HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 11-02-2005Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
November 2, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Frank Weir, Commissioners E. J. Clyman, Nancy Franke -
Wilson, Kathleen Murdock, Sarah Anderson and James Holmes
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Melissa Musliner
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Senness, Senior Planner Shawn Drill,
Senior Planner Marie Darling, City Engineer Ron Quanbeck, and Office Support Specialist
Laurie Lokken
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC FORUM
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Murdock, seconded by Commissioner Wilson to approve the
November 2, 2005 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 19, 2005, PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to approve the
October 19, 2005 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2005076)
Chair Weir introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a comprehensive plan
amendment to adopt a new 2006-2010 Capital Improvements Program.
Financial Analyst Mike Kohn gave an overview of the 2006-2010 Capital Improvements
Program, noting two changes. He stated that the City has received a communication from
Mike Caticchio regarding the Hawthorne Ponds neighborhood street reconstruction. He
said the neighborhood is requesting relief from the City's special assessment policy, which
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the Council recently increased from 30 percent of total project cost to 40 percent. He noted
that the Planning Commission doesn't have a role in setting assessment policy and the
intent tonight is to get the request on record for Council consideration.
He also noted Project 5-12, the traffic signal at Vicksburg and Shenandoah/25th has been
pulled by the City Council from consideration as it is too costly for the benefit that it would
provide.
Commissioner Anderson asked at what point will a parking expansion at the Egan Dog
Park be considered. Financial Analyst Kohn replied that he was not aware of any problems
there and if it is a small item, it could be addressed through the maintenance budget.
Otherwise, it could be added in the next Capital Improvement Program if warranted.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the City allows sponsorship of benches. Financial
Analyst Kohn noted that about half of the benches will be sold to adjoining property
owners. Planning Manager Senness also stated that putting advertising on the benches is
not allowed by the Zoning Ordinance. She added that small plaques in honor or in memory
of someone, similar to what is done at the Millennium Garden, may be possible.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the replacement of the parking lot lights at Parkers Lake
will comply with the City's lighting standards. Planning Manager Senness replied that
when a plan is received, staff will review it to ensure compliance.
Commissioner Anderson questioned the age of the retaining walls that are referenced under
street projects. City Engineer Quanbeck answered the wood walls are quite old and have
deteriorated, so are in need of replacement. The retaining wall block proposed should last
at least 20 years.
Commissioner Anderson asked how the City of Plymouth compares to other cities in
regards to street reconstruction. Financial Analyst Kohn responded that street ratings have
slipped over the years, which is a trend throughout the metro area. In order to preserve the
infrastructure, cities, including Plymouth, are starting to devote more resources to street
reconstruction.
Commissioner Anderson commented that she would prefer funding dollars go toward
streets, water and sewer rather than ornamental lighting along the median, considering the
tight budget times we seem to be in. Planning Manager Senness noted that the street lights
will be paid through special assessments.
Commissioner Anderson questioned why a partial fix was done in 2004 to the West
Medicine Lake and Highway 55 intersection rather than the entire project. City Engineer
Quanbeck responded that the 2004 modifications were minor, just enough to create another
lane. These improvements, which were modest in cost compared to the overall project,
were a temporary fix until the City could fund the larger project. He stated the full project
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would actually expand the intersection, relocate the existing frontage road and replace the
entire signal.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there is a demand for bike racks on small and medium-
sized buses. Financial Analyst Kohn answered that there are federal funds that would be
available to enable the City to acquire them. Planning Manager Senness added that bike
racks on buses are very popular because more and more people are combining biking with
transit.
Commissioner Anderson asked if transit use is increasing. Financial Analyst Kohn
answered that ridership is at about a half million passengers per year. He said the buses
that go downtown are fairly full. Once the City adds the parking ramp, there will be
additional buses for the downtown routes.
Commissioner Murdock asked what the rationale was for pulling the traffic signal at
Vicksburg and Shenandoah/25th from the improvement plan. Financial Analyst Kohn
responded the traffic counts did not warrant the total costs associated with the project. He
noted that the initial projected cost of $200,000 rose to nearly one million after design.
