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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 01-14 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 MEETING JANUARY 14, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in a regular meeting called to order by Chair Willson at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Graydon Boeck, 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 Arlene Bergfalk. Commissioner Brian Walker notified he would be late, however he did not attend; Commissioner- appointee Edward Nelson was excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 13. 1997 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to approve the minutes of the November 13, 1997 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURN 1997 PLANNING COMMISSION There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Reem, to adjourn the 1997 Planning Commission at 7:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. OATHS OF OFFICE Mr. Warren administered oaths of office to Stephen Erdmann and Rex Newman, each reappointed to the Planning Commission for a two -year term expiring on December 31, 1999. Mr. Warren informed that the Mayor appointed Edward Nelson, 5236 Great View Avenue North, to a two -year term on the Planning Commission to replace Mark Holmes who resigned from the Commission. Mr. Nelson, however, was unable to attend this meeting. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Commissioner Willson called to order the 1998 Planning Commission at 7:37 p.m. with Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, Reem, and Willson present. ELECTION OF 1998 CHAIR AND 1998 CHAIR PRO TEM There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Reem, to nominate Commissioner Willson to the position of 1998 Chair of the Planning Commission. No further nominations were made. There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner 1 -14 -98 1 Erdmann, to close nominations for 1998 Chair. The motion passed unanimously. The motion nominating Commissioner Willson to the position of Chair of the 1998 Planning Commission passed unanimously. Willson stated he accepts the position. There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to nominate Commissioner Reem to the position of 1998 Chair Pro Tem of the Planning Commission. No further nominations were made. There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to close nominations for 1998 Chair Pro Tem. The motion passed unanimously. The motion nominating Commissioner Reem to the position of 1998 Chair Pro Tem passed unanimously. Reem stated she accepts the position. 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 98001 (CASCO CORPORATION - PEP BOYS SERVICE CENTER) Chair Willson introduced Application No. 98001, a request, submitted by Casco Corporation/Pep Boys Service Center, for a special use permit to operate an automotive service facility at the Brookdale Square Shopping Center, 5900 Shingle Creek Parkway. The application was filed on 12- 30-97 and City Council action should be taken by 02 -28 -98 (60 days). Mr. Warren presented the staff report and used overhead transparencies to show the location of the property and to describe the proposed site plan, floor plan, and building elevations submitted by the applicant. (See attached Planning Commission Application Information Sheet dated 1 -14 -97 ( 1-14- 98) for Application No. 98001.) The property is zoned C -2 (Commerce) which permits the retail sale of automotive parts and accessories. Automotive repair and service is a special use in this district providing it does not abut any residential properties. Mr. Warren explained that during preliminary consideration of this application by the staff an error was discovered in the City's zoning map regarding property adjacent to the Shopping Center which is mis- marked as R -1 (Residential) zoning. The property in question, as well as other city -owned property in the area, is actually zoned 0-1 (Public Open Space) and has been confirmed by the Engineering Department. Therefore, notwithstanding the zoning map, this application follows the customary special use permit process. The zoning map will be corrected with the forthcoming Comprehensive Plan update. The auto service facility will be located at the west end of the Brookdale Square Center in the space currently occupied by Blockbuster Video. Retail sales of auto parts and accessories will occupy 14,600 sq. ft. Twelve bays will occupy 8,400 sq. ft. for auto service and repair, including tire, battery, and accessories installation; tuneups; brake work, shock and strut service; lubrication and oil service; exhaust and air conditioner service. Body work, painting or collision repair work will not be performed at this site. 1 -14 -98 2 Minimal re- modeling of the building is required to accommodate the business. An overhead door will be installed on the northerly portion of the angled west wall which has an existing overhang. The loading area at the rear of the building will be improved and will be covered by a canopy and screened by an 8' wall. A tire storage enclosure will be constructed in the same area. The exterior of added construction will match existing masonry material. A letter dated 12 -24 -97 from Linda H. Fisher, attorney, representing Pep Boys Service Center, details how the proposal complies with the City's special use standards for issuance of a special use permit. A special use permit may be granted after a finding that all standards for such permits have been met. Mr. Warren stated the application contains no conflicts with the five standards outlined in Section 35 -220 of the ordinance. Therefore, based on its review of the application, the staff recommends approval of the special use permit for the operation of an automotive service /repair facility for Pep Boys Service Center, 5900 Shingle Creek Parkway, subject to 8 conditions outlined in the staff report. Surrounding property owners have been notified of the public hearing on this application. Chair Willson called for questions on the application from the Commissioners. Commissioner Boeck requested clarification regarding the description of the location of the facility within the Brookdale Square building. Mr. Warren explained that Pep Boys will occupy the entire space currently used by Blockbuster Video and it may expand its retail sales area into adjacent vacant sites without any additional approval from the City since retail sales is a permitted use. However, any alterations to the repair area, which falls under the special use permit, would require a new application. Commissioner Erdmann inquired about the handling/disposition of automobile fluids, etc. from the service bays. Mr. Warren indicated that the Building and Fire codes regulate hazardous waste disposal and would not affect waste water drainage. In response to Commissioner Newman's inquiry regarding use of outdoor display racks, Mr. Warren stated those could be allowed under administrative land use permits only. Commissioner Reem questioned several issues including whether one service door created safety concerns. It was indicated that because Pep Boys employees would likely move vehicles with the service area, there should not be any problem. With respect to landscaping, Mr. Warren indicated the Shopping Center's "points" had previously been re- evaluated and determined to be adequate; however, some additional trees and sodding will be added as part of this project. The size of the tire storage facility is estimated to 20' x 10' and it is expected that space for the dumpster, shown on the plans unconcealed, will be included in that facility. Construction and use of that storage facility is subject to review and approval of the Building Official. PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO 98001 - PEP BOYS SERVICE CENTER) 1 -14 -98 3 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to