Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 01-13 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 STUDY SESSION JANUARY 13, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:06 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Carlos Morgan, Rachel Morey, Michael Parks, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioner Stan Leino was absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —NOVEMBER 10, 2010 There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Morgan , to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2010 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to adjourn the 2010 Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Eitel administered Oath of Office to Kara Kuykendall, Rachel Morey, Sean Rahn and Stephen Schonning. CALL TO ORDER — 2011 PLANNING COMMISSION The 2011 Planning Commission was called to order by Acting Chair Rahn at 7:11 p.m. ROLL CALL 2011 PLANNING COMMISSION Acting Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Carlos Morgan, Rachel Morey, Michael Parks, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioner Stan Leino was absent and excused. ELECTION OF 2011 CHAIR AND CHAIR PRO TEM Acting Chair Rahn opened the floor for nominations for Chair of the 2011 Planning Commission. There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks to nominate Commissioner Rahn as Chair of the 2011 Planning Commission. Acting Chair Rahn called for further nominations three times. There being none, there was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to close nominations and elect Commissioner Rahn Chair of the 2011 Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Page 1 1 -13 -11 Chair Rahn opened the floor for nominations for Chair Pro Tem of the 2011 Planning Commission. There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, to elect Commissioner Parks and a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall to nominate herself as Chair Pro Tem of the 2011 Planning Commission. Both nominations were seconded by Chair Rahn. Chair Rahn called for further nominations three times. There were none. With two nominations on the floor, Mr. Eitel suggested that prior to taking a vote, each candidate explain why they wished to serve as Chair Pro Tem. Commissioner Parks stated that he has been Pro Tem previously and has acted in the absence of the Chair. Commissioner Kuykendall stated that she is interested in serving as Pro Tem and has served three years on the Commission with a perfect attendance. She added that she ran a Planning Commission meeting last year with the absence of all but one other Commission member in attendance. Chair Rahn suggested that they take a vote. Commissioner Morey suggested that they wait until the next meeting when Commissioner Leino would be present. There was a motion by Chair Rahn to table election of Chair Pro Tem until a full Commission is in attendance. The motion passed unanimously. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Rahn 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 ITEMS Update on the redevelopment of the Brookdale Mall Properties (Shingle Creek Crossings): Mr. Eitel reviewed that the developer had presented their plans to develop the Brookdale Mall site; however, the formal application was withdrawn to allow the simultaneous consideration for financial assistance to enable the project to proceed. During this time, it was also discovered that there is an easement that runs through the property which cause the developer to review their plans and shift the proposed Wal -Mart building to a different location on the site. Mr. Eitel continued that the Commission can expect to see a revised plan at the January 27, 2011 meeting which includes demolition of 750,000 sq. ft. of the existing mall. The remaining 130,000 sq. ft. of the existing mall will remain with Sears and other tenants. He added that formal review and recommendation of the Planning Commission will take place at the February 17, 2011 public hearing meeting following a formal application by the applicant. There was discussion by the Commission regarding expectations with the layout of the proposed development that would allow safe and efficient traffic and pedestrian flow. Page 2 1 -13 -11 i Update on Planning Activities: Twin Lakes Regional Trail Master Plan Mr. Eitel stated that the City Council has approved a master plan for the Twin Lakes Regional Trail. Mr. Eitel explained how the improvements would impact and affect the City. He added that the ro osed trail will follow the 57 Avenue corridor if approved b other government p P pp Y g entities. Mr. Eitel further explained the existing trail and future extension to the Mississippi River Regional Trail. Brooklyn Boulevard — Demolition Projects Mr. Eitel stated that he is excited to see the changes taking place along Brooklyn Boulevard with the recent acquisition and demolition of several building along the boulevard which creates open space and opportunity for new things to happen. I OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Kuykendall stated that Mango Tango closed. She asked if the city has considered purchasing the property for some other type of development that might be successful. Mr. Eitel responded that they have talked with the owner to determine if he has any desire to sell the which he does not. However, he plans to reopen with a different t prop � p p YP e of restaurant. Commissioner Kuykendall asked about follow up to the Council's goals established by the Planning Commission to incorporate in their activities. Mr. Eitel stated that the goals are the same and the Planning Commission's activities work towards achieving those goals. Commissioner Parks asked about training or the Commission members. Mr. Eitel responded g p that there are limited resources available for planning activities, training and resources but it could be arranged. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall , seconded by Commissioner Morgan, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 3 1 -13 -11