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Planning Commission Minutes 06-04-2002 . . . MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday - .June 4, 2002 7:()() P.M. Members Present: Dick Frie, Robbie Smith, Roy Popilck, Richard Carlson, Rod Dragsten and Council Liaison Clint Herbst Starr JelT O'NeilL Fred Patch, and Steve Grittman I . Call to order. Chair Frie called the meeting to order at 7 p.n1. and declared a quorum. 2. Alwroval of the minutes or the regular Planning Commission meeting held May 7, 2002. " ,). A MOTION WAS MADE BY Riel lARD CARLSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING I I ELl) MAY 7,2002. ROD DRAGSTEN SECONDI-:D TIlE MOTION. Motion carried with Roy Popilek abstaining. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. Robbie Smith requested an update regarding Kens Service Station. This was placed as item 10. .Jeff cr Nei II reported that there is a perspective Planning Commission appl icant that would be present later in the meeting if the members would like to meet with him. Jeff O'Neill advised that Gould Bros. Chevrolet is looking at an auto body shop on the Jay Morrell property, same location as All1aX Sell' Storage, and would be requesting a special meeting of the Planning Commission on June 24, prior to the City Council meeting. lIe stated that a representative was present to address this itell1 to schedule a date and tilne for this special meeting. Chair Frie asked the applicant to eome forward at that time to request the srecial meeting. Duff Davidson, 170 Jerry Leifert Dr., Monticello, addressed the commission stating he was present to request a speciallnecting of the Planning Commission for June 24, 2002, at 6:00 pm, prior to the City Council meeting. Chair Frie asked stall if this item could be handled in one hour and it was stated that it could. A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROBBIE SMITH TO SCIIEDULE ^ SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2002 AT 6:00 P.M. TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC I lEA RING REGARDING A REQUEST TO -1- . . . Planning Conllnission Minutcs- 06/04/02 ALLOW AN AUTO BODY SIIOP IN THE B-3 ZONING DISTRICT. ROY POPILEK SECONDED TIlE MOTION. Motion carried unanimously. Clint Herbst requested an update on the fl1rmer Amoeo site to be given at the sarne time as discussion on Ken's Serviee Station. Also placed on item 10. 4. Citizens comments. None 5. Publie Ilearing - Consideration of a request for concept stage planned unit development approval allowing a mixed residential and institutional use in the R-2 zoning district. Request includes use of church building for church purposes and conversion of former parish center into cOlnbination ehurch office and rental housing. Applicant requests flexibility to utilizc existing parking south of 4th Street or develop parkin!! lot north of church buildin!! on Lots 6, 7, g, and 9, Bloek n. Applicant: Chureh of St. Henrv's and llope Evangelieall.'ree Church Steve Grittman, City Planner, provided the inJ(xmation regarding Hope Evangelical Free Church's application seeking concept approval of a mixed use PUD to use thc former St. Henry's Church as a combination or chureh and residential uses. Both uses arc normally allowed in the R-2 Zoning District. (i-rittman stated the church would like flexibility to use the existing parking or shift parking to the area to the north of the church ir they chose to. Grittman also provided some commcnts such as the mix of uses, parking, garages for residcntial units, use of the property north of the church allowing potential housing development, architectural issues, and other site developmcnt conditions. Grittman added that if the project proceeds, one of the requirements for consideration of the application will be submission of a site survey and building elevations illustrating exterior changes, utility plans, and landscaping plans. Fred Pateh, Building Official, added a concern with regard to the proposed residcntial use, advising previous discussion with the applicant and Connie Flemming on this matter. The old parish centcr was converted some time ago from residential to office/classroom use. There are a number of different building eodc concerns. Patch advised that there are some prccautions to take and additional research, and that he would prerer to share information back and forth and havc thc applicant advise Patch of the proposed final use of the property. Frie askcd irthe applicant was familiar with what codes needed to bc met, etc., and he suggested he meet with Patch regarding these concerns. Chair Fric opened the public hearing. Brad Fyle, 50 I W. 3r(1 St., addressed the commission and stated he and other neighboring property owners are all happy with the proposal. lie stated no one would object either way with parking options, either way was fine. They liked the proposal