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1996-09-24 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, September 24, 1996, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 o'clock p.m. The following members were present: Chair Dwyer, Commissioners Duggan, Friel, Betlej, Lorberbaum, Koll and Tilsen. Also present were Public Works Director Jim Danielson, Planning Consultant Meg McMonigal, Administrative Intern Patrick Hollister and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Duggan moved approval of the August 27, 1996 minutes with corrections. Commissioner. Betlej seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSTAIN: 1, TILSEN CASE NO. 96-27: WOOLSEY - WETLANDS PERMIT Administrative Intern Hollister informed the Commission that the additional material requested from the applicant by the Planning Commission at their August meeting has not yet been submitted by the applicant. Commissioner Lorberbaum moved to table discussion on this item until the October Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Friel seconded the motion. Chair Dwyer directed staff to inform Mr. Woolsey of the Commission's action and to also inform Mr. Woolsey that the Commission will entertain discussion on this item one last time. A brief discussion ensued regarding the 60 day review process. Hollister informed the Commission that the Woolsey request has been extended to a 120 day review process. 1 CASE NO. 96-29: MCCARDLE - VARIANCE Mr. and Mrs. Dennis McCardle. Of 2159 Fox Place, were present to discuss their request for a seven foot front yard setback variance which would allow the construction of a front entryway twenty three feet from the front property line. Chair Dwyer explained that the McCardle's are intending to construct a second story addition. He stated that there have been many variance requests from other Friendly Hills residents in the past and that it appears the McCardle's request is consistent with past variance requests in the Friendly Hills subdivision. He inquired about hardship. Mr. McCardle submitted a copy of his floor plan and explained that the placement of the stairway is to accommodate access to the second story. He stated that the placement of the stairs will be perpendicular to the main line of the home. He further stated that the location of the closets are essential because the second story will be heated using ductwork through the closet "A" area. He stated that the placement of the furnace also dictates where the closets will be placed. He stated that alternative building ideas have been discussed with their contractor and that this particular scenario makes the best use of what already exists. Mr. McCardle noted the reoccurring theme of Friendly Hills residents requesting variances and he pointed out Council's policy regarding Friendly Hills variance requests. Commissioner Duggan stated that he had visited the site and that the McCardle's addition seems no different than other additions in the Friendly Hills neighborhood. He stated that all signatures of consent have been received and that he supports the approval of the variance request. Commissioner Duggan was excused at 7:50 o'clock P.M. Commissioner Friel stated that the policy adopted by Council in 1979 provides for granting variances in Friendly Hills neighborhood of ten feet or less. He stated that this policy is inconsistent with the City's Ordinance requirements for variances. Commissioner Friel stated that the lot sizes are, smaller in the Friendly Hills 1 st Addition than the Friendly Hills 2nd Addition. He stated the need for a variance is even greater in the first addition due to the lot size. 2 Chair Dwyer moved to recommend that the City Council grant a seven foot front yard setback variance for an addition to the home at 2159 Fox Place. The hardship identified being that of lot size and the established Friendly Hills Variance Policy. Commissioner Koll seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 1, BETLEJ ABSTAIN: 1, FRIEL Mr. Scott Bachman, of 2464 Bridgeview Court, was present to discuss his request for a Wetlands Permit which would allow the construction of a pool, spa, fence, pool storage building, filters and heaters and the removal of approximately 100 cubic yards of soil within the wetland systems district. Mr. Bachman explained that he had been confused as to why he needed to apply for a Wetlands Permit since the original building permit process (completed in 1990) had indicated there would be a pool constructed in the future. Mr. Bachman introduced Mr. Al Hipps, Landscape Architect. Mr. Bachman submitted a picture depicting the placement of the pool and where the wetland boundary is located. He informed the Commission that the pool area will not be touching the wetlands area. Commissioner Tilsen inquired about pool drainage. Mr. Bachman stated that the water will be drained to the back of the lot and that a nature/water purifier system will be installed which limits the percentage of chlorine to 10 percent. Mr. Bachman stated that no chemicals will be used just pure crystals. He expressed his concern over the environment. Chair Dwyer inquired about installing a silt fence. Public Works Director Danielson stated that this will be addressed during the building permit process and that the City's Code Enforcement Officers will monitor this process. Commissioner Koll inquired about truck access and how much soil will be removed from the site. She also inquired about replacing damaged vegetation. Mr. Bachman explained that the trucks will use the side of his yard where there is grass and that there will be less than 100 cubic yards of 3 dirt removed. He stated that the pool will only be five feet deep. Mr. Hipps explained that the elevation of the pool is fifteen feet higher than the wetlands and that they do not anticipate moving soil onto existing vegetation. Commissioner Koll noted her concern for tree damage. Commissioner Lorberbaurn inquired if the storage building will be constructed this year. Mr. Bachman stated the slab will be poured this year. Lorberbaurn inquired if a Conditional Use Permit will be needed to construct the proposed accessory structure. Mr. Bachman stated the proposed building size to be 10 x 8. It was determined that a Conditional Use Permit was not necessary because the structure is less than 144 square feet. Commissioner Lorberbaurn inquired about the protection of the small pines which are located on the side of Mr. Bachman's house. Mr. Bachman responded that no trees will be damaged. Commissioner Betlej inquired about the accuracy of the .site plan. Public Works Director Danielson stated that the survey correctly delineates the high water level mark. He informed the Commission that staff has compared the survey to the City's aerial topographic maps and the boundaries have been accurately shown. Chair Dwyer stated that signatures of consenthave been received. Commissioner Friel moved to recommend that the City Council grant the wetlands permit. Commissioner Betlej seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 VERBAL REVIEW Public Works Director Danielson briefed the Planning Commission on recent City Council actions regarding recent planning cases. Commissioner Lorberbaurn inquired about when the State of Minnesota will begin the tree planting process along Highway 110. Public Works Director Danielson explained that the project is underway and should be completed by next season. N There being no further business, the Planning Commission moved to adjourn its meeting at 8:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberlee K. Blaeser Senior Secretary A