Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 01-14 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION JANUARY 14, 1993 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Bernards at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Wallace Bernards, Commissioners Kristen Mann, Ella Sander, Bertil Johnson, and Mark Holmes. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Nancy Berg. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 19, 1992 Motion by Commissioner Mann seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the November 19, 1992 Planning Commission meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Chairperson Bernards, Commissioners Mann, Sander, Johnson, and Holmes. Voting against: none. The motion passed. ADJOURNMENT OF 1992 PLANNING COMMISSION Motion by Commissioner Mann seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:32 p.m. Chairperson Bernards thanked Commissioners Mann and Kalligher for their service on the Planning Commission, and asked the City Council to recognize their service. The Secretary informed the Commission the Council generally passes a Resolution of commendation to recognize the service of commission members. Commissioner Mann thanked the Planning Commission for their service on behalf of the City Council. ADMINISTER OATH FOR OFFICE: COMMISSIONER MICKELSON The Secretary administered the Oath for Office to the Planning Commission to Robert Mickelson. 1-14-93 1 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Bernards at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Wallace Bernards, Commissioners Ella Sander, Bertil Johnson, Mark Holmes and Robert Mickelson. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission, Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren and Planning Commission Secretary Nancy Berg. ELECTION OF 1993 CHAIR Chairperson Bernards presented election of 1993 Chair for the Planning Commission's consideration. Chairperson Bernards explained there are two more positions yet to be filled on the Planning Commission; and his appointment expired on January 1, 1993. Chairperson Bernards stated he received a letter from Sharon Knutson and a copy of a Resolution stating a commission member shall continue to serve until reappointed or until another citizen has been appointed to that position. Chairperson Bernards agreed to stay on the Planning Commission until reappointed or until his position was filled. Commissioner Holmes asked Chairperson Bernards if he wanted to continue to serve on the Planning Commission. Chairperson Bernards answered yes, he was willing to continue to serve if the City Council wishes to reappoint him. However, Chairperson Bernards stated he would not be filling out an application -- if the Council would like to reappoint him, he was willing to continue to serve. The Secretary informed the Commission there have been a number of applications for the open positions on the Commission, and that it is his understanding the City Council will be looking at geographical balance and other factors before making appointments to commissions. There was a motion by Commissioner Sander and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to nominate Chairperson Bernards as the 1993 Chair of the Planning Commission. Chairperson Bernards explained he did not want to pressure the City Council to reappoint him because he had been elected the 1993 Chair. Chairperson Bernards recommended the Commission table the motion until the City Council has made its appointments. Commissioner Mickelson asked if there was a way to expedite the appointments. The Secretary answered the City Council will be making the appointments in the near future. There was a motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commission Holmes to table the election of a 1993 Chair to the Planning Commission until the status of the commissioners is clarified. Voting in favor: Commissioners Mann, Sander, Johnson, Holmes and Mickelson. Voting against: none. Not voting: Chairperson Bernards. The motion passed. ELECTION OF 1993 CHAIR PRO TEM 1-14-93 2 The Secretary suggested the Commission table action on the election of 1993 Chair Pro Tem until the commission membership has been clarified. He explained the Commission could continue with the Chair and Chair Pro Tem from 1992. There was a motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to table the election of 1993 Chair Pro Tem. Voting in favor: Chairperson Bernards, Commissioners Mann, Sander, Johnson, Holmes and Mickelson. Voting against: none. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSON'S EXPLANATION Chairperson Bernards explained that 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1993 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE Chairperson Bernards presented the 1993 Planning Commission meeting schedule. The Secretary explained the schedule was created in relationship to the City Council meeting schedule. He further explained the Planning Commission meetings are generally set for the Thursday following the City Council meetings. There was a motion by Commissioner Mickelson and seconded by Commissioner Holmes to accept the 1993 Planning Commission Meeting schedule as outlined in the November 30, 1992 memorandum from the Planning and Zoning Specialist to the Planning Commission Members. Voting in favor: Chairperson Bernards, Commissioners Mann, Sander, Johnson, Holmes and Mickelson. Voting against: none. The motion passed. REVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY GROUP ASSIGNMENTS The Secretary reviewed the City of Brooklyn Center Planning Commission Neighborhood Advisory Groups. He explained it had been the Planning Commission's procedure when reviewing a zoning application or a suggested change to the Comprehensive Plan to refer those matters to the Neighborhood Advisory Groups. He informed the Commission there are three Neighborhood Advisory Groups without a liaison from the Commission. The Secretary suggested appointing Commissioner Holmes to the Northwest Neighborhood and Commissioner Mickelson to the West Central Neighborhood. In response to a question by Chairperson Bernards, the Secretary stated the Planning Commission liaisons generally contact the members of the advisory groups, but the City can prepare a letter if the Commission so wishes. 