and would like to see it move t()!'ward. -2~ Planning Commission Mil1utes- 06/04/02 . Roger Janssen, 1150 S. Ilawthorne PI, Monticello, added that his preference with parking would be option A which would be using the existing parking lot wherc people would continue to be walking to the front of the church, rather than parking in the back, Robbie Smith asked Grittman about garage construction which he mentioned in his staff report and Clrittman advised that with the proposal for two residential units, the city has typically requested enclosed parking as a rcquirement. O'Neill stated that when Grittman wrote the report the letter hom the applicant had not yet been received and that jn the letter it was statcd that the previous garages would be converted back, theref()re resolving that issue. Smith also asked the applicant and Connie Flemming, Edina Realty, iJ'they had knowlcdge of the future proposedusc of Option H and they stated that they would not have knowledge of this as the applicant is not purchasing that piece of property, stating the applicant has no rights to that property. They did add, however, that if and when something is proposed they would bring thc matter back to Planning Commission. Smith stated his reason Jor asking was that if they decided to propose apartments at SOlne point, that would then be an issue. O'Neill asked the Planning Commission ifparking lot option B werc to come in at a later time would this be something they might be in t~lVor of, therefore the reason it was placed on thc agcnda. He also adviscd that this was brought forward by staff and not the applicant. . Dan Osborn, applicant, stated staff had fclt it would be easier to ask the parking lot option question now, but there arc no plans for a trade nor do they think they will considcr it at this point. Frie stated his preference would be leaving option B as a separate issue at this time and only look at approval of the CUP for option A. Dragsten's concern was that they maintain the current parking lot for parking and not elilninate their off-street parking. Fred Patch added that each of the parcels would be subject to the provisions of the PUD under the CUP, and would be recorded. Thc convent building was part of thc original church complex and was unlawfully convertcd to a single bmily residential dayearc use, and that under zoning codc it is in the correct district but under building code it is required to be brought to codc. One condition of approval would be that convent use be made a lawfully permitted use. The applicant statcd that they do intend to honor the current lease until June 01'2003. Frie asked Patch if at that time it should be looked at and Patch advised that staff had bcen waiting until something came J(Jrward on this propcrty beJ(ne addressing thc issue and that staff feels it is important to bring this into compliance. . Osborn added that this is really not part of tonight's meeting as they are not asking to use it any differently than it has bcen used in the past. This wasn't part of their proposal. Planning Commission disagrced and stated that it could be handled at this meeting. The applicant stated that they would like to use the three buildings for church purposes, but initially would like to rent out thc parish and they do need to honor the rental lease at this tin1e. They are asking permission to use thc parish center as rental, both office and "l - -)- . . . Plal1l1il1g COllHnissiOI1 Mil1l1tes- 06/04/02 housing, for income purposes in the interim. They don't anticipate using the convent in a use not allowable, just honoring the lease as it is now. Dragsten asked what type of issues staCf had and Patch stated the convent was essentially a "lodging house" in the R-I district and there are certain provisions in the present building code that weren't in place back then. Converting that building from lodging to single f~lIl1i1y dwelling takes some changing and he has discussed this with the occupant. lIe stated there were safety issues as well. Frie stated that if the Planning Commission approves the request, they need to address the issues stated as well. A MOTION WAS MADE BY CI lAIR FRIE TO RECOMMEND APPROV AL OF CONCEPT STAGE PUD WITlI 'fIlE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: I. Subll1ission of site survey. 2. Building elevations illustrating exterior changes. 3. Utility plans. 4. Landscaping plans. 5. Compliance with present day building codes fllr residential areas brought to code. There was further discussion by Jeff O'Neill asking if both parking options would be acceptable and rrie stated only parking option A. Frie did not want to discuss option B. MOTION WAS SH~ONDED BY RICHARD C^RLSON. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Public Hearing - Consideration of concept and development stage planned unit development and preliminary plat allowing ofT-site sales and display associated with principle car dealership use. Applicant: Gould Brothers Chevrolet Steve Grittman, City Planner, provided the staff report stating that Gould Chevrolet is seeking a subdivision of its property that would separate the display lot from the building parcel. The rUD is necessary to allow the property to continue to comply with the requirements of the Conditional Use Permit for automobile sales lots and their relationship to principal buildings. It also allows the display area to be situated on a lot separate h\)m the lot on which the building is located. The PUD does not affect any of the construction issues on the property. The plat permits the owner to clarify outlot boundaries that were raised at the tin1e of the original project review. Frie stated this item should have two separate motions, one fen approval of PUf) and one fe)r approval of the plat. Grittman agreed. Dragsten questioned the conditions listed, stating he felt this should have been taken care of previously. (i-rittman advised that this was added to build on the L~ngineers review and that it has more to do with the pond and overall grading rather than any structural changes. Patch further advised that GM was looking at the size of property and concluded the site was too large, as well as ownership -4- . . . Planning Commission Minutes- 06/04/02 or property and tax ill1pl ications, stating neither parccls could be sold independently. Dragsten again stated his concern with the engineering heing completed prior to this and Grittman stated the issue oCthe Engineer is with easements regarding the ponds and where they would he placed. Chair Frie opened the public hearing. I learing no response, the public hearing was closed. There was no furthcr discussion. A MOTICYN WAS MADl.: BY ROY POPILEK TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF TI IE PUD, BASED ON FINDINGS TIIAT THE PROJECT IS MA TERIALL Y THE SAME AS THAT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED WITII THE CUP, AND WITH CONDITIONS TI IAT ENGINEERING REVIEW IS COMPLETI-:I) AND THE PROJECT IS FOUND TO BE CONSISTENT WITH IIIAT REVIEW. RICHARD CARLSON SECONDED TH!': MOTION. Motion carried unanimously. A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROD DRAGSTEN TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY PLAT, BASED ON "rI IE FINDING TI IAT THE PROJECT IS MATERIALLY THE SAME AS TI IAT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED WITH THE CUP, AND WITI I TI [E COND[TlONS THAT ENGINEERING REVIEW IS COMPLE'fED AND T[[E PROJECT IS FOUND TO BE CONSISTENT' WITH TI IAI' REVIEW. APPROVAL [S CONTINGENT ON RECORDING OF A DOCUMENT LINKING PARCELS, THUS ELIMINATING POTENTIAL OF SALE 0[' NECESSARY PARKINC; AREA NEEDED 'ro SUPPORT THE PRINCIPLE USL~. ROY POPIIJ.:K SECONDI':!) 'I'I-IE MOTION. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Publ ic Hearing - Consideration or a request t()l" concept stage planned unit developmcnt approval allowing a mixed commcrcial development in a B-3 zoning district. Applicant: Glen Posusta/ Amax Self Storagc Steve Grittman, City Planner, adviscd that Glen Posusta, owner of the AMAX Storage facility, is seeking a conccpt stage pun for property south of Dundas Road and east of Trunk lIighway 25. Thc PU [) would allow for the southward expansion of the mini- storage LlCility, and additional commercial development along the extension or Cedar Strect. A PUD is ncccssary f()r mini-storage since there is more than one principal building. Otherwisc, the concept plan would need only a subdivision approval. A part of the consideration in this request is a land exchangc for property acquired by the City during the Highway 25 upgrade, and as a part of the vacation of the current Cedar Street right-of-way. The terms of this cxchange will need to be negotiated between the City and the developer, although it is important to note that the City may rcquire dedication of strcet right-or-way as a part of the subdivision process rcgardless of the developer's interest in other land that the City may have available for sale. Chair ['ric opcned the public hearing and hearing no comments. the public hcaring was ~5- Planning Commission Minutes- 06/04/02 . then closed. Roy Popilck asked if the building would be of similar design as to complement and Grittman advised that typically they would ask f()r that. Rod Dragsten asked if it was an option to vacate a portion of Hwy. 25 and Grittman stated that City needed ROW for Hwy. 25 is in place. Dragsten stated that if this were vacated it would make the outlots larger. Frie asked Grittman what they would specifically look for in this PUD and he stated paving, drainage management, and buffering as typieal t~1r a mini storage Llcility, stating these would be included in the approval. I Ie also asked about total bufTer along the western line as well. Richard Carlson stated that currently All1aX does not have fi'ontage on Hwy. 25 and wondered if there had been any negotiations. Jeff O'Neill stated there have been discussions with the applicant and Wolfsteller, but that this would be a matter for City Council to discuss. Robbie Smith asked about signage and it was noted that this would be looked at in the development stage phase and that the applicant is looking tor sign exposure to Highway 25. Shawn Weinand, Ocello, property owner adjacent to this site, asked if Outlots A and B f~dl under requirements to meet masonry building standards, and Urittman stated that they would look at this as higher quality so that the same standards do not apply fl.)