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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 12-08 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 DECEMBER 8, 1994 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Willson at 7:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Tim Willson, Commissioners Donald Booth, Debra Hilstrom, Mark Holmes, Robert Mickelson, and Dianne Reem. Commissioner Ella Sander was excused from tonight's meeting. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Lorri Kopischke. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 17. 1994 There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the minutes of the November 17, 1994,Planning Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed. Commissioner Hilstrom abstained as she was not at that meeting. CHAIRPERSON'S EXPLANATION Chairperson Willson explained the Planning Commission is 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. 94015 (STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY Chairperson Willson introduced the first item of business, a request from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company for site and building plan approval to construct a 1,456 square foot addition to the inspection area and remodeling of general office area located at 5930 Shingle Creek Parkway. The Secretary presented the staff report, used overhead transparencies to show the location and detail (see Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 94015, attached). Chairperson Willson inquired as to the duration that the trailer and tent would be in place. The Secretary indicated that the tent and trailer would be on the site for approximately two months. 12-8-94 1 Commissioner Holmes inquired if there were any special regulations that applied to this addition and where the trash container for the facility would be located. The Secretary stated this facility was not the type of occupancy that would involve repair. He indicated that the trash container would be located along the east side of the property. PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO. 94015) Chairperson Willson asked for a motion to open the public hearing on the request from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company at 7:57 p.m. There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to open the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Willson asked if there was anyone present who wished to address the Commission. The representatives for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Mr. Robert Gontarek, Ms. Cheryl Spain and Mr. Mike Keller stepped forward. Mr. Gontarek indicated that the tent and trailer would only be on the site for a maximum of two months each, with a slight chance of overlap. He stated that the trailer was nice looking and of good quality. The trailer was large enough to contain private office space and male and female restrooms. He stated that in phase two of the project approximately 13 of the 52 employees affected by the remodeling will be housed in the trailer. The others will be temporarily relocated to different office locations. Commissioner Mickelson asked if the trailer would be handicap accessible. Mr. Gontarek indicated that it would. Commissioner Hilstrom asked when the tent would be up and asked if the lighting could present a fire hazard. Ms. Spain stated that they plan to begin construction in the spring of 1995. She stated that there would be adequate lighting and that there was a possibility that the operating hours may have to be shortened during construction because they will not be able to get as many cars in for inspection. Mr. Gontarek explained that the State Farm building is over 25 years old and in need of refurbishing. He stated that the current garage space will be used for three large customer service rooms and a new furnace room. They are also planning to update the restrooms. Commissioner Reem asked why the additional required landscaping was not on the submitted plans. Mr. Gontarek explained that the designer at the Illinois Corporate Office had misunderstood the point system and thought that only 100 points were necessary. He stated that the required amount of landscaping points will be included on the set of plans when submitted to the City Council. 12-8-94 2 Commissioner Mickelson inquired as to how the tent would look. Mr. Gontarek stated that they would be using a pre-sized, steel structured, sloped canvas tent. He explained that the Edina State Farm Insurance had used the same tent two months ago and the estimators had found it easier to work in the parking lot, so the tent had been taken down early. Commissioner Hilstrom indicated that she was concerned with the lighting, heating and the ventilation for the car exhaust in the tent. Mr. Gontarek stated that the tent was three-sided with an open end. The Secretary indicated that the Building Official has reviewed that matter and is not concerned about safety with respect to the use of the tent. Chairperson Willson called for any more questions for the applicant or for anyone else to speak at the public hearing. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to close the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 94015 (STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY) There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to recommend approval of Application 94015 submitted by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company to construct a 1,456 square foot addition to the inspection area and remodeling of general office area located at 5930 Shingle Creek Parkway subject to the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to review and approval by the building official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 2. Grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to final review and approval by the Engineering Department, prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. The building addition is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City ordinances. 6. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery, which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City ordinances. 12-8-94 3 7. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site maintenance. 8. Site lighting shall comply with Section 35-712 of the City ordinances and shall not cause glare beyond the boundaries of the property. 