HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 04-27-1994CITY OF PLYMOUTH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL, 27, 1994
The regular meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Chairman Mike Stulberg.
MEMBERS PRESENT.- Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Barb Stimson,
Ed Albro, Virginia Black,_ Linda Oja and Allen Ribbe.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Jack Hill.
STAFF PRESENT: Director Anne Hurlburt, City Engineer Dan Faulkner,
Planning Supervisor Barbara Senness, Associate Planner
John Keho, and Planning Secretary Jackie Watson.
MINUTES:
Commissional Stimson requested that a change be made on Page 58, Paragraph 3
stating that as acting Chairman she did not ask for a Nay vote on th.; issue of the
interim ordinance. She stated that she wanted to be on the record as a Nay vote.
Commissioner Oja stated that she also wanted to be on the record as a Nay vote.
MOTION by Commissioner Black, seconded by Commissioner Stimson to approve theApril13, 1994 Planning Commission minutes as amended.
Vote. 5 Ayes. ,Chairman Stulberg abstained.
TWIN CITY FAN & BLOWER COMPANY (94026)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Twin City Fan & Blower Company for an
Amended PUD Plan and Conditional Use Permit to erect a building identification signinthesideyardsetbackat5959TrentonLane.
Planning Supervisor Seaness reviewed the April 21; 1994 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr.. Ron Barry representing the petitioner.
Mr. Barry stated that he was in agreement with the staff report. He said that the 3
acres of land that abuts the side of the property on which they propose to place the sign
is currently owned by OPUS Corporation. He said that Twin City Fan & BlowerCompanyintends0purchasethissiteinthefuture;
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April 27,1994
Page 61
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the request
MO11ON by Commissioner Black, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe to recommend
approval of the request by
Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. Motion carried on an unanimous vote
VJESTBURNE SUPPLY, INC. (94027)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Westburne Supply, Inc. for a Conditional
Use Permit for outside storage of plumbing supplies at 1020510th Avenue North.
Planning Supervisor. Senness reviewed the April 21, 1994 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Chuck Youngquist representing the petitioner
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the subject.
MO11ON by Commissioner Stimson, seconded by Commissioner Black to recommend
approval of the inquest by Westbume Supply, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit for
outside storage of plumbing supplies at 1020510th Avenue North.
Roll Call Vote.; 6 Ayes. Motion carried on an unanimous vote.
MISSIONS, INC. PROGRAMS (94029)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Missions, Inc. Programs for a -Conditional
Use Permit Amendment, Master Site Plan Amendment, Variance and Site Plan for
property located at 3409 East Medicine lake Boulevard.
Associate Planner Keho reviewed the April 22, 1994 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg asked if the June deadline was a financial deadline.
Associate Planner Keho responded that this deadline was imposed by the State.
Commissioner Black asked if this request would increase in number of beds in the
facility.
Associate Planner Keho responded that it would not.
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April 27,1994
page 62
Commissioner Oja asked what was the required setback from the lake.
Associate Plannergeho showed the required setback line and stated that this proposal
exceeded the required setback.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Ms. Pat Murphy representing the petitioner.
Ms. Murphy reviewed the history of the site, the functions of the facility and the
funding. She stated that the State currently has a moratorium in place prohibiting any
new nursing homes or any remodeling of nursing home facilities. She said thatMissions, Inc. was granted an exception to the moratorium from the State because of
the dramatic need to update the decaying structure. A condition of this exception is
that the building permits must be initiated by June 30, 1994.
She stated that an archeological study was done because of their concern that the site
could have some historical significance. The Historical Society stated that they may
want to do a recordation of the existing building. Ms. Murphy stated that they would
work closely with the Historical Society to accommodate their wishes.
Ms. Murphy stated that they had met with the neighborho^d to discuss the plans. Shesaidthatasaresultofthemeetingtheyhadeliminatedoneprogram, moved the road
and move the location of the nursing home.
Chairman Stulberg opened the Public Hearing.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. John Lorbiceld of 11335 37th AvenueNorth.
