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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 08-13 PCM MINUTES F THE PROCEEDINGS F THE PLANNING COMMISSION F THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AUGUST 13, 2015 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:05 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randy Christensen, Commissioners Stephen Schonning, Alexander Koenig, Rochelle Sweeney, and Carlos Morgan (arrived at 7:22 p.m.) were present. Commissioner John MacMillan was absent and excused. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Clary Eitel, and Denise Bosch, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve the agenda for the August 13, 2015 meeting. Motion passed unanimously. 4. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Christensen 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. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—JULY 16, 2015 There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2015 meeting. Motion passed unanimously. 6. PLANNING APPLICATION ITEMS 6a) APPLICATION NO. 2015-007; CASS & ASSOCIATES; CONSIDERATION OF A SITE AND BUILDIING PLAN OF 26,253 SQUARE FEET ADDITION TO THE EXISTING CASS SCREW MACHINE PRODUCTS PC Minutes 08-13-15 -1- FACILITY, LOCATED IN THE 1-2 GENERAL Ili DLIST RY DISTRICT (4800 LILAC DRIVE NORTH) Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2015-007, consideration of a site and building plan of 26,253 square feet addition to the existing Cass Screw Machine Products Facility, located in the 1-2 General Industry District(4800 Lilac Drive North). Mr. Benetti provided the application background, aerial photos, the comprehensive plan and zoning standards, site and building improvements, parking and access plans, grading/drainage/utilities, landscape and tree plan, and the City Engineer review. He stated that the staff will work with Cass & Associate's architects/design team to revise and provide an amended landscape plan that meets the City's landscape policy; and staff will ensure any updated plan is approved prior to issuance of any building permits. He also stated that the driveway apron size is considered a legal non-conforming or a "grandfathered" right. City engineers are concerned that the applicant is going to be expanding the apron by approximately 25 feet. He stated that planning staff will be working with the engineers and the applicant on alternative plans to address the issue. He stated that the engineers have also asked for the elimination of the parking tab on the south side of the building because they felt it was unwarranted even though they have identified this as an existing truck maneuvering space for trucks across the street. He stated that the planning staff has alternatives that they will be discussing with the applicant. He stated that if the applicant agrees to accept the recommendations from the engineers that include not expanding the driveway and eliminating the parking tab, then the site plan could move forward. If the applicant does not accept the recommendations, then staff would request additional time to work with the applicant and their engineers and table the item. He stated that if the applicant would like to expand the driveway, they should be submitting for a variance because any non-conforming use or situation like this can only be allowed under a variance process. He stated that commissioners have the choice to adopt the resolution as it stands which would include the recommendations made by the engineer or request to table the item and give staff more time to work with the applicant to resolve the issues. Chair Christensen asked for clarification on the location of the new loading dock. Mr. Benetti pointed out the dock location. Chair Christensen asked if the two existing docks were staying. Steven Wise, President of Cass Screw Machine, stated that the existing loading docks will not be used for loading and unloading trucks. They will use the docks for existing loading truck parking. He stated that he thinks they can do without the driveway expansion. Chair Christensen asked about handicapped parking. Mr. Benetti replied that handicap accessibility issues are handled by the City's Building Department. He was not sure how many parking spots are required, but thinks the applicant is meeting the requirements based on the type of use and activity. Chair Christensen asked about the location of the main lobby. Mr. Wise pointed out the areas that will be re-tooled to allow for handicap accessibility. PC Minutes 08-13-15 -2- Mr. Benetti stated the engineers are telling him that they don't want the loading bay at the current location. He prefers to have the City engineer and the applicant's engineer meet to work it out. The applicant is asking for a turning movement and the City needs to make sure a semi- truck can safely maneuver in the area. If not, the parking spots will need to go. Director of Business and Development Clary Eitel stated that Commissioners could move approval with the stipulation that the issues would be worked out. If the issues cannot be worked out, then it would come back as a variance. He stated that the argument could be built that the driveway is a lawful non-conforming use and it is a non-variance application. The developer could work with the City engineers regarding the truck turning movement. He stated that historically trucks on this road have had to stop on the road and back in to unload. He stated that the other question was if the applicant needed the parking tab area. Chair Christensen asked about the parking tab area being used by the adjacent property. Mr. Wise verified that the property was owned by Cass & Associates and that it may not be mission critical. He stated that the company's truck drivers have been practicing turning around in the area without the parking tab and they are able to, but it would be helpful if they could keep it. They would respectfully ask that they can keep it, but if it would hold up things they can do without it. Mr. Eitel and Mr. Benetti talked about an alternative way to keep the parking tab that they will continue to work on with the City engineer. Chair Christensen stated that the City wants to work with people to make progress happen but it needs to work within the zoning requirements. Mr. Benetti stated that the alternative would be within zoning requirements but may not be to the engineer's liking. Chair Christensen stated that he did not think the Mayor would want to go against established