9. The landscape plan shall be modified in the following manner prior to approval by the City Council: a. To show all proposed landscaping on the landscape plan. b. Provide an additional 13.5 landscape points consistent with the landscape point system. Voting in favor: Chairperson Wilson, Commissioners Booth, Hilstrom, Holmes, Reem, and Mickelson. The motion passed. The Secretary noted that the application will be referred to the City Council at the December 19, 1994, meeting. The applicant is required to be present at the City Council meeting. If any changes or modifications are made to the plans prior to City Council consideration,they may have to be brought back before the Planning Commission for review. APPLICATION NO. 94016 (BROOKDALE COVENANT CHURCH) Chairperson Willson introduced the next item of business, a request from Brookdale Covenant Church for special use permit and site and building plan approval to construct a 12,500 square foot recreation area addition to the existing church located at 5139 Brooklyn Boulevard. The Secretary presented the staff report, used overhead transparencies to show the location and detail (see Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 94016, attached). Commissioner Mickelson asked that the species of trees that were to be included in the landscaping plan and also the required replacement of 18" concrete pipe with a catch basin be included in condition 2. He asked if the City Attorney had given an opinion regarding the public way connection between North Lilac Drive and the Brooklyn Boulevard frontage road through the church property. He also asked if land irrigation on this property could be required. The Secretary noted that land irrigation on church properties could be recommended but not required. He stated that the City Attorney had not been involved thus far as there had not seemed a need for legal advise. Commissioner Holmes asked if the proposed Hwy. 100 expansion would have any effect on this project. The Secretary explained that the Hwy. 100 would only be extending north on Hwy. 100 to 51st Ave. so it would not effect this project. 12-8-94 4 PUBLIC HEARING 'APPLICATION NO. 940161 Chairperson Willson asked for a motion to open the public hearing on the request from Brookdale Covenant Church at 8:47 p.m. There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to open the Brookdale Covenant Church public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Willson asked if there was anyone present who wished to address the Commission. Mr. Wayne Westberg, Chairman of the Building Committee, Brookdale Covenant Church, stepped forward. He explained that the time line for the proposed addition, pending congregation approval of final proposal, is for construction to start in spring of 1995 and be completed in fall of 1995. He then introduced Steve Erban, the Architect working on this project. Mr. Erban presented exhibits of the finished proposed addition to the church. He pointed out the proposed signage on the large gym wall of the church. He explained that through negotiations, he and Mr. Westberg had been working with the city to retain the public access through the church property. He explained that at this time, he did not know who owned the culvert in question, so no decisions have been made on that yet. He stated that they are agreeable to the 15' setback green areas but do not think there is enough room for this on the side near the Brooklyn Boulevard Frontage Road. Commissioner Mickelson asked if it would be acceptable to them to install underground irrigation in the proposed green areas. Mr. Erban stated that this would not be necessary, as there were so many hard surfaces surrounding the green areas that the water naturally went to the green areas. The church would agree to physically maintain the green areas, if necessary. Commissioner Reem asked what would be done with the parsonage. Mr. Westberg stated that there has been discussion of moving the structure to another building site. Commissioner Mickelson asked who owned the 16" drainage outlet pipe that needed to be replaced. The Secretary explained that it was his understanding it was located on church property and that the pipe served to drain the church parking lot. He explained that for many years the City has maintained the connection between North Lilac Drive and Brooklyn Boulevard Frontage Road as a public way. If the City could reach an agreement with the Church to maintain this agreement, the church could then put 90 degree parking off of that strip. He explained that there is a low traffic volume there and the main reason to keep it open would be for public safety purposes. 12-8-94 5 The Secretary asked Mr. Erban to submit a more detailed drainage plan and also determine where curbs, and walkway areas would be. He advised Mr. Erban, that if the proposed sign did not meet the sign ordinance, he would have to apply for a variance. Chairperson Willson called for any more questions for the applicant or for anyone else to speak at the public hearing. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to close the public hearing at 9:06 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Willson stated that the application should be tabled until the next Planning Commission meeting so the members would be able to study the proposed plans and see which would work best. Commissioner Booth agreed stating that he would like to obtain the City Attorney's opinion regarding the access agreement. He also was concerned with the safety of the 90 degree parking. The Secretary explained that the first discussion with the Church regarding this project had been three-four months earlier. The Church wanted to bring their congregation a more complete plan. The Planning Commission has up to 60 days to review a special use permit or a site plan. Mr. Westberg explained that the congregation annual meeting is scheduled for January 4, 1995. This is when the budget is determined and direction is set for the year. Commissioner Booth explained that there were too many inconsistencies to recommend approval of the building site plan at this time. The Secretary suggested that the Church could set the budget without Planning Commission recommendation and approval, subject to Planning Commission approval. The items to be determined were not significant in terms of cost. Mr. Erban expressed concern and asked specifically why the request was being tabled. Chairperson Willson stated that page three,items one, two and three were in question. He stated that the addition of a sign variance request had been made. The B612 curb and gutter, the north culvert and the second site plan were all in question. The Commission would also like to obtain the opinion of the City Attorney regarding the access agreement. Commissioner Hilstrom stated that she was also concerned with the safety of backing out of the 90 degree parking slots into the public access area. Mr. Erban stated that this type of parking area is used all over the State of Minnesota and the Midwest. 