07-27-10 WorksessionCITY COUNCIL MINUTES
~. ~ Richfield, Minnesota
Special Concurrent City Council and
Planning Commission Worksession
July 27, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Pat Elliott; Fred Wroge; and Tom
Fitzhenry.
Planning Commission
Members Present: Rick Jabs, Chair; Tom Rublein; Gordon Vizecky; Dan Kitzenberger; Robert
Hall; and Maureen Scaglia (arrived 6-:27 p.m.).
Planning Commission
Members Absent: Dennis Schuller; Catherine Peloquin; and Joshua Root.
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; John Stark, Community Development
Director; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Barry Fritz, Public Safety
Director; Melissa Poehlman, City Planner, Betsy Osborn, Health
Administrator; Charlie O'Brien, Code Compliancy Specialist; Corrine
Heine, City Attorney; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Item #1 DISCUSSION REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND RELATED
REZONINGS (COUNCIL MEMO NO. 110)
Community Development Director Stark discussed the continued evaluation of zoning
changes related to the Comprehensive Plan with Metropolitan Council staff and the City Attorney.
The result of the latest discussions is an alternative that can maintain the integrity of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Stark explained that State Statute requires that a city's zoning ordinance,be in
agreement with the city's Comprehensive Plan. Richfield staff has proposed to identify areas in the
Comprehensive Plan that are not anticipated to redevelop in the near future as "trap"sitional"
redevelopment areas. The Comprehensive Plan would state that the zoning designation of the
"transitional" properties would not change until multiple lots were assembled and redevelopment as
defined in the Comprehensive Plan became feasible. The Metropolitan Council has indicated that
this proposal would be acceptable.
Mr. Stark also discussed several other options, concluding that that every community
handles this matter differently depending upon their City Attorney's view of the State Statute.
Special Concurrent City Council and Planning
Commission Worksession Minutes -2- July 27, 2010
Mayor Goettel requested more time be given for review of the information provided on St.
Louis Park and Minneapolis before proceeding. She questioned a Comprehensive Plan land use
map versus a zoning map.
Mr. Stark explained the different methodology to achieve the same outcome. He also stated
a proposed developer would be required to demonstrate their intention and due diligence for
assembling properties. There would not be speculative rezoning.
Council Member Wroge expressed support for the demolition of older apartment buildings
instead of removing desirable single family homes. He questioned how the Metropolitan Council
could expect the City to meet the number of units required.
Mr. Stark explained the expectation is not to provide the units but rather eliminate
impediments to achieve that goal.
City Attorney Heine explained the State Statute as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan and
the zoning ordinance. State law requires the Comprehensive Plan to establish a vision for a city.
Fran Peterson, 6912 Washburn Avenue, discussed his experience regarding his desire to
expand the entry of his home.
City Manager Devich stated the City should indicate a goodwill attempt to meet the
Metropolitan Council requirements or prepare to fight them.
Planning Commissioner Hall suggested moving forward with-the "transitional"
redevelopment and also have discussions with the Metropolitan Council to reach a logical
approach to meet their goals with new census date.
Council Member Sandahl expressed support for moving forward with the "transitional"
approach. She also stated the Comprehensive Plan is clear that protection of residential
neighborhoods is a priority.
The City Council consensus was to move forward with the "transitional" redevelopment and
review the approach taken by other cities on this matter.
Mr. Stark stated the Planning .Commission will consider the "transitional" redevelopment
approach as well as information from other cities and provide their recommendation to the City
Council.
Mayor Goettel stated that due to lack of time, the Worksession scheduled to immediately
follow this Worksession to discuss multi-pet residential licensing was postponed to a future date.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:5~ p.~. ~ ~ n
Date Approved: July 27 , 2010
Cheryl Kr~imhoTz~
Recording Secretary