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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018.03.08 PC MinutesMinutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of Thursday. March 8. 2018 Commissioner Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Derr, Kleissler, Lessard, Luchsinger, Tjernlund. ABSENT: None. STAFF: Rachel Juba, Planner Mark Erichson, City Engineer Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner Kendra Lindahl, Landform Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of February 22, 2018 Commissioner Arcand made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tjernlund, to approve minutes for the meeting of February 22, 2018. All Ayes. Motion carried. Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing Juba discussed the 2040 Comprehensive Plan process including meeting summaries, key updates from chapters, and a reminder on next steps for the plan. Some of the key updates included no land use map changes, updates to the housing plan to reflect affordable housing goals, updates to the economic development chapter to reflect current economic conditions, and updates to the sanitary sewer plan for waste water flow projections. She stated that a resiliency chapter has been added to the plan, which focuses on disaster preparedness and managing new technologies, updates to the transportation chapter plan for future improvements and safe crossings for all types of users, and an update of the water demand requirements were needed for the water supply and distribution chapter. Within the water resources management plan the City updated water conservation goals and strategies and the parks chapter was updated to evaluate City Park needs and update the Greenway Corridor map. Juba stated that if the Planning Commission recommended approval of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan it would be seen at the April 2" d City Council meeting. If approved at that level, the City would make final edits and distribute for a six month review. In November, the City would adopt the plan and send it to the Metropolitan Council for their review and approval. Once approval is received, the City would implement the Plan. Juba recommended the Planning Commission to open the public hearing and take all public comment. She stated that staff recommended approval of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Chair Kleissler opened the public hearing at 7:17 pm. Arnie Triemert, 15220 Everton Ave, approached the podium. Mr. Triemert stated he would like the proposed trail along Everton removed from the Draft Existing and Proposed Trails map. He stated this area will not be developed in the near future. John Udstuen, 15190 Everton Ave, approached the podium. He stated that this area has always requested to be left alone, which is one of the reasons the properties are still designated as Agricultural. He described that the 2030 Comprehensive Plan does not show a proposed path along Everton and he would like the proposed path removed from the Comp. Plan map, as it is already heavily used by surrounding residents. Planning Commission March 8, 2018 Page 2 Grace LaValle-Schostag, 5361 145th St, approached the podium. She stated that she was concerned about the water issues this area is facing and future development. She stated the City should continue to evaluate water conservation measures. She also explained that the City should evaluate the needs for parks within future developments because they all require substantial maintenance costs for the City. Laura Syring, 15149 Everton Ave, approached the podium. She stated that it has been a challenge to watch the City grow while trying to preserve their area. She stated that Everton Ave. is being heavily used and having a proposed trail on a map will invite more pedestrians to use their road. She was requesting the proposed path be removed from the Comp. Plan map. Kathleen Saniti, 5855 147th St, approached the podium. She expressed her concern on the snow plowing practices on 147th St, stating it was very difficult to get to her mailbox. She also requested more police enforcement on 147th St. because of speeding. Richard Meath, 15128 Everton Ave, approached the podium. He stated that he was against the proposed path along Everton Ave. Mr. Meath stated his concern that if a path is installed, surrounding residents whom would use the trail would commit crimes against his property and he would also have a lack of privacy. He stated that this area has requested to be left alone and believes the benefit of this area would be taken away from the people that live there if a future trail is proposed. Mr. Meath inquired as to who would pay for the future trail along Everton. Leroy Peltier, 15257 Everton Ave, approached the podium. He stated that there is already a bike path on Oneka Pkwy. and a proposed trail along Elmcrest Ave, so a future trail along Everton was not needed. He stated Everton Ave. is also very dangerous for pedestrians with traffic from the residential development to the east and commercial development to the west. Mr. Peltier stated that Everton Ave. is undersized and there are ditches alongside the road, which are pertinent to drainage of that area. He requested staff to keep the residents within this area updated on anything that would affect them. He stated that this area was formed for a reason and the residents that live here want to continue to keep their 10-12 acres of land. Laura Syring, 15149 Everton Ave, approached the podium. She described the illegal activities that have occurred on Everton Ave. and on their properties from surrounding residents. She stated that having a future trail along Everton Ave., marked on a map, would invite more issues to their area. Kathleen Saniti, 5855 147th St, approached the podium. She described that she has voiced her concerns previously and asked if they were going to be addressed. Richard Meath, 15128 Everton Ave, approached the podium. He stated his concern that a trail would be the catalyst in changing this areas character. Chair Kleissler closed the public hearing at 7:50 pm. Chair Kleissler directed staff to answer resident questions/concerns from the hearing. Juba first addressed Mrs. Saniti. She commented that Mrs. Saniti's comments were not related to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, however, she would pass