2015.04.13 PC Meeting MinutesApproved Minutes of April 13, 2015 Planning Commission Meeting
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CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Monday, April 13, 2015 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 p.m. with the
following members present:
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
Sears [Secretary]
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Selton
X Commissioner (Ward 4)
Einfeldt-Brown
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
Heigel [Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
VonRueden
X Commissioner (Ward 4)
Johnson [Vice Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Erickson
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Buck
X Commissioner (At-
Large) Strand
Also attending were staff members John Sutter and Gail Van Krevelen.
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Sears and seconded by Commissioner Buck to approve the
minutes of the February 9, 2015 regular meeting with no exceptions.
Motion carried.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Consider Application 2015-2 for a conditional use permit and setback variance
for North Suburban Towing to relocate or expand to 5124-5128 Hanson Court.
Mr. Sutter explained that this was a two-part request, the first for a CUP to allow
for storage of impounded vehicles and the second for a variance to allow
expansion of the building. North Suburban Towing would like to extend the
building along the south lot line, but due to a code change that altered the
setback from 22’ to 30’, a variance is required.
Commissioner Strand questioned how long the buffer zone would be between
the tracks and the building; Mr. Sutter stated it would be about 50 feet.
Commissioner Heigel asked about the fencing around the property and how
much of the lot would be closed off. Mr. Sutter said everything on the site east of
the building would be enclosed, except for a small area in front for customer
parking.
Approved Minutes of April 13, 2015 Planning Commission Meeting
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Commissioner Buck asked if there would be any light standards in fenced-in
area. Mr. Sutter stated there were some lights on existing poles and the owner
indicated he would be adding 2 more poles.
The following were heard:
No one spoke before the commission.
Moved by Commissioner Selton and seconded by Commissioner Sears to
recommend approval of Application 2015-2 for a conditional use permit and
setback variance for North Suburban Towing to relocate or expand to 5124-5128
Hanson Court.
Motion carried.
2. Consider Application 2015-3 for the plat of Crystal Economic Development
Authority Seventh Addition at 4724 Lakeland Avenue North.
Mr. Sutter said that this was a leftover parcel from the Bottineau Boulevard
reconstruction. The house had been demolished and the EDA purchased it from
Hennepin County.
Before the EDA resells the lot, they negotiated sales of the outlots to the abutting
owners on Regent to clean up encroachments, move the lot lines to a more
logical location, and allow the owners to extend their back yards. The EDA lot
would still meet all codes and still be a viable lot.
Commissioner Heigel asked about the shed shown in the drawing, Mr. Sutter
said that the city tore down the shed per the 4725 Regent owner’s request.
The following were heard:
No one spoke before the commission.
Moved by Commissioner Einfeldt-Brown and seconded by Commissioner Buck to
recommend approval of Application 2015-3 for the plat of Crystal Economic
Development Authority Seventh Addition at 4724 Lakeland Avenue North.
Motion carried.
D. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items:
▪ March 3, 2015: Adopted a zoning ordinance text amendment allowing impound
lots in limited locations in the I-1 district by conditional use permit
2. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, May 11, 2015 meeting
Mr. Sutter said nothing has been received as of yet.
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3. Quarterly Development Status Report
When asked about the status of the Gaulke property, Mr. Sutter said that the developer
is preparing grading plans and has decided to renovate the existing house and make
the new lots somewhat narrower. This will allow more of the oak trees to remain. There
will be 14 new house lots; a final plan is expected in the next month or two.
Commissioner Selton said that he had heard that when Douglas Drive was
reconstructed, some of the fill was placed on the Gaulke property. He asked whether
there were any concerns about the fill. Mr. Sutter said that it is up to the developer and
the builders to do their due diligence and to do soil borings if needed.
Commissioner Heigel asked about 3122 Douglas Dr. North and whether the location of
the walking path changed. Mr. Sutter said that it was approximately 1/8 of a mile north
at 32nd.
Commissioner Selton questioned how high a pile of dirt can be when a property is being
graded. Mr. Sutter stated that there isn’t an explicit height, but would be concerned
about runoff.
Commissioner Einfeldt-Brown asked about the Hennepin County lot just east of 6000
Bass Lake Road. Mr. Sutter said the city has made an offer but hasn’t heard back yet.
Commissioner Johnson asked how the search for the new city planner was going. Mr.
Sutter said that they hope to make an offer soon.
E. OPEN FORUM
No one spoke before the commission.
F. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded by Commissioner Selton to adjourn.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.