HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 05-12-1998APPROVED
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 12, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Allen Ribbe, John
Stoebner, Kim Koehnen, and Bob Stein
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners Roger Berkowitz and Jeff Thompson
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Planning
Supervisor Barb Senness, Planners John Rask and Shawn
Drill, City Engineer Dan Faulkner, and Clerical Supervisor
Denise Hutt
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. PUBLIC FORUM:
Roger Handberg of 3630 Zanzibar Lane. Mr. Handberg asked how the residents of Sugar
Hills can communicate with the Planning Commission. Mr. Handberg wanted to know
why the Planning Commission Meeting of May 5, 1998 was not publicized. He said that
he was at the Community Development counter on Friday, and was told there wasn't a
meeting on May
5th,
and there wasn't an agenda. Mr. Handberg commented that it would
be helpful to have a redlined version of Zoning Ordinance amendments.
Director Hurlburt stated that the Planning Commission Meetings are noted on the official
calendar, publicized on cable television, and agendas available at the Community
Development counter. Director Hurlburt asked Mr. Handberg to let her know who he
talked with at the counter so she could correct the situation. Director Hurlburt said that a
redline version of Zoning Ordinance amendments could be mailed out, if requested, at no
charge.
Chairman Stulberg stated that the Administration Department has a roster of the Planning
Commissioners. He said that Sugar Hills residents can contact their representative from
Ward 1 or all of the Commissioners. Director Hurlburt noted that since the Planning
Commissioners are volunteers, some information such as Commissioner's phone numbers
may not be public information.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
5. PRESENTATION:
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A. Presentation by Builders Association of The Twin Cities, "The Future is
Now."
Karen Christofferson, Public Policy Director for the Builders Association of the Twin
Cities (BATC) commented that the two issues that face builders today is land availability
and the cost associated with building residential housing and development. She said that
BATC made the decision to tackle the issue of land availability first. Ms. Christofferson
said that BATC didn't agree with the information coming from the Metropolitan Council,
so they undertook their own study. One of the results of their study indicated that there is
a land shortage within the metropolitan area, meaning available, developable land. Ms.
Christofferson showed a video that she hoped would be used an educational tool for the
City.
6. CONSENT AGENDA:
A. ANDERSON JOHNSON ASSOCIATES (98058)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Anderson Johnson Associates for a Site Plan
Amendment to modify the entrance and drive aisle at Armstrong High School located at
10635 36th Avenue North.
MOTION by Commissioner Koehnen, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe recommending
approval of a Site Plan Amendment to allow reconstruction of the entrance and drive aisle
at Armstrong High School, 10635 36th Avenue North. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION
approved unanimously.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. LUNDELL PROPERTIES, LLP (98052)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Lundell Properties, LLP for a Site Plan
Amendment for a 50,600 square foot building addition and an Interim Use Permit to
reduce the number of required parking stalls for property located at 2700 Ranchview Lane
North.
Planner Rask gave an overview of the May 6, 1998 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Tom Lundell, the petitioner. Mr. Lundell stated that they
could construct additional parking spaces on the southwest corner of the site if needed due
to expansion of the facility.
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Commissioner Koehnen commented that during her site visit, there was ample parking
spaces available. She asked if the cars in the parking area belonged to the employees. Mr.
Lundell replied affirmatively.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing. Chairman Stulberg introduced a letter
dated May 7, 1998 by Griffiths Corporation of 2717 Niagara Lane North stating that they
do not oppose the application.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Brad McDonnell of 2765 Ranchview Lane North. Mr.
McDonnell stated that he doesn't oppose the expansion, but is only concerned with the
noise associated with new construction. He stated that he is opposed to the hours of
construction, mainly taking place from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Mr. McDonnell said that noise from construction activity is getting to the point that it is
affecting their quality of life, and he is moving because of the noise. He said that the value
of his property is decreasing because construction noise is having a negative affect on his
property value. Mr. McDonnell suggested that the hours of construction be amended to
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Chairman Stulberg closed the pubic hearing.
Planner Rask noted that the Ordinance allows construction during the hours of 7:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If they operate beyond those hours, residents
should contact the Public Safety Department to file a complaint.
Mr. Lundell stated that the construction would begin in early June and completed by the
end of the year. He said there should not be a lot of construction noise associated with a
pre -cast building, other than the excavation.
