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2011-01-25 Planning Comm MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes January 25, 2011 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 25, 2011 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M. The following Commissioners were present: Acting Chair Norton, Commissioners Field, Hennes, McManus, and Viksnins. Those absent: None. Those present were Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek, Public Works Director /City Engineer John Mazzitello, and NAC Planner Stephen Grittman. Minutes were recorded by Carla Wirth. Approval ofDecember 28, 2010, Minutes COMMISSIONER FIELD MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCMANUS, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 28, 2010, AS PRESENTED. AYES: NAYS: Recognition of Commissioner Bruce McManus Mr. Sedlacek recognized retiring Commissioner Bruce McManus for his service on the Planning Commission, advising he has served for three terms, nine years, missing few meetings, and likely visiting every property ever considered under a planning application. Mr. Sedlacek stated his appreciation for working with Commissioner McManus and presented him with a plaque. Mr. Sedlacek advised that Commissioner McManus will be formally recognized by the City Council on February 1, 2011. Commissioner McManus thanked the Commission and staff for this recognition and stated he hopes he hasn't caused much of a "ruckus" while serving on the Commission. He noted he had viewed the property under consideration tonight as well. Acting Chair Norton stated it has been a pleasure to serve with Commissioner McManus and he has appreciated his unique perspective. Acting Chair Norton noted that he is now the senior member on the Commission. Hearings PLANNING CASE #11 -01 Victor Perlbachs for Mendota Heights Church of Christ 680 Highway 110 Conditional Use Permit for an addition to expand their daycare and early learning center Planner Stephen Grittman explained that Mendota Heights United Church of Christ is requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow the expansion of their existing building at 680 Highway 110. The property is zoned R -lA, Single Family Residential, and guided Low Density Residential. He displayed a site plan of the subject site and noted the proposed expansion would extend toward the southwest from the main portion of the building and cover an area of existing parking. The Church received a CUP for fencing related to the uses of a portion of the existing building as a daycare facility in 2003. The expanded facility affects the site plan significantly so a revised CUP is required. Mr. Grittman advised that remaining parking was reviewed and it was found that 67 spaces remain as required by Code. The daycare is not expected to conflict in times of use with the main facility so parking is appropriate as designed. Mr. Grittman noted there is no opportunity for overflow parking on the street, so the CUP acknowledges that if there is ever a parking problem on this property, the applicant should be prepared to add on -site Planning Commission Minutes January 25, 2011 parking spaces. He stated there are areas for parking expansion, if needed. Staff recommends approval of the CUP since it meets the ordinance and comprehensive plan requirements. Commissioner Field asked if the CUP could require additional parking with approval through an administrative review so a public hearing process and application are not required. Mr. Grittman advised that a condition could be added to a recommendation motion to put the applicant on notice. Commissioner Field asked if there is any need that would result in a requirement for additional parking, except for an expansion to the sanctuary seating Mr. Grittman advised that under the current situation staff does not think parking will be problem unless during something like a large funeral service. He noted that from a Code standpoint, the application meets the requirements and will continue to do so unless the congregation demographics change. Mr. Grittman stated that if the Commission wishes, a condition can be placed to require the applicant to submit a site plan that would accommodate a future parking lot expansion. Commissioner Viksnins asked if further review would be a specific condition of the CUP. Mr. Grittman explained that he had noted that in the staff report for purposes of notification to the applicants that if parking becomes a problem the City may reopen the issue, but it may be the case that the church opens the issue. Commissioner Viksnins asked if it would be a self - enforcing issue or if the city would become aware on a complaint basis. Mr. Grittman stated it is assumed the church will self - monitor parking and if it becomes a problem, action will be taken by the City at that point. Commissioner Field stated the church is taking some parking spaces out of circulation and, as a result, may have to readdress parking and all are aware of that situation. Commissioner Hennes noted the site still has adequate parking as required by Code. He stated he is familiar with the site and the congregation is relatively small so he thinks the parking is adequate. Commissioner McManus noted the application has been signed by Connie McCallister, not the Mendota Heights Church of Christ. Mr. Sedlacek advised that staff confirmed Rev. McCallister is legally authorized to sign for the church. Vic Perlbachs, architect representing the applicant, advised that the congregation held a conversation about the parking and there are plans to add parking to the site, if required, but it would involve re- grading of the western side at a greater expense. He stated this church has 70 congregation members and is growing because of the daycare and learning center so they have plans in place to expand parking. Commissioner Viksnins asked how many parking spaces are being lost. Mr. Perlbachs stated they will remove 23 parking spaces in the southwest corner and described the location of remaining parking spaces. Commissioner Hennes asked how much the congregation is expected to increase. Mr. Perlbachs stated they presently have 70 -80 children enrolled and with expansion can go to about 115 children. Acting Chair Norton opened the public hearing. Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Acting Chair Norton asked for a motion to close the public hearing. COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNES, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. AYES 5 NAYS 0 4 Planning Commission Minutes January 25, 2011 COMMISSIONER FIELD MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS REQUESTED. Commissioner Field noted he did not include a condition for parking but the record from tonight's meeting is clear that additional parking will be required in the future, if needed. Acting Chair Norton concurred and noted the applicant's representative is present this evening. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Acting Chair Norton advised the City Council would consider this application at its February 1, 2011, meeting. PLANNING CASE #11 -02 City of Mendota Heights Zoning Ordinance Amendment Planner Stephen Grittman explained that the City of Mendota Heights is requesting approval of a series of ordinance amendments to add requirements to the city's stormwater management regulations in Chapter 11, Subdivisions Regulations, and Chapter 12, Zoning Ordinance. The Subdivision Ordinance amendments relate to minor changes to the design standards and required improvements. The Zoning Ordinance amendments update definitions to wetlands and several terms in the Critical Area Ordinance related to stormwater control. Mr. Grittman advised that the changes are housekeeping in nature, codifying what are common review practices for the city, reflecting state regulations, and will assist in better management of stormwater runoff in the community. Staff recommends approval of the amendments. Commissioner Field asked if sediment is removed from NURP and holding ponds as a maintenance activity. Public Works Director /City Engineer Mazzitello advised the city has a pond inspection program and inlet sediment removal process, as needed, with the public works department. In addition, the city is starting a process to assess water bodies to determine quality and functionality of storm water and implement repairs, as applicable. Acting Chair Norton opened the public hearing. Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Acting Chair Norton asked for a motion to close the public hearing. COMMISSIONER VIKSNINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCMANUS, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. AYES 5 NAYS 0 COMMISSIONER MCMANUS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HENNES, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS AS REQUESTED. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Acting Chair Norton advised the City Council would consider this application at its November 1, 2011, meeting. Verbal Review Mr. Sedlacek gave the following verbal review: Planning Commission Minutes January 25, 2011 PLANNING CASE #10 -38 William Gacki Critical Area Permit • Approved by the City Council as recommended by the Planning Commission with updated site plan identifying steps. Commissioner Hennes asked how many applications were received for vacant Commission seats. Mr. Sedlacek reported that seven applications were received for three openings and the interviews are scheduled for February 16, 2011, with appointments expected in March. Commissioner Field asked for an update on the League training program. Mr. Sedlacek reported that Acting Chair Norton has completed the training process and taken the test. He stated he will sign up all Commissioners for this training program and explained how it can be completed on -line. COMMISSIONER MCMANUS MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FIELD, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:34 P.M. AYES NAYS Respectfully submitted, Carla Wirth, Recording Secretary 2