012323 PC Minutes SignedPlanning Commission Meeting Minutes -2- January 23, 2023
Planner II Crosby presented Staff Report No. 1.
Chair Rudolph verified that no comments were received from the public. Commissioners discussed the
existing nonconforming freestanding sign, the parking configuration, and other site details. The
Applicant, Rodney Hintz rom MSP Commercial, addressed the Commissioners on traffic and site layout.
The neighbor, Dean Lerum from the neighboring property, Lerum Auto, also commented on traffic
movement through the parking lot. Commissioners further discussed traffic and parking and a door on
the north side, to the rear of the building.
M/Holmvig-Johnson, S/Hooey to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0.
Commissioner Holmvig-Johnson suggested that the Applicant, the City’s Penn Ave Liquor Store
Manager and the City Engineer set up a meeting to resolve any potential traffic issues.
M/Holmvig-Johnson, S/Stursa to Recommend approval of the proposed site plan, sign
variances and parking variance for 6435 Penn Avenue South, as well as the reciprocal access
easement and maintenance agreement.
M/Stursa, S/Rudolph to amend the motion to require the north side rear door access to be
eliminated if it is not required by code.
Motion for amendment failed: 2-4 (Rudolph and Stursa voting in favor)
Motion carried: 6-0
ITEM #3 LIAISION REPORTS
Community Services Commission: Chair Rodolph reported that thy welcomed the MN
Whitecaps at the Richfield Ice Arena and discussed local sales tax.
City Council: Commissioner Kennealy Reported that they had a work session on 1/10 to
discuss the City Charter and Regular Meeting where incoming Councilmember Christensen
and Mayor Supple each had an Oath of Office. They discussed the single-family zoning
amendment and a new liquor license for the Ice Arena. They reviewed plans for the year at the
1/12 Legislative Breakfast.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa reported that the
Richfield Flats proposal at 7700 Pillsbury Avenue South did not receive Tax Credits, so the
HRA extended the contract for an additional year so they could apply again. The HRA put out
a request for Information for a development partner for the property at 494 and 77, the
deadline is 2/17.
Richfield School Board: Commissioner Holmvig-Johnson reported that the School Board
reviewed enrollment numbers, which were steady, and the district has about 60% market
share of all district students enrolled in the public schools. Enrollment class sizes are down
from last year. No major construction projects are anticipated.
Transportation Commission: Commissioner Surma had no report as the meeting was
cancelled.
Chamber of Commerce: Commissioner Hooey had no report.
Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Kennealy had no report.