MOTION by Chairman Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner Koehnen recommending
approval of a Site Plan Amendment for a building addition and an Interim Use Permit to
reduce the number of required parking stalls located at 2700 Ranchview Lane North. Roll
Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
B. RANDALL BEGIN (98060)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Randall Begin for Rezoning from FRD
Future Restricted Development) to RSF-1 (Single Family Detached 1) for property
located at 12305 Old Rockford Road. The rezoning would allow a single family home to
be rebuilt on the site.
Planner Drill gave an overview of the May 6, 1998 staff report.
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Chairman Stulberg introduced Robert Mansfield of 1300 Wachtler Avenue, representing
the petitioner. Mr. Mansfield stated that as far as he knew, Mr. Begin concurred with the
staff report.
Commissioner Ribbe asked if Mr. Begin owns the adjoining lot. Mr. Mansfield replied
affirmatively.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Stoebner, seconded by Commissioner Koehnen
recommending approval of an Ordinance amending Chapter 21 (Zoning Ordinance) of the
City Code to classify certain land located at 12305 Old Rockford Road and the Findings
of Fact for Rezoning. Roll Call Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
A. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (98061)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the review of the draft City Center Streetscape Study.
Planning Supervisor Senness gave an overview of the April 30, 1998 memo and presented
a video. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that the consultant is in process of fine-
tuning the concepts, developing priorities, and coming up with funding alternatives for the
improvements. She said the item should be ready to come back to the Commission
sometime this summer for a public hearing. Planning Supervisor Senness noted that many
comments from the open house pertained to more screening of parking lots and the
importance of more vegetation.
Commissioner Ribbe asked where the money would come from for the improvements.
Planning Supervisor Senness replied that the funds would most likely come from a variety
of sources and be made over time. Some options include money from land owners as they
develop their properties; a special assessment district in the downtown area; capital
improvements program; and NSP for some lighting.
Commissioner Koehnen commented that traffic circles work very well in Great Britain,
and traffic does not stack up. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that there has been a lot
of concern with how to get safely across Plymouth Boulevard. She said that the City has
looked at a traffic circle alone, but the study showed we needed more than one type of
improvement to guide traffic safely through the area.
Commissioner Ribbe asked if the success of the traffic circle is intertwined with the streets
that approach them. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that the idea is that they help to
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slow the traffic. Director Hurlburt commented that the road would be very different from
what it is now, once the street is narrowed and with the addition of the bumpouts, the
speed will be lowered. Commissioner Ribbe noted that the speed at which traffic
approaches the traffic circle can be dangerous. Director Hurlburt said that this proposal
would be only one lane around the circle. Planning Supervisor Senness said the median
would be widened to help move traffic around, and signage would also be an important
part of the overall package. Commissioner Koehnen stated that it looks like it would
provide an orderly progression into an intersection.
Chairman Stulberg asked if public sentiment has changed on the traffic circle since
residents have been able to see the drawing. Planning Supervisor Senness replied that the
reaction has been mixed. People still worry about getting across and safety issues.
Director Hurlburt commented that it is hard to show people how something would work
from a set of plans. She said that they have heard from some people that traffic should be
slowed down on Plymouth Boulevard. Chairman Stulberg said that one thing that might
help people to understand is a computer-aided model that shows how a traffic circle
works. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that she has talked about that option with the
consultant. She said that one of the advantages of using SRF as a consultant is they pass
all of the information by their traffic engineers. Director Hurlburt noted that the SRF
traffic engineers are supplying the design of the traffic circle.
Commissioner Koehnen wondered how the traffic circle would help pedestrian traffic
crossing. Commissioner Stein stated that he could see cars having to stop for pedestrians.
Commissioner Koehnen stated that she would need more information how that would
work. Commissioner Stein said that it's a good plan overall and his only concern is how it
would affect the residents of Sugar Hills. Director Hurlburt explained that the character
of Vicksburg Lane varies greatly depending upon where you are, which provides some
opportunities and some challenges. The plan for landscaping and lighting is different
depending on which section of the street you are at. Most of the proposed improvements
are on the east side. There will be more lanes of traffic on Vicksburg Lane south of
36th
Avenue. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that some residents from Sugar Hills thought
there should be pedestrian lighting, and that the treed edging should be maintained.
Commissioner Stein asked if there would be options for staging the improvements.
Planning Supervisor Senness replied that the consultant is working on that now.
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B. CONSIDER INITITION OF REGUIDING AND REZONING
Chairman Stulberg introduced the consideration of initiation of reguiding and rezoning of
4.14 acres of property located at the northwest corner of Vicksburg Lane and Highway
55.
Planning Supervisor Senness gave an overview of the April 29, 1998 memo.
