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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 02-28 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 FEBRUARY 28, 2013 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Scott Burfeind, Randall Christensen, Benjamin Freedman and Carlos Morgan were present. Also present were Councilmember Carol Kleven, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Stephen Schonning was absent and excused. Michael Parks was absent and unexcused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —FEBRUARY 14, 2013 There was a motion by Commissioner Christensen, seconded by Chair Rahn,to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2013 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Rahn 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 - DISCUSS AND CONSIDER POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL IN AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 34- SIGNS (ALLOWING DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGNS IN PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC PLACES) Mr. Benetti reminded the Planning Commission that at the February 14, 2013 Planning Commission meeting,the following recommendations were made: 1. The Commission should provide a recommendation of support, and indicate what, if any measures or standards should be incorporated into any ordinance amendment. Moreover, if these signs are allowed in residential areas, the Commission should provide input as to what the potential impacts upon the residential neighborhoods may be, and discuss options, or specific methods and standards that could be included to limit any impacts; 2. the Commission should direct city staff to prepare language providing a new definition or land use term, similar to the other communities' ordinances, in regards to the "Public" and"Semi-Public" uses; 3. the Commission should discuss or determine if you support the possible expansion of DMS's in other zoning districts, and if so, what areas or districts deemed appropriate; Page 1 2-28-13 4. the Commission should recommend a desire to conduct a public input session on any proposed sign ordinance reforms, and specifically request a fully published and noticed public hearing. The Commission may direct Planning Staff on notice letters sent to specific groups or stakeholders, such as the local schools, churches, City licensed sign hangers/vendors, or others. He added the Commission generally supported the idea of allowing DMS type sign in the Public/Semi-Public places and the City Code should provide a new definition or classification of "Public" and "Semi-Public" places. The Commission also generally supported the idea of expanding DMS' to other districts but did not decide what districts would be appropriate. He added the Commission also discussed providing certain limitations such as message change intervals, which may need further study or consideration in order to be modified and the Commission raised a number of concerns on the brightness levels of these signs in public places. Mr. Benetti further explained it was agreed that the City should focus on limiting the brightness of these signs; possibly limit the size(s) of signs; and limit the changeable interval of messages especially if they are in residential zoned areas. Mr. Benetti stated by current ordinance standards, the level of brightness or illumination of light from an exterior light source, located in or next to a residential neighborhood, must not exceed 3 foot-candles, measured at the property lines (Sec. 36-712). Mr. Benetti pointed out the Planning Commission should discuss limiting the size of these dynamic message signs if they are located in a residential zoned district. He added the City Attorney suggested the Planning Commission consider limiting DMS standards to the same standards as allowed throughout the city on existing signs at schools and churches. Mr. Benetti added the Planning Commission should discuss limiting a different change rate or time interval for messages to change on signs in Public Places based on the fact the City allows these to be located in or near residential districts. He pointed out the City Attorney suggested the City consider limiting DMS to longer periods, may recommend signs are turned-off completely at a certain time of the day and activated at a set time, and could require the electronic messages be kept stationary for a longer period of time than the 2-second message interval currently allowed under the Sign Ordinance. Mr. Benetti explained staff is recommending consideration of the following: 1. Planning Commission supports allowing dynamic message signs to Public and Semi- Public Places; 2. Planning Commission supports allowing dynamic message signs to the CI (Service/Office) and CIA(Service/Office) Districts; 3. Planning Commission recommends the City Council direct city staff to prepare language providing a new definition or land use term similar to the other communities' ordinances with regards to "Public" and"Semi-Public"uses; Page 2 2-28-13 4. Planning Commission recommends the City Council consider limiting the overall allowable size of any new DMS area or cabinet to no more than fifty percent (50%) of the maximum allowable signage provided for in the district where the sign is placed. 