Loading...
01-23-1996 JOINT MTG PC-HRA-CCCITY Of R10HRELD rumnim oommission AGEfIDR January 23, 1996 JOINT MEETING WITH HRA AND CITY COUNCIL 1- l (' .i l l Apprc-al f' Min tee Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 12, 1995, Study Session meeting December 19, 1995 and Study Session meeting January 9, 1996. Pu lip• Hey; ITEM #1 Lyndale Avenue Strategic Development Plan Hoisington Koegler Group - Summary of public meetings and update on progress of Plan N VV i U 111C'titi ld :u ine ti ITEM #2 A c urn z•nt Goals and Objectives for 1996 School Board Community Services Advisory Commission HRA City Council AdHoc I35/I494 Traffic Committee Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours in advance to the Administrative Services Director at 861 - 9702 ". PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTF U Regular Meeting December 12, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Pamela Dmytrenko, Timothy Erlander, David Gepner, Mitchell Hadley, Kevin Hansen, and Paul Wasko MEMBERS ABSENT: Dawn Postudensek, Kristal Stokes STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Steve Lindgren, Bill Kilian, and Bob Nelson COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor STAFF PRESENT: Julie Urban, Zoning Administrator Steve Kenny Planning Staff Assistant Secretary The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES M/Erlander, S/Hadley to approve the minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of November 28, 1995. Motion carried: 7 -0 PUBLIC HEARINGS CASE 95 -CP -1, 76th and Emerson Avenue ITEM #1 Richfield HRA Amendment to the Comprehensive Development Plan Map Zoning Administrator Urban reviewed the staff report, stating that the first item is a consequence of the 77th Street alignment. Seventy- seventh Street was realigned between Girard December 12, 1995 Page 2 and Emerson Avenues and created a splinter parcel. The cloverleaf site is designated a freeway strip in the Comprehensive Plan. This parcel is located in a residential neighborhood and is not an appropriate area for a freeway strip. The HRA is seeking to purchase this property and to develop housing through the Richfield Rediscovered program. In order to do this it has to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. A freeway strip does not allow for any family housing except multifamily housing. Staff asked that this property be reclassified from a freeway strip to medium density buffer, which would make it consistent with the surrounding classification. M/Linnihan, S/Dmytrenko to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 7 -0 M/Erlander, S /Dmytrenko to recommend approval of the Amendment to the Comprehensive Development Plan Map. Motion carried: 7 -0 NEW BUSINESS Information Letter #10 76th and Emerson Avenue ITEM #2 Richfield HRA Acquisition/Disposition Zoning Administrator Urban reviewed the, staff report, stating that the HRA wants to purchase the splinter parcel at 76th and Emerson to develop this parcel through the Richfield Rediscovered Program. The proposed use is for single family residential, but at this point they are exploring the possibility of building some attached units possibly in a townhouse form. There would be either 2 single family detached or 3 attached units developed on the site. Under the medium density buffer classification this would be allowed. Staff would recommend that the Planning Commission adopt the attached resolution finding that the proposed Acquisition/Disposition and use of the subject property is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan with the stipulation that the City Council approves the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that would change the designation from "freeway strip" to "medium density buffer." Zoning Administrator Urban pointed out that the zoning ordinance treats townhomes like multi family uses. She recommended that the Planning Commission take a look at this issue in the future. December 12, 1995 Page 3 Chairperson Linnihan answered that when the ordinance changes were made a year ago the Planning Cone nission decided to look at the ordinance on an annual basis. He suggested that the item be placed on the February agenda. M /Erlander, S/Dmytrenko to recommend approval of the Acquisition/Disposition of the parcel at 76th and Emerson. Motion carried: 7 -0 Information Letter #11 7645 Nicollet Avenue ITEM #3 Richfield HRA Acquisition/Disposition Zoning Administrator Urban reviewed the staff report, stating that this is another parcel related to the 77th Street Project and was formerly a video store. Part of the store was taken in order to put up the wall. The HRA is proposing to purchase the property and build a single family home through the Richfield Rediscovered Program. The Comprehensive Plan designation is medium density buffer, which would allow a single family home to be built. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt the attached resolution finding that the proposed Acquisition/Disposition and use is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. M/Erlander, S/Dmytrenko to recommend approval of the Acquisition/Disposition of the parcel at 7645 Nicollet Ave. Motion carried: 7 -0 Information Letter #12, Section 526.27 service stations and auto mechanical garages ITEM #4 Proposed Ordinance Amendment Zoning Administrator Urban reviewed the staff report which reviews the effect of a change in the revised zoning ordinance. This ordinance prohibits automobile- related uses from locating on any site that abuts an R or R -1 district. The effect of the change was to make the above use a legally nonconforming use. Since the revised ordinance went into effect, staff has received several calls from automobile- related businesses. At the request of these businesses, staff is asking the Planning Commission to review the ordinance provision and make a recommendation. December 12, 1995 Page 4 Staff would recommend that the Planning Commission discuss, review, and approve the proposed ordinance amendment to allow service stations /convenience stores and public mechanical garages to locate on a site abutting an R or R -1 district if a significant