HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 01-27-1999Approved Minutes
City of Plymouth
Planning Commission Meeting
January 27, 1999
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Jeff Thompson, Bob
Stein, Allen Ribbe (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Kim Koehnen (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) and Roger
Berkowitz
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner John Stoebner
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Planning
Supervisor Barbara Senness, Planner Kendra Lindahl, City Engineer Dan Faulkner and
Clerical Supervisor Denise Hutt
2 Public Forum
Commissioner Thompson said it has been a pleasure and honor to serve on the Planning
Commission. He stated that Chairman Stulberg has always been organized and prepared
for meetings and is very respectful to everyone. He said that the commission can only
work well if they have a good leader which takes respect from other commissioners and
staff and Chairman Stulberg garners that. He stated that Chairman Stulberg is a
remarkable leader for the commission.
Commissioner Thompson commended Director Hurlburt for her fair and impartial
approach to matters. He said that the commission may not always agree with her, but she
remains professional and courteous. He stated that the Commission would be lost
without her and thanked her for the knowledge that he has gained during the last three
years on the commission.
Commissioner Thompson commented that staff always does a good job in having to deal
with the public. He said that staff often gets criticized, usually coming from people that
may not understand the process. He thanked his fellow commissioners and said that
things have always run smoothly and they have gotten along very well.
Chairman Stulberg thanked Commissioner Thompson for his service and that he too has
learned from Commissioner Thompson during the last three years.
4 Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Stein approving the
January 13, 1999 Planning Commission Minutes. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION carried
unanimously.
6A CITY OF PLYMOUTH (98153)
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Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a Site Plan and
Conditional Use Permits for an activity center and field house for property located north
of 34th Avenue North between Plymouth Boulevard and Fernbrook Lane.
Planning Supervisor Senness gave an overview of the January 19, 1999 staff report.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if there had been any consideration of incorporating this
parcel into the City Center District. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that it was
decided not to include it into the City Center District but because of the relationship to
the City Center area, it would conform to the same type of regulations and it would look
like an extension of the City Center area. Director Hurlburt noted that there are not any
plans to put in street lights on 34th Avenue at this time. She stated that the wetlands
located near the parcel provides a natural buffer. She said that it was decided that there
was no real advantage of including the park area into the City Center district.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked who is anticipated to use the soccer field and what went
into consideration for the parking calculations. Planning Supervisor Senness explained
that the parking calculation took into account the worst case scenario of having back to
back games, a total of four teams, coaches, and people using the walking track. She said
that there is no spectator space in the field house. Commissioner Berkowitz asked who
would be using it then if there isn't any space for spectators.
Commissioner Thompson asked if there is any envisioned injurious affects on the
wetland. Planning Supervisor Senness said that the buffer area and the size of the buffer
will provide the best amount of protection. She said that the only area that goes under the
50 feet setback is the area that is needed for a fire lane. She noted that the reduced
setback adjacent to the fire lane is consistent with City regulations.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation. Director
Blank stated that the soccer facility is not designed for a spectator facility, but rather a
training facility for organizations to use it for skill development during their off-season.
He said that they figured with two fields and back-to-back games, coaches and people
using the running track, the maximum parking demand would be 90 spaces. He
commented that the field house will be a rental facility and used as a revenue generator
for the City.
Mr. Del Erickson, architect for the project gave an overview of the design concept on the
site. He said that the activity center can seat 350 for banquets or up to 500 for a large
meeting. He stated that there will be a senior lounge located in the activity center. Mr.
Erickson stated that the overall site can accommodate up to 400 parking spaces.
Commissioner Koehnen asked if the activity center could accommodate a the community
band.
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Director Blank answered affirmatively if they so chose to do so, and said that the senior
choir intends to use the facility for their practices also.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Henry Willegalle of 1525 Juneau Lane North. Mr.
Willegalle stated that he represents the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and that
the plan is great and it is due to the input of many of the organizations that will use the
facility. Mr. Willegalle encouraged the Commission to move the project forward so the
City Council can address it at their next meeting. He said that the Park and Recreation
Advisory Committee voted unanimously to move the project forward.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Fred Lips of 14405 38th Avenue North. Mr. Lips asked if
the impact of traffic on Fernbrook Lane and Plymouth Boulevard has been studied. Mr.
Lips wanted to know if there will be a stop light on Fernbrook Lane and 34th Avenue.
Chairman Stulberg closed the public hearing.
City Engineer Faulkner stated that there are currently four-way stops at the intersections
of Fernbrook Lane and 34th Avenue and Plymouth Boulevard and 34th Avenue. He said
that an all -way stop is typically a prelude to a stop light. City Engineer Faulkner stated
that the intersection of Fernbrook Lane and 34th
Avenue does meet warrants for a stop
light and it will be signalized sometime in the future.
