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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999.03.24 PC MinutesMINUTES FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF 3-24-99 The meeting was called to order by Planning Commission Chairperson Puleo at 7:06 PM. PRESENT: Peltier, Peterson, Schumann, Puleo City Administrator, Robert Museus Deputy Clerk, Michele Lindau ABSENT: Kellison, Kleissler, Malaski Oath of Office Newly appointed Planning Commission Member, Marie (Bunny) Peterson, took the Oath of Office. Minutes of February 24, 1999 Schumann made motion, Peltier seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes for the meeting of February 24, 1999, as submitted. AYES: Peltier, Schumann, Puleo ABSTAIN: Peterson Motion carried. Special Use Permit (Mark & Sally Cain) Public Hearin The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider an application from Mark & Sally Cain, 4777 320th St., Stacy, MN, for a special use permit to construct an apartment as part of their dwelling being constructed at 13133 Hadley Circle N. The Cains requested to build a guest suite, including a separate entrance, full bath and kitchen, as part of the home they are building on Lot 5, Block 1, White Oak Heights subdivision. The property is located in the City's agricultural zoning district where two family residences may be allowed by special use permit. Mr. Cain, who was present, stated the guest suite would be for his aging father, and he had no intention of acquiring a renter. Puleo opened the meeting to the public. Cliff Axelson stated there were already six other homes in the area, and the apartment could be considered the seventh, as he felt it would eventually be rented in this manner. Also of concern was the impact on the common septic system used by the White Oak Heights residents. Bob Bilotta, who resides south of the Cain property, felt a multi -dwelling in this area would be inappropriate and, in the future, would eventually be used to generate income. Craig Smith, 13113 Hadley Circle, stated the common septic system is not near the Axelson property and felt this should not be a factor. Smith felt it was the Cain's right to provide a place in his home for his father. Peltier closed the public hearing. Peliter made motion, Puleo seconded, to recommend approval of the special use permit for Mark and Sally Cain, to allow for an apartment to be part of their dwelling, under the conditions of the draft special use permit, adding that the apartment could only be occupied by a family member. All AYES. Motion carried. Minutes for the Planning Commission March 24, 1999 - Page 2 Whispering Pines Subdivision (Jesperson) Public Hearinn The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider the request of Morris G. Jesperson, 651 LaBore Rd., Little Canada, to subdivide by Planned Unit Development 11.14 acres into 32 single level townhomes to be known as Whispering Pines Subdivision. The property is generally located on the northeast corner of 125th Street and Highway 61. Charlie Melcher, Ulteig Engineering, presented a revision of a previous plan considered by the Planning Commission, showing a decreased density from 44 units to 32 units, which would be approximately three units per acre. Melcher explained the road through the development would be a 32' wide face-to-face bituminous road, which would extend from 125th Street north and loop to Highway 61. This would be a temporary exit to Highway 61 and would be closed if, and when, access was available from the Beaver Ponds Development. Melcher also stated they were working with the City Engineer to construct the municipal sewer and water service to the project in a way to accommodate the Beaver Ponds Subdivision, as well as other potential development in the area. Melcher also provided a revised landscaping plan showing existing trees and shrubs on the west along Highway 61 and on the east along the Hauble property. Melcher stated the coniferous trees in the area would be relocated around the perimeter of the development for screening. Puleo opened the meeting for public comment. John Peterson, Oakwood Land Development, asked where the road joining the proposed Whispering Pines and Beaver Ponds would be constructed, as it was shown curving to the north of the Hauble property onto the Beaver Ponds subdivision. Peterson stated he did not like the curve in the road since he does have townhomes planned for that area. Staff recommended the road only be constructed to the property line at this time. Warren Arcand, 5510 130th St., stated he would like to see the Beaver Ponds Subdivision tie into another outlet since the entrance for the 150 units in Beaver Ponds was directly in front of his home on 130th Street. George Jungmann, who owns property on the corner or 125th St. and Fiona, said he intends to build a home there, and is displeased about the heavy traffic load these developments are going to create. Gerald Hauble, property owner on the east, questioned the capability of the sewer system and requested the engineers design it to accommodate property on the south end. Hauble also asked who would be responsible to construct the road should he decide not to develop his property, and was told it would be the responsibility of benefiting property owners. Schumann made motion, Puleo seconded, to recommend approval of the subdivision to be known as Whispering Pines subject to the amended Findings of Fact and Recommendations. All AYES. Motion carried. Oneka Lake View South Subdivision (North Suburban Development) Public Hearin The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider the request of North Suburban Development, Inc., 1333 Osborne Rd., Spring Lake Park, to subdivide by Planned Unit Development approximately six acres of property along the south side of Oneka Lake Boulevard into six townhome sites. The property, currently zoned SFU is located within the lakeshore district of Egg Lake, and previously received preliminary plat approval as part of the Oneka Lake View Subdivision. Ken Gust was present to answer questions from the Planning Commission and public Minutes for the Planning Commission March 24, 1999 - Page 3 Ron Gray, 6275 Oneka Lake Boulevard, expressed concern regarding the screening of the proposed development, which is located directly to the east of his home. He felt they were crowding too many units on that property, and was also concerned about the possibility of being assessed for improvements along his property. There were no other comments from the public, and Puleo closed the public hearing. Mr. Gust stated they were considering making cuts in Oneka Lake Boulevard to bring the utilities from the north side of the road to each of the units on the south. City Administrator stated this may not be acceptable since there would be considerable damage to the road, and it would likely need to be rebuilt. Schumann asked if there would be adequate water pressure for fighting fires, and was told there would be according to the City Engineer. Puleo made