buffer yard exists or is established. Chairperson Linnihan expressed concern about the conflict between these uses and residential neighborhoods. Commissioner Dmytrenko asked if there was a way to distinguish between existing and new businesses. Ms. Urban explained that the City Attorney was not supportive of making that type of distinction. Commissioner Wasko suggested that this issue be reviewed as part of the annual review of the zoning ordinance. He asked if there was any harm in delaying the discussion until the February meeting. Steve Jenson, owner of The Transmission Shop at 6345 Cedar Avenue, stated that he wouldn't have a problem with a delay if he knew what direction the Commission was heading towards. He is planning to purchase the property next to him to expand his business. The person who currently owns the property is in more of a hurry than he is. He is concerned how the proposed buffer would affect him. Chairperson Linnihan provided some history regarding the zoning ordinance revisions. He stated that lie Nvould like to table the issue until February and have staff do further research. Commissioner Erlander stated that he would be willing to make a decision that night. M/Wasko, S /Dmytrenko to recommend to table the motion until the February Planning Commission Meeting. Motion carried: 7 -0 December 12, 1995 Page 5 OLD BUSINESS Comprehensive Plan ITEM 05 Richfield Planning Commission Complete Text Update Chairperson Linnihan asked that the group revisit the Comprehensive Plan idea of putting City Hall on the Legion Site. An offer has been made to put housing on the site. Steering Committee Member Lindgren commented that he couldn't take a position on this plan due to his work with a wide array of constituents. He questioned what this document means. The group discussed the appropriateness of the Legion site for housing and whether or not a new City Hall was realistic. The group considered the option of expanding the current City Hall on its tight site. Responding to Mr. Lindgren on the relocation of businesses in the plan, Don Brauer pointed out that most businesses are provided an alternate site in the plan. Chairperson Linnihan asked the group to think about the next step of this process. regarding presentation to the public. Steering Committee Member Lindgren questioned if the plan discourages businesses by asking them to relocate or be replaced. Steering Committee Member Kilian pointed out that the plan adds several acres of new commercial space. The group decided to leave in the proposed changes regarding City Hall. Commissioner Erlander pointed out a statement under housing goals that should be changed. We don't want to keep the same percentage of affordable housing but want more move - up housing. Mayor Martin Kirsch explained that the Livable Communities Program addresses. the issues that are' in this part of the Comprehensive Plan. The City is currently at an affordable housing rate of 97 percent and our goal is to reduce that to 92 percent affordable housing. Commissioner Erlander pointed out that the cul de sac on page 22 should be eliminated. December 12, 1995 Page 6 Chairperson Linnihan suggested some ideas pertaining to additions in the wording and language in the dcioument. He asked about the possibility of making the new ice arena multi - purposeful. Commissioner Dmytrenko and Steering Committee Member Nelson stated that the School Board doesn't want to see Centennial school connected to Wilson Park. The group asked Mr. Brauer to suggest other ways of expanding Wilson Park. Committee Member Nelson said that the School Board sees the need for more indoor recreation spaces as opposed to outdoor spaces. The Board also supports incorporating technology pathways into the plan. Commissioner Gepner raised an issue that was in the paper regarding neotraditional housing design. The group discussed the pros and cons of such a design concept. Discussion followed regarding the wisdom of joining Sheridan Park and School. Mr. Brauer explained that it was proposed in part to discourage the use of the neighborhood streets as shortcut routes. Chairperson Linnihan pointed out that they are a couple weeks behind schedule and would like to'meet on the 19th to talk about bringing the Plan to the public. M/Linnihan, S /Wasko to recommend discussion about how to present the Comprehensive Plan to the public and to use December 19, 1995 as a study session. Motion carried: 7 -0 LIAISON ACPORTS School Board: Commissioner Dmytrenko reported that the school system lost money due to the Southdale tax abatement. The District will have to borrow money this spring to pay back the money lost from the rebate. The District's remodeling is scheduled to be done in February. The Board reviewed the progress of the remodeling projects. Conu-nunity Services Advisory Commission: not present IRA: aiot present December 12, 1995 Page 7 City Council: Commissioner Erlander reported that expanding the pulltabs was a primary issue. First, a Blue Ribbon Committee to review the issue was proposed, which was defeated by a 2 -2 vote. The second motion was to wait for 30 days. This motion failed by a 2 -2 vote. Lastly, a motion for 3 extra pull tab sites was passed by a 3 -1 vote. CSM's proposed PUD Amendment was approved. The language change in the zoning ordinance regarding the 60 day time limit was approved. Ad Hoc Traffic Committee: not present ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:57p.m. Timot nder Planning Commission Secretary 1H:P &Z:Template:AII Files:PCMinute] PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTF Study Session December 19, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Timothy Erlander, David Gepner, Kevin Hansen, Kristal Stokes, and Paul Wasko MEMBERS ABSENT: Pamela Dmytrenko, Mitchell Hadley, Dawn Postudensek STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Steve Lindgren, Bill Kilian, and Dick Walker COUNCIL LIAISON: None STAFF PRESENT: Julie Urban, Zoning Administrator Steve Kenny, Planning Staff Assistant Secretary The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan at 7:00 p.m. OLD BUSINESS Item #1 Comprehensive Plan - Discussion