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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 01-26 PCMM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JANUARY 26, 2017 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Susan Tade and Rochelle Sweeney were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Michaela Kujawa-Daniels, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the Planning Commission Meeting Agenda with amendments as follows: Move agenda item 6a to present after agenda item 6b. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — January 12, 2017 There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2017 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 5. 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. 6. PLANNING APPLICATION ITEMS 6a) APPLICATION NO. 2017-001 HOM FURNITURE INC./GATLIN DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2501 COUNTY RD 10 (FORMER KOHL'S) This agenda item was considered after agenda item 6b. PC Minutes 01-26-17 -1- 1 1 } 6b) APPLICATION NO. 2017-002 BIG PICTURE TWIN CITIES AND CROSS OF GLORY LUTHERN CHURCH PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5929 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2017-002, Consideration of Special Use Permit for new public charter school offering a regular course of study accredited by the Minnesota Department of Education. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 01-26-2017 for Application No. 2017-002) It was noted that notice was published in the local Sun -Post and notice letter were delivered to all properties within 350 feet of the subject site. Chair Christensen stated he wanted to open the public forum next and would ask questions upon hearing their statements and input. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2017-002 Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter. There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2017-002, at 7:14 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen called for comments from the public. Director of Big Picture Twin Cities, Rachel Ose Ngendakuriyo, 7729 Unity Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, provided background on Big Picture education. She stated the main idea of Big Picture is to provide individualized education to each child and as part of that they pair each child with a mentor as well. She stated they are excited to be leasing in a non-profit building where they money will be going back into the community. She noted there are so many great things about Big Picture but one to note is the graduation rates are 89%. Betty Mummah, 5900 Admiral Lane, Brooklyn Center, stated she is a neighbor of the church and is strongly opposed to this proposal. She stated she is concerned about traffic and vandalism mainly. Noting that decreases in property value as a result of the school opening in the church is a secondary concern. She stated there is no value to adding this school for the community only negative consequences. Michael Mummah, 5900 Admiral Lane, Brooklyn Center, stated he is the son of Betty Mummah and stated he wanted to reiterate her concerns more clearly. He stated they have concerns about traffic being diverted through Admiral Lane when the City will conduct the proposed construction to the street opening to the church building. He stated most middle schools now have police or security on site because middle schoolers are of an age where high amounts of troublemaking activity occur, and noted he doesn't see that the school or church have a police liaison in their plans. He stated they are worried about children roaming the neighborhood and causing trouble, noting the schools plan to have all children bused will not prevent children from not getting on the bus and sticking around the neighborhood. He stated the fact that more PC Minutes 01-26-17 -2- children who have been taught with the Big Picture learning style have graduated college has nothing to do with middle school, noting they aren't high schoolers. He stated they are also concerned that property values will diminish from the presence of the school and children. Olga Vuziy, 5844 Ewing Avenue, Brooklyn Center, stated she already has issues with the church and their uses of the parking lot at odd hours throughout the day and night. She stated they have used the parking lot for packing care packages that they send to other countries and sometimes that activity goes on into the late hours of the evening and it is disruptive to neighbors. She also stated there are school bus drivers using the lot to train new drivers and she would like that to stop. She stated adding the school will not help any of these issues. Bruce Rosholt, 5842 Admiral Lane, Brooklyn Center, stated he believes this is an awful idea. He stated the traffic along those roads is too active to have a school there. He stated having a charter school will only bring trouble to the neighborhood and cause problems. He stated their property values will diminish as a result. He stated this is a ludicrous idea and he would like to know what can be done to stop this from moving forward. Ruth Mcalindon, 5925 Admiral Lane, Brooklyn Center, stated she is a neighbor and attends the church and thinks this is a great idea. She stated Rachel presented the proposal to the church the other day and believes it will have a positive impact on the community. She stated it is great that people want to take a chance on children who maybe aren't getting the individual attention at the public schools and that could thrive in a smaller class size environment with a different teaching standpoint. She stated she is happy to see this moving forward into the neighborhood and noted the concerns of the other neighbors are none that she believes to be of real concern. Tammy Sathre, 6038 Lilac Drive, Brooklyn Center, stated she lives next to Earle Brown School and stated the neighbors of this proposed school have nothing to worry about. She stated it is so small in a location that is already there they won't notice much activity at all. She stated this type of school is much needed to close a gap in the learning system in Brooklyn Center. She stated this can only help the community grow and move into a more positive direction because these children are the future of the City. Deputy Director, Ashley Viehauser, 5649 Humboldt Avenue S, Minneapolis, stated it's a great benefit to the community and world to have children graduating and going to college. She stated the school is responsible for the students getting on and off the buses and to make sure the students are making the community better. Pastor at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, Mark Hostetler, 6272 Yukon Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, stated the church is currently down to 300 members, despite best efforts to grow the congregation. He stated they were looking for a partner not just any group to join in the efforts to make the community a great place to be and to help grow the community. He stated they found that in Big Picture Learning and believes this school will be a true asset to the community and the church. Lindsay Jansen, 1496 Arden Oaks Drive, Arden Hills, stated there is a misconception with charter schools and alternative schools. She stated there is a difference between them and the PC Minutes 01-26-17 -3- alternative schools are those that offer different more specialized learning for children that may have issues learning in a public setting whether due to behavioral issues or learning issues, those children would most likely be referred to an alternative school. She stated a charter school is a place that offers a different choice to the public schools in the area for parents wanting smaller class sizes and perhaps a different teaching approach for their child. She stated charter schools are compared to private schools but without the tuition. