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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 03-26 PCMThe Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Burfeind at 7:03 p.m. NINNKH� Chair Scott Burfeind, Commissioners Randy Christensen, Benjamin Freedman, Stephen Schonning, and Rochelle Sweeney were present. Commissioner Carlos Morgan arrived after roll call at 7:11 p.m. Also present Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Brittney Berndt, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Chair Burfeind 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. 4* APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 26, 201�4-� There was a motion by Commissioner Christensen, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2015 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti introduced the proposed Water Management Plan, discussed the past history and stated the purpose of the new Water Management Plan. He explained that the Surface Water Management Plan needed to be updated every two years per the Minnesota Law. He also stated that this Surface Water Management Plan is part of a larger 15- year plan that the City would like to have in place. Mr. Benetti reported that the City Council held the first draft reading on February 23, 2015 and was sent back to the Commissioners so a public hearing could be held on the matter. PC Minutes 03 -26 -15 -1- Mr. Benetti stated that there are new rules that are in legislation currently that will affect property owners' ability to have private wells. He stated that the new legislation would affect current DNR rules on how Metro communities are protecting the aquifers and their drinking water. Mr. Benetti explained that these wells that are being referred to are those for drinking water not for irrigation purposes. He stated that the City's Engineers are currently in the process of updating the city's Wellhead Protection Plan, which likely will provide new policies and standards for residential wells and other wells throughout the city. Benetti added there was recent discussion with a developer of a site to continue to use existing on -site wells for lawn or plant irrigation, but no final decision on this issue has been made. The Wellhead Plan is intended to protect the city's water sources. Benetti stated the questions or topic of wells under this public hearing item may not be related to the issue at hand; since this agenda item is in regards to storm water management and land disturbance permits. The new ordinance states any new "alternative treatment" system or infiltration plan must be certain distance, 50 -feet from a municipal or private well. Commissioner Christensen agreed that it would be easy for a citizen to tamper with another's water source if it were a well compared to a City's water system. He explained that his question stemmed from working with homeowners who have built ponds with a well source. Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel explained that wells drilled by individuals typically are only 60 feet down compared to the City's aquifer close to 400 feet down. He explained the reason that it is concerning if citizens are drinking the water from 60 feet below is that the water is not treated nor cleaned. He explained that in the world the conversation of water and how to replenish aquifers is getting louder and the prospect of selling water to other states is coming closer. Commissioner Christensen asked Mr. Benetti on why the change from one acre down to one -half acre properties that must comply with this new plan. Mr. Benetti explained that the Watershed Commission did the one -half acre requirement and cities need to follow suit, but more importantly it will encompass a lot more properties that need to abide by this allowing cities to protect water sources. PUBLIC HEARING — AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 35 -235 AND REMOVING CITY CODE SECTION 35 -2230 There was a motion by Commissioner Freedman, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to reopen the public hearing regarding the Ordinance Relating to a Permit for Land Disturbing Activities, Amending City Code Section 35 -235, and Removing City Code 35 -2230, at 7:28 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. PC Minutes 03 -26 -15 -2- The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINAI\ FOR LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITIES AMENDING CITY REMOVING CITY CODE SECTION 35 -2230 There was a motion by Commissioner Freedman, seconded recommend approval of an Ordinance Relating to a Permit Amending City Code Section 35 -235, and Removing City Code VE RELATING TO A PERMIT CODE SECTION 35 -235 AND by Commissioner Sweeney, to for Land Disturbing Activities, Section 35 -2230. Voting in favor: Chair Burfeind, Commissioners Freedman, Christensen, Morgan, Schonning, and Sweeney. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. mvmmm1 1 ►/; Mr. Benetti explained that New Millennium Academy, a charter school group from Minneapolis that provides public education for children K -8, is now looking at the Malmborg's Nursery property, off Brooklyn Boulevard and Lilac Drive. The school would like to build a 75,000 square foot two -story building, parking lots, regulation size soccer field and a drop off /pick up zone for parents. This property would be located between Brookdale Covenant Church and Happy Hollow Park. Mr. Benetti stated this project would likely lead to installing needed traffic safety and access controls off Brooklyn Boulevard, which have already been identified under the completed Brooklyn Boulevard Study (from SRF Consultants) in 2014. Mr. Benetti stated this lower leg of Brooklyn Blvd. is targeted for 2017. The study calls for providing a full, lighted intersection near the ramp entrance from Hwy 100 and the north end of the Brookdale Covenant church property. If the school were to be built this would allow the road access to the church that the City needs in order to get this project completed. Mr. Benetti explained that the school is looking at a very aggressive timeline of PC Minutes 03 -26 -15 -3- Mr. Benetti provided overview on the ordinance for the setbacks on porches and decks highlighting that this ordinance has already been in front of the City Council who sent it to the Housing Committee for review and recommendation. Comments from the Housing Commission were included in the packet; and the Planning Commission should refer to these or take these under consideration when this matter is brought back for review. Benetti let the Commissioners know that this ordinance will be appearing in April or early May under a scheduled public hearing. Mr. Benetti provided a detailed overview regarding the Joint City Council -City Commissioners meeting and how the meeting has typically run in the past. Mr. Benetti shared the Planning Commissions' slideshow that highlights what the Planning Commission has accomplished over the last year and its goals in the upcoming year. He reminded the slideshow presenter to keep comments to 5 minutes in order to keep the meeting running smoothly. Chair Burfeind made the announcement that this will be his last meeting because he is turning in his letter of resignation. He thanked the members of the Commission for their excitement towards projects and support while he has led the Commission. He mentioned that he is excited to see what the future holds for the City of Brooklyn Center and that the people in this community have made serving them a joy. The Commissioners expressed their sadness but excitement for Chair Burfeind. They thanked him for his years of service and expressed how he has changed the face of Brooklyn Center for the good. Mr. Eitel expressed his sadness to see Chair Burfeind leave because of his dedication to the redevelopment of Brooklyn Center. He thanked him for his diligence and professionalism throughout all the meetings. • 1' � ► 1 PC Minutes 03 -26 -15 -4- There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Freedman to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Chair PC Minutes 03 -26 -15 -5-