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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 09-13-1995CITY OF PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 13, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Barb Stimson, Christian Preus, Allen Ribbe, Linda Oja and Saundra Spigner MEMBERS ABSENT. Virginia Black STAFF PRESENT: Director Anne Hurlburh City Engineer Dan Faulkner arrived at 8:05 p.m.), Planning Supervisor Barbara Senness; HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith; Planner Shawn Drill; and Planning Secretary Susan Vasquez 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. Public Forum: None. 3. A',orprpval of Agenda: Approved unanimously. 4. Approval ofMinn tes: None. 5. Consent Agenda:None. 6. Staff Reports and Public Hearing: A. James and Van Thanh Sanders (95085) Chairman Stulberg presented the request of James and Van Thanh Sanders for an. Amended PUD Plan and a Conditional Use Permit to build a four -season porch on their residence at 2320 Yuma Lane North. Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 5, 1995 Staff Report, noting that the application was eligible for administrative approval, under the minor variance provision, however, a neighboring landowner objected to the porch. Therefore the application must be referred to the Planning Commission and City Council. Chairman Stulberg introduced the petitioner, Mr. James Sanders. Mr. Sanders explained that the expansion of his home on the main level, rather than in the basement, will assure him ready access to the four season porch despite his physical disability which does not permit him to readily go up and down stairs. He presented a Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 188 the Commission with photographs of his home; the pond, the back yard of his home, the homes of neighbors, and the approximate view of the pond taken from the property of the objecting neighbor. Chairman Stulberg opened the Public Hearing, introducing Mr. Marcelo Andrade, 16130 -22nd Place North. Mr. Andrade stated that when he bought his home in Steeple Chase, he was informed by the builder that his view of the pond—then completely uninterrupted—would not be totally blocked by the construction of homes on the neighboring lots. The proposed porch of the Sanders would block that view, which has already been reduced by houses and by a children's play area built after Mr. Andrade's home was constructed. Commissioner Spigner asked Mr. Andrade how he believed the porch would affect his view. Mr. Andrade stated that it would affect the view of the pond from his family room and bedroom. Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing, Commissioner Preus asked how large the setback is behind the Sanders' existing deck. Planner Drill responded that it was in excess of the 25 -foot minimum required, Commissioner Ribbe asked if the four -season porch would project any further back than the currentdeck. Planner Drill responded that it would not. MOTION by Commissioner Stimson, seconded by Commissioner Preus, to recommend approval of the Amended. PUD Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a four season porch, subject to the conditions specified in the Resolution. ROLL CALL VOTE. 6 Ayes, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Welsh Companies (95091) Chairman Stulberg presented the petition of Welsh Companies for an Amendment to the Sign Ordinance in order to allow off-site area identification signage in the I-1 district. Planner Drill presented an overview of the September 6, 1995 Staff Report. 0 Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page .189 Commissioner Preus inquired how many new signs would be applied for if theOrdinancewereamended, and whether joint signs have been requested in the past. Planner Drill stated that Staff would expect more sharing ,of signage between adjacentbusinessesasaresultoftheAmendment. He also noted that joint signage has beenrequestedbybothCommercialand. Industrial users in the past. Chairman Stulberg presented Lisa Dongoske, Senior Property Manager for WelshCompanies, in representation of the petitioner. Ms. Dongoske stated that she had read and fully concurred with the Staff Report. Sheaddedthatallthreeneighboringtenantsenthusiasticallysupportthepetition. Chairman Stulberg asked Ms. Dongoske how many signs like this would be put up onpropertieswhichsheherselfmanages. Ms. Dongoske stated that there probably would not be very many, since most companies are unwilling to give up their individual monument signs. Chairman Stulberg asked who would be in charge of the maintenance of the sign. Ms. Dongoske replied that an agreement already signed between the three parties who would would share the joint monument sign, charges Welsh Companies with thatresponsibility, and all corresponding costs are to be shared. Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing, Commissioner Oja stated that she would hate to see the proliferation of joint monument signs, announcing a dozen or more businesses, all over the City. She asked whatwouldlimitthatfromhappening? Director Hurlburt stated that regulations on the maximum size allowed under the SignOrdinancewouldbetheprincipallimitingfactor, and that limitation :would not bechangedwiththeproposedamendment. Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing, since no member of thepublicrequestedtospeak. MOTION by Commissioner Preus, seconded by Commissioner Spigner, to recommend approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to allow off-site business signs in the I- 1 District. ROLL CALL VOTE, 5 Ayes (Chairman Stulberg, Commissioners Stimson, Preus, 0 Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 190 Spigner, and Rbbe). 1 Nay (Commissioner Oja). MOTION CARRIED 5 to 1. C. SMSQ Architca^ (95094) Chairman Stulberg introduced the petition of SMSQ Architects to Amend the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan of Plymouth Creek Christian Church, 16000 -41st Avenue North, to build a classroom addition, Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 5, 1995 Staff Report. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Gary Johnson, representing SMSQ Architects of Northfield, the architect who designed the addition to the church. Mr. Johnson noted that matching windows, brick; etc., would assure that the addition matches very well. Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the Public Hearing, since no members of the public requested to speak on the matter. Commissioner Oja added that she hoped the church would plant more trees as part of their landscaping to further beautify the addition. MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, Seconded by Commissioner Oja, to recommend approval of the Amended Conditional Use Permit and the Site Plan, subject to the conditions outlined in the Resolution. ROLL CALL VOTE. 6 Ayes, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. D. City of Plymouth (95097) Chairman Stulberg introduced the petition of the City of Plymouth for a Conditional Use Permit to fill portions of the flood plain between 18th and 23rd Avenues North along West Medicine Lake Drive, in order to permit the relocation of that road prior to the redevelopment and improvement of West Medicine Lake Park, Planner Drill gave an overview of the September 7, 1995 Staff Report. Commissioner Preus stated that it was his understanding the project would lead to taking down some homes, Planner Drill noted that those properties have already been acquired by the City. a Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 191 Charman Stulberg opened public hearing, and introduced Mr. Steven Chase, of 11901- 23rd Avenue North, who resides in the affected area. He commented that the neighbors have met many times and agreed on the idea of modifying West Medicine Lake Drive to make it a straight-line road, reducing traffic problems and assuring the safety of both the residents and of vehicular traffic. Nevertheless, he is concerned that by filling the flood plain area the City will put many properties along the lake in danger from flood waters. Water that would normally overflow into the flood plain might affect properties which had not been touched before, and even lead to some of them being classified as flood plain areas where they never had been in the past. That would result in increased insurance premiums for the residents. There is the further issue that some of the soil to be dug up in the road construction project is said to be contaminated by hydrocarbons, possibly from an old service station. Mr.Chase noted that even after all those considerations, the consideration of safety is primary. Therefore, he does not understand why all of a sudden the proposed straight road is going to have a large curve. Chairman Stulberg introduced Mr. Tim Flugaur, of 12023 23rd Avenue North, who stated that the drawing presented by the City to show the new road has some. inaccuracies. Ile is concerned that so much wetland and trees will be destroyed by the project, and that the enormous investment which the City already made to acquire more parkland will be for naught. Chairman Stulberg closed the Public Hearing, Chairman Stulberg stated that some residents appear to have seen projects different from the one now proposed being presented in public meetings, and that they appear to - dislike the one that we are currently working with. He requested comments from the Staff in that regard. Supervisor'Senness stated that this particular, project was one of those studied in the neighborhood meetings, and is the one that was formally accepted by the City Council in 1994 as part of the master plan for that area, From a flood standpoint, City Engineer Dan Faulkner stated that this design will have no negative impact on the area. Commissioner Oja asked about Indian burial mounds? Director Hurlburt stated that if any remains are encountered when excavation begins, the appropriate authorities would be contacted, and all appropriate measures taken, a Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 192 Commissioner Ribbe asked if the contamination of soil, mentioned by Mr. Chase, was found during the taking of core samples for the road design. City Engineer Faulkner confirmed that none was found. Furthermore, if any were to be found during excavation, that—like the burial mounds -would immediately halt construction until all appropriate clean-up measures had been taken, Commissioner Oja inquired if there would be public access to the lake along West Medicine Lake Drive. Planner Drill responded affirmatively. Commissioner Oja expressed her concern about the public access to the lake, and wished that it were not contemplated in the project. Commissioner Spigner stated that she was worried about the project's impact on the Indian burial grounds said to be, in the area. Director Hurlburt offered to obtain