along her concerns and contact information to the Public Works Director. Planning Commission March 8, 2018 Page 3 Juba next addressed resident questions/concerns on the proposed future trail on Everton Ave. She stated that there is a "goat path" trail connecting the Waters Edge development to Everton Ave. currently in existence. She described that the Comp. Plan shows general areas where trails could go in the future and those trails are planned with either street reconstruction or with development. Erichson added that with a street reconstruction project, trail options are considered with the design of the road. During that process, resident input is encouraged in various meetings. He stated that the City's current reconstruction project, located on Oneka Lake Blvd., has a future trail corridor located along this road. With input from residents, that trail is not being constructed with the road project. Juba added that having a future trail marked within our Comp. Plan doesn't mean that it will be installed right away but opens options for the future, especially if the City would need land dedication or more room for installation of a future trail. Juba also stated that the City does not publicize the proposed trail system map to residents for their use. The map is purely for planning related purposes. She concluded by stating that more trail connections have been highly encouraged from comments received during the Comp. Plan process. Commissioner Tjernlund stated that it was his understanding that the proposed future trails on the map are only used as a guideline at the time of development or as a part of a street reconstruction project to add to the overall trail system within Hugo and connect to existing infrastructure around them. Juba next spoke on Mrs. LaValle-Schostag's comments. She stated that items related to the White Bear Lake lawsuit are not within the Comp. Plan, however, residents can stay informed by watching City Council meetings as Bryan Bear, City Administrator, has been giving updates. Juba also stated that Hugo has enough water to accommodate development occurring within the City and there have been many additions to the Comp. Plan regarding water conservation practices. Erichson stated that one order related to the White Bear Lake lawsuit is that a community must use under 90 gallons of water per day per person and Hugo has already accomplished this goal. Commissioner Tjernlund addressed the audience and stated that the Planning Commission is being updated on the White Bear Lake lawsuit regularly and taking the information in account as new development is proposed. Chair Kleissler stated that she believed the Comp. Plan was well written, has great images, and is easily readable. Regarding resident comments heard, Chair Kleissler stated that she believed the proposed future trail on Everton Ave. should be removed from the map, the City should put out a community wide reminder to slow down as the weather is getting nice and people are out walking, and the City should look at signage along Everton Ave. reminding residents of City ordinances while walking within that area. Commissioner Arcand stated that whether there is a line on a map or not, residents will walk in that location. He stated that there is already a path from constant use from residents in that area and it will continue to be used with the surrounding developments. Arcand believed having a trail there in the future might make it safer for pedestrians, home owners, and those driving down that road. Commissioner Tjernlund stated that he would like the future trail along Everton Ave. removed from the map because he believed there were enough trails in that area where connections could still be made while respecting that neighborhood and their wishes. Commissioner Tjernlund commented that he believed the Comp. Plan, overall, was well done. Planning Commission March 8, 2018 Page 4 Commissioner Arcand asked how that area was taken out of the MUSA. Juba stated that the neighborhood requested the City to take them out of the MUSA. She stated if they received a request from the area to be included within the MUSA, the City would accommodate the request. Commissioner Luchsinger asked how the trail along Everton Ave. would be paid for if it were constructed. Juba stated that either development or a road reconstruction project would spur a conversation about construction of a trail. If it were part of a development, the developer would pay for it and if it were part of a street reconstruction project, the City would pay for the entire project with assistance from the assessment policy. Juba stated that whether a trail was constructed or not with a road reconstruction project, resident assessments would be the same dollar amount. Commissioner Arcand requested Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner, to speak on the trail along Everton Ave. Denaway approached the podium. She stated that the future trail was added in this area for the 2040 Comp. Plan because it has been commented on and requested by other residents not in attendance of the public hearing. She reminded the Commission that the trail is only constructed via development or a road construction project. Juba stated that the Comp. Plan ensures trail connections are looked at in certain locations. She described that these connections are easier to obtain when developers understand a connection is planned within the City's Comp. Plan. Commissioner Lessard stated that neither development nor road reconstruction would happen without the area property owners' input and general consent, therefore, he sees no harm in planning for a future trail on Everton Ave. Commissioner Arcand agreed with Commissioner Lessard. Commissioner Arcand motioned, Commissioner Luchsinger seconded to approve the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as presented. Ayes: Arcand, Derr, Lessard, Luchsinger Nays: Kleissler, Tjemlund Motion carried. Juba asked the Commissioners who didn't approve the plan if their vote was solely based off planning a future trail along Everton Ave. Commissioner Kleissler and Tjemlund stated that was accurate. Adiournment Commissioner Arcand made a motion, Commissioner Lessard seconded, to adjourn at 8:19 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Planning Commission March 8, 2018 Page 5 Respectfully Submitted, Rachel Leitz