stay up to date by signing up for notifications 1/16/2025 12 Annual Goal Setting Retreat Be in the Moment The City of Saint Anthony is widely respected as a cohesive group that works well together as a team, shares mutual respect, and understands roles and responsibilities. The City Council and staff share a great sense of pride in working together for the best interests of the citizens of the community. The work sessions are recognized for positive, healthy and productive discussions. Each individual opinion is respected and all ideas are welcome. This is an important priority and post session feedback reinforced this outcome for the discussions that took place. The “PYRAMID” Short & long term goals Creates creativity & innovation The Mayor, Council, City Manager, Department Heads and City Engineer review the ideas generated from the Thursday’s Long Term Vision/Priorities discussion. Each year the Pyramid’s Action Steps are updated. 1/16/2025 13 Stay Connected Special Laws and Concerns for City Commissioners •Open Meeting Law •Ordinance vs Resolution vs Motion •City’s Policies •Gift Law •Conflicts of Interest •Contract Authority •Data Practices •Complaints •Crisis Communications 1/16/2025 14 Open Meeting Law What is it? A requirement that pubic meetings must be open to the public. A “meeting” means a quorum of elected officials (here, three) where City business is discussed. Some meetings may be closed, and certain meetings must be closed. Rule A meeting of a public body must be open to the public and can only be held after advance notice of the meeting has been given unless an exception applies Purpose Protects public’s right to be informed Who Cares? Residents and especially the press “But I didn’t think that was a meeting!” •Before or after an open meeting •Social gatherings where 3 or more Commission Members attend and City business is discussed •Serial meetings •Phone •Email Penalties •Bad press •Commission member subject to $300 fine and forfeiture of office after three intentional violations •Attorney fees (up to $13,000) may be assessed against the City Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances – What’s What? Ordinance •Is the highest and most authoritative form of action a City may implement. An ordinance is intended to be a permanent law, although it can be repealed. Resolution •Less formal than an ordinance and do not have same enforcement provisions as an Ordinance. Resolutions are used for administrative or executive matters or for statements of policy. Motion •Are used to provide acknowledgements or for giving direction. 1/16/2025 15 Policies Use of E-Mail •City-issued email address only for City business •Do not “Reply All” •Public nature of e-mail •Retention of e-mail •Public right to inspection Gift Law Elected and local officials, including employees, may not receive a gift from any “interested” person. An interested person is one who has a direct financial interest in a decision that a local official is authorized to make. Exceptions •Campaign contributions •Food or beverage at a meeting where a person is presenting •Other exceptions (that mostly relate to items with insignificant value) 1/16/2025 16 Conflicts of Interest A conflict of interest occurs when an individual has a personal interest (direct or indirect) in a Council decision (or another decision made in his or her official capacity). Three categories of potential conflicts •Contractual •Incompatible offices •Self-interest in non-contractual matters Contractual Conflicts What is it? A personal financial interest in a contract with the City. Rule Prohibited unless a statutory exception exists Purpose Protects public money Exceptions •Designating a bank or newspaper •Contracting for goods or services that are not competitively bid •Several other minor exceptions Procedure if a contractual contract exception exists •Disclose interest and abstain from discussions •Abstain from vote •Council must approve contract by unanimous vote •Additional requirements for most exceptions Penalties •Bad press •Contract void •Gross misdemeanor ($3,000/one year prison) 1/16/2025 17 Non-contractual Self Interest Conflicts What is it? A personal financial interest in a non-contractual decision Rule Self interest conflicts are prohibited, but the application of the rule is very fact specific Procedure •City Manager will contact City attorney for analysis •Disclose interest and abstain from discussions •Abstain from vote Penalties •Bad press •Council decision can be reversed •Personal liability Data Practices Act What is it? “Government data” means all data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by state or local government, regardless of its physical form, storage media, or conditions of use. Paper documents, email, CD-ROMs, videotape, and computer files are all forms of “government data.” Rules •Commission Members receive Information that is Public, non-Public, Confidential, and Private. •Staff will try to inform you of the type of information you are receiving. •Correspondence and email may contain private or confidential data. •Limited personnel data is public. •Public has limited access to government data based on data’s classification. •An individual who is the subject of data has limited access to data regarding him/herself. •Commission members are not delegated by the City with the authority to determine how data is characterized or respond to data practices act requests. •All requests for data should be directed to the City Manager. 1/16/2025 18 INTERMISSION Planning and Zoning - Introduction •Land Use Planning is an activity permitted to local governments by the State – MN Stat 462 governs planning and zoning. •Prior to our current zoning process, land use was regulated by nuisance law. •Nuisances are infringements on property rights held by another person. •Property rights include the right to use one’s property for one’s own benefit, and not to be unreasonably interfered with by others. 