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2017-002, at 8:06 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Tade asked what the recruitment process looks like for the enrollment. Rachel stated they are having an open house and will mail outreach materials to the surrounding area. Commissioner Tade asked if they believe they will reach the 80 children enrollment they have in their proposal. Rachel stated absolutely. She stated there are plenty of families in the community looking for more specialized options for their children's education and if they can get that for free they will jump at that opportunity. Commissioner Tade asked if this only a learning model or has it been implemented in a school settings and had success already in other locations. Rachel stated they have a few hundred of these schools in the U.S. and some in other countries as well and they have had great success. Commissioner Tade stated the graduation rate outlook is impressive and she is happy to hear they have used the model many times before with success. Commissioner Koenig stated he does believe the concerns voiced by some of the neighbors are valid to an extent, he noted that doesn't necessarily mean he agrees with their feelings and concerns, but he wants them to be aware they are legitimate so they can look at those concerns closely for precautionary measures. Chair Christensen asked Mr. Benetti if they have received a lot of negative input regarding traffic issues or otherwise from people in the Happy Hollow neighborhood where they approved a much larger school awhile back to be put into a similar style of neighborhood. Mr. Benetti stated he hasn't heard of home value decreasing because of a school or church moving into the neighborhood and In the case of the Happy Hollow neighborhood, he stated they have actually been pleasant surprised by the fact that their values have gone up because of people wanting to move closer to the school. Commissioner MacMillan stated he. thinks it's a very positive thing that the school will keep the church alive and the buses and traffic is nothing along with there being no cost to the city it's a positive thing. Chair Christensen stated his main concern is the traffic being regulated by the school to enforce the traffic through the correct ways and to keep the kids safe. PC Minutes 01-26-17 -4- a Commissioner Tade asked what will happen when they are doing the construction on the entry way. Mr. Benetti stated it will most likely be rerouted around down Admiral Lane and Ewing but it will be temporary and they will still have the back access in and out for the school and church members. Commissioner Koenig stated while the concerns from the residents is important equally important is the community and keeping the community thriving and bringing a school and faith together will be a good thing. Chair Christensen stated his last concern is the outdoor activities. She stated they would make use of the large parking: lot with removable basketball hoops and kick balls nand such and also make use of the community center if they wanted. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to approve the application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2017-01 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING' COMMISION APPLICATION NO. 2017-02 SUBMITTED BY BIG PICTURE TWIN CITIES TO OPERATE A NEW CHARTER SCHOOL USE IN THE R-1 ONE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT. LOCATED AT 5929 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD There was a motion. by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan ,to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2017-02. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. 6a) APPLICATION NO. 2017-001 HOM FURNITURE INC./GATLIN DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2501 COUNTY RD 10 (FORMER KOHL'S) Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2017-001, Consideration of Amendment No. 8 to the 2011 Shingle Creek Crossing Planned Unit Development. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 01-12-2017 for Application No. 2017-001) It was noted that notice was published in the local Sun -Post and notice letter were delivered to all properties within 350 feet of the subject site. Chair Christensen stated he wanted to open the public forum next and would ask questions upon. hearing their statements and input. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2017-001 PC Minutes 01-26-17 -5- Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to. speak on this matter. There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2017-001, at 8:54 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. No one wished to address the Commission. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2017-001, at 8:57 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to approve the application with the following Amendment: 1. Applicant is permitted to have one large freestanding sign not to exceed 350 -sq. ft., in lieu of two signs sized at 250 -sq. ft. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2017-01 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISION APPLICATION NO. 2017-001 SUBMITTED BY HOM FURNITURE INC. AND GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOR PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO THE 2011 SHINGLE CREEK CROSSING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND SITE AND BUILDING PLAN FOR HOM FURNITURE STORE. (LOCATED AT 2501 COUNTY RD 10) There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Tade to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2017-01 as amended Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7a) UPDATE THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND ACTIVITIES MAP FOR YEAR 2017 Business and Development Director Eitel and Secretary Benetti gave a brief update of the proposed (draft) Community Development and Activities Map for 2017. Staff pointed out the new areas of focus for planning needs; and potential redevelopment areas that staff and the PC Minutes 01-26-17 -6- commission will be working on. The Planning Commission generally supported the draft map and thanks the staff for preparing it again for this upcoming planning year. 7b) AUTOMATIC RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER CARLOS MORGAN Secretary Benetti reported that Planning Commissioner Carlos Morgan has not been present for a number of meetings throughout his tenure; with some excused, but many unexcused. Mr. Benetti reported that Mr. Morgan has been absent the last 6 meetings. Due to these multiple absences, and as per the City Commission By -Laws and Rules that state more than three unexcused absences or a majority of absences throughout a year are cause for automatic resignation, it was determined by Mayor Willson to accept the automatic and immediate resignation of Commissioner Morgan at this time. Mr. Benetti reported the City Clerk will forward the notice of resignation to Mr. Morgan, and will begin the process of seeking a new resident from the community to fill Mr. Morgan's term. There were no other discussion items. 8. OTHER BUSINESS None at this time. 9. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. Chair PC Minutes 01-26-17 -7-