!" Outlot A and B as t~)t' 111ini storage. . A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROD DRAClSr":N TO Rb:COMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PUO CONCEPT PLAN FOR GLEN POSUSTA, WIllI THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: . .- I. Paving 2. Landscaping 3. Fencing/screening/bufTering 4. Signage 5. Building quality RICHARD CARLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION BASED ON THE FINDING THAT THE PROPOSED PROJECT, UNDER CONDITIONS AS NOTED, IS CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Considcratil-)n of adopting a resolution finding that a modification to the redevelopment plan for Central Monticello Redevelopment Proiect No. I and the tax increment financing plan tl.lr TI F Distriet No. 1-30 eon!l.)l'Jn to the general plans for the development and redevelopment of the City. .lefT (),Neill provided the report noting this is essentially a housekeeping matter regarding the housing project on Minnesota and 6th Street. The Planning Commission is asked to adopt a resolution stating it finds the proposed TIF District No, 1-30 plan cont~.1rms with the comprehensi ve plan of the city. . -6- Planning Commission Minutes- 06/04/02 . Rod Dragsten qucstioncd thc statcmcnt that 950;;) of the units have to be sold to persons at 1001% of the median income for a family of one to two. O'Neill sated that it was basically the formula used by CMHP and it is the intent for the use ofTIF. Richard Carlson questioned ifstafTconsiders $115,000 as moderate income and O'Neill advised that it is the guideline. lie also added that instead of stating approximate square footage it should state minimum. Grittman stated the actual squarc footage of the homes is 1,008. Carlson stated a concern with townhomes being constructed near that area at a much highcr selling pricc and O'Neill advised that they are trying to create work fl)rCe housing that is needed and also stated the City is obtaining $60,000 ti'om Sunny Fresh for thc project to be used for amenities to the property such as irrigation and landscaping, and that the money going into the project would help to reduce the cost of the homes to qualifying buyers. It was clarified as well that there are no strings attached to the Sunny Frcsh donation and that this is to hclp create the work force housing which [its with Sunny Fresh as wcll. . Clint Hcrbst questioned whether thc Planning Commission was deviating too far from the R-2A standards regarding the 1200 sq. ft. minimum standard. It was notcd that CMI IP started with a target price and tried to figure out how to get a house out of that targct pricc. Hcrbst felt that by lowering standards and bending rules, this leaves thc older part of town never getting fixed up and taken care of. O'Neill advised that this particular project started long betl.)l"e the standards were in place. These homes will be worth more than $115,000 but the costs are reduced by the additional funding. The money being put into this is going into the targeted income familics and the value is still there. It was noted that this site is zoned R-3 and not R-2A. O'Neill statcd they are trying to counter- act higher density by adding ti'ills fl.)l' better quality, and using TIF to drive down the cost. Roy Popilek agreed with Herbst that the City Council was quite adamant on not deviating from the new standards. Again, O'Neill stated that when this was approved it was prior to thc new standards being in place and that this would be above the old R-2 standards. Again it was stated that this is a PUD with higher amenitics. CMIIP is prepared to move forward based on previous approval. Frie questioned why thc new R-2A standards are bcing uscd whcn this is in thc R-J district. Frie also noted that this is taking out a blighted area and dressing it up and thc intcnt of the City is to use TIF in blighted areas to make them better areas. O'Neill stated one of the conditions of the CMHP is that they work together to develop quality housing and eliminate blighted housing. Herbst stated while he does agree with this plan, the Planning Commission should have some way to back up their reasoning 1'(,)1' not complying with