1/16/2025 19 Introduction continued •Nuisance law is notoriously difficult to manage – expensive, uncertain, inconsistent from place to place. •Public zoning took the place of private nuisance lawsuits in the early 1900s. The theory was that a consistent set of land use expectations could be written and defended, and people could make more predictable investments in real estate, under a public scheme. •Public land use regulation acknowledges that the public has a stake in how property is developed, since the public will be asked to maintain the infrastructure and public safety to preserve it – the “police powers”. Meeting Conduct – Roberts’ Rules of Order •Roberts’ Rules govern – generally – the conduct of meetings. •The objective of the rules is to run a fair, open meeting and get the best information out to the decision-makers. •Most meetings are run very informally, where the chair has significant latitude to vary the process to run efficiently, while maintaining fairness. 1/16/2025 20 Comprehensive Plan •The fundamental planning document – required in the 7- County metro area. •Most recognizable portion – the Future Land Use Plan. The most critical – statement of Goals and Policies. •Everything done as a part of land use regulation should relate to the City’s land use goals and policies. Comp Plan, cont’d •The City has a great degree of discretion in setting the terms of its Comprehensive Plan. •As one works from the bottom of this pyramid to the top, discretion lessens, until at the top, the City is functioning in what is referred to as a “clerical” role only. 1/16/2025 21 Zoning, and Zoning Ordinances •Zoning and Subdivision regulations are by far the most common implementation tools of Comprehensive Plan policy. •Zoning amendments consist of two types: Text Amendments and Map Amendments (commonly called “rezoning”). •Both adopted by ordinance. •Regulated by statute according to City class size – large cities (like Minneapolis and cities in other states) can often do things St. Anthony can not! Zoning and Subdivision, cont’d •Zoning amendments are regulated by the following basic criterion: Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with achieving the goals and objectives outlined in the comprehensive plan. 1/16/2025 22 Zoning and Subdivision, cont’d Other common considerations: i. Traffic levels capable of being handled on existing roadways. ii. Utility demands capable of being served with existing utility capacity. iii. Land Use compatibility with adjoining property. iv. Consistency with Land Use guide plan. v. Environmental concerns (air, soil, water) and potential hazards to the public. vi. Impacts on Schools, Parks or Open Space. Conditional Use Permits •Uses that are presumed to be allowed but require special conditions to address special impacts of the use. •Difficult to deny – the City should be able to identify specific issues that need changing to meet the intent of the City’s land use goals. •The most common generator of conditions of approval, and the conditions must address an impact created by the proposed use. 1/16/2025 23 Interim Use Permits •Just like a Conditional Use Permit, but with a specific timeline attached. •Expiration may be a date or an event. •Should be accompanied by a written statement of agreement from the applicant verifying the expiration of the permit. •New permits are new, technically not “renewals” – there is no inherent right to continue a use after the termination date. Variances •An approved variation to a (usually) dimensional standard, such as a setback, or lot coverage, or number parking spaces, etc. •Requires a finding that there is a specific, unique “practical difficulty” in putting the property to what would otherwise be a reasonable way to use the property. •Designed to be somewhat difficult to get – there is a presumption that the City’s general ordinances do a thorough job of addressing the most common conditions. 1/16/2025 24 Decision-making, Findings •Findings of Fact are critical to good decision-making. •The Commission or Council should be able to state the reasons, based in the City’s land use goals/policies, why a decision is being made, pro or con. •Should be made at the time of the decision, in writing. •Should be based on evidence presented to the public body – not some outside knowledge the Council or Commission has. •Solid findings protect the City from future litigation – a court will rarely overturn clear findings, and will presume those facts. •Staff’s practice will be to build findings into the resolution, but the Commission should add findings it deems relevant. “60-Day Rule” •An administrative responsibility – from MN Stat 15.99 – to ensure zoning decisions are made promptly, within 60 to 120 days. •The date is from the date of complete application to the final Council decision. •The City has 15 days to determine whether a land use application is “complete” for review. Once complete, the 60-day clock starts ticking. 1/16/2025 25 Subdivisions and Plats •A separate responsibility of City land use regulation. •Typically, the City should try to imagine how the design of the subdivision will create neighborhoods that are consistent with the City’s land use objectives. •Not a significant issue for SAV, given full development. Subdivisions will usually be functions of other zoning requests. Planned Unit Development •PUD is considered a single project on a single parcel of real estate, even though it may be many of both. •PUD is used to coordinate large complex developments, or manage smaller projects that use unique planning techniques – the lower threshold in SAV is 3 acres. •At all times, the threshold for a PUD proposal is whether it does a better job of meeting the City’s land use objectives that would straight zoning. 1/16/2025 26 Nonconformities •Land uses that were once legal under the then-existing code, but which now no longer meet the requirements or uses allowed in the zoning district. •A nonconformity owner may continue the use into the future if it is continuous, including reconstruction (but not expansion), but the code is designed to bring the use of the property into conformance eventually. •The City has only limited authority to eliminate lawful nonconformities. For more information contact: Steve Grittman City Planner 612-409-6503 steve.grittmanconsulting@gmail.com planner@savmn.com Ashley Morello Assistant City Manager 612-782-3313 ashley.morello@savmn.com Welcome