City Engineer Quanbeck stated that the crosswalk does not have a lot of traffic, but is
certainly a safety concern. He said the City will continue to monitor the situation for a less
costly alternative. Commissioner Murdock asked that this item be placed on the list of
potential projects.
Commissioner Murdock asked for more information regarding the maintenance of the
ponds and which ponds staff is referring to. City Engineer Quanbeck explained that the
City has had pond maintenance agreements with homeowners associations since 1990, but
that few ponds are maintained by the homeowners associations. Consequently, the City
Council recently decided it was time for the City to take over the responsibility of
maintaining water quality ponds. Staff is doing an inventory of all the ponds that will
determine which ponds the City will maintain at this point in time.
Chair Weir opened the public hearing.
Chair Weir introduced Mike Caticchio, 17805 Fourth Avenue North, representing the
Hawthorne Ponds neighborhood. Mr. Caticchio stated the City failed their neighborhood
in that the City did not seek their input as to which roads should be fixed and in what order.
He said he has seen roads replaced that weren't as bad as theirs. Mr. Caticchio stated they
are requesting that their roads be done prior to 2007 because of their poor condition and
appearance since it is an entrance point to the City. He stated that they should be exempt
from the increase in assessment costs because of the petition process the City required.
Chair Weir stated that Mr. Caticchio's comments will be passed on to City Council.
Mr. Caticchio also commented that standards related to ponds should be the same
regardless of whether the ponds are man-made or not. City Engineer Quanbeck responded
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that actually the task force on ponds considered both natural and man-made ponds. The
function of man-made ponds is to improve water quality and the standard rule for
determining how they're cleaned is to return them to the original contours and functions.
The natural basins are different and the standard that was determined by the City Council
was that we would look at the water quantity functioning of those basins and make sure
that they're flowing well and not causing flooding problems. City Engineer Quanbeck
stated that the City has over 1,000 basins and can't maintain them all at once and that's
why we're doing an inventory. He said there is no plan or funding to go in and restore
open water areas, unless it is for the quantity aspect of the ponds. Mr. Caticchio stated that
there are some water quality pond issues in their neighborhood.
Chair Weir closed the public hearing and stated that comments will be passed on to the
City Council.
MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Murdock, to
recommend approval of the 2006-2010 Capital Improvement Program, with the following
amendments: Project S-12 (Traffic Signal at Vicksburg Lane and Shenandoah/25tn)
should be added to the list of "Other Potential Projects" and Project S-15 (City Center
Street Lighting) should be removed from the CIP. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. Motion
passed.
B. OPUS NORTHWEST LLC (2005110)
Chair Weir introduced the request by Opus Northwest, LLC for a site plan amendment and
interim use permit for reduced parking for AGA Medical Corporation located at 9700
Schmidt Lake Road.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the October 25, 2005 staff report.
Chair Weir introduced George Spevacek, Opus Northwest, LLC. Mr. Spevacek stated that
AGA is looking forward to consolidating all their operations into this facility and updating
the exterior of the building.
Chair Weir opened the public hearing. As there was no one present to speak on the item,
Chair Weir closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Holmes stated that he supports the requests.
MOTION by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to approve the
request for a site plan amendment and interim use permit for Opus Northwest, LLC for the
AGA Medical Corporation site located at 9700 Schmidt Lake Road. Roll Call Vote. 6
Ayes. MOTION approved.
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C. WENDY GROSSER (2005116)
Chair Weir introduced the request by Wendy Grosser for consideration of a zoning text
amendment to allow the keeping of chickens in the RSF (Single -Family) Zoning Districts.
Senior Planner Darling requested that the public hearing be opened for comments and then
continued to a date uncertain, per the applicant's request.
Commissioner Clyman asked if staff has checked ordinances in surrounding communities.
Senior Planner Darling confirmed that she had and will put the information together in the
next staff report for a future meeting.
Chair Weir opened the public hearing.
