11-24-1998J
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
November 24, 1998
7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
Regular Planning Commission meeting of October 27, 1998. Planning Commission study
session of November 10, 1998.
Public Hearing
New Business
Old Business
ITEM #1 PC Letter #50 PASSS Update
ITEM #2 PC Letter #51 Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Sections 511, 521
and 546
Liaison Reports
School Board
Community Services Advisory Commission
HRA
City Council
Adjournment
Planning Commission
Minutes
Regular Meeting
October 27, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Terry
Ahlstrom, Brenda Bjorklund, Roger Gordon, Mitchell Hadley,
Bill Kilian and Ken Meter.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners: Pamela Dmytrenko and David Gepner
COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: John Stark, Community Development Manager
Julie Urban, Zoning Administrator
Mark Andrle, Community Development Technician
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan
at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M /Kilian, S /Bjorklund to approve the minutes of the regular Planning Commission
meeting of September 22, 1998.
Motion carried: 7 -0
M /Meter, S /Kilian to approve the minutes of the Planning Commission study
session of October 13, 1998.
Motion carried: 7 -0
October 27, 1998
Page 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CASE 98- CUP -7, 6600 Oakland - Richfield HRA and
ITEM #1 Cornerstone Advocacy Services. Conditional use permit
to allow structural changes to the existing home and
conversion from a mixed commercial and residential use
to a residential use.
Zoning Administrator Julie Urban gave a brief history of the uses at 6600
Oakland and stated that a company called Cornerstone would like to buy the property
and change the use to all residential. Ms. Urban stated that Cornerstone buys
properties and uses them as transitional housing for battered women and their children.
Cornerstone will be using 6600 Oakland as a transitional home for one family. Ms.
Urban stated that staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit for 6600
Oakland.
Commissioner Kilian asked if the maintenance and up keep of the house is
contracted out. Susan Neis of Cornerstone said there is a full time property manager
and maintenance person who would do the up keep of the house. Ms. Neis added that
Cornerstone has been in business for over nine years and it is in their best interest to
maintain their homes and to be a good neighbor.
Commissioner Bjorklund asked about the screening process of the applicants for
Cornerstone's homes. Ms. Neis said they screen the applicants very well by doing
credit, criminal and drug checks.
Commissioner Gordon asked about grounds for dismissal. Ms. Neis said a
resident would be asked to leave immediately if there were any violations of drugs,
guns, or physical abuse. Ms. Neis added that most residents stay about 18 months and
most residents have two or three children staying with them.
Chairperson Linnihan asked if the abuser knows where the resident is living. Ms.
Neis stated that they have never had an abuser come to one of the homes. She added
that the residents can't disclose their location.
M /Ahlstrom, S /Kilian to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 7 -0
There was no further discussion.
October 27, 1998
Page 3
M /Meter S /Kilian to recommend approval of the conditional use permit at 6600
Oakland Avenue with the following stipulations:
1. That the commercial space be removed:
2. that the curb cut to and the pavement along 66th Street be removed: and
3. that a conditional use permit resolution be recorded with the County.
Motion carried: 7 -0
NEW BUSINESS
PC Letter # 44
ITEM #2 Finding of Consistency - Modification to Redevelopment
Plan and ILN TIF Plan Modification
Community Development Manager John Stark gave an overview of the funding
for the ILN project area and the proposed modifications to the 35W bridge at 66th
Street. Mr. Stark reviewed the construction costs of the bridge and said construction
should start in the spring of 1999 and should be completed by the fall of 2000. Mr.
Stark reviewed some of the design details for the bridge such as the use of arches,
color of bricks, planters and lighting. Mr. Stark added that MnDOT will pay the $1.6
million to build the bridge plus another $112,000 for aesthetics but the City would have
to pay another $240,000 to $400,000 for all the proposed aesthetic improvements.
Mr. Stark reported that staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt a
resolution finding the modification consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Ahlstrom asked if the money being used for the bridge could be
used in another way. Mr. Stark said the money is left over from a 1988 bond and the
money is limited to public improvements.
Commissioner Gordon stated that if the City does not provide money for the
aesthetics of the bridge the aesthetic improvements would not happen.
