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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986 10-16 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 OCTOBER 16, 1986 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman George Lucht at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman George Lucht, Commissioners Molly Malecki, Lowell Ainas, Carl Sandstrom, Mike Nelson, Wallace Bernards and Ann Wallerstedt. Also present was Director of Planning and Inspection Ronald Warren. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 25, 1986 Commissioner Malecki noted that on the bottom of page 4 that her name was mentioned "as voting for and against the motion." She noted that Commissioner Sandstrom's name should be replaced for hers as voting in favor of the application. Motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Sandstrom to approve the minutes of the September 25, 1986 Planning Commission meeting as corrected. Voting in favor: Commissioners Malecki, Sandstrom, Nelson, Bernards, and Wallerstedt. Voting against: none. The motion passed. Chairman Lucht and Commissioner Ainas abstained from voting as they were not at that meeting. APPLICATION NO. 86023 - AMENDMENT (Brooklyn Center Baptist Church) Following the Chairman's explanation, the Secretary introduced the first item of business, a request for amended approval of the site and building plans and special use permit for a gymnasium addition to the Brooklyn Center Baptist Church at 5840 Humboldt Avenue North. The Secretary reviewed the contents of the staff report (see Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 86023 - amendment - attached). The Secretary also explained that he had received a letter from the church dated October 7, 1986 indicating that at a special meeting of the members of the Brooklyn Center Baptist Church a motion was approved and passed by majority vote indicating that the church would add a brick exterior to the contract if the City Council requests same in order to secure a partial building permit to proceed with their construction. The Secretary commented that the City is prepared to issue a partial permit for footings and foundation so that the church can get underway with construction pending the final disposition of the matter relating to the type of exterior treatment which will be given to the gymnasium. He noted that the church is committed to abiding by the final decision. Chairman Lucht then asked the applicant whether they had anything to add to the matter. Mr. Al Graser, Chairman of the Brooklyn Center Baptist Church Building Committee, indicated that the church's primary reason for seeking the amendment to allow the rock-faced concrete block rather than the brick exterior was to provide better facilities for the church congregation. He stated that the bids for the original proposal were way beyond the anticipated budget for the project. He noted the church has considered and has eliminated some of the things in the project to reduce the costs, but still make it a viable project. He noted that even with this, they were still over the budget. He further explained that the brick exterior cost $19,000 more than rock-faced concrete block exterior that they were now proposing. 10-16-86 -1- Mr. Graser continued by stating that he is aware of the City's concern and that the membership feels that the brick exterior is beyond their means, but that they, nevertheless, will accept the financial strain if the City does require that the brick exterior be provided. He stated that it is their belief that the new proposal will be aesthetically acceptable and will not be detrimental. He noted that no neighbors have expressed a concern with the change and that no one was present this evening to speak against their proposed amendment. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Malecki, Mr. Graser stated that the concrete block will be of a color to match the existing building. PUBLIC HEARING (Application No. 86023 - Amendment) Chairman Lucht then opened the meeting for purposes of a public hearing and asked whether anyone present wished to speak regarding this application. He recognized Mr. Dale Lindberg, Brooklyn Center Baptist Church moderator, who stated that the reason for the change was the financial situation. He explained that the original estimated cost for the project was $500,000, but that the bids received were for $750,000. He noted that the church may have to do without a kitchen, showers, carpeting and other things that possibly could be added later, but that the most significant reduction would come from the change of the exterior. Mr. Lindberg stated that the question of consistency of the exterior can be important for the appearance of the building, but he noted that a number of buildings in the City, particularly in the Industrial Park, are not always consistent in their exterior treatments and appearance. He added that the neighborhood apparently has no negative concern regarding their proposal and urged the Commission to recommend approval of their amendment. Commissioner Bernards inquired if the church intended to permanently sacrifice some of the items they are cutting out at this time, such as carpeting, kitchen and showers. Mr. Graser responded negatively and indicated that these items could be added later if funding could be obtained. In response to another question by Commissioner Bernards, Mr. Graser stated that they would still have a usable facility. Commissioner Bernards commented about his experience with the bonding limitations faced by the Brooklyn Center School District when the high school was built. He noted that cuts had to be made and he cautioned the church on cuts that are of a permanent nature such as exterior treatment. He added that he wished he had the ability to change some of those decisions that were made at the time the high school was proposed and felt this situation was somewhat similar. Chairman Lucht asked if anyone else wished to be heard. Hearing no one, he called for a motion to close the public hearing. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Commissioner Sandstrom seconded by Commissioner Ainas to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. A discussion ensued regarding the requested amendment. Commissioner Ainas stated that it was extremely difficult to match new brick with existing brick and this could have an effect on the appearance of the building. He stated that the texturized concrete block would be easier to match and that he had no objection to the proposed amendment by the church. 10-16-86 -2- Commissioner Sandstrom stated that he had viewed the Brookdale Christian Center which has block and brick exteriors and felt that it is acceptable in appearance and because of that he supported the proposed amendment. Commissioner Wallerstedt stated that although she considers herself a friend of the church, she feels that it would be a mistake to utilize the concrete block rather than the originally proposed brick. She added that she believed that to allow the block in this case would be contrary to the City's policy of requiring consistent exterior treatments. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 86023 (Amendment) Following further discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Sandstrom seconded by Commissioner Ainas to approve the amendment to Planning Commission Application No. 86023 and permit a rock-faced concrete block exterior for the gymnasium at the Brooklyn Center Baptist Church. Voting in favor: Commissioners Malecki, Ainas, and Sandstrom. Voting against: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Nelson, Bernards and Wallerstedt. The motion failed. ACTION RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF APPLICATION NO. 86023 (Amendment) There was a motion by Commissioner Nelson seconded by Commissioner Wallerstedt to deny the amendment to Planning Commission Application No. 86023 on the grounds that the rock-faced block exterior on the gymnasium is inconsistent with the City's policy of consistent exterior treatment which has been followed in the vast majority of cases in the City. Commissioner Sandstrom spoke against the motion stating that he felt such a recommendation was inappropriate because a similar treatment had been used at the Brookdale Christian Center. Commissioner Bernards commented that he felt it was appropriate for the Commission to make a subjective judgment because aesthetics were involved. Voting in favor: Chairman Lucht, Commissioners Nelson, Bernards and Wallerstedt. Voting against: Commissioners Malecki, Ainas, and Sandstrom. The motion passed. The Secretary next reported on a minor addition proposed by the Girl Scouts to their building at 5601 Brooklyn Boulevard. He explained that the Girl Scouts were proposing to fill in the area which had, at one time, served as an entrance to the old library from Northport Drive to the building. He noted certain changes to the building such as providing emergency exits from the community room would have to be provided. He also noted that the staff had commented to the Girl Scouts regarding the need to eliminate the appearance of an entrance to the building at that point where a sidewalk approaches the building. He noted that the Girl Scouts have agreed to eliminate some of the walkway and provide landscaping in that area. He also commented that the Girl Scouts were proposing to use an alucobond material for part of the exterior treatment.. The Commission members suggested that the Girl Scouts use glass rather than the alucobond for a consistent appearance to the south wall of the building. Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the Girl Scout proposal was a minor addition which did not require the submittal of a formal site and building plan for purposes of a building permit. ADJOURNMENT Following further discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Sandstrom seconded by Commissioner Ainas to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at •40 p.m. 10-16-86 -3- Chairman i