022414 PacketPLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
February 24, 2014
7:00p.m.
Introductory Proceedings
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes Regular Planning Commission meetings ofJanuary 27, 2014
Opportunity for Citizens to Address the Commission on items not on the Agenda
Public Hearing
NewBusiness
ITEM #1 PC Letter #2Election of PlanningCommissionChair, Vice-Chair and
Secretary
ITEM #2 PC Letter #3
Appointment of Liaisons
ITEM #3 PCLetter #4
PC Bylaws
ITEM #4 PC Letter #5
Dates and topics for 2014 PC Study Sessions
ITEM #5 PC Letter #6
Rescheduling the May 26, 2014 meeting due tothe
Memorial Day holiday
OldBusiness
Liaison Reports
Community Services Advisory Commission
City Council
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
Richfield School Board
Transportation Commission
Chamber of Commerce
Other
CityPlanner’s Report
Next Meeting Dates: March 12, 2014; 6:30p.m.
Commissioner Orientation
March 17, 2014 6:00 p.m. Joint
Session with HRA/CC/PC:
Senior Housing Study
March 24. 2014 7:00 p.m. Regular
PCmeeting
Adjournment
Auxiliary aid for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96
hours inadvance tothe City Clerk at 612/861-9738”.
Planning Commission
Minutes
January 27, 2014
MEMBERS PRESENT:Chairperson Rick JabsandCommissioners Susan
Rosenberg, Tom Rublein,Dan Kitzberger, Josh Root and
Gordon Vizecky
MEMBERSABSENT:CommissionerDennis Schuller
STAFF PRESENT:John Stark,Community Development Director
Matt Brillhart, Planning Technician
12OTHERSPRESENT:Zach Wasilew,KInc. (Flex Academy)
Jeff Agnes,AarchitectsLLC
Matt Johnson, Brixmor
Chairperson Jabs called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
APPROVAL OFMINUTES
M/Rublein,S/Rootto approve the minutes of theDecember 9, 2013regularmeeting
and study session.
OPENFORUM
No members of the public spoke.
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
ITEM #1
Consideranamendment tothePlanned Unit Development, Final Development
thPlan, andConditional UsePermit at100West66Street (HUBShopping Center)
toallow apublic school.
Community Development Director John Stark (Stark) presented the staff report.
January 27, 2014
In response to a question from Chairperson Jabs, Stark stated that PublicWorks was
thconsideringimprovementsto65Street adjacent to the site that could includea new
sidewalk. Stark stated the current sidewalk was too narrow and not in compliance with
thregulations. He also stated that reconstruction of66Street by Hennepin County was
in the planning stages.
Commissioner Rublein stated concerns with thecurrentlayout of the parking lot and
internal traffic circulation with regards to student drop-offs.
Chairperson Jabs echoed those concerns and offered a suggestion to improve traffic
thcirculationbymodifyingtheentrancefrom65Street.
Zach Wasilew, representing Flex Academy, provided a description of the school’s
mission, ages served, and types of instruction given. Wasilew stated they were open to
working with the City’sTrafficEngineer.
In response to a question from Chairperson Jabs, Wasilew statedthat they would get
students involved in the Community through service days and other opportunities.
In response to questions from Commissioner Rublein, Wasilew stated that students
would have access to an on-site fitness room. For foodservice, they would re-heat
catered meals. Students can earn the right to go off-campus for lunch.
In response to questions from Commissioner Kitzberger, Wasilew stated there would be
20-25 faculty and staff.Hours of operation would be 8am-5pm, most students 8am-3pm.
Wasilew stated thatexpected transportation modes included walking,parentdrop-offs,
and bus service.They will have the opportunity to share bus service with public schools.
Adults will be on-site to manage arrivals and departures.
In response toquestionsfrom Commissioner Rublein,Jeff Agnesstatedthat bicycle
parkingwould beprovided andthe schoolwould monitor usage to see if more is
needed.Agnes stated that additional windows would be added to the building façade.
In response to a question from Chairperson Jabs, Agnes stated they were committed to
working with Public Works staff to make sure the flow of traffic works.
Stark inquired when the traffic flow plan would be worked out with Public Works. Stark
suggested that preliminary conversations should take place before the City Council
meeting and final approval. Final details could be worked out later, but basics should be
underway before approval. Stark stated that Public Works rejected landscaping
improvements in the public right of way and suggested the applicant think about other
ways to address that concern. Ideally that would be addressed before the City Council
meeting as well.
Chairperson Jabs described possible modifications to the parking lot he envisioned to
improve traffic flow.
In response to questions from Commissioner Rublein, Wasilew stated that they were
looking at this location long term. Charter schools in MN are authorized on a 5 year
2
January 27, 2014
cycle. Wasilew stated that the enrollment would likely not be 300 in the first year, but
growto that number over time.
In response to a question from Commissioner Kitzberger, Wasilew stated they would
open infall2014.