thc R-2A standards. . Cirittman stated that staffs PUD approach is that thcsc units are smaller and with largcr density, and is trading this for about $3,000 to $4,000 for landscaping that we normally wouldn't get. Idea with design is that thcsc units would look very rich from thc strcet side, with irrigation and well maintained lawns, etc. Again thc R-2A standards were questioned and Grittman stated the reason in looking at R-2A was just to see how it compared, and they rcally wcrcn't designing it as an R-2A. It was notcd that the Ltct that it was brought up at all is that thcy were comparing this to the R-2A district, but it does - 7- . . . Planning COlllmission Minutes- 06/04/02 not have to meet those regulations as it is in the R-3 district. J)ragsten asked about the density and it was stated that this was approximately half of what is required in the R-3 district. Smith asked the type of occupants in these dwellings and O'Neill stated the income level drives that. Smith added that with developments that are coming in to the City the Planning Commission should be more concerned in getting L1milies moving in and enrolling in the school district, and Dragsten stated that the Planning Commission needs to look at the land, not whether families with children arc moving in. A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROBBIE SMITII TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT A MODIFICATION TO THE RI':DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CENTRAL MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT NO.1 AND THE TIF PLAN FOR TIF DISTRICT NO. 1-30 CONFORM TO THE GENERAL PLANS FOR TilE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY. RICHARD CARLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Consideration of a sketch plan review tl.1r a residential PLJD in a flZM District. Applicant: Shawn Weinand Steve Grittman advised that the applicant has requested a sketch plan review and comments of a PUD concept plan fi)r a proposed residential project at the intersection of School Boulevard and Oakwood Drive (County Road 117). Grittman advised that the information the Planning COlnmission provides will help guide a subsequent application for concept and development stage PUD approval at an upcoming meeting. The project is located in a P7M Zoning District, and consists of approximately 162 townhouse units on about 19.4 acres, plus an additional 2.5 acres underneath power line easements along the south border of the project. Chair Frie advised of a resolution adopted and approved by the Parks Commission and City Council in 199 I regarding parks being placed under power lines. This resolution denies any development where parks are proposed under power lines. Weinand stated they were not aware of the problems when parks arc placed below power lines and that they would not proceed with placing theln in those areas now that they are aware of the problem. He also stated they have taken care of previous drive access concerns. Weinand stated these units would sell in the upper $130,000 to $170,000 range and anticipates that 50% of the units would be sold to bmilies with children. Square fl.)otages would be 910 on the first floor, 750 on the second floor, for a 1700 total square tl.10t finish. Weinand provided infimnation on a similar project in Otsego which was successful and stated they would like to have a model up in September, starting with Phase I. Since there is both industrial and a mobile home park surrounding this site, there will be extensive landscaping and buffering which he feels will improve the area and add density. Weinand also stated that they have designed this project with standards that were previously approved by the Planning Commission fl.)!' the Craig Scherber project proposed across the freeway. -R- Planning COlllmission Minutes- 06/04/02 . Frie asked if they had addressed the issues as stated in the report regarding conti nuous asphalt and park dedications, and Weinand stated they have park land over on the Remmele piece that they may incorporate. They arc proposing 26 ft wide roadways but could cut then) back to 24 ft, gaining green space by eliminating SOlne of the paving. He also stated they would not prefer mixing in rnasonry to the roadways as it would be too expensive. 