Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 01-15 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 15, 1997 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in a regular meeting called to order by Chair Willson at 7:33 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Mark Holmes, 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. Commissioners Donald Booth and Brian Walker were excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -DECEMBER 12. 1996 There was a motion by Commissioner Reem, seconded by Commissioner Newman,to approve the minutes of the December 12, 1996 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURN 1996 PLANNING COMMISSION There was a motion by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Reem,to adjourn the 1996 Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The 1996 Planning Commission adjourned at 7:35 p.m. OATHS OF OFFICE Mr. Warren administered oaths of office to Tim Willson and Dianne Reem, each reappointed to the Planning Commission for a two-year term expiring on December 31, 1998. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Commissioner Willson called to order the 1997 Planning Commission at 7:36 p.m. with Commissioners Holmes,Newman, Reem, and Willson present. Commissioners Donald Booth and Brian Walker were excused. ELECTION OF 1997 CHAIR AND 1997 CHAIR PRO TEM There was a motion by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Reem, to nominate Commissioner Willson to the position of 1997 Chair of the Planning Commission. Nominations were closed. The motion passed unanimously. 1-15-97 1 There was a motion by Chair Willson,seconded by Commissioner Reem,to nominate Commissioner Holmes to the position of 1997 Chair Pro Tem of the Planning Commission. Nominations were closed. The motion passed unanimously. 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. 97001 (ST. ALPHONSUS PARISH) Chair Willson introduced Application No. 97001, a request for site and building plan approval and a special use permit to construct a meeting hall and educational wing addition to the St. Alphonsus Church, 7025 Halifax Avenue North. Prior to consideration of this application, Mr. Warren stated that although Commissioner Holmes is a member of the applicant church, he is not a member of its building committee; therefore, according to the City Attorney, Holmes'participation in discussing and voting on this application does not present a conflict of interest. Commissioner Holmes affirmed that he is not a member of the church's building committee. The Secretary presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to show the location and site and building plans for the project. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 97001 dated 1-15-97 attached.) The 22,000 sq.ft. addition includes classrooms, educational space, kitchen, and a meeting hall to be constructed on the west side of the existing church building along with a new entry and gathering area to be built on the south side of the present building. A canopy will be built extending over the drop-off area at the south/main entry. The property is zoned R-1; churches are a special use in that zoning district. Parking on the site will be altered slightly; however,the resulting number of spaces will exceed that required by the zoning ordinance. The applicant's proposal to shift the center entrance/access along 70th Avenue creates a 80-85 ft. offset measured from the center line of Indiana Avenue to the center line of the altered entrance. The staff recommends modification to the plan by either offsetting the entrance at least 125 ft. from the Indiana Avenue intersection or aligning the entrance across from Indiana Avenue (as it is now)to conform with City standards. Mr. Warren described the applicant's drainage, grading and utility plans which include new storm sewer/drainage system. He referred to the City Engineer's 1-8-97 memorandum regarding the plans. Based on the size of the parcel,the site grading plan is subject to review and approval by the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission. Preliminary findings from the Commission raise no concerns with the applicant's plans. According to Mr. Warren,the landscaping, lighting and the proposed building exterior plans appear appropriate. 1-15-97 2 As a special use in the R-1 zone, the church and any expansion is subject to specific standards outlined in the zoning ordinance. Mr. Warren compared the plans with the four standards and stated the standards are fully met for a special use permit, provided the plans are amended to provide for the proper offset for the relocated driveway from the Indiana Avenue intersection. Mr. Warren stated the application appears to be in order and recommended approval subject to conditions 1-12 outlined in the staff report which includes the access modification. Chair Willson called for questions from the Commissioners. In response to Chair Willson's inquiry regarding drainage on the site,Mr. Warren explained the existing run-off patterns. He was not aware of any problems because the existing sewer system and the large unimproved area adjacent to the site accommodate run-off. Further,the applicant's plans include installation of a new storm sewer system and construction of a water detention facility. Mr. Warren pointed out that future development of the westerly half of the church site and redevelopment of any adjacent areas would likely require construction of a regional pond for drainage purposes. Commissioner Reem inquired who will determine the location of the proposed access and whether future development would impact the work connected with this project. Mr. Warren stated the City Engineer will work with the applicant on the access question and indicated further development of the church property would likely require an additional access. PUBLIC HEARING (APPLICATION NO. 97001 ST. ALPHONSUS CHURCH) There was a motion by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Newman,to open the public hearing on Application No. 97001 at 8:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mike Wirtanen, general architect for the project, stated there are four catch basins on the north property line of the site and run-off from the new addition will be taken care of by the retention pond. He clarified the use of the two entrances into the buildings at the front entry-way and noted that curb and gutter installation will fully meet the A.D.A. requirements. With respect to the access, Mr. Wirtanen explained that the plans were developed taking into consideration a large tree on the property which is to remain untouched. He stated, however,that the plans will be revised to move the access 125 ft. from the Indiana Avenue intersection as recommended and the driveway will be curved around to allow for the tree. Although this revision will displace some parking, the requirements will still be met. Construction is expected to begin in March or April. Commissioner Holmes inquired whether the project is subject to any open space requirement. Mr. Warren explained that is controlled by ordinances covering parking, setbacks, etc. Following discussion,the Commissioners did not interpose objections to the site and building plans or to the special use permit requested under Application No. 97001, submitted by St. Alphonsus Church. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING(APPLICATION NO. 97001 There was a motion by Commissioner Reem, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to close the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. 1-15-97 3 Chair Willson called for further questions from the Commissioners. There were none. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 97001 There was a motion by Commissioner Reem, seconded by Commissioner Newman,to recommend to the Council that it approve Application No. 97001, a request for site and building plan approval and a special use permit, submitted by St. Alphonsus church, 7025 Halifax Avenue North, subject to the following conditions: 1. The Special Use Permit is granted for the expansion of the St. Alphonsus church for a meeting hall and educational wing including a kitchen facility. The use may not be altered or expanded beyond the specific approval without being consistent with the City's zoning regulations or an amendment to the Special Use Permit. 