In response to a question from Commissioner Vizecky regarding resolving the screening
issue, Stark stated that it was also a timing issue. Staff only recently found out that
placing screening in the public right of way wasn’t going to work and hadn’t had time to
explore alternatives, but there should be a reasonable way to address the issue given
the excess parking on the site.Stark noted that they didn’twant to arrive ata solution
that doesn’t address the problem. He suggested large planters could be a possible
solution thatPublicWorks would allow. They could be reused elsewhere on site if
thPublicWorksdoesreconstructtherightofwayon65Street.
In response to a question from Commissioner Root, property representative Matt
Johnson stated there could be a medium ground between loss of parking and
accommodating screening. Stark noted that the parking lot was frequently perceived as
confusing and the opportunity to make improvements might not come around for some
time.
Commissioner Root suggested that thePlanningCommission give staff the leeway to
work something out with Brixmor.
Jeff Agnes stated that in terms oftiming, the traffic flow issue wouldneed to be resolved
before the landscaping issue.
M/Root,S/Vizeckyto close the public hearing.
M/Rublein,S/Roottorecommend approvalofan amendment to thePlanned Unit
Development, Final Development Plan,and Conditional Use Permit to allowa public
school, with the condition that the applicantmeet withCitystaffregarding the traffic flow
and landscaping concernsand submit revised plans before the City Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM #2
Considera resolution finding that themodification totheRedevelopment Plan for
theRichfield Redevelopment Project Area and establishment ofthe2014-1Tax
Increment FinancingDistrict and Tax Increment Financing Planare consistent
with the Richfield Comprehensive Plan.
Stark presented the staff report.
3
January 27, 2014
In response to a question from Commissioner Root, Stark stated that one residential
property on the block was not owned by the City.
In response to a question from Commissioner Rublein regarding temporary uses of the
site, Stark stated that there were no end uses in sight at this time. Different future uses
require different levels of soil cleanup. Soil cleanup would not take place until a
redevelopment plan was identified. The site would likely be fenced off in the interim and
not used.
In response to a question from Commissioner Rosenberg, Stark stated that the last
remaining private property owner on the block had indicatedthey were not interested in
selling and the HRA would not be pursuing that anytime soon, but it wouldn’t affect this
process.
M/Root, S/Rublein toadopt the resolution.
OLDBUSINESS
None.
LIAISON REPORTS
Community Services Advisory Commission:Commissioner Rublein
City Council:No report
HRA:No report
Richfield School Board:Commissioner Kitzberger
Transportation Commission:No report
Chamber of Commerce:No report
Other:None
CITY PLANNER’SREPORT
ththStarkinformedCommissionersthatdiscussionaboutrenaming77/76Street was
percolating again and the City Council wouldlike to get input from the Planning
thCommission. Stark stated that ideally the renaming would extend through 76Street in
Edina and they’d like to engage Edina on this issue as well.
Commissioner Rublein stated that he’d heard there was interest in naming it after the
airport. He stated that this was a big deal and could affect many residents and
businesses. He suggested it could be tied into redevelopment of the Cedar Avenue
thcorridorandthepossibleadditionofthe77Street tunnel under MN-77.
4
January 27, 2014
Inresponse to a question from Commissioner Kitzberger, Stark stated that Richfield
thParkwaywasapreviousexampleofstreetrenaming, but houses along 17Avenue
kept their old addresses.
Commissioner Root suggested they engage with the Chamber of Commerceand
Transportation Commission. Commissioner Kitzberger suggested they reach out to
Bloomington as well.
In response to a question from Chairperson Jabs regarding Community input, Planning
Technician Matt Brillhart stated that a new online engagement toolcalled Richfield
thConnectwouldbelaunchedonFebruary4, and this would make a good discussion
topic.
ADJOURNMENT
M/Root,S/Rubleinto adjourn the meeting.
8:07p.m. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at
Dan Kitzberger
Secretary
5
AGENDA SECTION:NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM #1
PC LETTER #3
CASE #
PCSRLANNINGOMMISSIONTAFFEPORT
PCMD:F24,2014EETINGATEEBRUARY
ITEMFORPLANNINGCOMMISSIONCONSIDERATION:
Election of Planning Commission Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.
I.RA: ECOMMENDEDCTION
ElectaPlanningCommission Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersonand
Secretary.
II.BACKGROUND
The Bylaws require that the Planning Commission hold an annual organizational
meeting at the first regular meeting in February and elect from its membership a
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.
According to the Bylaws (Part II, Organization), a majority vote is necessary to first elect
a Chairperson and second to elect the remaining officers. The Chairperson, Vice-
Chairpersonand Secretary are to take office immediately upon election and hold office
until their successors are elected next year.
The Chairperson is responsible for conducting all Planning Commission meetings and
public hearings. The Chairperson is also responsible for representing the Commission
in dealing with the City Council and staff. The Vice-Chairperson is responsible for the
duties of the Chairperson in the event the Chairperson is absent. The Secretary is
assumes these responsibilities when both the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson are
absent and signs all minutes and official Commission documents.The 2013election
results were as follows: Chairperson Jabs, Vice-Chairperson Rootand Secretary
Kitzberger.