Commissioner Meter expressed concern that using money from the ILN district
could make it more difficult to get a project done at 76th and Lyndale. He suggested
that the ILN money should be reserved for that future project.
October 27, 1998
Page 4
Commissioner Kilian stated that the money has to be used for public
improvements such as rights -of -way.
Community Development Manager John Stark pointed out that public
improvements wouldn't be made in the 7600 block of Lyndale until a developer and a
plan are identified. . He also pointed out that there would be money left for that future
project.
M /Gordon, S /Kilian to adopt the finding that the proposed Modification to the
Redevelopment Plan and ILN TIF Plan Modification is in conformance with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 6 -1 (Meter opposed)
ITEM #3 PC Letter #45
Findings of Tax Increment & Comprehensive Plan for
Urban Village
Ms. Urban reviewed the proposal for the Urban Village by the Richfield State Agency
and reviewed the Comprehensive Plan goals that are being met. Ms. Urban stated that
staff recommends the Planning Commission to adopt a finding of consistency for the
Urban Village.
Sid Inman of Ehlers and Associates reviewed the TIF plan for the Urban Village and
some of the standards of the TIF district. Mr. Inman also reviewed the findings for the
adoption of the TIF plan the City Council has to make.
Chairperson Linnihan asked if the duration of the TIF district could change over time.
Mr. Inman stated that if taxes go down the longer the district will remain in place, the
higher the taxes the shorter the duration of the district.
Commissioner Meter asked why there will be no tax revenues coming from the parking
ramp. Jan Susee of the Richfield State Agency stated that the people using the ramp
will not be charged, therefore the ramp will be taxed as part of the office building.
Commissioner Meter felt the City shouldn't subsidize high income housing in the Urban
Village. Commissioner Meter added that the design of the Urban Village could be
better as well.
October 27, 1998
Page 5
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, suggested that a portion of the TIF money
go to increased service for seniors in Richfield. Mr. Inman stated that the statute
prohibits any increment being transferred to the general fund.
M /Kilian, S /Hadley to approve recommendation of findings of Tax Increment and
comprehensive plan for Urban Village.
Motion carried: 6 -1 (Meter opposed)
OLD BUSINESS
None.
LIAISON REPORTS
School Board: None.
Community Services Advisory Commission: Commissioner Ahlstrom
reported that at their last meeting the Commission discussed restoration of Veterans
Park and a master park plan. Commissioner Ahlstrom added that business at the mini -
golf course was up and a new Chair and Vice Chair were appointed to the Commission.
HRA: Commissioner Ahlstrom reported that the HRA approved a contract with
CSM for Interchange West. Commissioner Ahlstrom added that the HRA has received
several proposals for the east side of Lyndale but only CSM has submitted a proposal
for the west side.
City Council: Mayor Kirsch reported that at their last meeting, the City Council
had a first reading of the upgraded noise ordinance, awarded a contract for play
equipment, approved the ball field replacement plan and awarded a contract for the
second sheet of ice at the arena. Mayor Kirsch also reported that the City Council
discussed the EQB meeting and decided to have a mediator sit in on the meetings with
MAC. Mayor Kirsch said the Council believes the issues with MAC could be resolved
by November 19th for the next EQB meeting.
October 27, 1998
Page 6
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:10 p.m.
Mitchell Hadley
Planning Commission Secretary
Planning Commission
Minutes
Study Session
November 10, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Daniel Linnihan; Commissioners: Terry
Ahlstrom, Brenda Bjorklund, Pamela Dmytrenko, David
Gepner, Roger Gordon, Bill Kilian and Ken Meter.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
COUNCIL LIAISON
Mitchell Hadley
Martin Kirsch, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: John Stark, Community Development Manager
Julie Urban, Zoning Administrator
Mark Andrle, Community Development Technician
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Linnihan
at 7 :05 p.m.
STUDY SESSION ITEMS
PC Letter # 46
ITEM #1 Penn Avenue and 66th Street ( PASSS) Update
Community Development Specialist Perry Thorvig reviewed the plans for the
open houses for the PASSS Redevelopment Plan which will be held on November 18
and 19, 1998 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. Mr.
Thorvig reported that he has received a few calls from the public regarding the plans for
the PASSS project.