Commissioner Stein asked what the access point would be to the site. Planning
Supervisor Senness replied that it would be off of 35th Avenue with a cul-de-sac. She said
that the City did have the traffic consultant look at carrying through the street to the Moen
Leuer property. Director Hurlburt said that the current proposal says no access from 36th
Avenue. She stated that the City is concerned that the land south of 35th Avenue be
compatible with City Center. She said that the restaurant may be more appropriate rather
than the funeral home that is being proposed. City Center zoning along with the guiding
would ensure compatibility with City Center. Commissioner Stein asked if this has been
discussed with Mr. Harstad. Director Hurlburt replied affirmatively, and there shouldn't
be any opposition. Commissioner Stein asked if it wouldn't be easier to accomplish this
through a Planned Unit Development (PUD) since there isn't any opposition likely.
Director Hurlburt replied that isn't possible for Mr. Harstad due to personal financial
issues relating to purchasing.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Roger Handberg of 3630 Zanzibar Lane North. Mr.
Handberg commented that the land use guide indicates that the property is commercial
office and has been that way for a long time. He said that the residents of Sugar Hills
want consistency from throughout the area to City Center. Mr. Handberg stated that he
read the detail of the traffic study which stated that five options were studied and four of
the five options created a major traffic jam at Highway 55. He said that reguiding the site
would also create a traffic jam. He said that the City could still get the benefit by leaving
it O -R through other options. Mr. Handberg said the residents feel this would be a major
setback on the thought process.
Director Hurlburt said if the City thought the current guiding and zoning would give us
the tools for compatibility, we wouldn't be recommending the reguiding. The uses and
development standards are very different. She said the recommendations that the City will
be making will be dealing with the traffic the way the traffic study is predicting.
MOTION by Commissioner Stein, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe to set a public
hearing on the potential reguiding and rezoning for 4.14 acres of property located at the
northwest corner of Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION
approved unanimously. Planning Supervisor Senness stated that notices will go out
immediately to the residents within 750 feet of the site.
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C. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE/NORTHWEST PLYMOUTH
Director Hurlburt gave an overview of the materials that the Commission received in their
packets. She said that another issue of Northwest Notes will go out by Friday, May 15.
Director Hurlburt stated that copies of what the Commission received will be available at
City Hall should any resident like a copy.
Chairman Stulberg asked staff to discuss the process involved. Mr. David Licht,
consultant gave an overview of the memo dated May 7, 1998 outlining the suggested
approach. He said that staff is suggesting a two stage process. The first involved a broad,
macro scale consideration of to what extent, if any, growth is to occur and take place in
the northwest area. Mr. Licht stated that a selection is critical. The second stage is a
narrower, micro scale evaluation that can take place on the detailed aspects of a plan for
the area. Mr. Licht commented that he is getting concerned with the timetable.
Chairman Stulberg asked when a decision should be made by the City Council on the
growth option. Director Hurlburt stated that staff would like to finish as soon as possible,
but this is the toughest as far as the public is concerned.
The Commission scheduled their workshop for June 30, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. to be held in
the Public Safety Training room. Commissioner Koehnen stated that she could not attend
the workshop. A recommendation should be made by the Commission at their regular
meeting on July 14, 1998. Staff will try to schedule a City Council workshop the first part
of August and put it on their August agenda for a decision on the growth option. Director
Hurlburt said that the intent is to complete the land planning portion by the end of 1998.
Mr. Licht gave an overview of the May 7, 1998 memo pertaining to the summary of
resident and property owner responses received on the feedback forms from the northwest
area open house held on April 16, 1998. Mr. Licht said that he is not certain that people
have an appreciation of the number of people that could be accommodated in the
northwest area.
Director Hurlburt gave an overview of the memo dated May 8, 1998 outlining the
household and population forecasts. She said that if the Commission has any questions
pertaining to the basic forecasting formulas, they should be raised now. Director Hurlburt
stated that staff will be bringing forth various types of housing and different scenarios as
to the fiscal impact on the City of Plymouth umder the various options.
Commissioner Stein asked if the Metropolitan Council's figures assume the high density
forecast. Director Hurlburt answered that the their figures are based on all land within the
City being serviced and within the MUSA.
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Commissioner Koehnen stated that the seminar "Beyond The Basics" that she attended
was very worthwhile, and thanked the residents for allowing her to attend. She said that
she has information available on the new trail that she received at the last Park and
Recreation Advisory Committee meeting.
Commissioner Ribbe stated he couldn't attend the May
26th
meeting.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to adjourn.
Vote. 5 Ayes. The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.