III.BRASISOFECOMMENDATION
A.LEGAL
An annual organizational meeting is required by the Planning Commission
Bylaws.
AGENDA SECTION:NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM #2
PC LETTER #3
CASE #
PCSRLANNINGOMMISSIONTAFFEPORT
PCMD:F24,2014EETINGATEEBRUARY
ITEMFORPLANNINGCOMMISSIONCONSIDERATION:
Appointment of liaisons to the Community Services Advisory Commission, City Council,
Housing and Redevelopment Authority, School Board and Transportation Committee.
I.RA: ECOMMENDEDCTION
ThefollowingPlanning Commissionactionsarerecommended:
Approve members toserveasliaisonandalternateliaisontothe
Community ServicesAdvisory Commission, CityCouncil, Housing
andRedevelopment Authority, School Board, andTransportation
Committee.
II.BACKGROUND
Community Services Advisory Commission
The resolution establishing the Community Services Advisory Commission provides that
a liaison and alternate from the Planning Commission be appointed to the Community
Services Advisory Commission.
The Community Services Advisory Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the
month at 7:00 P.M., at the Community Center. The Planning Commission should
appoint two members to serve as liaison and alternate liaison to the Community
Services Advisory Commission. Commissioner Rublein served as liaisonand
Commissioner Rosenberg served as alternateto the Community Services Advisory
Commission for2013.
City Council
The City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. in the Council
Chambers at City Hall. Commissioners Schullerserved asliaisons to the City Council
for 2013.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority meets every third Monday at 7:00 P.M. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall. Commissioner Root served as liaison to the HRA in
2013.
School Board
The Commission also appoints a liaison and alternate liaison to the School Board. The
School Board generally meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in
the District Office Board Room. Commissioner Kitzbergerserved as liaison to the
School Board for2013.
Transportation Commission
The Transportation Commission was appointed by the City Council to review
transportation-related topics and make recommendations to the City Council. The
Committee meets the firstWednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the Council
Chambers atCity Hall. Commissioner Rosenbergserved as liaison to the
Transportation Committee in 2013.
AGENDA SECTION:NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM #3
PC LETTER #4
CASE #
PCSRLANNINGOMMISSIONTAFFEPORT
PCMD:F24,2014EETINGATEEBRUARY
ITEMFORPLANNINGCOMMISSIONCONSIDERATION:
Review of Planning Commission Bylaws.
I.RA: ECOMMENDEDCTION
Review theattachedPlanning CommissionBylaws.
II.BACKGROUND
Part 3, Section 3 of our Bylaws requires the Planning Commission to review the Bylaws
each year at the February organizational meeting. Staff is recommending no changes.
III.BRASISOFECOMMENDATION
The above action is required by the Planning Commission Bylaws.
IV.ATTACHMENTS
Planning Commissions Bylaws (Rev. 2012)
AS: GENDAECTIONNEW BUSINESS
AI#4GENDATEM
PCL#5ETTER
C# ASE
PCSRLANNINGOMMISSIONTAFFEPORT
D:F24,2014ATEEBRUARY
ITEMFORPLANNINGCOMMISSIONINFORMATION:
Discussdates and topics forthe 2014Planning Commission Study Sessions.
I.BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission typically holds six regularly scheduled study sessions each
year. Those meetings are generally scheduled for the fourth Monday of the month
preceding the regular meeting) at 6:00 pm, although this schedule is subject to change
based on the timeliness of topics and whether or not the session with be held jointly with
another body. Staff attempts to hold a study session every other month. Tentative
dates and topics are as follows:
TuesdayMarch17at 6:00pm Joint session with City Council and Housing and
Redevelopment Authority to discuss the results of commissioned Senior Housing Study.
April/May Discuss potential for light industrialuses and appropriate regulations.
Monday, June 23at 6:00pm TBD
Monday, August11at 5:30pm Walking or biking tour of specific area.
Monday, October27at 6:00pm TBD
Monday, December 8at6:00pm Transportation project update
Potential additional topics include:
Your Role as a Planning Commissioner” training/refresher
Recreation Services project update
Joint meeting with Edina and Bloomington Planning Commissions
AGENDA SECTION:NewBusiness
AGENDA ITEM #5
PC LETTER #6
CASE #
PCSRLANNINGOMMISSIONTAFFEPORT
PCMD:F24,2014EETINGATEEBRUARY
ITEMFORPLANNINGCOMMISSIONCONSIDERATION:
Considerationofa motion rescheduling the regularMayPlanning Commission Meeting.
I.RA: ECOMMENDEDCTION
ByMotion:Approve thereschedulingoftheregularMayPlanning
Commission meetingfromMay26,2014toMay 28,2014.
II.BACKGROUND
The regularly scheduled MayPlanning Commission meetingfalls ontheMemorial Day
holiday this year. Staff recommends rescheduling this meeting for Wednesday, May
th28.
III.BRASISOFECOMMENDATION
The regularly scheduled meeting falls on a Federal holiday.
IV.ATTACHMENTS
None