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2000-04-25 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 25, 2000 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2000, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Chair Duggan, and Commissioners Betlej, Friel, Koll, Lorberbaum, and McManus. Also present were Public Works Director Danielson, Planner Stephen Grittman, Administrative Assistant Patrick Hollister and Heidi Guenther, Recording Secretary. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONERS Chair Duggan introduced new Planning Commission members Marina McManus and Jack Vitelli (absent) to the public. Commissioner McManus stated she has been a resident of Mendota Heights since 1989. She explained she was interested in becoming more active in her community and thinks this position will fill that need. Chair Duggan noted Jack Vitelli is a retired Honeywell employee and has lived in Mendota Heights for 12 to 14 years. Chair Duggan took time to thank Commission members Dan Tilsen and Steve Kleinglass for their hard work on the Planning Commission of the past years. Chair Duggan also introduced the new consulting City Planner Steve Grittman. Mr. Grittman introduced himself and stated he has been working with the City on their Comprehensive Plan for the past year and looks forward to working with the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Lorberbaum moved to approve the minutes of March 28, 2000 meeting, revised to amend page nine, paragraph two, to change Bill Buell's title to Consultant with Metricom and page 11, paragraph one to, "approve the installation of 50 to 75 radios." Chairperson Duggan seconded the motion. AYES: 3 NAYS: 0 ABSTAIN: 3 (Friel, Betlej, and McManus) 1 41/25/00 ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Duggan called for nominations for the Chair and Vice Chair positions for the year 2000. Commissioner Friel nominated Ultan Duggan for the Chair position of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Koll seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Koll moved to close the nominations. Commission Friel seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Friel moved to elect Ultan Duggan as the Chair of the Planning Commission for the year 2000. Commissioner Koll seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ABSTAIN: 1 (Duggan) Commissioner Friel nominated Joe Betlej as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission for the year 2000. Commissioner Lorberbaum seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Lorberbaum moved to close the nominations. Chairperson Duggan seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Friel moved to elect Joe Betlej as the Vice -Chair of the Planning Commission for the year 2000. Commissioner Lorberbaum seconded the motion. AYES: 5 2 4//25/00 NAYS: 0 ABSTAIN: 1 ( Betlej) CASE NO. #00 -14: DAVID FISCHER, US WEST WIRELESS, LLC CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS LEXINGTON AVENUE AND DAKOTA DRIVE Chair Duggan explained this item would be tabled to the May Planning Commission meeting at the request of the applicant. He noted that the 60 -day extension was acceptable to the applicant as well. Commissioner Friel moved to table Case No. #00 -14 to the May 23, 2000 Planning Commission meeting and to accept the 60 -day extension. Commissioner Betlej seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 CASE NO. #00 -17: CHADWICK C. LANGSTON CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DETACHED GARAGE 1603 DODD ROAD Chair Duggan explained this was a continued public hearing for the purpose of discussion on a Conditional Use Permit and a front yard setback variance to construct a detached garage at 1603 Dodd Road. The public hearing was continued from the March 28, 2000 meeting to allow the applicant to provide the Commission with a revised site plan with topographic contours and elevations of the proposed garage. Chair Duggan asked for questions and comments from the audience. Chadwick Langston, 1603 Dodd Road, reviewed his revised site plan with the Commission and stated the secondary structure would not be closer to the road than the primary structure which would remove the need for a front yard setback variance. He stated the Conditional Use Permit would still be needed for the detached garage. Mr. Langston stated the Wentworth Avenue driveway entrance would be closed off with the proposed garage, which would increase the safety of his lot. Chair Duggan asked that Mr. Langston address the drainage issues for the detached garage. Mr. Langston stated the north side drains toward Wentworth Avenue and would not be changed with the additional garage space. 3 4//25/00 Commissioner Koll reiterated the fact that the applicant must match roof lines, siding, and color of the garage with the primary structure. She noted she was in favor of the plan. Commissioner Friel concurred. There being no further questions or comments, Commissioner Friel moved that the hearing be closed. Commissioner Lorberbaum seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Friel moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for a detached garage for Chadwick Langston at 1603 Dodd Road. Commissioner Lorberbaum seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 CASE NO. #00 -18: ROBERT H. SHULSTAD FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A PORCH ADDITION 1399 DODD ROAD Chair Duggan explained this was a public hearing for the purpose of discussion on a Front Yard Setback Variance for a porch addition at 1399 Dodd Road on the corner of Dodd Road and First Street. Planner Grittman reviewed the Planning Case with the Commission and noted the applicants are requesting a variance from the front yard setback standard to allow an open covered entryway of four feet deep by 13.5 feet wide to be built extending farther into the setback from Dodd Road. He reviewed the site plan with the Commission. Planner Grittman noted the proposed extension would reduce the front setback to 40 feet from the required 44 feet. He stated the applicants felt the addition is architecturally appealing but he believes that no real hardship can be found on this case. Planner Grittman recommended the variance not be approved due to the fact the addition is not reasonable and is not meeting the hardship clause of the Ordinance. He explained if the applicant were to address the size, architecture, and conditions where an encroachment would be allowed Staff would be in favor of the request. Chair Duggan asked for questions and comments from the audience. Robert Shulstad and Barb Zahasky, 1399 Dodd Road, noted they have been residents in their home since 1974. Ms. Zahasky stated there is a great space hardship with this home. She stated 4 4//25/00 there is a need for a front door to the home and the addition would meet that need. Ms. Zahasky stated the proposed addition works well with the garage lines and this addition would modernize the home while