The following Commissioners said they would be able to attend the open house
on November 18, 1998: Dmytrenko, Meter, Gordon and Bjorklund at 4:30 to 6:15 p.m.
and Linnihan, Gepner and Dmytrenko at 6:15 to 8:00 p.m.
November 10, 1998
Page 2
The following Commissioners said they would be able to attend the open house
on November 19, 1998: Kilian and Gepner at 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. and Kilian, Linnihan
and Ahlstrom at 6:15 to 8:00 p.m.
PC Letter # 47
ITEM #2 Richfield Lake Area Plan
Michael Schroeder of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. reviewed the design
principals of the Lakes on Lyndale Master Plan. Mr. Schorder reported that the Master
Plan for the area calls to create a more pedestrian friendly environment , maintain much
of the existing businesses and housing, create a variety of life cycle housing, develop
transit facilities and create a gathering place and a sense of identity.
Mr. Schroeder stated that the core of the redevelopment area will have a higher
intensity of use with taller buildings which will be surrounded by a parkway. Mr.
Schroeder added that transit waiting areas will be placed inside of buildings, Richfield
Lake will become a recreational area, traffic calming will be used in the residential
areas, there will be a garden theme through out the district and the building design and
lighting will be consistent through out the district as well.
Fred Hoisington of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. reviewed how the Plan has
evolved through neighborhood meetings. Mr. Hoisington stated that he is still working
with the neighborhood to the south and traffic issues on Lyndale and 66th Street. Mr.
Hoisington added that they are still looking at double turn lanes on 66th and working on
a location for a cinema and additional office space.
Commissioner Kilian felt that a bottle neck at 66th Street would be good because
it would slow traffic and the Lakes at Lyndale area would become a destination not a
pass through area. He felt additional turn lanes would only speed up traffic and would
allow for more cut through traffic.
Commissioner Kilian also asked how far people would be willing to walk in the
district and he suggested that a parking ramp be built on the northwest corner of
Lyndale and 66th which would allow for more space for other developments.
The Commission then discussed these issues brought up by Commissioner
Kilian. Commissioner Bjorklund felt that people will walk through out the district but
they would need something attractive to walk to. Mr. Hoisington added that parking lots
deter people from walking to places beyond the parking lot and design alone will not
November 10, 1998
Page 3
attract people to walk, there needs to be activities and events in the district that invite
people to leave their car and walk around.
Commissioner Gordon felt he doesn't always want to be slowed down going
through a bottle neck on 66th Street but feels there needs to be safe crossings for
people to get across 66th and Lyndale. Chairperson Linnihan feels there needs to be a
middle point of having a bottle neck and fast traffic along 66th.
Commissioner Meter is in favor of an Urban Village but felt the area may not be a
good location for a village type development because of the high volume of traffic and
the lack of quite places to walk. In addition, Commissioner Meter felt the scale of the
proposed businesses are too large and the open public spaces are limited.
The Commission decided to continue the discussion about the Richfield Lake
Area Plan at a later date.
ITEM #3 PC Letter # 48
Garage Site Selection Report
Public Works Director Mike Eastling updated the Commission on the selection of
a new City Garage site. Mr. Eastling reported that the preferred site is located just east
of Highway 77 and just north of 494 on MAC land.
The Commission discussed the possibility of having the new garage located on
the Hwy. 77 site, and how this site would not require any taking of land and the City
would be adding land to Richfield. The down side is that the City would have to buy the
land from MAC. Mr. Eastling reported that the cost of the land right now is around $6
million. The alternative site is the existing garage location.
ITEM #4 PC Letter #49
Annual Comprehensive Plan Review
Zoning Administrator Julie Urban reviewed the items in the Comprehensive Plan
that need to be updated by the Commission through their annual review. Ms. Urban
said that staff did not see any major changes that need to be made at this time.
November 10, 1998
Page 4
The Commission felt that they should defer the Airport Mitigation item to the
City's legal council.
Commissioner Meter felt there is a need to look at limiting "big box" stores. The
Commission agreed to discuss this item at the study session in January.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:40 p.m.
