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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 02-16 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 FEBRUARY 16, 1994 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Tim Willson, Commissioners Donald Booth, Debra Hilstrom, Mark Holmes, and Ella Sander. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Kathy Stratton. Commissioners Robert Mickelson and Dianne Reem had called to indicate they could not attend this evening's meeting and were, therefore, excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 12 1994 There was a motion by Commis ioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the minutes of the January 12, 1994, Planning Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. Commissioner Sanders abstained as she was not at that meeting. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE The Secretary administered the oath office to newly reappointed Commission member Ella Sander. The Planning Commission welcomed here as a re-appointed member. CHAIRPERSON'S EXPLA 'A ION Chairperson Willson explained a Planning Commission is an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to h Id 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. 94001 NI KELS AND DIMES INC. Chairperson Willson introduced the first item of business, a request from Nickels and Dimes, Inc. for special use permit approval to operate an Amusement Center at Brookdale Center. The Secretary reviewed the con ents of the staff report, used overhead transparencies to show the location, (see Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 94001, attached) and offered to answer any questions. I I 2-16-94 1 Commissioner Holmes asked about the location of the proposed "Tilt" operation and was told by the Secretary it is located where Musicland had formerly been. He also asked where the old Picadilly Circus was before, and learned it was where Applebee's is now. Commissioner Sander commented Picadilly Circus was like a dark cave or dungeon, and hoped this operation would be brighter. The Secretary responded Nickels and Dimes, Inc. wants it brighter, and made reference to several pictures they had sent of other similar amusement facilities currently under their management. The Secretary introduced Mr. Herb Davis, 4043 Brookside, St. Louis Park, an attorney representing Nickels and Dimes. Mr. Davis said he had represented Nickels and Dimes, Inc. when they installed an amusement center at Knollwood Mall. He said although that has been a successful facility, it is not as bright and cheery as some of the photos of more current designs for amusement centers. He said Ms. Linda Smith, Manager of Brookdale Shopping Center had made a request that this amusement center be a bright and cheerful atmosphere. - Mr. Davis said he had received the materials from the Secretary including licensing restrictions and faxed them down to headquarters of Nickels and Dimes, Inc. in Texas. He added all proposed restrictions were approved. Commissioner Hilstrom asked if food would be served and Mr. Davis replied it would not. Chairperson Willson asked Mr. Davis if he knows what type of training is involved for employees. Mr. Davis responded he did not know specifics,but because Nickels and Dimes, Inc. has expertise and experience in running this type of facility all over the country, he assumes they know how to train and handle any employee problems and make the business work. Mr. Davis added he had been quite interested in the success of the "Gold Mine" operation in St. Louis Park because he was on the Planning Commission for that City at that time, and he could say he is sure Nickels and Dimes, Inc. is interested in quality performance in order to run a successful business. Commissioner Sander asked if the manager would be a local resident and Mr. Davis answered that would be the intention of Nickels and Dimes, Inc. He added, because of the licensing issue being held over their head, in order to stay in business compliance would be a necessity. Commissioner Sander asked the Secretary what would be grounds for license revocation. The Secretary responded the requirements in the licensing ordinance must all be complied with. He added that continued violation of these regulations would lead to the Council considering revocation. 2-16-94 2 Commissioner Holmes asked what type of games would be installed, and Mr. Davis said there has not yet been a specific plan because the design of the facility is not yet finaled. Commissioner Hilstrom asked what age group this was designed for, and Mr. Davis responded he was not sure but directed the Commission's attention to the pictures he had brought. The Secretary said that it was his understanding that there would be a variety of electronic equipment all designed for entertainment, as well as the possibility of some kiddy rides and a ball crawl. Mr. Davis congratulated the City of Brooklyn Center on the courtesy and helpfulness of the staff in providing information and assistance in applying for this approval and the licensing. PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO. 94001) Chairperson Willson opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on request for special use permit approval to operate an Amusement Center at Brookdale Center at 8:07 p.m. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Commission. Ms. Donna Ziska, 5455 Brooklyn Boulevard, said she has lived in Brooklyn Center for 33 years and has seen a lot of changes. She expressed her support for the proposal as she said Brookdale has gotten a little shallow as far as the variety it offers. She said a batting cage or basketball toss would be a nice addition. - She also commented there will probably be some turbulence as there almost always is where young people congregate, but with good supervision and security inside the mall it should not be a problem. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Sander to close the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Holmes asked how the police reports have been at Brookdale. The Secretary explained a conversation he had with Captain Downer who felt this type of operation at Brookdale is appropriate. He explained Captain Downer said he would have a problem with this type of operation if it were in a residential area. The Secretary said he is not suggesting there won't be some incidents. The Secretary also said the Police Department does not anticipate any major problems, but if they continually occur, the City has the right to revoke the licenses. The Secretary explained the City Ordinances were changed in a major way in the past regarding amusement facilities to protect itself by putting them in larger retail areas away from residential neighborhoods and handle any problems through licensure. 2-16-94 3 Commissioner Holmes asked if the business around the site have been notified, and the Secretary explained the four majors at the mall and Brookdale Center itself as property owners were all notified. Commissioner Holmes asked if the City has any input on what type of games would be there. The Secretary said the only input from the City is from the standpoint of licensing, prohibiting gambling devices and certain pay offs, added there seemed to be no basis for the City to deny this application because it appears to meet the standards fro special use permits. Commissioner Holmes said he is concerned because of the fragility of Brookdale and he had heard it is losing renters. The Secretary explained in his conversation with the Manager of Brookdale there was discussion of the rumor going around the Brookdale was going to close down, which is not the case at all. The Secretary said Brookdale management is looking at some upgrading to keep it a viable regional shopping center, and he regretted the fact that negative rumors go around and the effects of them are hard to reverse. Commissioner Hilstrom said Brooklyn Center needs places for families to go with their children. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 94001 (NICKELS AND DIMES, INC.) There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Sander to recommend approval of Application No. 94091 submitted by Nickels and Dimes, Inc. for special use permit approval to operate an Amusement Center at Brookdale Center subject to the following conditions: 1. The special use permit is issued to the applicant to operate an amusement center at Brookdale Center. No other use is acknowledged or implied by this approval. Any expansion of this use shall require an amendment to this special use permit. 2. The granting of this special use permit is subject to the applicant complying with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations relating to the operation. Any violation thereof may be grounds for revocation. 3. The applicant shall apply for and receive the appropriate amusement device licenses prior to occupancy of the site. Voting in favor: Chairperson Tim Willson, Commissioners Booth, Hilstrom, Holmes, and Sander. The motion passed unanimously. 2-16-94 4 OTHER BUSINESS There was brief discussion regarding the progress of several projects around the City. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Sander to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:37 p.m. 9��✓2T �'fr°�.E�L ' Chairperson Recorded and transcribed by: Kathy Stratton TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 2-16-94 5 1 1