open the public hearing on Application No. 98001 at 8:16 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Linda Fisher, attorney, Larkin, Hoffman, Daly & Lindgren, Ltd., Bloomington, MN, representing the applicant, referred to her letter dated 12 -24 -97 with respect to the project's compliance with the zoning ordinance standards for issuance of a special use permit. She stated the 8 approval conditions outlined in the staff report are acceptable to the applicant. Ms. Fisher introduced other individuals involved in the project. Mr. Michael Lynch, architectural manager, Casco Corporation, Melrose Park, IL, provided additional information regarding the project including the placement and characteristics of the overhead entrance door to the service bays. He stated that the company is complying with State of Minnesota regulations for the disposal of hazardous wastes and that the company recycles much of its waste including rubber goods and fluids. It was noted that the company logo and signage is acceptable under the City's sign ordinance. Responding to Commissioners' questions, Mr. Lynch explained that Pep Boys home office is located in Philadelphia PA, it is a publicly held corporation, is new to the market in MN, and has established markets throughout the eastern, southern, and western parts of the country. According to Mr. Lynch, the insulated aluminum overhead door will operate with an electronic eye and technicians will move vehicles within the facility. The current sprinkling system, with minor modifications, will remain. The loading structure will be steel framed and the 9'x 18' tire storage facility will be roofed and gated and will also enclose the trash dumpster. In response to Commissioner Boeck's inquiry, Mr. Lynch stated that although Pep Boys has not provided hazardous waste (oil, etc.) collection/disposal services to the public, it may be willing to research the feasibility of such service at this location. Commissioner Erdmann suggested that the overhead door be painted an earthtone color to blend in with the masonry exterior of the building. Project construction is expected to begin in March with amid -June 1998 opening for business. Hours of operation at Pep Boys Service Center will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Mr. Tim Prinzen, Bradley Real Estate, Roseville MN, owner of the Brookdale Square Center, stated that the Blockbuster Video lease is terminated to facilitate the Pep Boys Service Center operation. No other individuals from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 98001. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO. 98001) There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Reem, to close the public hearing at 8:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 1 -14 -98 4 Chair Willson called for further questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners did not interpose objections to the building plans or to the special use permit requested under Application No. 98001, submitted by Pep Boys Service Center, subject to certain conditions. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 98001 - CASCO CORPORATION /PEP BOYS SERVICE CENTER There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to recommend to the Council that it approve Application No. 98001, a request, submitted by Pep Boys Service Center, for a special use permit to operate an automotive service /repair facility in conjunction with the retail sale of automotive parts, accessories and car care products at the Brookdale Square Shopping Center, 5900 Shingle Creek Parkway, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Special Use Permit is granted to the applicant for an automotive service /repair facility including tire, battery and vehicle accessory installation; tune -ups, shocks and strut service; lubrication and oil work; inspections; repair and replacement of engine support systems; wheel balancing; alignment and suspension; brake work; exhaust system service and air conditioning service work. No other automotive service /repair work such as body work, painting or collision repair work shall be performed. Any change in the use of the operation not comprehended by this application or permitted under the zoning ordinance will require approval of an amendment to this special use permit. 2. Building plans for tenant remodeling and overhead door shall be reviewed and approved by the Building Official prior to the issuance of permits. 3. Grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits. 4. There shall be no service /repair or maintenance of vehicles out of doors. All service and maintenance to vehicles shall be done inside the building with the overhead door closed. 5. Any outside trash disposal facility and rooftop or on- ground mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 6. There shall be no outside display or storage of merchandise on this site other than that which is authorized under administrative land use permits. 7. The special use permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Any violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation. 8. 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 1 -14 -98 5 building permits to ensure the completion of all site improvements proposed for this development. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, and Reem. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its Monday, January 26, 1998 meeting. The applicant must be present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Commissioners will require that the application be returned to the Commission for re- consideration. OTHER BUSINESS 1998 PLANNING COMMISSION SCHEDULE Mr. Warren directed the Commissioners' attention to the proposed schedule of 1998 Commission meetings. It was suggested that the meeting scheduled in June that coincides with the Earle Brown Days parade be re- scheduled to another day that week. The Commissioners accepted the proposed meeting schedule as circulated with the suggested change during the month of June. Chair Willson informed that he will be absent from the January 28 and February 25 meetings. Commissioner Reem informed that she will be absent from the February 11 meeting. NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY GROUP ASSIGNMENTS The Commissioners considered the liaison assignments of Commissioners to the six neighborhood advisory groups. It was suggested that Commissioner- designate Nelson be assigned to the Northwest neighborhood, Commissioner Walker to the Southeast neighborhood and the remaining assignments be continued as indicated on the proposed document circulated to the commissioners. Commissioner Newman questioned the concept of the neighborhood groups and speculated whether there may be other methods to accomplish the desired results. Mr. Warren reviewed the background to establishment of the groups, their purpose, and provided examples of when and how the groups have been used by the Commission, and reviewed the role of the commissioners as liaison to their designated neighborhood group. It was acknowledged that there has been infrequent service by the groups, however, when used in the past, the input from citizens has been valuable. Commissioners Reem and Newman suggested that members of the advisory groups be invited to join the Commissioners at a meeting to observe the workings of the Commission. Mr. Warren stated the plans for the new police facility to be constructed under the bond issue passed by the community last fall will likely come before the Planning Commission in March 1998. He answered questions regarding plans for the East fire station and the status of the city operated liquor store at 63rd Avenue. ADJOURNMENT 1 -14 -98 6 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Arlene Bergfalk Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. i I I 1 -14 -98 7