1-14-93 3 Commissioner Johnson suggested each Commissioner take the responsibility to contact each member of their neighborhood advisory group, and report back the status of the members and the names of any new people recruited at the next Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Mickelson asked the City to put an official notice of neighborhood advisory group recruitment in the local newspaper. The Secretary answered the City generally takes a more informal approach using word of mouth, but a notice can be published if the Commission so desires. Commissioner Johnson agreed a notice to the residents should be put in the Brooklyn Center paper, and Chairperson Bernards asked it also be published in the Community Newsletter. Commissioner Holmes asked about the Earle Brown Advisory Group and what it does. Chairperson Bernards answered this area had been scheduled for redevelopment in the last two or three years. The goal was to maintain a sense of pride in the neighborhood by encouraging home maintenance and the upkeep of landscaping. Chairperson Bernards continued to explain the Earle Brown Advisory Group was a pilot program, and if it works, other neighborhoods might want to try. It was the consensus of the Commission to wait to receive an updated listing of the Neighborhood Advisory Groups prior to contacting each member. UPDATE ON BROOKLYN BOULEVARD STUDY The Secretary reported on the progress of the Brooklyn Boulevard Study. He stated the consultant will provide its final report on Saturday, January 23, 1993. The consultant's report will then move onto a study session with the City Council. He explained this will be a redevelopment study of Brooklyn Boulevard and a look at the City's comprehensive plan. He added that any suggested changes to the zoning ordinances would have to be filtered through the Planning Commission for review and recommendation and any changes involving the City's Comprehensive Plan would also have to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Secretary stated the Brooklyn Boulevard Task Force has meet to discuss ideas for landscaping improvements on Brooklyn Boulevard. He explained that any changes would have to be coordinated with Hennepin County as Brooklyn Boulevard is a County road. He further explained the Task Force was also looking at various land uses on Brooklyn Boulevard and aesthetic improvements to private property. He further stated the key issue will be how to implement these improvements -- ideas for acquisition of property, funding, etc. Chairperson Bernards asked about the Southwest quadrant of I94 and Brooklyn Boulevard. The Secretary answered the MTC is interested in putting a Park & Ride facility on this property. Commissioner Johnson asked if this would alter MTC's plans to establish a regional hub in the Northwest area. The Secretary answered he did not believe the Park & Ride facility would affect the regional hub. Chairperson Bernards expressed concern about traffic problems with both a Park & Ride and 1-14-93 4 regional hub within a one-half mile area. The Secretary stated the MTC is looking at ways which would eliminate the need to route the traffic on Brooklyn Boulevard. He added explained a Park & Ride facility and a ponding area are the main suggestions for this area right now. Commissioner Holmes asked if homes will be acquired. The Secretary answered that was a possibility. Commissioner Sander asked if there are covenants on these homes. The Secretary answered he believed the covenants had expired. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Bernards asked for an explanation of the restructuring of the Planning and Inspection Department. The Secretary explained there is no longer a Planning and Inspection department. He further explained the EDA, Earle Brown Heritage Center and the planning and inspection department are now all one department, the Community Development Department. He explained he is now the Planning and Zoning Specialist, and that Gary Shallcross' position has been eliminated and there has also been a reduction in the clerical staff. The Secretary updated the Commission on further development in the City. He stated the Brookdale Square shopping center will be changing its look with the addition of Circuit City, an electronics store, which will be occupying the old Children's Palace space. Commissioner Holmes asked if anyone is interested in the Best building and the T. Wrights property. The Secretary stated a sporting goods store was looking at the Best property awhile ago, and nothing has been happening at the T. Wrights location. Chairperson Bernards informed the Commission of a meeting next Wednesday, January 20, 1993 and informed the Commission of a meeting being planned by the Human Rights & Resources Commission on February 10, 1993. He explained it will be a meeting of all commissions as a way to informally meet members of all commissions along with the Mayor and Councilmembers. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Sander, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Chairperson Recorded and transcribed by: Nancy Berg TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 1-14-93 5 regional hub within a one-half mile area. The Secretary stated the MTC is looking at ways which would eliminate the need to route the traffic on Brooklyn Boulevard. He added explained a Park & Ride facility and a ponding area are the main suggestions for this area right now. Commissioner Holmes asked if homes will be acquired. The Secretary answered that was a possibility. Commissioner Sander asked if there are covenants on these homes. The Secretary answered he believed the covenants had expired. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Bemards asked for an explanation of the restructuring of the Planning and Inspection Department. The Secretary explained there is no longer a Planning and Inspection department. He further explained the EDA, Earle Brown Heritage Center and the planning and inspection department are now all one department, the Community Development Department. He explained he is now the Planning and Zoning Specialist, and that Gary Shallcross' position has been eliminated and there has also been a reduction in the clerical staff. The Secretary updated the Commission on further development in the City. He stated the Brookdale Square shopping center will be changing its look with the addition of Circuit City, an electronics store, which will be occupying the old Children's Palace space. Commissioner Holmes asked if anyone is interested in the Best building and the T. Wrights property. The Secretary stated a sporting goods store was looking at the Best property awhile ago, and nothing has been happening at the T. Wrights location. Chairperson Bernards informed the Commission of a meeting next Wednesday, January 20, 1993 and informed the Commission of a meeting being planned by the Human Rights & Resources Commission on February 10, 1993. He explained it will be a meeting of all commissions as a way to informally meet members of all commissions along with the Mayor and Councilmembers. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Sander, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Chairperson Recorded and transcribed by: Nancy Berg Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 1-14-93 5