City zoning requirements. He asked Mr. Benetti if staff was recommending that the Commission approve the resolution with the two issues to be resolved. Mr. Benetti stated that he believes that the City can work with the applicant. He believes there is a solution and if the Planning Commission will trust Staff to move this forward, they could approve the resolution with the understanding that the issues will get worked out. The resolution would not be brought to the City Council until it had the engineer's approval. He would also like the applicant's architect and/or engineer involved in the process. If substantial changes would occur, the proposal would be brought back to the Planning Commission for further review. Commissioner Koenig asked what the engineer's concern was with changing the parking tab since it has been in long-term use. PC Minutes 08-13-15 -3- Mr. Benetti stated that the concern is primarily backing trucks up across a roadway system. He stated that this area does not have a lot of traffic and people in the area are used to waiting for the trucks. Commissioner Koenig questioned if changing the parking tab would cause more concern considering the area is somewhat self-contained and there is an established route. fie asked why a curvature was put into the plan. Mr. Wise stated that the curvature was an engineer design, He doesn't think the semi-trucks would have a problem maneuvering without the curvature. Chair Christensen stated he thought the purpose was also to keep the preexisting opening to the same size rather than opening it up further. Mr. Benetti stated that under current ordinance you can leave a non-conforming event or use like this alone, but if you try to expand on it you will need a variance. You can decrease the size but not increase it. He stated that this opening has probably been 125 feet wide since 1956 and if the opening is tied back to the old opening, it would be considered a non-enlargement. Chair Christensen talked about his difficulty with the point system used to determine the tree landscaping. He asked if the small, decorative versions of the River Birch tree are considered a shade tree. Mr. Benetti stated that the applicant's design architect was open to the City's recommendations, but felt that River Birch trees should be considered a shade tree. He stated that the River Birch tree does not fall under the City's shade tree listing and that he had suggested that there be four or five new Lindens or Maples planted. Chair Christensen stated that there were three issues to work out with the applicant. Mr. Benetti stated that the resolution is solid and can still move on with the understanding that staff will work out the details. If there is something major that needs to be brought back, it will put on the next Planning Commission agenda. Chair Christensen stated that he thought the three issues being worked out satisfactorily should be part of the recommendation approval. Chair Christensen asked Mr. Wise if they had an issue with the City's tree recommendation. Mr. Wise stated that they had no issue and will accommodate the City's requests regarding the trees. Chair Christensen stated that he is a proponent and an opponent to the point system because it doesn't always make sense, but there has to be a standard. Mr. Wise stated that they have always kept their buildings in good order and they will do the best they can and work with City engineers. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2015-07 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2015-007 SUBMITTED BY CASS SCREW MACHINE PRODUCTS PC Millutes 08-13-15 -4- There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve Planning Commission Resolution. No. 2015-02, subject to the understanding the revised landscaping plan and trees will meet City Code and satisfaction of Planning Staff; the main driveway and access to the new loading area is revised according to city staff recommendations; and the easterly driveway tab that services truck movements for the Cass facility across the street is removed or approved by the City Engineer. Commissioner Morgan spoke about the merits of the point system. He asked Mr. Wise if they had had a good year and if they were ISO certified. Mr. Wise replied that they were not ISO certified and that they were having a very good year and their employees are working overtime. Commissioner Schonning thanked Mr. Wise for not making a cinder block box and for putting some texture on the exterior of the building. He stated that it is great to see growth and opportunity coining to the City. Commissioner Morgan commented on the change in the applicant's business profile/products over the years from domestic to more international. Mr. Wise invited the Commissioners to come by for a tour, Mr. Schonning thanked Mr. Wise for expanding in Brooklyn Center. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, Morgan, Schonning, and Sweeney. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Wise asked if they could consider the plans approved by the City and go forward. Mr. Eitel stated that the City Council will consider the resolution and it would be unusual for the City Council not to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation. Chair Christensen stated that the planning staff does a great job of working through the details and the recommendation should be accepted. Mr. Eitel talked about the significance of the applicant staying in Brooklyn Center without any financial incentives/assistance. The Council will consider the application at its August 24, 2015 meeting. The applicant must be present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Planning Commission will require that the application be returned to the Commission for reconsideration. PC Minutes 08-13-15 -5- 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no other discussion items. 7. OTHER BUSINESS None at this time. 8. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. STATE OF MINNESOTA ) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER ) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and assigned Secretary to the Planning Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Regular Session of the Planning Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center held on August 13, 2015. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the Planning Commission approved said minutes at its September 17, 2015 regular meeting. Tim Benetti, Secretary Randall hristensen, Chair PC Minutes 08-13-15 -6-