'fhese are totally rnaintenance free units in regard to siding and balconies, all utilities are to the back of the houses, and therc will be additional landscaping. Weinand also pointed out the side yard to the retail piece and that some of the balconies encroach into this area, but according to the ordinance he felt that this was allowable and wanted to bring that to the Planning Commission's attention. Robbie Smith stated that he would like the Planning Comrnission and staff to look at new developments to make sure that the City attracts bmilies with school age children to help the school crisis. Herbst stated that they also nced to be careful not to mix lower value housing into higher value housing areas just to try to help the schools out, and he felt that they nced to look at the development itself and determine that it is a good quality dcvelopment. Frie added that the Planning Commission and City Council have discussed this previously and he feels that the standards that the City has put in place has driven the housing costs up and that is what is keeping bmilies away. . Smith again asked the applicant what he would do as a developer to get housing that people with bmilics can affiml and Weinand providcd some scenarios. Weinand advised the Planning Commission that he would like to come back next month with preliminary and final plat as he feels they arc at the preliminary stage already, as they have plans f(Jr their landscaping, roads, etc. Weinand would like the Planning Commission and stafTto give then) a positive go ahead to proceed. Popilck asked Grittman about the smaller entrance for garbage trucks and would this be up to code, and Grittman stated this would have to be looked at. Weinand advised that they can widen them and also would likc approval of the entrance from the County Road. Wcinand stated this will be a privately maintained project with privatc streets and private snow removal. The commissioners asked about density bcing too high and Grittman statcd it is high for a townhouse project, but he also stated that this is a PZM zoncd district and this allows higher density. Dragsten also stated a concern with the square footages and wanted to make Sllre that these were within the City's new standards as well. Popilck added that he felt this would be a very nice projcct for PUD approval at this density. Weinand also stated that they are contident in this particular builder. . The Planning COInmission's consensus was to give Weinand their support and revicw the preliminary and final plat at the ncxt meeting. Weinand asked if there were any feelings on the entrance to the County Road. double entrance or narrow cntrance. and Dragsten stated they would have to meet state guidelines, which Weinand advised that they do meet the requirements. Staff is pushing for 3 entranccs per Grittman. He also stated stall -9- . . . Planning COlllmission Minutes- 06/04/02 was not in Elvor of divided entrances, especially i I' it were to be a pub I ic street. Weinand added that they also put in two tot lots in separate arcas and stated that they arc proposing a basketball court possibly under the power lines. to which Frie was quite adamant that it not be placed there. Weinand also asked the Planning Commission if thcy LIVored developments for families or empty nesters and they stated that growth was their ISSUC. 10. Amoco Site Update Fred Patch, Building Official, stated that the building permit is ready to be issued but apparently the MPCA is looking at a pollution concern rcgarding a spill at that site years ago. Patch thought it might be a financial institution holding the project back. Patch advised that he had received a call1i"Oln the architect inquiring what might happen if the rcsidential devclopment was pulled from the building and only going forward with the cOlnmercial development. Patch stated that it was a permitted use in the CCD. but thcre still are concerns with parking which the Planning Commission may need to address. Regarding the Spur Station. Patch stated that last week the owner of the propcrty directly behind this site, Holthaus, spoke to him about whether or not they could develop the 45 n. lot behind the station and put up an office building. Patch added that apparently the lot cxtends out to Broadway and they are looking at trying to put it to use somehow. Patch also updated them on the junk vehicles at the Spur Station and stated that it actually has been clcaned up somewhat and the City will kcep working on that. Robbie Slnith asked about the City's process regarding blights and Patch advised that John Glomski is now helping in that area. Smith also added that hc had participated in the annual Walk and Roll event and that it was well attended. He did notice that some of the pathways needed mowing and that thc Parks Dcpartment is probably just trying to kcep up with the season at this point. Chair Frie stated that they would be mecting with a potential Planning Commission Inembcr right aftcr the meeting and he thanked Roy Popilck for his time on the Planning Commission. adding that he appreciated Popilek's input and that he will be misscd. Popilek thanked the Planning Comrnission membcrs as well. 11. Adiourn A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROY POPILEK TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:25 P.M. DICK FRIE SECONDED THE MOTION. Motion carried unanimously. :1J!' . .i,Br7jl)/I1 A. / " ".. -." ",::1L11.J~ , . cc rder -10-