2011.08.08 PC Meeting MinutesApproved Minutes of August 8, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 4
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CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
August 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall
A. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the
following members present:
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
Sears
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Whitenack [Chair]
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Moved by Commissioner Buck and seconded by Commissioner Heigel to
recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2011-08 for a variance to
reduce the south setback requirement at 5009 Quail Avenue North with the
conditions as outlined in section C of the staff report
Motion carried unanimously.
2. Consider Application 2011-09 for a conditional use permit for an indoor recreational
facility at 7300 32nd Avenue North
Staff member John Sutter presented the staff report, recommending approval
with the recommended findings of fact as outlined in section C of the staff report.
Chair Whitenack opened the Public Hearing. Bob Guptil introduced himself to
the commission, making himself available for any questions they may have.
Hearing no further comment, Chair Whitenack closed the Public Hearing.
Chair Whitenack inquired about the restroom facilities. Mr. Sutter stated both
West Metro Fire and the Building Official had reviewed the proposed plan and
that very few improvements to the property would be needed.
Commissioner Strand asked what other businesses are in the building. Mr.
Sutter said manufacturing of plastic landscape timbers, light manufacturing and
office/warehouse space.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Whitenack asked for a motion.
Moved by Commissioner Buck and seconded by Commissioner Sears to
recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2011-09 for a conditional
use permit for an indoor recreational facility at 7300 32nd Avenue North subject to
staff recommendations in section C of the staff report.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Consider Application 2011-10 for a conditional use permit to expand the drive-
through at 5400 West Broadway (McDonald’s)
Staff member John Sutter presented the staff report, recommending approval
with the recommended findings of fact as outlined in section C of the staff report.
Chair W hitenack asked if the drive-through hours will be the same as they are
now. Mr. Sutter explained that the building was built prior to the current
ordinance regarding drive-through operations. This renovation will trigger the
implementation of the current ordinances.
Commissioner Heigel asked if the planting materials to shield Calibre Chase
Apartments had been discussed. Mr. Sutter stated that a landscape architect
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would, no doubt, be consulted to provide recommendations for the best
vegetation to provide screening for Calibre Chase from the headlights of vehicles
in the drive-through lane. Mr. Sutter did note the first floor windows of the
apartments are 4 to 5 feet above the center of the headlight beam.
Commissioner Heigel mentioned that he had been at the site earlier in the day
while a trash truck was emptying 3 dumpsters. During that time the drive-
through lane was shut down. Commissioner Heigel questioned whether the
issue would be more pronounced with two drive- through lanes. Mr. Sutter stated
since the drive-through lanes are being moved to the south and east, the
congestion at the dumpster area may actually improve. If there are operational
issues the applicant will have to work to resolve.
Commissioner Erickson was concerned with the drive-through lane being moved
closer to the handicap parking spaces and the main entrance. Mr. Sutter
explained that a second lane should actually move traffic through quicker and
free up the area around the handicap accessible spaces.
Chair Whitenack opened the Public Hearing.
Brian Johnson, Architect/Planner for McDonalds, stated they are comfortable
with staff recommendations regarding signs, planting, etc. Regarding the trash
issue brought up earlier, Mr. Johnson stated the trash collection vehicle generally
has a head on approach to the dumpsters. If there is an issue Mr. Johnson
stated they would solve it operationally. Concerning the handicap accessible
parking spaces, they have moved some in the past. This site would likely allow
for handicap spaces to be moved across the parking lot, if needed. However,
with the two drive-through lanes, stacking of vehicles should actually be
improved.
Hearing no further comment, Chair Whitenack closed the Public Hearing.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Whitenack asked for a motion.
Moved by Commissioner Buck and seconded by Commissioner Sears to
recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2011-10 for a conditional
use permit to expand the drive-through at 5400 West Broadway (McDonald’s)
subject to staff recommendations of C of the staff report.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. OLD BUSINESS – None heard
E. NEW BUSINESS – None heard
F. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Quarterly Development Status Report
2. City Council action on previous Planning Commission items
3. Staff preview of likely agenda items for September 12, 2011 meeting
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• Possible vehicle sales at Regal Car Wash site
• Possible discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan
G. OPEN FORUM – None heard
H. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Heigel and seconded by Commissioner Erickson to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.