of public input process Chairperson Linnihan discussed City Manager Prosser's recommendation about the plans for a new City Hall. At this time, Staff and the Council are not in favor of a new City Hall, therefore the Planning Commission needs to examine alternative plans. Don Brauer discussed an alternate plan. The first plan would keep City Hall in its current location and relocate the fire station to the corner of 66th and Portland Avenue. Mr. Brauer stated that the problem at City Hall is parking. The City Hall building would not expand, but the park would expand. The three houses to the south of City Hall would be acquired and rezoned to park land, Parking would be widened on the west side. Currently there is an air conditioning unit and a tennis court located where the proposed parking lot would be. Commissioner Wasko suggested putting a deck on top of the current parking lot instead of relocating homes and/or expanding the parking lot to the east or to the west. December 19, 1995 Page 2 Steering Committee Member Kilian asked Don Brauer if there was a way to designate the areas around the parks as a park compatible use. Mr. Brauer answered that declaring the Legion site only as a park compatible use would be seen as an act of discrimination. A park compatible use would be acceptable if that use was implemented into the zoning ordinance. The group discussed various issues regarding Veteran's Memorial Park and the Richfield Ice Arena. The group discussed the possible problems of the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Services Commission's goals. Staff agreed to clarify with the Commission their request to have the park plan be a separate document. Mr. Brauer agreed to incorporate their comments. Don Brauer presented the format of the plan to the group and the group pointed out some errors in the information. Chairperson Linnihan pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan Draft is user friendly. Chairperson Linnihan raised the issue of bringing the Comprehensive Plan to the public. The Planning Commission agreed that the goal of the meeting is to educate and obtain some feedback but not to encourage debate. The group agreed that the presentation of the Comprehensive Plan would be more effective if the meetings were held with the various community leaders and service groups in the community. Steering Committee Member Kilian stressed that the public needs to be forewarned that the Comprehensive Plan is only a plan and that it can be changed. The Planning Commission agreed to hold two workshops on January 25 and 27 at the high school to present the plan to the public. Members would make individual presentations to Richfield's service organizations. The group decided that these meetings are very important, but in order to receive a wider audience the Planning Commission needs to market the Comprehensive Plan by a press release and over cable TV. Don Brauer and Kristal Stokes will market the plan on cable TV. The group ended the discussion and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:30 PM. as.a.aaaas vvuuaaauuavaa vvvav ua) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTF Study Session January 9, 1996 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Pamela Dmytrenko, Timothy Erlander, David Gepner, Mitchell Hadley, Kevin Hansen, Dawn Postudensek, Kristal Stokes, and Paul Wasko MEMBERS ABSENT: None STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Bill Kilian, and Gertrude Ulrich COUNCIL LIAISON: Mayor Kirsch STAFF PRESENT: Julie Urban, Zoning Administrator Steve Kenny, Planning Staff Assistant Secretary The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan at 7:00 p.m. NEW BUSINESS Item #1 Goal setting for 1996 Chairperson Linnihan discussed the Planning Commissions' goals for 1996 and asked the Commissioners to think about potential projects for the year. Zoning Administrator Urban pointed out that the Council made the Penn and 66th Street area one of their goals, so the Commission may be asked to become involved with the project. OLD BUSINESS Item #2 Update on Lyndale Avenue Strategic Development Plan Fred Hoisington gave a brief update on the Lyndale Avenue Strategic Development Plan. He explained that they have been working to give more detail to the plans to demonstrate how the area will look. The next part of the process will be to develop a strategy that will focus on implementation of the plan. January 9, 1996 Page 2 Item #3 Comprehensive Plan -- Discussion of Public Presentations The Planning Commission discussed the public forums, cable TV presentation, and scheduling for the Richfield Remodeling Fair. Mayor Kirsch stated the importance of the Planning Commissions' attendance at the two workshops which will be held at the Remodeling Fair. Chairperson Linnihan suggested that a question and answer sheet on the Comprehensive Plan would be a valuable resource for selling this plan to the public. Steering Committee Member Ulrich pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan lacks a definition statement regarding the meaning of the document. The Planning Commission agreed with Steering Member Ulrich and Mr. Brauer agreed to work on a definition. Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, suggested to the Planning Commission that the public comment period was too short to give people enough time to respond to the document. Mr. Wozniczka believes that the land uses suggested in the Comprehensive Plan might be seen as too radical and may encourage disinvestment from those around those areas. Don Brauer addressed Mr. Wozniczka's issue about disinvestment. He stated that the proposed improvements under the Comprehensive Plan would retain or raise the property values around the area. Mr. Brauer pointed out that there would be additional opportunities for public input over the next six months. The Planning Commission agreed that stagnation would encourage disinvestment. The Comprehensive Plan offers ideas to curb stagnation. The group ended the discussion and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:00 PM. Timoth lander Planning Commission Secretary H:P &Z:Temp1ate:A11 Files:PCMinute]