HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 03-13 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
MARCH 13, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Willson,Commissioners Graydon Boeck,Mark Holmes,and Brian Walker were present. Also
present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren
and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Arlene Bergfalk. Commissioner Dianne Reem
entered the meeting at 8:05 p.m. and Commissioner Rex Newman entered the meeting at 8:15 p.m.;
both were excused in advance. Commissioner Donald Booth was excused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 12, 1997
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Holmes,to approve the
minutes of the February 12, 1997 meeting as submitted. 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.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
The Commissioners agreed to consider agenda item B before item A. .
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS AND FACILITIES
Mr. Warren directed the Commission's attention to the draft Ordinance prepared by the staff using
a model ordinance developed by the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission. He
reviewed the past and current activity in the City regarding installation of telecommunications
towers and facilities; and reviewed the City's current policy regulating such projects through the
licensing and building permit process. It was noted that other regulators, including the Federal
Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Commission, are also involved in the licensing
of such towers and facilities.
The Commissioners considered each section of the proposed ordinance which would amend Chapter
35 of the City Ordinances. Section 2 proposes to regulate the placement, construction and
3-13-97 1
I
modification of such towers and facilities to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public yet
not interfere with development of competitive wireless telecommunications within the City.
Location would be restricted to the C-IA,C-2,I-1 and I-2 zoning districts. Shared use of such towers
and support structures is encouraged and safety and soundness is involved along with timely removal
should the facility be abandoned. The acceptable height of such structures was considered and
existing structures were named as possible locations for antennas. It was also pointed out that rapid
technological advances may make City regulations regarding this issue outdated, inappropriate, or
irrelevant.
It was agreed the staff will study the matter further,the City Attorney will be contacted for input,
and another document incorporating the commissioners' comments will be prepared for additional
consideration by the Planning Commission at its March 27, 1997 meeting.
PAWN SHOPS
Mr. Warren reviewed the Council's directive to the Commission with respect to pawn shop
regulations, specifically whether distance limitations could be imposed between pawn shops and
certain uses including residential and between pawn shops themselves.
The Commissioners reviewed the background materials including the summary of zoning codes of
other surrounding and outstate cities covering pawn shops. The Commissioners considered and
discussed possible ways in which the City might regulate the location of pawn shops. It was
generally preferred that any additional regulation should be conducted through the licensing and
building permit process; however, zoning changes could also be an adequate method.
It was agreed that the staff will study the issues further and prepare a proposal for the Commission's
review at its March 27, 1997. The Commissioners agreed to consider the issues further during the
interim.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Warren stated there was no further business to bring before the Commission. The next
Commission meeting will be on Thursday, March 27, 1997.
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 9:00
p.m.
Chair
Recorded and transcribed by:
Arlene Bergfalk
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial
3-13-97 2