whatever information is available regarding that aspect with the Parks & RecreationDepartment and send it to Commissioner Spigner. MOTION by Commissioner Stimson, seconded by Commissioner Spigner, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to allow the filling of portions of the flood plain as proposed. ROLL CALL VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Stulberg;declared a 10 minute break at 8:25 p.m. Chairman Stulberg reconvened the meeting at 8:35 p.m. 7. New Business; A. Aldi Director Hurlburt introduced HRA Supervisor Goldsmith, who has worked for die city for about a year and heads up the HRA Division of the Community Development Department. HRA Supervisor Goldsmith affirmed that Housing costs in Plymouth as well as the rest a planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995. Page 193 of the Nation have increased much more than incomes have in the past few years. He then asked: What is affordable housing? He proceeded to define it according to the Metropolitan Council: It is housing costs (rent, mortgage, taxes, utilities, maintenance) that are no more than 30% of a family's income. For owners, it is for family incomes of no more than 80% of the median metropolitan family income ($40,800 for a family of four). For renters, it is for family incomes of no more than 50% of the median metropolitan family income ($25,500 fora family of four). Lifecycle housing, he continued, is a variety of housing types at various costs which meets changing needs of the population: small starter homes, affordable rental apartments, townhomes, larger move -up homes and condominiums, and apartments for seniors. Currently in Plymouth, due to the demographics of its growing population, there is a big demand for large, upscale housing. But this may not be true in the future; changing demographics could result in a drop in demand, for these homes in favor of smaller less expensive housing. Developing suburban areas like Plymouth have a relatively low availability of housing for lower income families. Most new jobs are locating in developing suburbs. This impacts the need for reduced cost housing in these areas (such as Plymouth) hi order to assure availability of work force for local industries. Where does Plymouth rank among communities for affordable housing? Among 191 communities in the Metro area, Plymouth ranks 148th (23 percemiie) In the lower income categories, an extremely high percentage of families in Plymouth pay more than 30% of thea income for housing. Rent levels within the City are relatively high. Housing values within the City are high and tending to get much higher. Most new housing in the City costs anywhere from the upper $100,000's to much, much higher. There is very little new development at a cost of $115,000 or less (the Metropolitan Council threshold for affordable owner housing). In 1996, funds from the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act will be available for the development of affordable life -cycle housing. Cities must choose to participate in this program for 1996 by November 15, 1995; and establish housing goals with the Metropolitan Council by December 8, 1995, and a housing action plan by June 30, 1996. a Planning Commission Minutes. September 13, 1995 Page 194 Cities that decide not to participate in Livable Communities will lose access not only to those funds, but also to the Department of Trade and Economic Development polluted site funds from the State of Minnesota. The Metropolitan Council will take such non - participation into consideration when reviewing metropolitan actions that will affect a community. Also, a report on community participation is required to be made to the State Legislature. Director Hurlburt observed that the City Council has not yet approved the City's participation in the Livable Communities Act and it will be looking for input from the Planning Commission. The agreement on the Elm Creek interceptor parallels the agreement required for the Livable Communities Act. B. Reschedule the November 29th Planning Commission meeting to November 28th Chairman Stulberg asked if the proposed rescheduling would be acceptable to the Commissioners, and all concurred. C. Other Director Huriburt informed that a City Council Subcommittee on Downtown Plymouth will be holding a meeting on October 2, 1995 to study the proposal, now being modified by consultants taking into account new traffic studies andotheradditionalinformationthathasrecentlycometolight. The Commissiomrs are welcome to attend that meeting if they so desire. After that meeting; a further effort will be made to hold public meetings' seeking support for the final proposal. Chairman Stulberg asked Mayor Tierney if she wished to address theCommission. She emphasized the importance to the City of assuring that the Downtown Plymouth project continue forward, Planner Drill informed that the next meeting of the Planning Commission, scheduled for September 27, 1995, would include two Public Hearings and a report by Senior Planner John Keho on Street Design, originally discussed at the August 23, 1995, meeting. Commissioner Ribbe informed that he will have to miss the next meeting of the Planning Commission. 0 Planning Commission Minutes September 13, 1995 Page 195 7. Old Besiness: None. 8. Adjou[nmcnt. MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Oja, to close the meeting. VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. 0