HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 08-29 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
STUDY SESSION
AUGUST 29, 1996
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission met in a study session and was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:30
p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Graydon Boeck and Mark Holmes were present. Also present
were Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren and
Planning Commission Recording Secretary Arlene Bergfalk. Commissioners Donald Booth and
Dianne Reem were excused.
RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER
Mr. Warren directed attention to Commissioner Robert Mickelson's letter advising of his resignation {
from the Planning Commission effective August 28, 1996 because of work requirements with his
job. Established procedures will be followed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Mickelson also resigned from
his position on the Charter Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 25. 1996
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Holmes,to approve the
minutes of the July 25, 1996 meeting, with the title of paragraph 5, page 1, amended to read:
APPLICATION NOS. 96009 AND 96010 (PHILLIPS 66 COMPANYJ. The motion passed
unanimously.
CHAIRPERSON'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.
POLICY ON WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS TOWERS
Mr. Warren referred to the 8-26-96 memorandum addressed to the City Manager prepared by the
Director of Public Services regarding the use of public facilities such as water towers as sites for
wireless communications antennas. A policy statement regarding wireless telecommunication
facilities and a site lease agreement have been drafted for the Commission's review and comment.
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The documents are based on model policies developed by a working group of the League of
Minnesota Cities.
The Commissioners conducted a comprehensive section by section review of the proposed
documents with emphasis on the provisions of the site lease agreement. This review resulted in a
number of suggested editorial and clarifying changes designed primarily to protect the City's
financial and legal interests and the rights of the general public.
Following discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner
Holmes,to recommend approval of the Policy Statement Regarding Wireless Telecommunication
Facilities and the Site Lease Agreement for Personal Communications Systems, Cellular or Page
Antenna Locations, with the changes discussed. The motion passed unanimously. The Secretary
will convey the Commission's suggestions to the Director of Public Services for consideration and
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incorporation into the draft documents prior to the Council's review.
The City Council will consider the proposed policy and lease agreement at its September 9 meeting.
It is anticipated that a Council policy will facilitate staff administration of requests to lease space for
wireless communications facilities on City property such as water towers.
MAHONEY BROADCASTING MEDIA. INC.
Mr. Warren used an overhead transparency to review the site and location of Mahoney Broadcasting
Media, Inc. The owner is currently considering the addition of a garage to its site at 5001 Drew
Avenue North. In addition,Mr. Warren described the owner's future expansion plans on the site that
would require rezoning of the property to accommodate the expansion.
Mr. Warren explained that construction of a garage as proposed meets the requirements of the
property's current zoning. The project will be administered through the building permit process.
The Commissioners interposed no objections to the addition of a garage at Mahoney Broadcasting
Media, Inc., 5001 Drew Avenue North.
NORTH MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE
Mr. Warren reviewed an informal discussion held with North Memorial Health Care regarding
construction of its hospice facility at 4201-58th Avenue North. (Application No. 96005, approved
by the Commission 6-13-96; subsequently approved by the Council.) Because of a budget shortfall,
North Memorial requests that the City consider a waiver of the curb and gutter requirement on the
access roadway to the hospice facility.
According to the City Engineer and the Public Services Director, curb and gutter installation adds
to the long-term strength of the roadway and waiving the requirement could set a policy precedent.
It was noted, however, that the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process allows flexibility in
setting approval conditions.
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Commissioner Boeck supported a waiver of the access road curb and gutter condition. He explained
that the primary uses of curb and gutter, that of traffic direction and drainage control, are not
necessary in this instance because there will be limited traffic into the facility and drainage is not an
issue.
Chair Willson stated it is the City's policy to require installation of curb and gutter in new or
redeveloped properties. He suggested, however, that if North Memorial Health Care submits a
formal request for consideration of the waiver,it may be feasible to delay the installation of curb and
gutter for a reasonable period of time. He noted that the City Council would have to amend its
conditions of approval for this Planned Unit Development because one of those conditions
specifically required curb and gutter along the driveway.
Following discussion,the Commissioners agreed to consider a formal request(if submitted) from
North Memorial Health Care regarding the curb and gutter condition attached to Application No.
96005.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Warren reviewed progress on various projects within the City.
The Commission's next meeting will be on September 12, 1996. Commissioner Boeck notified the
Commissioners and the Secretary that he will not be available to attend meetings during the period
September 16-30, 1996.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Holmes,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
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