HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 03-28 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
WEST FIRE STATION
STUDY SESSION
MARCH 28, 2002
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners, Stephen Erdmann, Rex Newman, and Dianne Reem were
present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning
Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass.
Graydon Boeck, Sean Rahn and John Whitehead were absent and excused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — FEBRUARY 14, 2002
There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann,
to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2002 meeting as submitted. The motion passed.
Commissioner Reem abstained as she was absent from the meeting.
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.
APPLICATION NO. 2002 -004 — JOE KIESLING L & D MAINTENANCE CO. ON BEHALF
OF HARK' S CONOCO
Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2002 -004, a request from Joe Kiesling of L & D
Maintenance Co. on behalf of Hark's Conoco for a special use permit and site and building plan
approval to construct a car wash and storage /equipment room addition to the existing gas
station/convenience store at 1505 69th Avenue North
Mr. Warren presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of
the property. (Refer to Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 3 -28 -02 for Application
No. 2002 -004 attached.) He advised the property in question is zoned C -2 (Commerce). Gas
stations /convenience stores and car washes are special uses in the C -2 zoning district. The
applicant is proposing to add a 16 ft. by 50 ft. (800 sq. ft.) car wash to the back of the building,
which will be attached to the existing building by a new 320 sq. ft. mechanical/equipment room.
Mr. Warren discussed the applicant's response to the special use permit standards. It is generally
felt that the standards for special use permits can be met. Mr. Warren added that the applicant
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must also provide dumpster screening on the site, repair the screen fence and comply with the
sign ordinance.
Chair Willson asked about access to drive lanes and how site circulation would be achieved with
the addition of the car wash as it relates to the filling of the underground tanks. Mr. Pete Martin
of L & D Maintenance explained that the fill dispensers are flush with the ground and when
trucks are filling the underground fuel tanks, cars would not be driving in that area. He added
that the tanks are generally filled in the early morning or late evening when the car wash will
probably not be open.
Commissioner Reem asked about striping the parking spaces so they would be clearly marked
for customers near the exit from the car wash. Mr. Warren responded that there will be curb and
gutter installed as a parking protector that will mark and offset any additional stalls at the exit
from the car wash.
PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2002-004
There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, to open
the public hearing on Application No. 2002 -004 at 8:05 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Willson called for comments from the public.
Mr. Pete Martin of L & D Maintenance asked for questions from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Reem asked about the location of the propane tank and if it will be moved. The
applicant responded that it is not included in the scope of his work. Mr. Warren confirmed that
the propane tank will remain where it is.
Chair Willson asked the applicant if he was aware of the compliance issues with signs, parking
and the dumpster screening and location as well as landscaping and underground irrigation. The
applicant indicated that he will discuss these issues further with the owner and the City can
expect compliance. He added that he looked at the site for review but it was snow covered. He
will review it again with the owner and anticipates adding additional low lying shrubs in the
green strip area as recommended.
Commissioner Erdmann inquired about further information on the location of the tanker trucks
when filling the underground tanks. Mr. Martinson explained the process for filling the tanks
and how it will affect drive lanes, parking etc. Mr. Warren added that the addition of a car wash
does not necessitate the altering of the location of the existing underground tanks.
Mr. Vince Castelluzzo, 5133 Colfax Avenue North, Minneapolis, addressed the Commission
regarding the height of shrubbery along the street. Mr. Warren explained the City's requirements
for clear view visibility at intersections and along the green strip area so as not to impede the
vision of pedestrians or traffic. Mr. Castelluzzo asked about the hours of operation for the car
wash. Mr. Warren responded that the city does not regulate car wash hours.
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Keisha Dehn (student at Brooklyn Center High School), 5816 Dupont Avenue North, asked for
further clarification on shrubbery and screening of dumpsters. Chair Willson explained the
requirements for placement of low lying shrubbery and dumpster screening to the students.
Tom Henry, 1612 69th Avenue North, described how customers park on the site blocking the
front of the building and the "no parking" signs. He doesn't feel the parking is enforced and has
seen customers remove the "no parking" signs and park in front of the building. He asked how
the stacking of cars for the car wash will affect the parking on the site. Chair Willson pointed
out how cars will stack up while waiting to use the car wash. Mr. Henry asked that the owners
be held accountable to strictly enforce the no parking area in front of the building to create a
safer layout around the site. Chair Willson said that the owners will be reminded to have curbs
painted yellow and "no parking" signs posted in no parking areas on the site.
Vince Castelluzzo, 5133 Colfax Avenue North, asked about activities and parking around the
propane tanks when they are being filled. Chair Willson responded that safety rules regarding
shutting off cars parked near the propane tanks should be followed. Also, parking is limited in
the area surrounding the propane tanks.
No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on
Application No. 2002 -004.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
There was a motion by Commissioner Reem seconded by Commissioner Newman, to close the
public hearing on Application No. 2002 -004, at 8:35 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. 2002 -004 — JOE
KIESLING, L & D MAINTENANCE CO. ON BEHALF OF HARK'S CONOCO
There was a motion by Commissioner Erdmann, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to
recommend to the City Council that it approve Application No. 2002 -004, submitted by Joe
Kiesling, L & D Maintenance Co. on behalf of Hark's Conoco for a special use permit and site
and building plan approval to construct a car wash and storage /equipment room addition to the
existing gas station/convenience store at 1505 69th Avenue North subject to the following
conditions:
1. The building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with
respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits.
2. Any grading, drainage or utility plans are subject to final review and approval by the
City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits.
3. All outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop and on ground mechanical equipment
shall be appropriately screened from view.
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4. A performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee in an amount to be
determined based on cost estimates shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits
to assure the completion of all required site improvements.
5. The plans shall be modified prior to the issuance of building permits to include:
a. The addition of shrubs in the Humboldt and 69th Avenue green strip in
accordance with the landscape point system.
b. The location and materials for a dumpster enclosure.
c. A parking protector /delineator between the car wash exit drive and the parking
area on the west side of the site.
6. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery, which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City
Ordinances. This site and the property at 6501 Humboldt Avenue North operated by
the same applicant shall be in compliance with the City's Sign Ordinance prior to the
issuance of building permits for this project.
7. The area between the front of the building and the canopy area shall not be used for
parking purposes and shall be posted as "no parking, fire lane ".
8. The amended special use permit is granted for the car wash expansion as contained in
the plans submitted. Any other expansion of alteration of this use shall require
additional amendments to the special use permit granted.
9. The special use permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
Any violations thereof shall be grounds for revocation.
Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners, Erdmann, Newman, Reem and. The
motion passed unanimously.
The City Council will consider the application at its April 8, 2002 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
Commissioner Reem inquired about the status of the Jerry's New Market site. Mr. Warren
informed the Commission that the City of Brooklyn Center EDA is acquiring the property for
future, development. He also gave an update on the 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard corner. There
is a new developer who is preparing a development agreement (similar to the previous one
proposed), which will include a fast food restaurant and a strip mall. The plan may have to be
reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Reem also asked to have code enforcement check into the lack of screening and
proper placement of commercial dumpsters around the city. Mr. Warren replied that he will ask
the police department to check out the dumpsters.
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An unidentified citizen inquired about the proposed car wash addition at 69th and Humboldt
Avenue North. Chairperson Willson explained that the public hearing had been held and the
Commission recommended approval of the application subject to some modifications.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Erdmann, to
adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Chair
Recorded and transcribed by:
Rebecca Crass
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