2021.06.14 - MinutesApproved Planning Commission Minutes – June 14, 2021
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday, June 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall and Zoom Video
Conference
1. 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 [Vice Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Selton [Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 4)
Einfeldt-Brown
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
Heigel
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Maristany [Sec. Vice Chair]
Commissioner (Ward 4)
Johnson
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Strand
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Buck
Commissioner (At-
Large) Seffren
Other attendees: City planner Dan Olson, Glenn Hammer representing Great Buy Homes,
and other interested persons.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Maristany and seconded by Heigel to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2021
regular meeting. Ayes: Heigel, Buck, Selton, Strand, and Maristany. Abstain: Sears and
Einfeldt-Brown. Nays: None
Motion carried.
3. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Variance request from Great Buy Homes for a new single-family home at 3556 Major
Avenue North (Application 2021-04).
Olson presented a summary of the staff report and stated he is recommending
approval of the variance.
Commission member Maristany asked if the large tree at the intersection of Major
and 36th would be removed, if the applicant will install a new retaining wall, and how
long construction may take. Mr. Hammer said he will strive to keep the tree, will not
install a new retaining wall because the existing berm works well, and construction will
take about four months.
Commission member Strand asked how the second floor will be laid out to provide
access to all of the bedrooms. Mr. Hammer reviewed the floor plan.
Approved Planning Commission Minutes – June 14, 2021
Commission member Sears said that the lot is small, the home is pretty large and
there may be issues with not having enough space in the driveway for vehicles. Mr.
Hammer said that he does not foresee that its much of an issue in his past experience
in building and selling homes.
Chair Selton opened the public hearing.
Hearing no one from the public who wished to speak, Selton closed the public hearing.
Moved by Einfeldt-Brown and seconded by Heigel to recommend approval to the City
Council of the variance for the new single-family home at 3556 Major Avenue North.
Ayes: Selton, Strand, Maristany, Buck, Sears, Einfeldt-Brown and Heigel. Nays:
None
Motion carried.
4. OLD BUSINESS - None
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Conformance to Comp Plan – sale of 3556 Major Ave N
Planner Olson presented a summary of the staff report and stated staff is
recommending that the Commission determine the sale of the lot is in conformance
to the Comprehensive Plan.
Moved by Selton and seconded by Buck to determine that the sale of the lot is in
conformance to the Comprehensive Plan.
Ayes: Strand, Selton, Einfeldt-Brown, Buck, Heigel, Maristany, and Sears. Nays:
None
6. GENERAL INFORMATION
• City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: Olson stated that the
Council approved the CUP for the cemetery pavilion at 3700 Winnetka Avenue North
and approved the miscellaneous amendments to the unified development code.
• Update from Council Liaison: City Council liaison Brendan Banks was not present at
the meeting.
• Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, July 12, 2021 meeting.
Olson said he is not expecting any applications for the July meeting, but that the
deadline to apply is not until tomorrow.
Approved Planning Commission Minutes – June 14, 2021
7. OPEN FORUM
Commission member Einfeldt-Brown said he’s been experiencing some medical issues
and that’s why he’s missed recent Planning Commission meetings. He’s hoping his
attendance will continue.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Buck and seconded by Heigel to adjourn. Ayes: Sears, Strand, Selton, Buck,
Einfeldt-Brown, Heigel, and Maristany. Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.