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2006 Jan-July.PC Meeting MinutesCRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION January 9, 2006 A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 pm with the following present: Sears, Davis, Nystrom, Whitenack, VonRueden, Hester, Brennan, and Strand. Also present were the following: City Council Liaison Joselyn, City Planner Sutter, Zoning Administrator Zimmerman and Recording Secretary Matthews. Chair Davis congratulated Commissioners Sears, Hester and Whitenack on their reappointment to the Planning Commission., and welcomed City Council member Joselyn back as the City Council liaison to the Planning Commission. B. ANNUAL ORGANIZATONAL MEETING Election of Officers. Chairperson Commissioner Nystrom nominated and Commissioner Hester seconded the nomination of Tom Davis for Chairperson of the Planning Commission for year ending December 31, 2006. Motion carried b. Vice Chairperson Commissioner Nystrom nominated and Commissioner Whitenack seconded the nomination of Joe Sears for Vice Chairperson of the Planning Commission for year ending December 31, 2006. Motion carried Secretary Commissioner Nystrom nominated and Commissioner VonRueden seconded the nomination of Michelle Strand Secretary of the Planning Commission for year ending December 31, 2006. Motion carried C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Sears to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2005 regular meeting. Motion carried. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Application 2005-14 for Rezoning of 3249 Douglas Drive North from R-1 Low Density Residential to R-2 Medium Density Residential. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann summarized the staff report. Staff recommends approval as outlined in the staff report, and recommended findings of fact. Commissioner Nystrom asked if there are any recommendations in state law about how many of these facilities there can be in a community. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann stated that he does not know of any state law that limits the number of group homes. Zimmermann also stated that there haven't been any problems with the home on 32r'd and Douglas. Commissioner Nystrom stated that she has a group home next to her and when there are problems she calls them directly and they take care of things promptly. She stated that there are however issues with cars coming and going constantly. Planner Sutter stated that he recollected from a previous application for a group home that at that particular time there we approximately 20-30 group homes out of approximately 7000 single family homes in Crystal. He also stated some cities have minimum separation requirements for group homes, but in Minneapolis similar limits have been legally problematic. Duane Reynolds spoke representing the applicant. He stated that they are willing to grant any easement that the City of Crystal may need on this property. Reynolds also stated that they are going to try and make it look a bit different from the 3200 Douglas home for the simple fact that something different situated to something so close will be more aesthetically pleasing. Public Hearing opened. Public Hearing closed. Planner Sutter stated that the motion of approval should include that the easement be addressed and that the approval is contingent upon an approved site plan. Moved by Commissioner Strand, seconded by Commissioner Sears, to recommend to City Council at the January 17, 2006 meeting to approve Application 2005-14 for Rezoning of 3249 Douglas Drive North from R-1 Low Density Residential to R-2 Medium Density Residential. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried. 2. Consider Application 2005-15 for a Variance to modify the setbacks requirements at 5330 Perry Ave North. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann summarized the staff report and recommended the findings of fact. Commissioner VonRueden asked if the deck had already been constructed. Zoning Administrator Zimmerman stated that yes it is. The City Building Official had come across the deck and contacted the homeowner to apply for a permit, and that is what triggered this variance application. Mark McApline of 5330 Perry Ave N stated that they tore down the old deck because they were worried about its safety with his children and grandchildren playing around and on it. They rebuilt the deck so it was nice, sturdy and no longer a danger. He stated that at the time he had no idea about the changes in the zoning code. Public hearing opened. Public hearing closed. Moved by Commissioner Whitenack and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to recommend to City Council at the January 17, 2006 meeting to approve Application 2005-15 for Variance to modify setback requirements at 5330 Perry Ave North. Findings of fact are as stated in the staff report. 