Chair Weir introduced Sue Cossa, 4635 Terraceview Lane North. Ms. Cossa stated that
having lived near a chicken farm during her teen years, she knows how smelly they can be
and would oppose the request. Ms. Cossa commented that there are many dogs in their
neighborhood and is concerned that the dogs will bark at chickens and be a disruption for
the entire neighborhood. Ms. Cossa stated that the restrictions that Plymouth has in
banning farm animals as pets are wise and protects the quality of life that we enjoy.
Chair Weir introduced Teri Engelgau, 15705 47th Avenue North. Ms. Engelgau stated her
concern is that allowing chickens will attract undesirable and wild animals. She stated that
she is afraid that if allowed, she will be cited for her dog's barking. Ms. Cossa stated that
by allowing chickens, there will be an odor.
Chair Weir introduced JoEllyn Moran, 4660 Terraceview Lane North. Ms. Moran read a
letter to be part of the record. Ms. Moran stated that she has serious concerns about having
a chicken coop next door and what problems may arise because of it.
MOTION by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Murdock, to continue
the request by Wendy Grosser to a date uncertain for a zoning amendment to allow the
keeping of chickens in the RSF (Single -Family) zoning districts. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes.
MOTION approved.
D. PROVIDENT/WATERFORD LLC (2005120)
Chair Weir introduced the request by Provident/Waterford, LLC for a zoning text
amendment to allow electronic signs in the commercial districts.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the October 25, 2005 staff report.
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Commissioner Wilson questioned the color of the letter lighting. Senior Planner Drill
answered that the lighting in the photo is amber. He said there are some companies that
use red, which tends to better catch your attention. Commissioner Wilson commented that
white or amber is more aesthetically pleasing than red.
Commissioner Clyman concurred with Commissioner Wilson. He added that any color
could be used and that the ordinance does not prohibit the choice of color. Senior Planner
Drill concurred.
Commissioner Holmes questioned the luminance provision and the way the change is
worded regarding non -daylight hours. He asked about restrictions during daylight hours.
Senior Planner Drill stated the technology behind these signs is advanced and some of
them have photocells, so they automatically turn up the lighting level when the sun is
shining and turn it down at dusk. He stated staff's main concern is with night time hours
and that they don't become too bright. Commissioner Holmes stated his concern is with
the luminance at all times. Senior Planner Drill replied that the ordinance could simply
specify that such signs must comply with the City's lighting ordinance.
Planning Manager Senness stated that LED type signage will become more prevalent and
the City needs to have good controls in place. She stated the ordinance currently addresses
maximum light levels and does not differentiate between day time and night time.
Commissioner Holmes agreed that the code is specific, but that what we are saying in the
proposed text is that we are excluding the daylight hours. Planning Manager Senness
responded that we could just take that out as compliance should be required at all times.
She added that before this item goes to City Council, staff could also double check with
our lighting consultant to make sure that the language that we have in the existing code will
cover this issue.
Chair Weir introduced Phillip Jaffe, Provident/Waterford, LLC. Mr. Jaffe stated their
reason for the amendment is to allow them the capability to attract new viable tenants and
be able to compete with other shopping centers. Mr. Jaffe stated that the electronic sign is
needed because of visibility issues on the site. Electronic signs allow the retailers the
opportunity to promote on a daily or weekly basis. Mr. Jaffe stated he would agree to all
the restrictions that have been proposed by the planning staff regarding the sign.
Chair Weir opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on
the item.
MOTION by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to approve the
request by Provident/Waterford, LLC for a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow
electronic signs in the commercial districts, striking the reference to non -daylight hours in
Section 3e.
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November 2, 2005
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Commissioner Clyman added that he has a few comments that he would like to share and
appreciates feedback. He stated his concern is for abuse of the system with signs that
would distract drivers. He questioned whether we should limit this type of signage to
instances where there are multiple tenants. Chair Weir stated that he thought that has been
covered. Commissioner Clyman asked if this ordinance would only be applicable to
properties with more tenants than there is space for on a sign. Senior Planner Drill stated
that the regulations would apply to any commercial use regardless of tenants. He noted
that the electronic portion of the sign can only be 25 percent of the overall sign area.
Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved. (Commissioner Clyman abstained.)
7. NEW BUSINESS — No Items
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to adjourn
the meeting at 8:20 p.m.