2. Building plans for the expansion project are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes 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. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee in an amount to be determined based on cost estimates shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits to assure the completion of approved site improvements. 5. Any outside trash disposal facilities and/or rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 6. 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 ordinance as determined by the Building Official. 7. B-612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all new or improved driving and parking areas. 8. The applicant shall submit an as-built survey of the property, improvements and utility service lines prior to the release of the performance guarantee. 9. The storm drainage system, grading plan and the design of the water detention facility are subject to the review and approval of the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission prior to the issuance of building permits for this project. 10. Ponding areas required as a part of the storm drainage plan shall be protected by approved easement. The easement document shall be executed and filed with Hennepin County prior to the issuance of permits. 1-15-97 4 11. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the city ordinances. 12. The plan shall be modified to provide a proper offset of at least 125 ft. for the proposed relocated access from the center line of Indiana Avenue or align with Indiana Avenue. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Holmes,Newman, and Reem. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its Monday, January 27, 1997 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. Chair Willson recessed the meeting at 8:25 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m. APPLICATION NO. 97002 (BROOKDALE MITSUBISHII Chair Willson introduced Application No. 97002, a request from Brookdale Mitsubishi for preliminary plat approval to combine into one lot four parcels of land addressed as 7223,7227,7231, and 7235 Brooklyn Boulevard. The Secretary presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to show the location of the parcels. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 97002 dated 1-15-97 attached.) This new lot when combined with a triangular shaped parcel of land located contiguous to the subject property in the City of Brooklyn Park will comprise the site for the Brookdale Mitsubishi automobile dealership, Planning Commission Application No. 96017, approved by the Council on January 13, 1997. This application responds to an approval condition that requires replatting the four properties in Brooklyn Center into a single parcel and the adjoining piece of property in Brooklyn Park be dedicated to the site through a legal encumbrance. Mr. Warren described the individual parcels which when combined will total 7.035 acres. The legal description for the new plat will be Lot 1, Block 1,Metro Motors Addition. Mr. Warren referred to the City Engineer's memorandum dated 1-8-97 regarding the preliminary plat. Drainage and utility easements associated with the parcels will need to be vacated or eliminated as part of the filing of the new plat to accommodate construction of the buildings on the site. The City Engineer is verifying whether a formal easement vacation ordinance is necessary or if filing of the new plat will adequately eliminate those easements. Mr. Warren stated the preliminary plat appears to be in order and recommended approval of the application subject to conditions 1-5 outlined in the staff report. Chair Willson called for questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Newman inquired whether Brooklyn Park has approved the replatting. Mr. Warren explained that since the parcel in that city was already a part of the previous Red Lobster Restaurant site, agreement to the platting 1-15-97 5 should be routine. Newman also inquired about the status of the small piece of the site located on the south side of Shingle Creek. Mr. Warren indicated that while the piece is unusable by the owner, it will remain a part of the replatted property to avoid potential future ownership/tax issues. PUBLIC HEARING(APPLICATION NO. 97002) There was a motion by Commissioner Holmes,seconded by Commissioner Reem,to open the public hearing on Application No. 97002 at 8:45 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Tim O'Dougherty,representing the applicant,requested re-consideration of the need for a 10 ft. wide utility easement on the north side of the replatted property as recommended by the City Engineer. Commissioner Reem inquired when the project will begin. Depending upon weather, document processing time, and resolution of the easement issue, work could commence within 60-120 days. Following discussion,the Commissioners did not interpose any objections to the preliminary plat request under Application No. 97002. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING) APPLICATION NO. 970021 There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to close the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for further questions from the Commissioners. There were none. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 97002 There was a motion by Commissioner Reem, seconded by Commissioner Newman,to recommend to the Council that it approve Application No. 97002, a request from Brookdale Mitsubishi, for preliminary plat approval of parcels of land located at 7223, 7227, 7231, and 7235 Brooklyn Boulevard, and a parcel of land located in Brooklyn Park contiguous to the properties, subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the city ordinances. 3. The existing 10 ft.wide and 15 ft.wide drainage and utility easements located along either side of the driveway serving the current lot configuration shall be eliminated in a manner approved by the City Attorney. 4. The triangular shaped piece of property located in Brooklyn Park and adjacent to the subject property shall be dedicated to the use of this site through a legal encumbrance as approved by the City Attorney. Said encumbrance shall be filed with this plat at Hennepin County. 1-15-97 6 5. The area on the preliminary plat indicated as delineated wetland shall be protected by an easement in a manner and form approved by the City Attorney. Voting for: Chair Willson, Commissioners Holmes, Newman, and Reem. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its Monday, January 27, 1997 meeting. The applicant must be present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Commissioner will require that the application be returned to the Commission for re-consideration. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Warren reviewed the status of the Brooklyn Boulevard improvement project. It appears that future plans probably consist of no more than milling and overlaying the street by Hennepin County. The Secretary distributed the full 1997 Commission meeting schedule and noted a correction: March 29 should be March 27. Mr. Warren informed the Commissioners that the first meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Update Task Force will be at 7 p.m.,Monday,February 3, 1997,in the Council Chambers. Subsequent meetings(including a public hearing)will be held in April, May, June, and July 1997. Commissioner Reem informed the Secretary and the Commissioners that she will be absent from the February 12 and March 27 Commission meetings. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Reem,to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Arlene Bergfalk TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 1-15-97 7 1