MOTION by Commissioner Koehnen, seconded by Commissioner Thompson
recommending approval of a Site Plan and Conditional Use Permits for the City of
Plymouth for an Activity Center and Fieldhouse on property located north of 34th Avenue
between Plymouth Boulevard and Fernbrook Lane.
Commissioner Koehnen commented that it was a pleasure to serve as an advisory
member on the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and thanked them for all their
hard work.
Commissioner Berkowitz stated that the only reason he brought up the issue of parking is
that he doesn't want to see the same problems that have occurred at LifeTime Fitness and
the Mann Theater.
Commissioner Thompson commented that he thinks the application meets the ordinance
standards and will be voting in favor of it.
Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
611 CITY OF PLYMOUTH (98061)
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Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment to add a Streetscape Element to the City Center portion of the Plymouth
Comprehensive Plan.
Planning Supervisor gave an overview of the January 21, 1999 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg commented that there have been numerous public meetings held to
design city center from the start and said that the streetscape element originated from
those meetings. Planning Supervisor Senness agreed and said that the element is just
more definition of what would happen in the public realm.
Commissioner Thompson asked where the issue of a traffic circle stands. Planning
Supervisor Senness commented that the proposal initially was to look at a traffic circle in
front of the LifeTime Fitness Center. She said that as more information was gathered it
came down to deciding what were the most important things to achieve. She stated that
the traffic circle is not necessary as calming traffic can be achieved by bumpouts to create
parking bays and to increase the width of the median which decreases the width of the
drive aisles. Commissioner Thompson stated that the reference to the traffic circle is still
included in the Streetscape Element on Page 14. Planning Supervisor Senness said that
the Commission can direct that everything in the plan be done but the traffic circle.
Commissioner Thompson said that traffic circles don't calm him, but rather creates more
stress.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked what the bumpouts would do to the temporary blocked
driving lane in front of LifeTime Fitness. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that
approval of the plan doesn't make commitments to do any improvements. She said that it
would depend how it fits into the Capital Improvement Program and when it could be
funded. Should it be implemented, she said the orange cones placed on Plymouth
Boulevard in front of LifeTime Fitness would be removed.
Commissioner Berkowitz wanted to know what the likelihood is of completing some of
the sidewalk segments before development takes place. Planning Supervisor Senness
said that it is possible, but it would be a question of priorities and funding. She said that
when the issue started, it came about by a couple of councilmembers being concerned
with the lack of lighting in the area. She said that lighting will be a high priority, and the
rest will depend on how it fits into the priorities and scheduled funding through the
Capital Improvement Program. Chairman Stulberg said that the Commission should give
direction to add items to the Capital Improvement Program pertaining to the Streetscape
Element for funding and scheduling.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing as there was
no one present to speak on the issue.
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MOTION by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Koehnen
recommending approval of an Amendment to Page 30 of the Land Use Guide Plan to
adopt the Streetscape Element dated November 6, 1998 by reference to (CC) City Center.
MOTION to Amend by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe to
add to the resolution that the text referenced on Page 14 of the Streetscape Element
pertaining to traffic circles be deleted, as the City does not envision use of traffic circles.
Commissioner Thompson said that he has used numerous traffic circles in various parts
of the county and has talked to many residents of those communities, and they are a
nightmare.
Commissioner Koehnen stated that she found traffic circles help to move traffic, but she
certainly is not going to impose it on our citizens, as they probably aren't use to it.
Commissioner Ribbe commented that he gets frustrated using traffic circles.
Roll Call Vote on Amendment. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION to Amend adding attachment to Main MOTION by Commissioner
Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Stein to include a recommendation for priority
and funding in the Capital Improvements Program for completion of sidewalks.
Commissioner Thompson commended everyone for a great job putting the plan together.
Roll Call Vote on Main MOTION with one attachment. 6 Ayes. MOTION approved
unanimously.
7A H.I. ENTERPRISES, INC. (98200)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by H.I. Enterprises, Inc. for a variance to
install a "Goodyear" sign that is 100 square feet where 96 square feet is the maximum
sign area permitted for property located at 2995 Harbor Lane North.
Chairman Stulberg announced that he will be abstaining from voting on the proposal.
Planner Lindahl gave an overview of the January 21, 1999 staff report.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked why variances were given for other signs mentioned in
the staff report. Planner Lindahl stated the City Council approved several sign variances
along I-494, because the sites are located along the interstate and exhibit unique physical
characteristics.