3. Consider Application 2005-16 for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to create a Special Area Plan for unaddressed Canadian Pacific Railroad property north of the tracks and west of Douglas Drive, together with 5133 Idaho Avenue North. Planner Sutter summarized the staff report and findings of fact. Planner Sutter requested a brief recess at 7:38 pm and returned at 7:40 pm. Planner sutter continued to discuss potential changes to the resolution as drafted: that 5153 Idaho be guided Low Density Residential and not included in the Special Area Plan; and that the east end of the railroad property .be guided commercial not industrial. Chair Davis asked if we needed to modify the draft resolution to what Planner Sutter had just suggested. Planner Sutter stated that yes the draft resolution would be modified. Commissioner Strand asked if how wide the property is, and will there be access in and out all the way around the property. Planner Sutter replied that it is approximately 100 foot wide strip with the exception of the long warehouse that encroaches into the railroad setback. The railroad likes to keep about a 50 foot easement, so the long warehouse that encroaches in the setback might have to be demolished. Sutter continued that the Idaho access closed, they would have to design circulation all through the site, and this might set the bar a bit too high for the private business owner, but the primary consideration is to keep the traffic out of the residential area. Chair Davis asked if the access would only be closed on proposal of improvements, until then the access continues. Planner Sutter stated that is correct. Commissioner Sears asked if there has been any interest from commercial real estate brokers, or any study done; and that he would not like to see the existing business moved out and the area becoming a vast area of weeds. Sears continued that it doesn't have the best uses on it now but at least it isn't vacant. Planner Sutter stated that we have no way of knowing what will become of the property. However the city has had one lease holder come forward with an architect and a realtor to speak with us at a staff level. Discussion continued amongst the Planning Commission members and staff for clarification of the property status and the proposed amendment. Public hearing opened. Kathleen Siseman of 5319 Florida Ave N stated that she thought this area was designated park and preservation, and that 5153 Idaho Ave N was donated for that specific use. Planner Sutter replied that the city doesn't know anything about the history of that property. Siseman state she looked it up and found that it was donated with by the donors to be used as park as preservation. She expressed her concern about changing the designation of the property and the city not honoring the intent of the original donors. Chair Davis recommended to Siseman to express her concern to the City Council, and that they ultimately make the decision from the Planning Commission's recommendation. Planner Sutter stated that the owner's title search should have revealed the donation and the donor's intended use of the property. Chair Davis also suggested to Siseman that if she has any of the documents or knows where any of that information can be found if she could please contact Planner Sutter and give him that information. Judi Kieper from 6509 52nd Ave N expressed her concerns about losing any more of her property from upcoming changes to the railroad property. She stated that her and the neighbors that she spoke to would like to see the property remain the same. She continued that there really isn't really very much traffic. I want to put up a new fence and if any more land is taken from my property there isn't going to be any room for me to set the posts for a new fence. Kieper is very much opposed to semi trucks coming through the neighborhood using Idaho. Chair Davis explained that if any changes were to occur, they would come before the Planning Commission and you would have the opportunity to speak about your concerns at that point. Chair Davis explained to Kieper that what the city is trying to do is put a plan in place that would give the city some guideline for any changes that the businesses and/or railroad might want to make at some point. Travis Johnson from 6515 52"d Ave N expressed his concerns about the railroad property. Johnson would like to see some improvements in the area, and there is a tendency for people to speed through the alley back there. He would like to see the area blocked off so the business traffic could not access it. Johnson continued that with the gravel back there it is very loud and the honey factory is a very loud business. He stated it would be a good thing to allow the businesses to make improvements as long as the neighborhood has input on the changes. Chair Davis reiterated what Johnson had stated and Johnson agreed that yes that is what he wants. Commissioner Sears asked if Jobnson,s concernwas that that is his concern tic nOt drive through his neighborhood. Johnson stated that y Commissioner Seams asked Planner Soifer if 5153 Idaho was a � ,ager Sears asked afrthem miBlc cas a Planes Sutter stated that was correct, Contrn planner reason why the city couldn't Put a 'barricade on the west end of the Pr al, have the Sutter stated that status quo does prevail and he doesn1 think the city Waper lied to us to right to go in and elves ()f#'that point of ay in that acdevelcess mss paint. ft is make improvements thea the city would have some simple an informal access way an private property that has occurred over the years and the city cannot impose a barricade except as pad. of a larger improvement project. Public Hearing closed arts ,here was Clair Davis 'is suggested that tt nissee P ion members and cmmission estaff as this