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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 01-30 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 JANUARY 30, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Burfeind at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION Acting Chair Scott Burfeind, Commissioners Randall Christensen, Benjamin Freedman, Carlos Morgan, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—DECEMBER 12, 2013 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2013 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION Acting Chair Burfeind adjourned the 2013 Planning Commission. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Benetti administered Oath of Office to Scott Burfeind. Commissioner Morgan arrived at 7:12 p.m. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Benetti administered Oath of Office to Carlos Morgan. CALL TO ORDER—2014 PLANNING COMMISSION The 2014 Planning Commission was called to order by Acting Chair Burfeind at 7:13 p.m. ROLL CALL 2014 PLANNING COMMISSION Acting Chair Scott Burfeind, Commissioners Randall Christensen, Benjamin Freedman, Carlos Morgan, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. ELECTION OF 2014 PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR There was a motion by Commissioner Christensen to nominate Scott Burfeind as Chair, seconded by Commissioner Morgan. The motion passed. Page 1 1-30-2014 APPOINTMENT OF 2014 CHAIR PRO TEM—APPOINTED ANNUALLY BY CHAIR Chair Burfeind further stated he would appoint Commissioner Christensen as Chair Pro Tern of the 2014 Planning Commission. There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded Commissioner Freedman to appoint Commissioner Christensen as Chair Pro Tern of the 2014 Planning Commission. The motion passed. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Acting 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 ITEM — PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE CHAPTER 35 (ZONING) Mr. Benetti explained he met with the City Attorney today regarding the language in the proposed ordinance amendment and he would like some additional time to review the language and offer suggestions before being considered by the Commission or City Council. He further explained he would like the Commission to review only the graphics tonight for input until the City Attorney has reviewed the proposed ordinance amendment further. He added the new yard definitions are being created to eliminate confusion over where vehicles can be legally parked or stored in certain areas of the yards and where trash containers and other regulated items can be stored or maintained within residential lots. SECTION 35-900 (DEFINITIONS) REGARDING THE REDEFINITIONS OF "FRONT YARDS". "REAR YARDS"AND "SIDE YARDS". Mr. Benetti described the proposed ordinance amendment to Section 35-900 DEFINITIONS and stated these changes redefine the meanings or determinations of "Front Yards", "Rear Yards" and "Side Yards". He reviewed various graphics and described how these definitions would affect vehicle parking and placement of garbage storage containers. Commissioner Christensen asked for details regarding what would constitute proper screening. Mr. Benetti explained the Planning Commission is only looking at defining front, rear and side yards. He added the City Council will more clearly define proper screening. Commissioner Morgan asked how many properties have violated ordinances related to this topic. Mr. Benetti explained there is no number available but numerous complaints are received regarding parking on the grass and the locations of garbage containers. Chair Burfeind stated he would rather see garbage cans located next to the house if screened rather than alongside the garage on the shared property line. There was further discussion by the Commissioners regarding various lot layouts, the proposed yard definitions and if existing uses would be grandfathered and allowed to remain. Chair Burfeind stated he feels the proposed layouts and definitions are clear and make sense. Page 2 1-30-2014 , rt Mr. Benetti stated once the new language being drafted by the City Attorney is complete, the Commission will be provided with an opportunity to review it before it goes to the City Council. Commissioner Burfeind asked what other designations these definitions apply to. Mr. Benetti responded it also applies to setbacks for structures since there are certain items not allowed in the front yard that are allowed in the back yard. Commissioner Schonning stated one of his neighbors has an unusual yard and most of these definitions do not apply to his layout. DISCUSSION ITEM — CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE OPPORTUNITY SITE (BROOKDALE FORD & BROOKDALE SQUARE MALL SITES) Mr. Eitel provided examples of a mixed housing use project recently built in another community that might work in the Opportunity Site. He also described other possible buildings that could be located on the site. There were no other discussion items. OTHER BUSINESS Chair Burfeind stated there is an upcoming grand opening at Best Western and all are invited to attend. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. hair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 3 1-30-2014