HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 06-20-2001Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
June 20, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Roger Berkowitz, Peggy
Larson, David Gaither, Kapila Bobra, Sarah Reinhardt, and Karl Neset
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Planning Manager Barb
Senness, Senior Planners Marie Darling and Shawn Drill, Planner Rebecca Stoen, and Office
Services Supervisor Denise Hutt
1 CALL TO ORDER
2 PUBLIC FORUM
3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to approve the June 6,
2001 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
5 CONSENT AGENDA
A NANCY MACK (2001045)
MOTION by Commissioner Reinhardt, seconded by Commissioner Larson recommending
approval of a variance for impervious surface coverage in the shoreland management overlay
district and a variance to the side yard setback to permit the construction of a garage and living
space addition for Nancy Mack on property located at 10140
26th Avenue North. Vote. 7 Ayes.
MOTION approved unanimously.
B DANIEL AND KATHRYN THORSON (2001050)
MOTION by Commissioner Reinhardt, seconded by Commissioner Larson recommending
approval of a variance to allow a 6.1 foot side yard setback to rebuild an existing garage on
property located at 1450 Larch Lane North. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
6 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A ULTIEG ENGINEERS (2001046)
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Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Ultieg Engineers for a conditional use permit and
variance to allow installation of a 125 -foot monopole antenna tower and related equipment shelter
at the Hamel VFW, 19020 Hamel Road.
Senior Planner Drill gave an overview of the June 12, 2001 staff report. Senior Planner Drill also
addressed a resolution that was faxed from the City of Medina opposing the granting of the
conditional use permit and variance. In response, Senior Planner Drill stated that staff finds the
variance standards are met. He added that the City of Plymouth allows installation of monopole
towers in the FRD district with a conditional use permit. Medina ordinances do not apply because
the monopole would be located in Plymouth. Senior Planner Drill also stated that the existing
water tower in Medina is over a mile away, and therefore, not even within the '/z mile search
radius specified by City regulations. He added that the Medina tower would not meet AT & T's
criteria for providing coverage.
Commissioner Gaither asked if the coverage analysis is just for AT & T service. Senior Planner
Drill replied affirmatively. He said that other providers have their antennas in the area, and each
has their own coverage specifications. The proposed antenna would be constructed for co -
location to support other providers. Commissioner Gaither asked if locating the antennas on an
existing structure is an option for AT & T. Senior Planner Drill stated that no existing structures
meet the location criteria.
Chairman Stulberg asked if the VFW facility could be rebuilt if it was destroyed, and what would
happen to the monopole in that case. Senior Planner Drill responded that the VFW is a lawful
non -conforming use and could not be rebuilt under current zoning if it was destroyed, however,
the monopole could remain because it is allowable under a conditional use permit.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Julie Townsend, representing the applicant. Ms. Townsend stated
that she concurs with the staff report and conditions.
Chairman Stulberg asked what would happen to the coverage if the antennas were moved one
mile away. Ms. Townsend stated that if they moved the proposed antennas, it would interfere
with the signals from their other sites, and the possibility of cross talk increases. She stated that
this site was designated by a Radio Frequency Engineer. The site was selected to provide
seamless coverage to their customers. Ms. Townsend stated that they submitted ten sites to the
engineer for consideration, including the Plymouth water tower at Highway 55 and 101 and the
Wayzata High School. The water tower was found not to work because it is too close to their
antennas on top of the WestHealth building at Highway 55 and I-494. She stated that the VFW
site is the best location. The drive test came back showing that the height necessary for the
antennas is 125 feet.
Chairman Stulberg asked what the coverage for other cellular providers is in the area and would
they be able to co -locate on the proposed monopole. Ms. Townsend replied that she wasn't sure
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of the providers in the area, but has talked with others about the possibility of co -location on the
proposed monopole.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked what a drive test is. Ms. Townsend explained that they set up a
temporary system on a boom truck and then drive the area to see how far the signal will go. She
said that a 125 feet is the minimum height needed to gain acceptable results.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing.
Chairman Stulberg introduced James Lane, member of the Medina City Council. Mr. Lane stated
that the Medina City Council adopted a resolution urging the City of Plymouth to deny the
proposed application. He said that their new comprehensive plan indicates that Hamel would be
redeveloped for mixed use, and the proposed tower would be inconsistent with what they are
trying to do in the City of Medina. He said that 80 percent of the area being served by the
antennas is in Medina, and that if anyone would be inconvenienced by the lack of the antennas, it
would be Medina residents or people going through Medina. He said that Medina permits
antenna towers in industrial zoned areas. Mr. Lane commented that he feels towers should not be
permitted in residential or rural areas. He urged the Commission to be careful when analyzing
these applications. He suggested that the applicant do a coverage analysis on both the Hamel and
Plymouth water tower sites. Mr. Lane stated that Plymouth's ordinance states the maximum
height allowed for a tower is 75 feet. The applicant would require a 66.67 percent variance from
the ordinance for the proposed tower. Mr. Lane stated that the City of Medina is anxious to work
with Plymouth on this issue and future issues to ensure that the interests of their residents are
properly protected.