5. Planning Commission recommends the City Council consider specific [new] standards for any DMS in a residential area, including, but not limited the following: a. A DMS message must remain stationary or static for up to one hour or more; b. dimming technology that automatically adjusts their brightness in direct correlation with ambient light conditions, and said brightness; C. Sign brightness shall not exceed the industry standards of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured from a preset distance depending on the sign size; d. Any DMS located in a residential zoned district shall be turned off or programmed to go blank between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily. 6. Planning Commission recommends the City Council direct the City Attorney to prepare a Draft Ordinance addressing these new reforms to the existing DMS provisions and standards found under City Code Chapter 34 — Signs, and that this item be sent back to Planning Commission for public input under an official, published public hearing, process, whereby an official recommendation on the proposed Ordinance will be made and forwarded back to the City Council for final consideration. Mr. Benetti explained that a local sign company brought a lighted sign for the Commission's review to determine the light measurement when lit. He further explained staff prepared recommendations that could go to the City Council who will review and direct staff to work with the city attorney to draft language amending Chapter 34 of the city ordinances regarding sign. He added a formal recommendation would then be made by the Planning Commission to forward back to the City Council. Commissioner Christensen stated he lives on 69th Avenue which is a County Road and there are at least three places where these signs would be allowed within a 12 block stretch. His concern is that most of these signs would be directly across the street from homes. Commissioner Freedman asked if other cities had complaints with these signs. Mr. Benetti replied that he has not heard of any complaints since most signs are in commercial zones. Commissioner Morgan arrived at 7:25 p.m. Chair Rahn stated that these signs are the way of the future and the city can anticipate more and more of these signs. He added he would like to see the technology made available while still protecting the neighborhood. He doesn't feel the issue will go away and we should figure it out. Commissioner Morgan asked if that these signs are for businesses why is this an issue? Page 3 2-28-13 Mr. Eitel clarified the discussion is regarding lighted signs in public and semi-public zoned areas to include churches, schools, libraries, city hall, etc. not commercially zoned properties where these signs are allowed. He added the discussion came up to take a look at how a school or church can change their old message board to take advantage of the new technology. He added generally these type locations use their signs to inform rather than advertise. Commissioner Morgan stated staff has done a good job with researching this and he feels it is a great opportunity to embrace the technology available. He feels the city should ask the Chamber how they feel and we should go with what they think is appropriate. Commissioner Christensen asked for clarification regarding how bright a sign can be. Mr. Benetti replied there are no brightness standards for signs but there is a lighting standard for new lighting for parking or a new development which cannot exceed 3 ft. candles at the property line. He further explained that if a light appears to be too bright, they could take a measurement and if it is determined it is too bright, they can ask it to be brought down. He added further that through this process,the city could require a limit to the brightness on signs. Commissioner Morgan asked for a demonstration on just how a light appears at certain illumes. Mr. Benetti replied at the request of the Commission a lighted sign was brought in and the sign is on display tonight at the entrance to City Hall. The sign was at 0.3 foot candle. There was further discussion and explanation by staff and the sign company regarding the signs, what makes them a DMS and how the lights and messages can be adjusted based on what a city requires. It was also explained how a Dynamic Message Sign operates including how the message part of the sign can be turned off and still keep the identification part of the sign lit. Commissioner Christensen stated he would like to see the ordinance amended in a way that protects the residential neighborhoods since that is where most of these uses are located. Commissioner Burfeind stated he feels these are primarily public uses that don't have any regulations regarding brightness for signs allowed and what is being proposed is more stringent than what is currently allowed in commercial areas. He feels the recommendations made by staff minimize the impact on the neighborhood which would allow the signs while limiting hours, size, brightness, etc. Councilmember Kleven asked if the Commission discussed different colors within the signs. Chair Rahn replied color was not addressed so much as brightness of the sign. The sign company explained the colors available are red, amber and multi-colored and the number of pixels determines the different colors. He further explained that you would not be able to read a message if the letters are multi-colored, however, with a design program a diagram could be inserted into the sign with many colors. Commissioner Morgan stated he doesn't feel the city should regulate colors. Page 4 2-28-13 Chair Rahn responded he's not sure that you could limit and regulate the amount of color in a sign. Mr. Benetti replied that the intent of a sign is to be read and if the mix of colors hinders that, a business would not use the mix of colors in a sign. He added he feels the majority of the signs will be an amber light on a black background. Commissioner Christensen stated he would like to see language defining the minimum allowed distance for a lighted sign from a residential property. He added he wants to make sure churches and schools do