Mr. Lorbiecki stated the be was at the meeting just to gather information and said he
applauded Missions, Inc. in their effort to get neighborhood input.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. John Soneson of 3520 Fast Medicine Lake
Boulevard.
Mr. Soneson stated that he lived directly across the street and was a member of the
neighborhood dialog group. He said he was very satisfied with the informational
meeting held by Missions, Inc. and said he sensed that Missions, Inc. will carry out agoodsocialworkprogram. He stated his support for this application and said that
Missions„ Inc. were very sensitive to the neighborhood input.
Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Oja asked where the two signs requested would be located and whether
the existing sign would remain.
sa
Planning Commission Ntinutes
April 27, 1993
Page 63
Associate Planner Keho stated that one sign would be place at the entrance along with
the existing sign and one at intersection of 36th Avenue North.
Commissioner Oja asked why an additional sign would be placed at the entrance on the
south. She said she thought the temporary sign on 36th Avenue North was ugly.
Ms. Murphy stated that it was their intent to have two signs at south enhance but the
old sign would be changed to coordinate with the new sign.
Commissioner Oja stated she drives by this location every day and would like new
signs to be low enough to not block the view of the lake.
Ms. Murphy stated they would also enhance the sign area with some landscaping.
Commission Oja asked if they were planning to :Hove the road.
Ms. Murphy stated there would be no change to the roads. She said that the Master
Site Plan of 1988 showed a different road configuration and this application is just
changing that plan to keep the roads as they are.
Chairman Stulberg asked how high a sign could be.
Associate Planner Keho responded that the Zoning Ordinance restricts signs to 32
square feet but there is no height restriction.
DirectorNurlburt stated that if sign height was a concern a condition could be added in
the resolution.
Commissioner Oja stated she would like to see a condition added to the report
regarding height of the sign before it goes to the Council.
Chairman Stulberg suggested that plans for the signs be reviewed by staff before going
to Council.
Commissioner Oja asked Ms. Murphy to describe the signage.
Ms. Murphy stated that she envisions the signage to be long and low like subdivision
signs with landscaping. The signs have not been designed at this time but she said she
could bring some plans back to the Commission if desired. She said she agreed that the
present sign is not pleasant and that the new signs would be very pleasing.
Planning Comlydssion Minutes
Ap[il27, 1994
Page 64
Commissioner Ribbe stated that he felt staff could review the sign plan and make the
decision as to their appropriateness without the plan coming back to the Planning
Commission..
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Black to recommend
approval of the request by Missions, Inc. Programs for a Conditional Use Permit
Amendment, Master Site Plan Amendment, Variance and Site Plan for property, located
at 3409Past Medicine Take Boulevard, subject to all conditions listed in the April 22,
1994 staff report.
Motion to Amend. by, Commissioner Oja, seconded by Commissioner Albro to add a
condition to the resolution stating that the signs on the corner of East Medicine Lake
Road and 36th Avenue North would not.exceed 41/2 feet in height and would be
consistent with residential monument ,signs; and that the addition of landscaping would
not obscure the view and be approved by staff.
Commissioner Oja asked if the signs could be lighted and if the Zoning Ordinance
restricted the lighting of signs.
Associate Planner Keho responded that this was not restricted in the Zoning Ordinance.
Commissioner Stimson stated that she was against the amendment. She said that this
entire project was so tastefully designed that she did not feel there was a need to set
limitations on the signage, that she felt the signage would be just as tasteful as the:
project.
Roll Call Vote on Motion to Amend. Commissioners Stimson Ribbe and Chairman
Stulberg voted Nay. Motion failed on dtie vote.
Roll Call Vote on Main Motion. 6 Ayes. Motion carried on a unanimous vote.
PROPOSED WETLAND INTERIM ORDINANCE REGARDING SETBACKS
Director Hurlburt reviewed the past history of developing this ordinance and explained
the ordinance as drafted. She stated that this would apply to only new applications and
would provide some minimal protection of the wetlands until the 'Ordinance is done.
