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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018.01.25 PC MinutesMinutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of Thursday, January 25, 2018 Commissioner Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Derr, Kleissler, Luchsinger, Tjernlund. ABSENT: Lessard, McRoberts. STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of December 21, 2017 Commissioner Arcand made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tjernlund, to approve minutes for the meeting of December 21, 2017. All Ayes. Motion carried. TGK Automotive — Concept Plan Juba presented a concept plan for a 13,950 square foot motor vehicle repair business on a 3 acre property formerly known as the "End Zone" site, located at 13891 Forest Blvd. The property is currently vacant and zoned Neighborhood Service (NS), but would need to be rezoned to General Business (C-2) for this proposed use. Juba explained that the area is consistent with what would be desired for uses in the C-2 district and rezoning the property to General Business (C-2) would be in compliance with the land use guide plan. Juba described that while the applicant is proposing this use on the property, it will be important that there are proper transitions between the land uses and the impact on the surrounding residential properties is minimized. Juba explained the concept plan in regards to general layout, access, and architecture. She stated that there are still several items that need to be worked on as the projects moves forward and a formal application is submitted. The applicant was requesting feedback on the site plan, architecture, and rezoning of the property. Juba stated that it's in staff's opinion that the important question is the rezoning of the property from NS to C-2. If the Planning Commission is comfortable with the rezoning, they should discuss items that are important to the general layout and how the property is used in regards to the transitions between uses. Chair Kleissler invited the applicant to the podium to speak. Troy Kaplan, owner of TGK Automotive, approached the podium. He stated that he opened the Hugo TGK in 2007 and they have grown out of their current location. He stated that he has a few TGK Automotive locations now and would like to make Hugo their headquarters. He stated the he is aware that the site and building layout must be cognizant of the neighbors to the east and wants to bring Hugo's "good neighbor" theme into planning this site. He stated he is excited for this opportunity and looking forward to continuing the process. Commissioner Arcand inquired as to how long vehicles are stored in the lot. Mr. Kaplan stated that TGK has a pretty fast turnaround, as they don't get paid until work on vehicles is completed. He also stated that many vehicles that need to be stored overnight would be stored within the building. Commissioner Arcand stated that he wants the applicant to plan for screening of vehicles if any are planned to be in the parking lot overnight. Commissioner Luchsinger asked the applicant what they have thought about in regards to noise impacts and appropriate transitions to the residential to the east. Planning Commission January 25, 2018 Page 2 Mr. Kaplan stated that the east side of the building currently is planned to have one overhead door. He also stated that the shop will be heated and have air conditioning, so the doors will be open minimally, as well as having their noise making equipment, like compressors, inside the building. Commissioner Tjernlund asked what the hours are/would be. Mr. Kaplan stated that his current hours are 8:00 am — 6:00 pm, but would likely change to 7:00 am — 6:00 pm with a new location. Commissioner Tjernlund stated that since the applicant mentioned that the building is planned to be air conditioned and heated, to be sure to think about how to screen the rooftop mechanical units when designing the building, as to lessen the impact to the neighbors to the east. Commissioner Luchsinger stated that as long as elements like appropriate screening, a transitional buffer from the residential to the east, and considerations are made to the layout to limit noise, the proposed zoning change would seem to make sense. Chair Kleissler discussed the architecture of the building. She stated she liked the front of the building, with the corner windows, and also liked the design of the building not just being a box. She asked the applicant to consider adding more windows or other architectural features to help break up the mass of the building. Mr. Kaplan stated that they have been meeting with different architects and the architecture will change as they begin design work. He stated that this building will be their headquarters so it is also important to them that it looks nice and attracts new clients. Commissioner Derr stated the applicant should continue to evaluate the layout of the building and what aspects will be seen from different angles as people pass the building on TH 61. Commissioner Arcand asked staff if there were any downfalls in rezoning the property to C-2. Juba stated that the C-2 zoning district allows for expanded uses that may have more traffic, lighting, and additional impacts to surrounding properties. Juba stated that if the Planning Commission is in favor of a zoning change, they must then be okay with the site plan to help eliminate the impact to adjacent properties incase another user moves into the building in the future. Commissioner Arcand stated that the rezoning of the property seems to make sense if considerations are made to the surrounding properties. Chair Kleissler asked the applicant to discuss the lighting on site. Mr. Kaplan stated that he didn't know specifics, yet, however would be following City guidelines for lighting and would be working with an architect and builder to ensure it is planned and completed properly. Commissioner Luchsinger asked about access into the site. She inquired as to if there would be any way to access the property from the north or south, since TH 61 will eventually only allow for a right -in, right -out. Juba stated that staff has been talking with the applicant about a cross access agreement with the properties to the north to allow for access of off 140th Street N., as well, however those details have not been completely vetted. The Planning Commission generally agreed that the zoning request change seemed appropriate as long as considerations are made for surrounding properties. Planning Commission January 25, 2018 Page 3 AUUroval of 2018 Goals Juba stated that the Planning Commission had a goal setting workshop on January 11, 2018 and staff has put together the 2018 goals with comments from that workshop. She explained that the Planning Commission will be busy in 2018 with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update. Juba stated that if the Planning Commission had nothing further to add to the goals, staff would like an approval of the 2018 goals. Commissioner Luchsinger made a motion, Commissioner Arcand seconded, to approve the Planning Commission goals for 2018. All Ayes. Motion carried. Appointment of Planning Commission Vice Chair Juba stated that per the Planning Commission bylaws, the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council for appointment of the Planning Commission Vice Chair. Commissioner Arcand is currently the Vice Chair and indicated he would take the position for another year if the Planning Commission so chooses to recommend him. Commissioner Tjernlund made a motion, Commissioner Derr seconded, to recommend approval of Scott Arcand as the Planning Commission Vice Chair. All Ayes. Motion carried. Resignation of Planning Commissioner Ron McRoberts Chair Kleissler stated that the Planning Commission received a resignation letter from Commissioner McRoberts. She stated that he served on the Planning Commission for a number of years, made many contributions, and helped shape Hugo. She stated that Commissioner McRoberts will be missed. Commissioner Arcand stated that he really appreciated and valued Commissioner McRoberts' input and agreed that he will be missed on the Planning Commission. Adjournment Commissioner Arcand made a motion, Commissioner Luchsinger seconded, to adjourn at 7:44 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Rachel Leitz