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2014.08.11 PC Meeting MinutesApproved minutes of the August 11, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2014\08.11\approved minutes.doc CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, August 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Conference Room A, Crystal City Hall A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7 p.m. with the following members present: X Commissioner (Ward 1) Sears [Vice Chair] X Commissioner (Ward 2) Kolb Approved minutes of the August 11, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2014\08.11\approved minutes.doc Commissioner Kolb questioned whether the sign would go in the rocks and Mr. Sutter said yes, it would be located within a foot or two of the parking lot in the rock area. He also mentioned that the previous sign was located in the parking lot’s drive aisle just north of the variance’s proposed sign location. Commissioner Heigel asked if it was going to be an electronic sign and Mr. Sutter said they had the option to do that, but the city has not received any plans as of yet. The following were heard: No one spoke before the commission. Commissioner Johnson asked if letters were sent out to the neighbors and Mr. Sutter indicated there had, but that there was only one call received and they had no opposition to the sign. Moved by Commissioner Kolb and seconded by Commissioner Buck to recommend approval of Application 2014-5 for a variance for Liquor Liquidator (5120 56th Avenue North) to allow a freestanding sign to be one foot from the lot line along 56th instead of 10 feet, subject to the findings of fact in the staff report. Motion carried. 2. Consider Application 2014-6 for a conditional use permit for U-Haul (2740 Douglas Drive North) to store and display one vehicle in the Lamplighter Square parking lot. Mr. Sutter stated that motor vehicle sales and rental is not allowed in this location, however the ordinance does allow very limited outdoor storage display and rental, which is distinct from motor vehicle sales. It is limited by square footage of whatever building space the principal use is. The applicant is opening an office and retail store which would include a satellite U-haul office, cell phone sales, and possibly the sale of shipping supplies. Office and retail sales are a permitted use in this area but the applicant would also like to locate one vehicle in the parking lot for rental and advertisement. One vehicle is the maximum that they would be allowed based on the square footage they are renting. Mr. Sutter requested the applicant provide a franchise agreement letter with U- Haul showing it matches what is allowed under the CUP, but has not received anything from them yet. However, regardless of the agreement, if the city received reports that more vehicles are parked there than allowed, city ordinance would trump whatever the agreement says. Commissioner Strand questioned whether the applicant was an LLC, Mr. Sutter stated it was an individual, and didn’t think there was an LLC listed on the application. Commissioner Strand said she didn’t think it made sense to have Approved minutes of the August 11, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2014\08.11\approved minutes.doc only one vehicle available and questioned whether he was hooked up with another location. Planner Sutter indicated he didn’t know, that was why he wanted to see the franchise agreement to see how it was structured. He also said that the property owner has been copied on all the communication so is aware of what is going on. Commissioner Heigel asked if it was only going to be for non-motorized vehicles. Mr. Sutter stated that it could be either a trailer or a truck. Commissioner Heigel said that a larger vehicle could take up more than one parking spot. Mr. Sutter agreed that was a good point, and they should probably define the square footage as well. Mr. Sutter said that if the applicant wanted additional vehicles, he has the option to have a bigger store and have two vehicles. Commissioner Kolb said he thought it was important to keep an eye on the property, since it’s not a full-fledged rental facility he could see it getting out of hand very quickly. Commissioner Erickson stated that even though she would like to support the applicant, he’s been asked twice to provide the franchise agreement and has not and she feels it’s important. Mr. Sutter also said in addition to not supplying the franchise agreement, he also has not supplied a narrative. Commissioner Strand stated that she didn’t think it was the right place for this use. The following were heard: No one spoke before the commission. Moved by Commissioner Heigel and seconded by Commissioner Buck to continue consideration of Application 2014-6 for a conditional use permit for U- Haul (2740 Douglas Drive North) to store and display one vehicle in the Lamplighter Square parking lot until the applicant provides a narrative and the franchise agreement. Motion carried. D. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: ▪ June 17: Approved the following applications: - CUP for Milton’s (3545 Douglas Dr) for expanded hours of operation - CUP for MD Liquors (7200 56th) to stay open until 10:00 instead of 9:00 p.m. - Variance for a monument sign at St. Raphael’s (7301 56th) - Site and building plan review, CUP and variances for a new public works facility at 5001 West Broadway Approved minutes of the August 11, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 4 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2014\08.11\approved minutes.doc 2. Commission opening (Ward 4) – Commissioner Richter resigned from the Planning Commission on July 21 and the opening will be listed in the newsletter coming out in the next couple weeks. 3. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, September 8, 2014 meeting – Mr. Sutter said they expect an application to divide the Gaulke property on Douglas Drive into approximately 15 single family lots. 4. Other: ▪ Commissioner Kolb asked if it was known when the sign at St. Raphael’s was going up. Mr. Sutter said that the sign permit was issued last week and indicated he thought it may be up within the next month. ▪ Commissioner Von Rueden questioned whether lots were selling well. Mr. Sutter said that they’ve slowed down a little bit, builders costs are going up. 9 lots are currently available and the ones that are left are less desirable. ▪ Commissioner Kolb asked about the lots on Zane, and Mr. Sutter indicated they would be going to the EDA next week. MT Builders is purchasing both lots which are the last two of the six EDA lots on that block. ▪ Commissioner Heigel asked if there was anything new on the Public Works building. Mr. Sutter said the bid opening is on August 19, and depending on how the bids come in, the Council would consider awarding the contract September 2. ▪ Commissioner Erickson asked if we knew what businesses were going into the new building by Buffalo Wild Wings. Mr. Sutter said Noodles and Company would be on the east end of the building, Starbucks on the west end and a smaller tenant in between. It possibly may be a hair salon but the city has not received a building permit yet for that space. E. OPEN FORUM No one spoke before the commission. F. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded by Commissioner Heigel to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.