Chairman Stulberg recognized Council Member Anderson.
Council Member Andersonstated that he is Council representative to the Commissioni
He explained why Council asked for this ordinance which is an environmental and
economic issue, He discussed the ruin of Parkers Lake which is scheduled for cleanup
at great cost. He stated that the Council wanted the guidance, input and advice from
a 0
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April27, 1994
Page 65
the Planning Commission and their consensus that the interim ordinance would help tocontroltheimpactofnewdevelopmentsonthewetlands.
Commissioner Black asked Council Member Anderson what the intent of the Council
was for the ordinance, was it water quality or wildlife habitat or both.
Council Member Anderson stated his feelings were not necessarily the opinion of all
Council Members. He said his concern was water quality and the cost of cleaning upwaterpollution.
Commissioner Albm stated water quality was his concern. He said he did not see the
buffers being discussed for the ordinance as doing much for the Parkers Lake problem.
Mr. Anderson stated that he does not envision the new ordinance applying to
completed; past development because of concerns that would invoke litigation. He said
he felt the ordinance should apply to new developments to prevent more problems.
Commissioner Albro stated that thea was a big difference between what would be
needed in an ordinance for water quality and one which would protect habitat. He said
that an ordinance protecting habitat would require such a large buffer that it would
make most pmpe4 in Plymouth undevelopable.
Commissioner Oja asked Council Member Anderson to explain just what the Council
wanted and whether the ordinance should ignore existing housing. She said she felt
that existing developments can damage the wetlands if they are not regulated. She said
that there should be regulations for existing developments so that they cannot
contaminate the waters as the current problem with Parkers Lake. She asked if theCouncilfeltolddevelopmentsshouldbeignored.
Council Member Anderson stated that the new ordinance would be for new
development sand the existing property has not been addressed. He said the priority isforthosenowinprocessandnewdevelopmentsandthatpossiblypastdevelopments
will be addressed later. He said he feels a concern with existing homeowners and theimpactanewordinancewouldhaveonthem.
Commissioner Oja stated that past developments can damage wetlands if they are not
regulated, and that there should be some regulations to prevent Parkers Lake from
being contaminated again once it is cleaned up. She said something should be done
regarding the use of chemicals for the care of wetlands in existing developments.
Council Member Anderson stated that there could be some regulation of chemical use
in the future but at the present time the Council is concerned with maintaining thewaterqualityinnewdevelopments.
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April27, 1991-
Page66
Commissioner Oja stated that this was a good start with new housing but something
does need to be done regarding existing developments too.
Council Member Anderson said that we should first prevent further damage to wetlands
in new developments and then address the other issues ata later time.
Chairman Stulberg stated there are some controls regarding dumping and other things.
Council Member Anderson stated that the City would have to hire additional staff to
monitor and control dumping and other regulations. He said that staff was beginning toaddressthesetypesofproblems.
Commissioner Stimson thanked Council Member Anderson for coming to the meeting
and for explaining to the Planning Commission what the Council's intent was for an
ordinance.
Commissioner Alum stated that he sbared Council Member Anderson's concerns
regarding potential legal ramifications for existing developments. He said that be felt
that because of possible legal ramifications, the aim should be at water quality for the
good of citizens, not the wildlife issue.
Chairman Stulberg stated that after the new ordinance is adopted staff should discuss
how the ordinance affects each new development when it comes before the
Commission.
Commissioner Stimson asked what is the definition of a wetland.
Director Hurlburt described the various definitions for the different classifications of
wetlands. She said that every project will be surveyed and described as to what
type of wetlands are located on the site.
Commissioner Black stated that she would get copies of a brochures describing wetland
types from the Department of Natural Resources for each of the Commissioners.
Council Member Anderson suggested that staff should also obtain copies of the
Environmental Assessment Worksheet guidelines for the Commissioners,
Chairman Stulberg suggested that staff have an informal get-together with developers
before the Public Hearing.
MOTION to adjourn by Commissioner Black, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe.
The meeting adjourned. at 8:15 p.m,