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2012.05.14 PC Meeting MinutesApproved May 14, 2012 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2012\05.14\minutes.doc CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 14, 2012 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 [Secretary] X Commissioner (Ward 2) Whitenack [Chair] Approved May 14, 2012 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2012\05.14\minutes.doc Tom Mooney addressed the commission with his concerns about parking on city streets, the amount of traffic drop off and pick up of 208 students would generate each day and the speed of the vehicles on Welcome Avenue. Rodney Nelson, representing RiverTree School, addressed the commission. He stated the school presently has 36 students. Their goal is to have approximately 180 students which would mean approximately 50-60 cars. Drop off and pick up currently occur at 8:05 – 8:20 a.m. and 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. respectively. Typically more than one student is being transported in each vehicle. Commissioner Whitenack asked Mr. Nelson if he thinks there will be a time when vehicles will be stacked out on to the street for drop off or pick up of students. Mr. Nelson did not see this as a future issue. Mr. Whitenack did suggest that a traffic consultant do a flow analysis of the project. Commissioner Heigel commented on the need for the students to be respectful of the single family homes adjoining the property. Lee Beaner addressed the commission. She expressed her concerns regarding the congregation keeping the parking within the parking lot and the need to keep events small scale. Planner Sutter informed Ms. Beaner that a written request can be made to the city engineer regarding possible addition of “resident parking only” signs with or without this change in use of the property. Mr. Nelson addressed Ms. Beaner’s concerns regarding parking. Mr. Nelson feels the parking issues will vastly diminish, if the church begins to overflow the sanctuary, they would be too big to have as a tenant for the school. Mr. Nelson stated the school has a play each spring that is their biggest event of the year. James Truax addressed the commission. Mr. Truax stated he lives right next to the property and owns the four properties on Vera Cruz to the south. Mr. Truax’ comments and concerns included the use of the black top area for play by the students, any possible plans for fencing between the houses and the parking area, the number of staff on site, where staff is from, will there be food service and the long term vision for the school. Mr. Nelson stated that the children will play on the black top area and will be respectful of the privately owned homes adjoining the parking area. There will be a maximum of 20 staff members on site. Staff are from the metro area including Crystal, New Hope, Maple Grove, and Richfield. Currently students bring their own bag lunch but the school would look into making the kitchen usable for possible future use on a limited basis. The goal of the school is to educate children in the best way possible on a small campus. If the school should outgrow this campus, they would likely add another campus elsewhere. With no further discussion or testimony, Chair Whitenack closed the Public Hearing. Approved May 14, 2012 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2012\05.14\minutes.doc Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded by Commissioner Buck to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2012-02 for a Conditional Use Permit for RiverTree School at 3733 Vera Cruz Avenue North, subject to findings of fact and conditions of approval in the staff report. Motion carried unanimously. D. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. City Council actions on Planning Commission items 2. Quarterly Development Status Report 3. Staff preview of likely agenda items for June 11, 2012 meeting include a conditional use permit for a church in a commercial area. E. OPEN FORUM Commissioner Heigel asked for a construction update on various items that had been approved by the Planning Commission in the past. F. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Sears and seconded by Commissioner Heigel to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.