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2025-01-27 Planning Commission MinutesCALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Holmvig-Johnson at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. M/Taraldsen, S/Stursa, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 9, 2024. Motion carried: 6-0. OPEN FORUM No members of the public spoke. Chair Holmvig-Johnson made note of correspondence that the Commission received from David Dornacker and Jody Spencer. ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA M/Stursa, S/Taraldsen, to approve the agenda. Motion carried: 6-0. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Richfield, Minnesota Regular Planning Commission Meeting January 27, 2025 Planning Commissioners Present: Eddie Holmvig-Johnson, Brett Stursa, Cole Hooey, Matt Taraldsen, Stephanie Kowalkowski, and Brendan Kennealy Commissioners Excused: Benjamin Surma Staff Present: Sam Crosby, Planner II; Ruby Villa, Planner I; and Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director Others Present: Anita Perkins, 6612 5th Avenue South and Andrew Holmgren, HGA APPROVAL OF MINUTES ITEM #2 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR TWO VARIANCES FROM THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR A DETACHED GARAGE AT 6612 5TH AVENUE SOUTH. Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No. 1. Chair Holmvig-Johnson opened the public hearing. Anita Perkins, 6612 5th Avenue South (the Applicant), thanked the Commission for their consideration of the request. In response to Commissioner Stursa, Perkins stated that her neighbor closest to the garage was aware of the variance request and that they had not expressed any concerns to her. Commissioner Hooey questioned whether the previous garage had gutters and if the new garage would have them. Perkins stated that she did not know whether the previous garage had gutters but that it was her intention to add gutters to the new one. In response to Commissioner Hooey, Planner Crosby clarified that the previous garage was demolished sometime between 2009 and 2012. M/Stursa, S/Taraldsen, to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 6-0. M/Hooey, S/Stursa, to approve two variances from setback requirements for a detached garage at 6612 5th Avenue South. Motion carried: 6-0. Several Commissioners expressed their support for the variances and stated that reusing the existing foundation is sustainable. ITEM #3 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF AN ENTIRELY NEW WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER BUILDING AT 6710 LAKE SHORE DRIVE. Planner Villa presented Staff Report No. 2. Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director, gave a brief presentation regarding the project. In response to Commissioner Stursa, Director Huemiller provided some background regarding trees that will be removed during construction. Most of the trees slated to be removed are cottonwood or box elder trees that sprung up spontaneously during construction of the original building, with the biggest ones being cottonwood trees reaching the end of their lifespan (50 to 70 years). Many of the cottonwood trees are also too close to the existing building and would endanger the new building. Other reasons for tree removals include the increased footprint of the building and improvements in the grading of the new building to prevent flooding. In regard to trees that will be transplanted, most of those maple trees are younger and can sustain the trauma of relocation. Commissioner Kowalkowski questioned the type of irrigation that would be provided for the project. Director Huemiller clarified that no irrigation will be provided due to multiple factors such as the natural setting of the park, usage of native drought-tolerant plantings, and irrigation restrictions as part of B3 guidelines that must be met due to funding sources. M/Taraldsen, S/Kennealy, to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 6-0. M/Taraldsen, S/Stursa, to recommend approval of the request for a site plan of a new Wood Lake Nature Center building at 6710 Lake Shore Drive. Motion carried: 6-0. Several Commissioners expressed their support for the project and the requested zoning code modifications. LIAISION REPORTS Community Services Commission: Commissioner Kowalkowski stated that the Wood Lake Board of Directors is receiving applications for new board members. One application was reviewed at their last regular meeting. City Council: Chair Holmvig-Johnson stated that the City Council had their organizing meeting and swore in new Council members at a special meeting. At their first regular meeting of the year, the Council selected Council member Hayford-Oleary as the Mayor Pro Tempore, in the event that Mayor Supple is outside city limits. The Council also approved a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters, representing some members of the police force. Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa stated that at their last meeting, the HRA approved a memorandum of understanding to support financial assistance and 4D tax status for Hempel Real Estate, regarding naturally occurring affordable housing apartments at New Orleans Court, Richland Court, Winton House. Richfield School Board: Commissioner Kennealy stated that the Board met on January 6th to elect new officers. The Superintendent presented matters regarding enrollment throughout the district, as well as matters at the STEM school. On January 21st the Board met again and the Superintendent presented on extended learning options. On the same day there was also a study session regarding the school district’s legislative platform. Transportation Commission: Commissioner Surma was absent. Chamber of Commerce: Commissioner Hooey had no report. Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Taraldsen had no report.