HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 01-10 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
JANUARY 10, 1996
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by
Chairperson Willson at 7:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION
Chairperson Tim Willson, Commissioners, Mark Holmes, Robert Mickelson, Dianne
Reem, Graydon Boeck, Kathryn Palm. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning
Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission
Recording Secretary Ruth McLaurin
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 30 1995
Commissioner Reem noted for clarification, on page 4, that she had heard a comment
that there was speculation of the location of the new City Hall.
Commissioner Mickelson noted in response to the concern for his previous absence, he
is still interested in serving on the Planning Commission.
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck and seconded by Commissioner Reem to
approve the minutes of the November 30, 1995, Planning Commission meeting as
corrected. The motion passed. Commissioner Mickelson abstained from voting
because he was absent at the 11-30-95 meeting.
ADJOURN 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION
There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner
Reem to adjourn the 1995 Planning Commission at 7:37 p.m. The motion passed
unanimously.
OATH OF OFFICE
The Secretary administered the Oath of Office to Commissioners Holmes and Palm.
CALL TO ORDER: THE 1996 PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by
Chairperson Willson at 7:38 p.m
1-10-96 1
ROLL CALL 1996 PLANNING COMMISSION
Chairperson Tim Willson, Commissioners, Mark Holmes, Robert Mickelson, Dianne Reem,
Graydon Boeck, Kathryn Palm . Also present were the Secretary to the Planning
Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission
Recording Secretary Ruth McLaurin
ELECTION OF 1996 CHAIR
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck and seconded by Commissioner bckelson to
waive election protocol and re-elect Commissioner Willson to Chair of the Planning
Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
ELECTION OF 1996 CHAIR PRO TEM
Chair Willson called for nominations of Chair Pro Tem.
Commissioner Mickelson nominated Commissioner Holmes to Chair Pro Tem and was
supported by Commissioner Palm.
Chair Willson called for any additional nominations.
Chair Willson called for nominations twice more.
There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Boeck to
close nominations for Chair Pro Tem. The motion passed unanimously.
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson for
a unanimous ballot naming Commissioner Mark Holmes as 1996 Chair Pro Tem. The
motion passed unanimously.
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 96001
Chairperson Willson introduced the first item of business, a request from W. Randy Rau
for a Special Use Permit and Site and Building Plan approval to remodel the existing gas
station into a new gas station/convenience store at 6245 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. 96001,
attached).
1-10-96 2
The Secretary noted the staff recommends discussing the proposal with the applicant,
opening the public hearing as scheduled and tabling the matter with direction and to renotify
property owners within 350 feet of the site.
Chair Willson expressed concern that the application was incomplete. The Secretary noted
that was true, but felt the Planning Commission could review and give the applicant some
direction without causing the applicant unnecessary expenditures for drawings, etc.
Chair Willson expressed concern in regard to traffic and access to the site.
Commissioner Boeck noted he felt the site had not been in use for longer than two years,
and this would discontinue the applicant's ability to use the nonconforming use. The
Secretary indicated the site had pumped gas within the last year.
Commissioner Boeck inquired if the applicant could move in and utilize the current site.
The Secretary indicated that would be correct.
Commissioner Palm indicated the traffic had been a concern in the past and with
modifications there would be additional concern.
Commissioners continued discussion regarding traffic issues.
PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO 96001)
Chairperson Willson asked for a motion to open the public hearing on the request for a
Special Use Permit at 8:42 p.m.
There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Boeck to
open the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Willson asked if there was anyone present who wished to address the
Commission.
Mr. Randy Rau, the applicant noted he would be willing to work with the City and
Commission on any issue, except access to 63rd Avenue. He noted if the access to 63rd
could not be kept, it would not benefit him to continue with the modifications. He noted
the tanks have already been placed underground at a considerable savings, and to move
them would cause him to purchase additional tanks. This modification would be too
expensive.
Commissioner Reem noted the Commission is encouraged to see improvements to this site,
but expressed concern for the increase in traffic.
1-10-96 3
Commissioner Reem inquired if the existing foundation has any thing to do with the
continued nonconforming use. The Secretary noted as far as the nonconforming use, if the
City does not change its ordinance there can not be any modifications to the site.
The Secretary indicated the applicant is looking for some direction from the Commission,
although this would not be a formal opinion, the applicant would know where the
Commission's concerns are.
Chair Willson indicated a poll of the Commissioners could be taken to give Mr. Rau an idea
of their feelings.
Commissioner Boeck indicated he would have to vote against any improvements with access
to 63rd.
Commissioner Palm indicated she would have to agree, she noted with added success there
would be added traffic.
Commissioner Willson noted he would also take the view that the access on 63rd would not
be allowed with the expansion.
Commissioner Holmes noted he also did not feel comfortable with the access on 63rd.
Commissioner Reem indicated she would like to see the site improved, but did not feel the
traffic concerns were answered.
Commissioner Mickelson noted he also concurred.
The Secretary recommended following staff's recommendations of continuing the Public
Hearing until a later date.
Chairperson Willson called for any more questions for the applicant or for anyone else to
speak at the public hearing.
CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to
continue the public hearing to a later date. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Willson noted there is still the issue of the overlay district, he felt the Commission
should give staff direction on this issue.
The Commission as a consensus directed staff to continue to pursue its recommendation in
regard to the Comprehensive Plan.
1-10-96 4
OTHER BUSINESS
The Secretary encouraged all Commissioner to attend a community meeting on January 11,
1996 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., held at the Earl Brown Heritage Center, sponsored by
Hennepin Community Works, an Intergovernmental Planning Program.
The Secretary provided the Planning Commission with a list of the 1996 membership for
their information.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Boeck to
adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The
Planning Commission adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
hairperson
Recorded and transcribed by:
Ruth McLaurin
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial
1-10-96 5
i