not place dynamic signs right on the shared property line. He also stated he would like to limit hours to turn off the DMS at 9:00 p.m. Mr. Benetti replied the 10:00 P.M. was based on city parks closing at 10:00 p.m. Chair Rahn added he feels allowing the DMS part of the signs to be turned on at 6:00 a.m. is too early and he would like to see it changed to 7:00 a.m. and turned off at 9:00 p.m. if in a residential setting. Commissioner Burfeind stated he agrees with the need to define a setback distance from residential properties for the DMS signs. Chair Rahn stated he agrees and would like to propose a number to Council. There was a motion by Commissioner Burfeind, seconded by Commissioner Morgan requesting the Council consider amending Chapter 34 of the sign ordinance regarding Dynamic Message Signs, and forward the statements of support and recommendation to the City Council noted as follows: 1. Planning Commission supports allowing dynamic message signs to Public and Semi- Public Places, with further recommendation the City Council direct city staff to prepare a draft ordinance to include the following measures: a. new definition or land use term similar to the other communities' ordinances with regards to "Public" and"Semi-Public"uses; b. limiting the overall allowable size of any new DMS area or cabinet to no more than fifty percent (50%) of the maximum allowable signage provided for in the district where the sign is placed. c. any DMS in a residential zoned district message must remain stationary or static for up to one hour or more; a. any DMS in a residential zoned district must have dimming technology that automatically adjusts their brightness in direct correlation with ambient light conditions, and said brightness, and said brightness shall not exceed the industry standards of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured from a preset distance depending on the sign size; b. any DMS located in a residential zoned district shall be turned off or programmed to go blank between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. c. A DMS in a public or semi-public place located in a residential district shall be placed or allowed no closer than 50-feet to 75-feet from an adjacent residential lot line. Page 5 2-28-13 2. Planning Commission was supportive of a further study to allowing dynamic message signs to the C1 (Service/Office) and CIA (Service/Office) Districts; 3. Planning Commission recommends the City Council direct the City Attorney to prepare a Draft Ordinance addressing these new reforms to the existing DMS provisions and standards found under City Code Chapter 34 — Signs, and that this item be sent back to Planning Commission for public input under an official, published public hearing process, whereby an official recommendation on the proposed Ordinance will be made and forwarded back to the City Council for final consideration. Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners Burfeind, Christensen, Freedman, and Morgan. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF THE 2013 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND PROJECT MAP Mr. Benetti provided information regarding the 2013 Community Development Activities& Projects Map including identifying ongoing development sites,potential land use proposal sites, redevelopment and opportunity sites, and study corridor areas. • Maranatha—on-going project which may come back for the additional 38 unit building but with no timeline. • Slim's Pizza—just opened for business. City has been in discussion with the owners to possibly expand their business which would require acquisition of some of the homes along Brooklyn Boulevard. • Old Honda site—identified for a new dealership. • Vacant lot behind SuperAmerica at 691h and Brooklyn Boulevard. • Luther Honda and Toyota Site—may expand PUD to include acquired single family lots. • Freeway Boulevard Industrial Park—future study of 600,000 sq. ft. of vacant industrial space. • Humboldt Avenue Corridor between 65th and 69th Avenue North—study potential improvements. • Evergreen Park Villas—2 '/z acre parcel targeted for multi-family residential use. • Eastwood 2nd Addition—potential single family home development. • Vacant land south of the FBI site—4.9 acres owned by the EDA. • Vacant land south of the Embassy Suites—2 acres targeted for a second hotel. • Opportunity Site within the Central Commerce District—Brookdale Square, Minnesota School of Business site, former Best Buy site, and Brookdale Ford. • Old Jerry's Market site—vacant parcel. • EDA parcel at 57th and Logan Avenue. • Trail link to Hennepin County trail-way system along 57th Avenue N. • Shingle Creek Crossing site—on-going development. • Sears site—incorporate into the Shingle Creek Crossing development. Page 6 2-28-13 • Northport Elementary School—in Phase III of a Phase V renovation. • Twin Lake Manor Apartments—potential new owner may acquire and renovate. • Bridges over Hwy 100 at County Road 10 and Brooklyn Boulevard are scheduled for re- decking and rehabbing in 2014. • Howe Fertilizer site—owned by Real Estate Recycling who is submitting a new PUD amendment to include a larger building and new layout. • Surly Brewery—looking to expand their business. • Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Study. There were no other discussion items. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Eitel noted there is a meeting scheduled on March 28, 2013 which is a religious holiday. It was suggested that the meeting be rescheduled to either Tuesday or Wednesday of that week if needed. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Burfeind, seconded by Commissioner Freedman, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 7 2-28-13