Chairman Stulberg asked if Reason #6 of the Medina resolution refers to the water tower in
Medina. Mr. Lane responded affirmatively. Chairman Stulberg asked if the City of Medina's
position is any different because neither the Plymouth nor Medina water tower would work for
the applicant. Mr. Lane stated that the City of Medina would prefer not to have the tower at the
proposed location. Chairman Stulberg asked if the redevelopment of Hamel would include
commercial use. Mr. Lane replied that there would be a mix of uses consisting of residential and
commercial uses. The current commercial use is light, consisting of a hair salon, photography
shop, etc. The residential use would be higher density multifamily.
Chairman Stulberg closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Gaither asked if a study has been done looking at the Hamel water tower site and
other locations. Ms. Townsend explained that the information was sent to the Radio Frequency
Engineer on the Plymouth water tower site. The Hamel tower was even farther out of reach and
the Plymouth water tower site was rejected because it failed their tests.
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Commissioner Gaither asked if this coverage is for automobiles. Ms. Townsend replied
affirmatively.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked what AT & T would do if this application were denied. Ms.
Townsend responded that they feel they have met the standards, and it would depend upon the
reason for denial. She said that if they were denied, they would have to install two or three
towers within the guidelines of the ordinance.
Commissioner Bobra asked what the procedure is when two cities are involved. Director
Hurlburt stated that the proposed tower is clearly within the City of Plymouth, so the City of
Plymouth does not need to gain permission or approval from the City of Medina.
Commissioner Larson asked about notification procedures since two cities are involved. Director
Hurlburt stated that we notify all property owners within 500 feet regardless of municipal
boundaries. She said that a legal notice is also published in the official City newspaper and
development signage is placed on the site.
Commissioner Larson asked how comprehensive plans blend within other communities. Director
Hurlburt stated that draft comprehensive plans are sent to surrounding communities for comment
and review.
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to table the item for
one month so more study can be done.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked about the possibility of placing more towers along Highway 55
and if they would achieve the technical requirements. Ms. Townsend stated that putting
additional towers along Highway 55 is speculation at this time, it would depend on whether the
proposed application is denied. She said that they would not come before the City if they did not
need this site, and that they have exhausted all other alternatives. She said that the proposed
monopole would cost AT & T between $300,000 and $500,000, versus less than half that cost to
co -locate on an existing tower.
Chairman Stulberg said he would not support the motion to table the item. Commissioner Gaither
concurred, stating that the applicant has already done their required research.
Commissioner Reinhardt asked if the applicant would be able to provide the additional coverage
information within a month. Ms. Townsend replied that the coverage analysis map was done by
the drive test in which the applicant paid the costs associated with the test. She said that they
would have to pay for additional tests when they already know the sites will not work.
Roll Call Vote. 1 Aye. MOTION failed on a 1-6 Vote. (All voted Nay with the exception of
Commissioner Bobra.)
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MOTION by Commissioner Gaither, seconded by Commissioner Larson recommending approval
of a conditional use permit and variance to allow installation of a monopole antenna tower and
related equipment shelter for wireless communication services at the Hamel VFW, 19020 Hamel
Road.
Commissioner Berkowitz stated that he couldn't support the motion because he doesn't believe
that Conditional Use Permit Standards #2 and 3 have been met because of the statements in the
resolution presented by the City of Medina. He stated that he feels the application also doesn't
meet Variance Standards #1 and 2.
Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved on a 5-2 Vote. (Commissioners Berkowitz and
Bobra voted Nay).
7 NEW BUSINESS
A PLYMOUTH CIVIC LEAGUE/CITY OF PLYMOUTH (2001053)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the Plymouth Civic League/City of Plymouth for a
site plan for a permanent stage for the Hilde Performance Center on property located north of
City Hall in Plymouth Creek Park.
Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the June 12, 2001 staff report.
Commissioner Bobra said that this facility will be good for the City.
MOTION by Commissioner Bobra, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt recommending
approval of a site plan for a permanent stage for the Performing Arts on property located north of
City Hall in Plymouth Creek Park.
Commissioner Berkowitz said that the facility is a welcome addition to the City of Plymouth.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Bobra to adjourn. Vote. 7
Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.