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Commissioner Koehnen asked if there are any pictures that would show the difference
between a 100 square foot sign and a 96 square foot sign. Director Hurlburt answered no,
and said it would be a five percent difference in the sign area which is not a large
difference. Planner Lindahl commented that the four square foot difference would not be
noticeable to the naked eye.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked where on the property the sign is proposed to be placed.
Planner Lindahl replied the sign would be placed in the northeast corner of the site at the
intersection of Empire Lane and Harbor Lane.
Commissioner Stein asked what the height limit is. Planner Lindahl replied the height
limit is 36 feet and this application is for 26 feet.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Bev Kottas, the petitioner. Ms. Kottas stated that they are
a certified auto center, which not all Goodyear facilities are. She said that Goodyear will
be implementing a change, possibly this June requiring new signage for their certified
auto centers; therefore she would again have to replace the sign and invest her own
money since the ordinance standard is 96 square feet. She said that if the Commission
would allow her to put up the 100 square foot sign, she would replace it within 24 months
with the new 96 square foot sign. She said that her business is surrounded by taller
buildings.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked Ms. Kottas if she would be willing to go with the 45
square foot sign since it would be a temporary sign anyway. Ms. Kottas replied that it
would be too small.
Commissioner Ribbe stated that he thinks by denying the variance it would be imposing
an unnecessary burden on a business owner. He commented that staff has indicated that
the difference in size would not be visual to the naked eye. He said that there isn't
anything detrimental to having four more square feet and that it is a unique situation,
being the sign would be temporary.
Commissioner Thompson asked if a time limit can be put on a variance. Director
Hurlburt answered that it is not a typical thing to do, but if the applicant would agree the
Commission could. Director Hurlburt stated that the City won't issue a building permit
for anything over 96 square feet if the proposed 100 -square foot sign is removed.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Berkowitz
recommending approval of a sign variance for Goodyear for property located at 2995
Harbor Lane with a time limit of 24 months.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if 24 months is a long enough time frame for the
applicant.
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Ms. Kottas said that it should be reasonable, but it would need to be 24 months from
June. Director Hurlburt said that a variance is typically based on the date that the
resolution is approved. She suggested that the resolution state 36 months from the date of
installation of the new 100 square foot sign. She said that if the timing isn't enough, an
amendment to the resolution could be done. Commissioner Thompson suggest adding
number 5 to the resolution saying the variance would expire 36 months from the date of
the resolution. Commissioners Ribbe and Berkowitz accepted the change.
MOTION to Amend by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner
Berkowitz to amend the resolution to add "failure to grant the variance results in a
hardship to the applicant in that the sign can't be seen adequately from the street."
Further, add to Item b. "that given the location of the site and surrounding businesses and
structures the sign can't be seen by the traveling public."
Commissioner Berkowitz said that he's not sure that Item b would be necessary at all.
Commissioner Thompson said that the parcel isn't necessarily unique, but because of the
temporary sign and the fact that the sign can't be seen because of the surrounding
structures make it unique. Director Hurlburt perhaps Commissioner Thompson would
like Item b deleted. Commissioners Thompson and Berkowitz agreed to the deletion of
Item b. Director Hurlburt said that it is not unreasonable to require the applicant to
reduce the sign by four square feet, but because she has to have a customized sign, it
would be hardship and is unique because it would be for such a short period of time.
Director Hurlburt suggested that Item 3a. be changed to state "It would create a hardship
to the applicant due to the lack of visibility from the roadways and surrounding
buildings.", and to delete Item 3b. Commissioners Berkowitz and Thompson concurred.
Roll Call Vote on MOTION to Amend. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Chairman Stulberg abstained.
MOTION to Amend by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Koehnen to
add a new item stating that "Requiring the applicant to obtain a custom built sign would
be a hardship, as it would be such a short period of time and the sign would become
obsolete." Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. Chairman Stulberg
abstained.
Roll Call Vote on Main MOTION. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Chairman Stulberg abstained.
Director Hurlburt reminded the Commissioners of the Training Session on Wednesday,
February 3, 1999.
Director Hurlburt stated that officers will need to be selected at the next meeting. She
said that she will also present the Workplan for 1999 and the 1998 Annual Report.
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Chairman Stulberg thanked Commissioner Koehnen for her service to the City of
Plymouth. Commissioner Koehnen thanked the City Council for appointing her to the
Commission and said that it has been an honor working with the Commissioners and
thinks that the City has an awesome staff Director Hurlburt thanked Commissioners
Koehnen and Thompson for being good commissioners and always doing heir homework
and being prepared for the meetings.
MOTION by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Koehnen to
adjourn. Vote. 6 Ayes. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.