12-8-94 6 ACTION TO TABLE PLANNING APPLICATION NO 94016 (BROOKDALE COVENANT CHURCH) UNTIL JANUARY 12 1995 There was a motion by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to table of Application No. 94016 submitted by Brookdale Covenant Church for special use permit and site and building plan approval to construct a 12,500 square foot recreation area addition to the existing church located at 5139 Brooklyn Boulevard to the Planning Commission Meeting of January 12, 1995. Voting in favor: Chairperson Willson, Commissioners Hilstrom, Holmes, Booth, Mickelson, and Reem. The motion passed. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN Chairperson Willson introduced the next item of business, Resolution of the Brooklyn Center Planning Commission finding the establishment of the Tax Increment Financing District No.03 (A Redevelopment District) and the Modification Housing Development and Redevelopment Project No. 1 and the adoption of the Tax Increment Financing Plan and Redevelopment Plan relating there to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City. The Secretary presented the staff report, used overhead transparencies to show the location and detail. The Secretary explained that the staff believes that the establishment of the Tax Increment Financing Districts and the adoption of the Tax Increment Financing Plan are consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. He explained that any projects associated with the Tax Increment Financing Plan will still have to come before the Planning Commission for plan review and approval. Chairperson Willson asked what type of development or redevelopment the financing would be used for. Jerry Splinter, City Manager, stated that the Willow Lane Apartments were originally designated to be redeveloped to Senior Housing. A market study was done and it was determined by the City Council that this would be too risky. He explained that a minimum of 15% of the Tax Increment Funds had to be used for redevelopment. The balance can be used for other projects. He stated that the City's intention of establishing the Tax Increment Financing District had been sent to all four Independent School Districts. Meetings have been held with the Brooklyn Center School District official and a satisfactory agreement has been reached. The other three school districts have not responded. Commissioner Holmes inquired as to the process of the Tax Increment Financing. The City Manager explained that when a Tax Increment Financing District is established, the area in the district taxes are frozen at the current rate for a period of time. The'-City then captures the increment for that period and has use of those funds for specific projects. The taxpayer 12-8-94 7 does not notice a difference in his tax amount. The new taxes flow as an increment into the EDA of the City for redevelopment. Commissioner Holmes asked how long the Tax Increment Funding continues. The City Manager stated that it can be 20 to 25 years. It can also be shortened. Commissioner Reem asked if the funding can be used for single family homes and if there are any criteria for the projects. City Manager explained that the intention is to put 15% into housing projects which can include single family homes. City Manager noted that the redevelopment at Brookdale, including drainage and pending improvements, will help Brookdale to be able to compete with other shopping centers such as Rosedale. Brookdale was built before the new ordinances were in place and it would be difficult for Brookdale to expand if they had to finance the drainage improvements themselves. Commissioner Mickelson inquired if the resolution is approved by the Planning Commission, does the City Council have the authority to disapprove certain sites. City Manager stated that they do have the authority. Commissioner Reem asked if it was foreseeable that any other areas in Brooklyn Center would be established as Tax Increment Funding Districts. City Manager stated that this area had been made as large as possible and that he did not foresee any other areas being affected. He also reminded that tax increment funds can be spent outside of the District. ACTION RECOMMENDING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN Member Debra Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 94-3 REGARDING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Donald Booth and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof. Commissioners Willson, Hilstrom, Holmes, Booth, Mickelson, and Reem and the following voted against the same: none, where upon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. OTHER BUSINESS 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE The Secretary noted the next meeting of the Planning Commission will be January 12, 1995. He distributed a copy of the proposed 1995 Planning Commission meeting dates. 12-8-94 8 ACTION APPROVING 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATES There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve memorandum of 1995 Planning Commission Meeting dates. Voting in favor: Chairperson Willson, Commissioners Reem, Booth, Sander, Mickelson, Hilstrom, and Holmes. The motion passed. DISCUSSION ITEMS The Secretary reminded the Commission that there would be no other Planning Commission meeting scheduled in December. Commissioner Reem reported of a telephone call she received from a Brooklyn Center resident, complimenting the City for their snowplowing during the last snowstorm. Commissioner Hilstrom thanked the staff for their excellent service the past two years. Commissioner Booth inquired as to the sign ordinance for the special election. He asked if signs were allowed to be placed on city property. Commissioner Mickelson stated that signs placed on city property are in violation of the city ordinance. He questioned if there was any incentive for the violators to remove the signs as election is only days away. City Manager stated that Sharon Knutson, Deputy Clerk Candidate, has given notice to remove the signs. Commissioner Mickelson reported that the Blockbuster Video at Brookdale Square appears to be having great success. He also inquired as to the status of T Wrights Restaurant. The Secretary stated that Fuddruckers Restaurant appears to have an interest. City Manager reported that Carlson Companies has been in contact with the City in regards to a potential development between the LOGIS building and Schmitt's Music. The potential business would be a Country Suites Hotel/Motel and restaurant. A Comfort Inn development, behind Hardees should be on the January agenda. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Hilstrom and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 10:18 p.m. Chairperson Recorded and transcribed by: Lorri Kopischke Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 12-8-94 9