increasing the function and space within the home. Ms. Zahasky explained the neighbors are in favor of the improvement. Commission Lorberbaum asked if hardship on this site could be the lack of 1,000 square feet of livable space above grade. She explained this addition would improve the neighborhood and home. Commissioner Betlej stated the front entrance would be architecturally pleasing and he felt this would be a great improvement. Commissioner Friel stated he felt there was not a hardship for this case and suggested that the Council adopt an Ordinance to allow variances to pass if neighboring properties are in favor of the request. Planner Grittman explained this is being worked on and amendment language has been prepared for the Commission to review. Commissioner Koll asked if the foliage in the front of the home would be removed. Ms. Zahasky stated the foliage would be removed with the addition and new landscaping would be put in place. Commissioner Koll asked if the addition would match the home's current exterior. Mr. Shulstad noted cedar frames would be used for the exterior of the addition to match the framing of the current structure. Commissioner Koll stated she was in favor of the addition to assist the residents in meeting the need for square footage of living space. Chair Duggan stated the living space needs from the 1940's and the living space needs of today have changed and the addition would improve the lot and neighborhood. He explained the addition would allow the applicants to greater enjoy their home. Chair Duggan stated an amendment has been proposed to the City Ordinance regarding variances and that language has been brought forth from Planner Grittman. Commissioner Friel suggested the amendment be recommended for approval. He added that the applicant's request also be approved as is. There being no further questions or comments, Commissioner Friel moved that the hearing be closed. Chairperson Duggan seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 5 4//25/00 Commissioner Friel moved to amend Ordinance amendments from Planner Grittman. Chairperson Duggan seconded the motion AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Section 4.6(3)c with the proposed Chair Duggan asked if there would be a public hearing for the Ordinance amendment. Administrative Assistant Hollister stated a public hearing would be held and this Ordinance amendment, if adopted, could not go into legal use until the second Tuesday in June. Commissioner Betlej asked if the applicants were on a timeframe. Mr. Shulstad stated he was interested in framing this project in June if possible. Commissioner Friel moved to approve the Front Yard Setback Variance for a Porch Addition for Robert Shulstad and Barb Zahasky at 1399 Dodd Road contingent on City Council approval of the Ordinance amendments. Commissioner Lorberbaum seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 1 (Friel) CASE NO. #00 -19: ROGER AND JENNIFER KRAMFR WETLANDS PERMIT FOR A FENCE 1286 SYLVANDALE ROAD Chair Duggan explained this was a public hearing for the purpose of discussion on a Wetlands Permit for a fence at 1286 Sylvandale Road. Planner Grittman noted Roger and Jennifer Kramer were requesting a Wetlands Permit to construct a fence in their backyard within 100 feet of a wetland. He noted the fence would enclose most of the rear yard and be located along the west and south lot lines. Planner Grittman noted a creek flows on the east side of the property. He stated the fence meets the City's fence guidelines being made of steel with a white finish. Planner Grittman recommended the Wetlands Permit be approved as submitted. He noted the fence would appear to be of an open design and should not constrict any views or the nature of the neighborhood. Planner Grittman suggested the owners choose a darker color for the fence. Chair Duggan asked if the Planner had a suggestion for the color of the fence. Planner Grittman noted dark brown or green are color schemes that blend well with the landscape. Chair Duggan asked for questions and comments from the audience. 6 4//25/00 Roger Kramer, 1286 Sylvandale Road, stated the fence he has in mind would not be white but would be bronze in color to blend with the landscaping. He stated the fence would establish a boundary for his young children. Commissioner Koll stated this was a nice looking fence and the safety factor is important. She asked if the fence would be located on or near the property line. Mr. Kramer stated the fence company would complete a survey and the fence would be within a foot of the property line. He stated he spoke with his neighbors and they have shown no contradiction to date. Commissioner Lorberbaum supported the request for the fence and wetland permit. Commissioner McManus concurred. Chairperson Duggan noted he was glad the neighbors were contacted and spoken to before this application was brought forth. He stated the safety of the children is a great concern. Chairperson Duggan asked that the applicant consider screening the fence or working with the neighbors to screen the fence with landscaping. There being no further questions or comments, Commissioner Koll moved that the hearing be closed. Commissioner Betlej seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Friel moved to approve the Wetlands Permit for a Fence for Roger Lewis Kramer at 1286 Sylvandale Road. Chairperson Duggan seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 VERBAL REVIEW Chair Duggan requested a verbal review of the matters which were submitted to the City Council for their consideration. Public Works Director Danielson informed the Commission of Council action taken on planning cases, and updated the Commission on the U.S. West issue. He noted the City Council agreed with the Commission's recommendation to deny the Conditional Use Permit as requested by U.S. West. Commissioner Friel asked if the proposed U.S. West tower would be used as a siren as well. Mr. Danielson stated this dual purpose has been discussed because the City does have a dead zone in this area. 7 4//25/00 Public Works Director Danielson stated Mr. Hayes' request for rezoning from R -1 to B -2, with conditions, failed at the Council meeting and the applicant is reviewing this item. Public Works Director Danielson noted Mr. Buell's item was approved subject to right -of -way permit from the City. Chair Duggan asked if a control module went before the Council. Public Works Director Danielson stated the central signal is being proposed for the Mendota Heights water tower and the Council has authorized that location. He explained this item will be before the Commission in the near future. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Planning Commission, Commissioner Lorberbaum moved to adjourn its meeting at 8:35 p.m. Commissioner Betlej seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Respectfully submitted, Heidi Guenther Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 8 4/125/00