motion, Schumann seconded, to recommend approval of the subdivision to be known as Oneka Lake View South subject to the amended Findings of Fact and Recommendations. AYES: Peterson, Schumann, Puleo NAY: Peltier Motion Carried Special Use Permit Brian & Mar_vJo Wurzer) Public Hearin The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider the request of Brian & MaryJo Wurzer, 8126 165th St. N., for a special use permit to construct an 80' windmill for use as electrical power generation on their property at the above address. The property lies within the City's agricultural zoning district. Mr. Wurzer expressed his desire to use natural resources to power his home, and stated the windmill would be located in the center of his property. Mary Kress, 16790 Ingersoll Ave., voiced concerns regarding safety issues such as the windmill becoming an attractive nuisance for the neighborhood children, high voltage, and falling ice from blades. Kress also felt it would not be aesthetically pleasing, and was told by an appraiser it would devalue her property by approximately $8,000. Another issue was the detrimental effect the intermittent flicker (reflection from the blades) could have on horses. A resident on 165th St. N., whose land adjoins the Wurzer's, felt the property was too narrow to accommodate the windmill, and the ordinance regarding towers does not allow a building within 300 feet of the tower, which would prevent him from ever building on a portion of his property. A property owner to the west stated he had visited a windmill manufacture company and a 93' tall windmill could be heard 500' away with only a 11 mph wind. The proposed windmill would be 80' tall plus the blade. He felt it would make noise and it was unnecessary to have it that big. Puleo asked if there were any state or federal regulations regarding windmills and what the setback requirements were. Administrator stated there were no regulations he was aware of, and the setbacks were the height of the tower from the property line and twice that from a residential dwelling. Puleo also asked Wurzer what type of power would be generated. Wuzer said it could produce 30,000 watts per year, and his electric bill showed he used 26,000 watt last year. Excess power would be purchased by Anoka Electric. Minutes for the Planning Commission March 24, 1999 - Page 4 Most Planning Commission members felt the neighbors' concerns were legitimate, and since the tower did not meet the fall -down specification, it should not be allowed. Puleo made motion, Schumann seconded, to recommend denial of the special use permit to Brian and MaryJo Wurzer to construct a windmill on their property. AYES: Peterson, Schumann, Puleo NAYS: Peltier Motion carried. Schumann make motion, Peltier seconded, to request the Council revise the tower ordinance to include provisions for windmills. All AYES. Motion carried. Site Plan Approval (Sotelo Bodv & Paint Mr. Brian McGoldrick, 14715 Square Lake Trail, Stillwater, and Mr. Bruce A. Sotelo, 1556 5th St., White Bear Lake, had requested site plan approval to use Mr. McGoldrick's building at 5100 130th St. N. for autobody repair and painting. This matter had been considered by the Planning Commission at its regular meeting February 24, 1999, at which time application was tabled pending Mr. McGoldrick's explanation of how he will accommodate two tenants in the building. Mr. McGoldrick was present at the meeting and stated the Sotelo's business is code compliant and felt the issue of paving the parking lot should not hamper the issuance of a site plan approval. McGoldrick purchased the property in 1994 and felt he should not be held liable for the 1990 site plan which was never complied with. The Administrator stated the property was not in compliance then, and is not in compliance now; therefore, no site plan approval can be given. Mr. McGoldrick was told he needed an adequate site plan showing all technical details including parking, grading and water run-off. Schumann made motion, Peltier seconded, to table the site plan approval until the next meeting of the Planning Commission on April 28, 1999. All AYES. Motion carried. Concept Review (Eaaleview Meadows Senior Housing Subdivision Mr. Paul Keleher and Mr. Scott Montgomery, Northern Lights Development, Inc., 4910 Hwy. 61, White Bear Lake, presented to the Planning Commission a concept plan for development of approximately 20 acres of property located along the west side of Fenway Avenue. The City Council approved the rezoning of this property from RRl to SFU at their meeting on July 6, 1998. The proposed Senior Housing Development would consist of approximately 20 -four unit buildings to create a total of 80 units. Harley Johnson, owner of Harley's Sod Farm, 14196 Fenway Ave., voiced his concerns regarding water drainage and the possibility of the residents complaining about his current farming operations. The Planning Commission felt water management and high-density issues should be closely examined. Minutes for the Planning Commission March 24, 1999 - Page 5 As no application was submitted; no formal action was taken. Concept Review (Townhomes of Bald Eagle) Mr. Mike Black of Royal Oaks Realty, Inc., 4196 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview, presented a concept plan for development of approximately 39 acres of property located west of Fenway Boulevard and north of 130th St. The proposed development would consist of 47 single family detached homes, 61 row type townhomes, and 96 eight- plex units for a total of 204 units. This would create a density of 5.21 units per acre. The Planning Commission felt the density was too high and an increase in impervious surface could create drainage problems. Planning Commission Member Peterson also requested the developers provide information on the percentage of school age children anticipated to reside in the proposed development. As no application was submitted; no formal action was taken. Concept Review (Wenzel Farms) Mr. Leonard Pratt, 4225 White Bear Parkway, Suite 100, White Bear Lake, requested the Planning Commission consider a concept plan for development of approximately 221 acres of property along Elmcrest Avenue, straddling Farnham Avenue. John Peterson, Oakwood Land Development, and John Uban, Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban, Inc., were present to answer Planning Commission questions. The Development would consist of approximately 450 multi -family and single-family units, resulting in three units per acre, as well as approximately 38 acres of commercial development. They also indicated they were working closely with Lino Lakes to construct utilities in cooperation with Lino Lakes proposed industrial site to be located to the west of Elmcrest Avenue. As no application was submitted; no formal action was taken. Puleo made motion, Schumann seconded, to recess at 11:35 PM until the City Council meeting of March 29, 1999. All AYES. Motion carried. 1 I ` �I Lx �'t4_ CIL 1 1te__ Michele Lindau, Secretary Planning Commission