in to to bandle this discussion amongst the com motion. ster to Moved by Commissioner Vlo Rueden and. seconded by Comrnissi r licatiarr 2 Q5- recommend to City Council January 17"`, 2006 meeting to app Application 16 for Corrrprellensve Plan Amendment c�� n� of the of the tracks and west of Special Area Plan for Canadian Pacific Railroad property Douglas Drive North not including 5153 Idaho; and that the land south of 522 5 Douglas be guided Commercial not Indus Motion carried E. OLD BUSINESS F. NEW BUSINESS F. GENERAL INFORMATION The roster has been updated, with tits public copy not including private information. planner Sutter stated that no items have comekin-yet for session andethere �ar b lore meeting - The March meeting will have the annual information to come as to when and what it will include. ornmissioner VonRueden asked about the pawnshop on Highway 8 1. Planner Sutter stated that all of the aspects Of the Pawnshop are handled that this licensi ng, has Te it has recently raised fees to help lake care of the ex o created as far as background checks, policing, and c.om muTrications with the city. O, OPEN FORUM ri. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner VonRueden seconded by Commissioner Brennan to adjourn. Motion carried, The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Chair Davis Secretary Strand CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION March 13, 2006 A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 pm with the following present: Sears, Nystrom, VonRueden, Hester, Brennan, and Strand. Also present were the following: City Planner Sutter, Zoning Administrator Zimmermann and Recording Secretary Matthews. 13. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner VonRueden and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2006 regular meeting. Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Application 2005-14 for Rezoning of 3249 Douglas Drive North from R-1 Low Density Residential to R-2 Medium Density Residential. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann summarized the staff report, and outlined the ten conditions that are listed in the staff report as part of the conditions of approval. Commissioner Strand asked how high the fence would be. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann stated that the fence would be three feet high. Commissioner Nystrom asked for clarification regarding the condition that tobacco smoke would not interfere. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann stated that smoke must not enter the restaurant from the patio via the doors. Commissioner Brennan asked how that would be enforced. Zoning Administrator Zimmermann stated that it would be enforced on a complaint basis by the Environmental Health Specialist. Public Hearing opened. Public Hearing closed. Moved by Commissioner VonRueden, seconded by Commissioner Brennan, to recommend to City Council at the March 21, 2006 meeting to approve Application 2006-01 for a Conditional Use Permit for Fieldhouse Sports Tavern and Grill to establish a patio seating area for outdoor food and beverage service at 5632 West Broadway. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried. 2. Consider Application 2006-02 for a Preliminary Plat to divide 5817 36" Avenue North into two lots for two new single family homes. Planner Sutter summarized the staff report, and stated that staff recommends approval of the plat. Scott Buchheit of 5902 36th Avenue North asked where sewer and water connections would be located. Planner Sutter answered that the existing sewer stub is in 36th and the water is in Zane, and the new sewer and water stubs would both be installed in Zane. Commissioner Nystrom asked if there was going to be any road work on Zane Avenue. Planner Sutter replied that Zane and 36th Avenue are both relatively new streets so there should be no road construction. Scott Buchheit of 5905 36th Avenue North asked about drainage problems around the 36th and Zane Avenue intersection. Commissioner Hester asked if Zane had curb and gutter and if the water went over the curb. Buchheit stated that it does have curb and gutter and that the water does not exceed the curd. Buchheit continued to explain the history of the drainage issue with the area, and the property that is being re -platted by the city. Discussion continued amongst the Planning Commission members. It was determined by that this was an issue that would need to be addressed by the City Engineer, and possibly Bruchheit's elected officials if need be. Public hearing opened. Public hearing closed. Pro Tem Sears asked Planner Sutter for clarification on the setbacks for the proposed plat. Planner Sutter clarified the setbacks. Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Brennan to recommend to City Council at the March 21St, 2006 meeting to approve Application 2006-02 for a Preliminary Plat to divide 5817 36th Avenue North into two lots for two new single family homes. Findings of fact are as stated in the staff report. Motion carried I), OLD BUSINESS E. NEW BUSINESS F. GENERAL INFORMATION Planner Sutter stated that he was not aware of any items for the next meeting at this time. Planner Sutter stated that staff was hoping that the vacant Planning Commission seat would get filled soon so the city could hold the work session with the attorney. Planner Sutter also mentioned that in May staff was hoping to have the preliminary plat done for the redevelopment of the Thorson School site. fT. OPEN FORUM 1. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Nystrom seconded by Commissioner Hester to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Pro T Chair �ars CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION April 10, 2006 IN. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 pm with the following members present: Sears, Davis, Nystrom, Whitenack, VonRueden, Brennan, and Strand. Also present for the city were Council Liaison Joselyn, City Attorney Norton, and the following staff: Matthews, Peters, Sutter and Zimmermann. R. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Strand to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2006 regular meeting. Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Application 2006-03 for Lot Division to detach the South 3 feet from a new lot at 3548 Zane Avenue North (formerly part of 5817 36th Avenue North) and add it to the adjacent parcel at 3450 Zane Avenue North. 2. Consider Application 2006-04 for a Lot Division to detach the East 3 feet from a new lot at 3556 Zane Avenue North (formerly part of 5817 36th Ave North) and add it to the adjacent parcel at 5813 36th Avenue North. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report for both items. Public Hearing opened. Public Hearing closed. Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Brennan to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2006-03 for Lot Division to detach the South 3 feet from a new lot at 3548 Zane Avenue North (formerly part of 5817 36th Avenue North) and add it to the adjacent parcel at 3450 Zane Avenue North. Findings of fact area as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried Moved by Commissioner Whitenack, and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2006-04 for a Lot Division to detach the East 3 feet from a new lot at 3556 Zane Avenue North (formerly part of 5817 36th Ave North) and add it to the adjacent parcel at 5813 36th Avenue North. Findings of fact area as outlined in the staff report. Motion carded l). OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS F. GENERAL INFORMATION Mr. Sutter corninented that any discussion of the Development Status Report or City Council actions on recent planning Commission items were included in the packet, and could be discussed in tonight's work session. � ;tted that theaplim'mhe was nOt �Y Flat For aware of any iterns for the next meeting at this time, other Thorson site which would also be discussed its the work session. G. OPEN FORUM ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Strand seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 P.M. (CI A;r ngvis Motion carried. CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION May 8, 2006 A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 pm with the following members present: Sears, Davis, Whitenack, VonRueden, Hester, and Strand. Also present for the city were Council Liaison Joselyn, and the following staff: Matthews, Sutter and Zimmermann. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded by Commissioner Whitenack to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2006 regular meeting and work session. Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Application 2006-05 for Site Plan Review to build a funeral home a 5125 West Broadway Mr. Zimmermann summarized the staff report and outlined the conditions for approval C;ornmi.ss over Whitenack questioned whether there would be a sale of urns or interment. Bill Mel eavy stated that cremated remains may be placed there, but each space would be cowered by a granite plate. Commissioner Whitenack asked what would happen when the bujlding , avould be demolished. Bill McReavy Mated that the buildings are designed to be long lived, and they have 3 others just like this. Bill McReavy described the history of the business. Public Hearing opened. Public Hearing closed. Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded by Commissioner Hester to recommend to City Council to approve. Application 2006-5 for Site Plan Review to build a funeral home at 5125 West Broadway. Findings of fact area as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried Z. Consider Application 2006-06 for Preliminary Plat of Thora Thorson Addition at 7323 58th Avenue North. Mr. Zimmermann summarized the staff report and stated that the findings of facts are as outlined in the staff report. Public Hearing opened. Richard LaReau of 5649 Nevada Avenue North spoke about his concern regarding drainage from Lot 8, and he also asked what a dry pond was. Mr. Sutter clarified what a dry pond was and explained how the drainage would work with this project. Mr. LaReeau state that he was concerned about the chain link fence and what would be done with it. Mr. Sutter stated that at this point the EDA had not planned to do anything about the fencing unless specific neighbors requested that it be removed. Mr Sutter also stated that now would be a good time for the neighbors to come forward and address their concerns about the fencing. Wayne Will of 5732 Pennsylvania Avenue North questioned whether the fence he put up is on his property or would be on the newly platted properties. He also questioned why the number of lots went