Pam Dmytrenko
Acting Planning Commission Secretary
Planning Commission e e
CITY OF
RICHFIELD November 24, 1998
Agenda Section: Old Business
Item #: 1
Letter #: 50
GENERAL INFORMATION
Type of Request: Review and discuss the PASSS Open Houses
ANALYSIS
Proposal: PASSS Open Houses were held on November 18 and 19. Staff and the
Commission should discuss the feedback received and consider the next steps
in the process.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Recommendation: No formal action is being requested. The Commission should discuss
the Open Houses that were held on November 18 and 19.
a
Planning
C1 7Y OF
RICHFIELD November 24, 1998
Agenda Section: Old Business
Item #: 2
Letter #: 51
GENERAL INFORMATION
Type of Request: Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, sections 511, 521 and 546.
ANALYSIS
Proposal: On September 22, the Planning Commission conducted its annual review of the
Zoning Ordinance and recommended a few modifications to the Ordinance.
The ordinance amendment that would be presented to the City Council
regarding these changes is attached.
The Commission recommended the following changes:
Eliminate Section 546.09, subd. 11 that requires variances to be recorded
on a property title.
Clarify language in the City's driveway ordinance to require that a curb cut
be removed when abandoned.
Change the spacing standards between fence posts for chain link fences
from eight feet to ten feet.
Clarify the fence ordinance to recognize different requirements for
recreation - related fences.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Recommendation: Recommend that the City Council amend the Zoning Ordinance,
sections 511, 521 and 546.
Basis: 1. The Planning Commission has requested that the Zoning Ordinance
be reviewed on an annual basis.
2. The Commission provided direction to staff on these items at their
meeting on September 22, 1998.
c2-1
BILL NO.
AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 511, 521 AND 546
OF APPENDIX B OF THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE
CITY OF RICHFIELD
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1. Subsection 511.23 of Appendix B to the Richfield City Code is
amended as follows:
Subd. 8. Posts. Posts and stringers on any fence located at or near the lot line shall be on the
inside of the fenced area unless designed as an integral part of the fence. Posts for wooden and
ehaimi fences shall be spaced at intervals not to exceed eight feet. Posts for chain link fences
shall be spaced at intervals not to exceed ten feet.
Subd. 12. Recreational Facilities. Fences and walls shall be permitted as part of park and school
recreational facilities in accordance with standards on file with the Community Development
Department.
Subd. 1314. Certain structures. Fences and walls legally existing on or before March 20, 1982,
may continue to exist and to be repaired and maintained.
Section 2. Subsection 521.05, subdivision 11 of Appendix B to the Richfield City
Code is amended as follows:
h) Any expansion, installation or replacement of a curb cut from a public street to a lot
shall be subject to a City permit and any curb cut abandoned with the installation of a
new cut shall be extinguished and replaced with curb and gutter according to
specifications provided by the Director of Public Works, except as provided in (e) (iv),
provided the curb cut is in service for driveway or parking purposes.
Section 2. Subsection 521.21, subdivision 10 of Appendix B to the Richfield City
Code is amended as follows:
h) Any expansion, installation or replacement of a curb cut from a public street to a lot
shall be subject to a City permit and any curb cut abandoned with the installation of a
new cut shall be extinguished and replaced with curb and gutter according _to
specifications provided by the Director of Public Works, except as provided in (e) (iv),
provided the curb cut is in service for driveway or parking purposes.
Section 2. Subsection 521.41, subdivision 10 of Appendix B to the Richfield City
Code is amended as follows:
h) Any expansion, installation or replacement of a curb cut from a public street to a lot
shall be subject to a City permit and any curb cut abandoned with the installation of a
new cut shall be extinguished and replaced with curb and gutter according to
specifications provided by the Director of Public Works, except as provided in (e) (iv),
provided the curb cut is in service for driveway or parking purposes.
Section 2. Subsection 546.09 of Appendix B to the Richfield City Code is
amended as follows:
fie ase:- Hpen- e-empleti
r.ef`
rnfied ropy -e€ tbe-va ante -shall be- led by-the-aPpl { eant with the Hennepin my
herder - the- vafianee- applies 4 e,- abstr- ac" r -operty. The vafianee- shalkent-ainhe4egal
des e- preperty- alfected-.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this th day of
1999.
Martin J. Kirsch, Mayor
ATTEST:
Thomas P. Ferber, City Clerk
W I-A