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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 10-20-20211 Approved Minutes October 20, 2021 Approved Minutes Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2021 Chair Anderson called a Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on October 20, 2021. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Anderson, Commissioners Michael Boo, Justin Markell, Donovan Saba, and Bryan Oakley COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: David Witte and Julie Pointner STAFF PRESENT: Community and Economic Development Director Danette Parr and Senior Planner Shawn Drill OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Ned Carroll Chair Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Plymouth Forum Paul Hillen, 16130 48th Avenue thanked the Planning Commission for their consideration on behalf of the Preserve Hollydale Committee. He stated that the residents feel unbelievably ignored by the Council and believed that the Commission must also feel that way. He appreciated the continued volunteer work of the Commission and its efforts related to the Hollydale request. He wondered why the Commission even exists if the Council is going to ignore the opinion and recommendation from the group in its unanimous vote. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Commissioner Oakley and seconded by Commissioner Saba to approve the agenda. Wit h all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda (4.1) Planning Commission minutes from meeting held on October 6, 2021. Motion was made by Commissioner Boo and seconded by Commissioner Oakley to approve the Consent Agenda. With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried. 2 Approved Minutes October 20, 2021 Public Hearings (5.1) Request for PUD (planned unit development) amendment to allow outdoor display of firewood, windshield washer fluid, and water softener salt at Plymouth Station Holiday, 16825 County Road 24 (Plymouth Station Holiday – 2021071) Senior Planner Drill provided an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Boo asked if the applicant would still be able to request temporary outdoor events as is permitted by code. Senior Planner Drill responded that short-term special events could still occur through separate permitting. He explained that this request would allow for permanent outdoor display areas. Commissioner Markell asked the difference between this amendment request and the last amendment request. Senior Planner Drill responded that the previous request had no limitation on what the outdoor merchandise items could be. He stated that this request would limit the outdoor display items to windshield washer fluid, firewood, and water softner salt. Commissioner Markell asked where that stipulation is found. Senior Planner Drill responded that the limitation is described in the resolution and proposed ordinance language. Commissioner Markell asked if the language stipulated in the resolution would be further defined with a map. Senior Planner Drill responded the graphic showing the permitted display areas would be incorporated into the ordinance by reference. Chair Anderson stated that many times these locations sell ice in a metal box outside the store. He asked if this would preclude the station from selling ice outdoors. Senior Planner Drill responded that there are some items allowed outside such as the Redbox and propane gas swap refill storage cages. He would need to verify how the ice case is addressed. Chair Anderson asked for clarification on what is next to the gas islands in the photo showing the front of the store. Senior Planner Drill responded that it looks like bags of softener salt. Chair Anderson asked if the station had permission to have that material in that location. 3 Approved Minutes October 20, 2021 Senior Planner Drill replied that the station did not have permission at the time of the photo. He explained that enforcement action was suspended when the applicant submitted the amendment request. Commissioner Markell asked if the enforcement action is presently lifted. Senior Planner Drill responded that because there is currently an active application, enforcement action has not been taken. However, the applicant removed the outdoor display items after the Council denied the original application in June. Commissioner Markell referenced the accessory uses such as the Redbox and propane and asked how those items are treated differently under the PUD. Senior Planner Drill responded that the propane is heavily regulated as flammable and cannot be located inside, therefore outdoors is the best place for that item. He stated that there is a different provision related to vending machines and said the Redbox is considered a vending machine. Chair Anderson introduced Liz Nalezny, 1 6825 County Road 24, the applicant, who stated that she was before the Commission not too long ago expressing their intent and staff described the changes requested related to the specific items. Commissioner Markell asked if the applicant has been selling the items outdoors since the time the Council denied the request. Ms. Nalezny responded that the day after the Council denial, they brought the items inside. She explained that firewood and softener salt are stored at an offsite location and brought to restock the smaller amount inside each day or every other day as there is not sufficient space inside. She commented that the sales of those items are a fraction of what they previously had been when stored outdoors. Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. Chair Anderson introduced Paul Hillen, 16130 48th Avenue, who spoke in favor of the requested PUD amendment. He stated that he is a customer of this store and has purchased these items from the store. He stated that he is a businessman and has been for the past 35 years. He stated that the business should be allowed to equally compete with the other stores that are allowed to display these materials outdoors. He stated that Cub Foods has nine items displayed outdoors and this small business owner should be allowed to service its customers with the basic items that all other convenience stores in the area are allowed to sell outdoors. He asked the City to approve the request and allow the business to compete. He commented that it does not make sense to require a business to store stacks of firewood inside. Chair Anderson closed the public hearing. 4 Approved Minutes October 20, 2021 Commissioner Oakley stated that the Commission voted unanimously during its last review to recommend approval. He stated that a more restrictive condition has been added to the request and therefore did not see a reason to change the vote on this request. Chair Anderson stated that when he is looking for softener salt, he looks for a station that has it stored outside to make it easier to load into his vehicle and therefore supports the request to allow the softener salt to be stored outdoors. Motion was made by Commissioner Boo and seconded by Commissioner Markell to recommend approval of PUD (planned unit development) amendment to allow outdoor display of firewood, windshield washer fluid, and water softener salt at Plymouth Station Holiday, 16825 County Road 24, subject to the findings and conditions outlined in the related ordinance and resolutions. With all Commissioners voting in favor, the motion carried. General Business It was announced that the next scheduled meeting (November 3) would be cancelled. Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting at 7:31 pm.