from 14 lots to 17 lots. Mr. Sutter stated that according to the survey his fence is on his property and that the number of lots changed because the initial estimate of land needed for the dry pond changed, which allowed for more land to be used for the lots. Mr. Rowe asked whether Xcel Energy would be putting the utilities underground. Mr. Sutter stated that the EDA had let the utility companies know that the City of Crystal prefers underground utilities. Mr. Rowe asked about lot prices, new house prices, and style of new houses. Mr. Sutter answered that the lot prices would be set by the market, probably $75,000+, new house prices would probably be >$300,000 approaching $400,000 on some lots, and most of the homes will probably be 2 stories. At Chair Davis suggestion Mr. Sutter announced the EDA's June 6t' meeting date so the public could learn more about the marketing of the lots. Deb Corby of 5716 Pennsylvania Avenue North asked if a fence was going to be put on the border with PPL. Mr. Sutter stated that the old bituminous trail will be removed as part of this project, and that the city is hoping that PPL will remove the remainder of it on their property. Mr. Sutter stated that he will bring the issue of constructing fencing along the south lot line to the June 6th EDA meeting for discussion. Mr. Sutter stated that if the public is unable to attend the meetings, they should know that they can email or call the city to express their concerns to be sure they get conveyed at the meeting. Greg Raetz of 5717 Nevada Avenue North expressed his concerns about the grading and drainage towards his property. Mr. Sutter explained that there will be a few different methods used for drainage in this project, and explained how they would be used. Mr. Reatz asked if any of the existing trees would remain in this project, and if Qwest was going to do anything about existing problems with the lines. Mr. Sutter stated that that is unlikely any trees would be able to be saved and suggested that if any residents are having trouble with the utilities, now would be a good time to call before they start their work the for the project. Kathy Will of 5732 Pennsylvania Avenue North asked what a swale is and Mr. Sutter clarified for her. Richard Lareau of 5649 Nevada Avenue North stated he also has problems with trash coming onto his property from PPL, and suggested a fence might be a good selling point for the new properties. Greg Reatz of 5717 Nevada Avenue North asked which side of the property line is his fence on. Mr. Sutter replied that it is on his side of the property line. Mr. Sutter offered to send an enlarged copy of the survey to the neighbors that requested it. Six did so. Public Hearing closed. Mr. Zimmermann summarized an email that he received today from Pizza Hut in New Hope. The email expressed their concern about having to change their hours because of the new project. Mr. Zimmermann sated that Crystal would not have jurisdiction over a New Hope business and the hours that it is open. Moved by Commissioner VonRueden and seconded by Commissioner Hester to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2006-06 for Preliminary Plat of Thora Thorson Addition at 7323 58th Avenue North. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried D. OLD BUSINESS E. NEW BUSINESS 1+ . GENERAL INFORMATION Mr. Sutter stated that there will be two variances at the June meeting for a second curb cut from the Phase 8 Street Project. G. OPEN FORUM H. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Strand seconded by Commissioner Whitenack to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m, Secretary Strand A. B. C. CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION June 12, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Commission convened at 7'00 Pm with -f�J�e regular meeting o!'the Crystal Planning commission iVhitena+ck, VenR:�ueden, the following Members present: Sears, Davis, Ny Buck, Hester, Brennan and Strand. Also present for the CitY were the following staff Matthews and Sutter. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Strand and se d d by Commissionermeeting. 'ljitanack to approve the minutes of the May 8, 20 re PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Application 2006-07 for a Jersey Avenue North. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report. Public Hearing opened. Public Hearing closed. Motion carried. Variance to allow a 2nd curb cut at 4425 ssioner 131"nan to Moved by Comm Nystrom mr � Apnd plication 2006-7 by ifor a Marian to allow a recommend to City Council to pi pp 2nd curb cut at 4425 Jersey Avenue North. Findings of fact area as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 2. Consider Application 2006-08 for a Variance to allow a 2nd curb cut at 4207 Georgia Avenue North. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report. Public Hearing opened. Public Hearing closed. hrlcave�l by o n ssioi�cr vonRueden and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to recommend to the City Council to approve Avenue North. 2006-08 for a Variance to allow a 2nd curb cut at 4207 Georg Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report Motion carried 3. Consider Application 2006-09 for a Variance to reduce the north setback for a parking lot at 4755 Welcome Avenue North. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report. Discussion took place amongst the commissioner members and Mr. Sutter regarding the possibility of using the alley for access and using the commercial parking lot across the street for overflow parking. Public Hearing opened. Tom Schmitt of 3430 Florida Avenue North expressed his concerns to the commission about screening this property from 4754 Xenia. Mr. Sutter verified that there is already existing fencing on the subject property. Public Hearing closed. Moved by Nystrom and seconded by Sears to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2006-09 for a Variance to reduce the north setback for a parking lot at 4755 Welcome Avenue North. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 4. Consider Application 2006-10 for a Variance to reduce the east setback at 601938 Ih Avenue North. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report. Public Hearing opened. Delores Wermerskirchen of 6019 38h Avenue North explained the improvement she would like to make to the property and why she has asked for the variance. Discussion continued with Ms. Wermerskirchen, the planning commissioners and Mr. Sutter regarding the requested variance and staff's recommended conditions of approval. Tom Schmitt of 3430 Florida Ave North asked about frost footings, Commissioner Whitenack, Commissioner Sears and Mr. Suter provided answers. Public Hearing closed. Moved by Davis and seconded by Sears to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2006-10 to reduce the east setback and disregard staff's recommended conditions for the north and the south setback. Motion carried 5-4 with Sears, Davis, Wh tenack, Buck, and Strand voting aye, and Nystrom, Von-Ruedcn., Fester and Brennan voting nay. 5. Consider Application 2006-11 for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a building addition at 5170 West Broadway Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report including the 2 recommended conditions of approval. Public Hearing opened. Public hearing closed. Moved by Nystrom and seconded by Brennan to recommend to City Council to approve Application 2006-11 for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for a building addition at 5170 West Broadway. Findings of facts are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 6. Consider Application 2006-12 for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the future land use designation from Low Density Residential to High Density Residential for part of 3420 Nevada Avenue North. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report and outlined the findings of facts as stated in the staff report. Mr. Sutter stated that he would like to remind everyone that at this time United Properties is only seeking to change the Comprehensive Plan, and that approval does not bind the developer to as specific site plan or building design. Public Hearing opened. Louise Quast of 3351 Nevada Avenue North #3 asked about parking, traffic, electricity, assessments, and whether or not things could change down the road and something other than a senior building could possibly be built. Mr. Sutter answered that existing street parking problems should be dealt with by the Engineering and Police Departments; the new development would have to provide its own off-street parking; Nevada Avenue can easily handle additional traffic; the city has no authority over Xcel Energy's distribution system so complaints must be directed to Xcel or the state PUC; and that existing public infrastructure is believed to be adequate, but if upgrades are needed the cost would not be assessed to existing properties Tony Kuechle of United Properties explained what type of facility they would like to build, and stated that they have built 6 facilities like this. They would be age restricted to 55+, owner occupied cooperative units, and they are currently thinking that there could be possibly 76 to 77 units at this location. Tom Schmitt of 3430 Florida asked why the church was considered non -conforming. Mr. Sutter explained that the correct procedures were not done when the church went into that property. Schmitt asked how old the current Comprehensive Plan was. Mr. Sutter state that the current plan was done in 2000, and the city is guided by state statute to revise it every ten years. Discussion continued among the planning commissioner and Mr. Sutter. Tim Herman from Olivet Baptist Church stated that the church would like to be involved in the community and intends to stay long term. Public Hearing closed. Moved by Nystrom and seconded by Whitenack to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2006-12 for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change future land use designation from Low Density Residential to High Density Residential for part of 3420 Nevada Avenue North. Findings of facts are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried O. OLD BUSINESS E. NEW BUSINESS j-'. GENERAL INFORMATION Mr. Sutter updated the planning commissioners on the status of the lot sales at the Thorson site. Mr. Sutter also stated that he has not yet received any applications for the July meeting. Commissioner Davis stated he would not be at the July meeting. Cr. OPEN FORUM Tom Schmitt of 3430 Florida Avenue North asked some general questions about alternative energy and what does the city code allow. Mr. Sutter explained that state law and city code does provide for variance language for access to sunlight for solar energy systems, but nothing beyond that. 14. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Strand seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. .t C'hair ngvic CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION July 10, 2006 N. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 pm with the following members present: Sears, Whitenack, VonRueden, Buck, Hester, Brennan and Strand. Also present for the. cite Nvere the following staff: Matthews and Sutter. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Whitenack and seconded by Commissioner Buck to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2006 regular meeting. Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Application 2006-13 for Site & Building Plan Review, Variances, and Vacations of a Drainage & Utility Easement to allow construction of 21 garage stalls serving an existing 33 unit apartment complex at 5324-5332-5340 Hanson Court. Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report, and stated that multiple actions are requested for this item. Discussion commenced among the commission members and Mr. Sutter to clarify the different aspects of this application,. Public Hearing opened. Mr. Joseph Noonan of TMC Management Corporation spoke to the commission :bout the various reasons and ideas that are still being considered. Mr. Noonan stated that to elate the owner of Minnesota Grinding is unwilling to sell the Part of his 5316 Hanson Court property that could be utilize& Mr. Noonan also stated that the garages and parking spaces could be configured so there is no net lass. Mr. Sutter agreed. Public Hearing closed. Mr. Sutter stated that he would briefly go over each item as the meeting progresses. Mr. Sutter stated that in Item (1) the staff recommended maximum structure coverage percentage should be changed from 66% to 70%. Commissioner Whitenack asked for clarification of what is included in structure coverage. Mr. Sutter explained that it includes not only buildings but also pavement, basically anything other than landscaping, Moved by Commissioner Buck and seconded by Commissioner Whitenack to recommend to the City Council to approve the requested variance from 514.41 Subd. 7, to increase the maximum structure coverage from 60% to 70 % Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 2(a). Moved by Commissioner VonRueden and seconded by Commissioner Brennan to recommend to the City Council to deny the requested variance from 514.41 Subd 8, to reduce the front building setback from 30 feet to seven feet. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried Mr. Sutter stated that in Item 2(b) the staff recommended variance should include the side street setback in addition to the front setback. 2(b). Moved by Commissioner Whitenack and seconded by Commissioner Strand to recommend to the City Council to approve the discussion of an alternate variance from 515.17 Subd. 4, to reduce the front and side street parking lot setbacks from 30 feet to 5 feet. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried .3(a). Moved by Commissioner VonRueden and seconded by Commissioner Buck to recommend to the City Council to deny the requested variance from 515.41 Subd. 8, to reduce the side and rear setbacks from 15 feet and 3 feet, respectively, to 2 feet. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried 3(b). Moved by Commissioner Whitenack and seconded by Commissioner Strand to recommend to the City Council to approve an alternate variance from 515.41 Subd. 8 to reduce the side setback from 15 feet to 5 feet. Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report. Motion carried Discussion commenced among the commission members and Mr. Sutter to clarify the next item of this application. Moved by Commissioner Brennan and seconded by CornInissioner 4. VonRueden to recommend tgaragesrat 5324-5332-5340 approve Council to Hanson Court. building plans for new detached Conditions of approval are items A through M as outlined in the staff report_ Motion carried Commissioners expressed comem about not sPezj gs.LMr. Sutter suggested adding s depended on the presence of the existing another motion at the end to address this concern. S. Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded vacation n ofthe1ssioner existing drainage to recommend to Cit} council to approve and utility easement on the northwesterly 5 feet of the Property. Conditions of approval are Items A tluough K as out]ined in the staff report. Motion carried oner VonRu�eden and seconded b Comrnis 6. Moved by s�oner Comrnissi Brennan that the variances shall not be effective until all d=e par€ c-ls are combined into a single parcel for zoning and tax purposes; and that the variances Shall cease upon any of ftthree apartment buildings ceasing to exist, Motion carried 1). OLD BUSINESS l?. NEW BUSINESS F. GENERAL INFORMATION Nlr. SuttsiOne", Mr- er lj.w-ided out general informanbuilding proposed for 35 artd Nevada may Sutter mentioned that a senior apartmentg p be on the August agenda for the Planning Commission. C.. OPEN FORUM H, ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Whitenack and seconded by Commissioner Strand to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. ce Chai ears Aecretay Strand Motion carried.