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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 11-17 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION NOVEMBER 17, 2005 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Eric Berns, Graydon Boeck, Rachel Lund, Rex Newman, Sean Rahn, and Tim Roche were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — OCTOBER 27, 2005 There was a motion by Commissioner Roche, seconded by Commissioner Lund, to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2005 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Willson explained the Planning Commission's role as an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. DISCUSSION ITEM — PARKING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES IN THE FRONT YARD, OF R -1 ZONES Mr. Warren pointed out the draft ordinance put together by staff at the direction of the Planning Commission following the October 27, 2005 meeting. He stated that the Commission had determined that there wasn't a need to amend the city ordinances with a number of matters previously discussed that perhaps stepped up enforcement would take care of the problem. The ordinance is a simple change in terms of wording but has an impact on the parking and storage of vehicles as far as the number of vehicles and where they can be parked. The draft ordinance establishes the Commission's recommendation that the number of vehicles parked in front yards and yards abutting a public street in residential areas be limited to six. Chair Willson commented that the Commission felt that better enforcement would address many of the issues discussed and that the ordinance amendment before the Commission was the only item suggested for further review. The Commission discussed definitions in the city ordinances related to the proposed ordinance amendment being considered and asked for further comments from Mr. Will Dahn who had an interest in the discussion and was present at the meeting. 11 -17 -05 Page 1 Mr. Dahn stated that the proposal he had submitted was far more encompassing and in line with keeping the city looking attractive but he appreciates what has been done with the ordinance amendment. He added that stating the exact number of cars limited in a residential area makes it absolutely enforceable and he appreciates the work the Planning Commission has done in reviewing this matter. Commissioner Boeck thanked Mr. Dahn for his efforts in presenting this issue to the Planning Commission in order to better the community. Commissioner Lund also thanked Mr. Dahn for taking the initiative to pursue this matter. Commissioner Roche recommended adoption of the draft ordinance amending Chapter 19 of the City Ordinance regarding the parking and storage of vehicles, trailers and watercraft in front yards or yards abutting a public street. The recommendation was seconded by Commissioner Berns. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Berns, Boeck, Lund, Newman, Rahn, and Roche. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Warren stated that the ordinance amendment would be reviewed by the City Council at a work session and he would keep the Planning Commission informed as to when that would be. APPLICATION NO. 2005 -017 — INDUSTRIAL FUND I, LLC Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2005 -017, a request for preliminary plat approval to divide the property located at the northeast corner of Freeway Boulevard and James Avenue North (1600 -1700 Freeway Boulevard) into two lots. The proposed Lot 1 would be 120,970 sq. ft. (2.7771 acres) and contain the building addressed as 1700 Freeway Boulevard. The proposed Lot 2 would be 136,961 sq. ft. (3.1442 acres) and contain the building addressed 1600 Freeway Boulevard. Mr. Warren presented the staff report describing the location of the property and the proposal. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 11 -17 -05 and the Director of Public Works' memo dated 11 -15 -05 for Application No. 2005 -017, attached.) Mr. Warren explained that separate sewer and water lines will be required to the two buildings. Access to the properties is unchanged, separate accesses off Freeway Boulevard for each of the proposed lots and also one off James Avenue North to the proposed Lot 1. Cross access through the lots will exist and should be memorialized through an appropriate agreement. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2005 -017 There was a motion by Commissioner Lund, seconded by Commissioner Roche, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2005 -017, at 8:13 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments from the public. I1 -17 -05 Page 2 Mr. Jeffrey Johnson, 200 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, attorney representing the applicant, introduced himself and stated that the staff report is very thorough and he would welcome any questions by the Commissioners. Commissioner Berns inquired as to why this property was being replatted. Mr. Johnson responded that this property is being separated because there are two owners who desire separate ownership. Commissioner Newman asked who would be responsible for the common/shared areas once it is replatted. Mr. Johnson explained that there would be an easement dedication which would benefit each of the individual owners regarding maintenance and parking but basically maintenance of the property would be the responsibility of each of the owners. He added that the owner of 1700 Freeway Boulevard would be responsible for the easement area as far as snow removal and lawn maintenance and the owner of 1600 Freeway Boulevard would be responsible for their grounds as well as all of the areas not covered by the easement agreement. Commissioner Lund asked about the nature of the business within the building. Mr. Johnson stated that it is an industrial building and primarily houses warehouse use with some office space. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2005 -017. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Roche, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2005 -017, at 8:22 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 2005 -017 There was a motion by Commissioner Lund, seconded by Commissioner Berns, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Application No. 2005 -017, submitted by Industrial Fund I, LLC for preliminary plat approval to divide the property located at the northeast corner of Freeway Boulevard and James Avenue North (1600 -1700 Freeway Boulevard) into two lots subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final lat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances. p J p p Y 11 -17 -05 Page 3 3. Ten foot wide drainage and utility easements shall be indicated around the perimeter of the properties as recommended by the City Engineer. 4. Appropriate cross access agreements, in a manner approved by the City Attorney, shall be executed and filed with the final plat. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Berns, Boeck, Lund, Newman, Rahn, and Roche. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its November 28, 2005 meeting. The applicant must be present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Planning Commission will require that the application be returned to the Commission for reconsideration. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Warren inquired of the Commission members whose terms are expiring on December 31, 2005 if they plan to continue serving on the Planning Commission. Commissioners Roche and Lund expressed interest in continuing to serve on the Commission. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Roche, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass � 11 -17 -05 Page 4