Loading...
1988-04-26 Planning Comm MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA, APRIL 26, 1988 - 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of Minutes, March 22. 4. HEARINGS: a. CASE NO. 88-09, Copperfield 4th, Rezoning and Preliminary Plat. 7:30 P.M. b. CASE NO. 88-08, Jesco, Inc., Rearrangement of Lot Lines - Tabled from March 22 Meeting. 8:00 P.M. c. CASE NO. 88-13, Paster Enterprises, Conditional Use Permit. 8:15 P.M. d. CASE No. 88-11, Northland Land Co., Preliminary Plat. 8:30 P.M. 5. New Business: a. CASE NO. 88-10, Howe, Variance. b. CASE NO. 88-12, Strebig, Variance. c. CASE NO. 88-14, Schaefer, Wetlands Permit d. CASE NO. 88-16, Kiley, Variance. 6. Pre-Application Meeting a. Mr. Steve Wentworth and Mr. Brian Birch will be present to request consideration of a car wash in a B-2 zone. 7. Verbal Review. 8. Adjourn. April 26, 1988 Page 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, APRIL 26, 1988 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, April 26, 1988, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 750 South Plaza Drive. Chairman Morson called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The following members were present: Morson, Anderson, Burke, Duggan, and McMonigal. Henning and Krebsbach had notified the Commission that they would be unable to be present. Also present were Planning Consultant Howard Dahlgren and Public Works Director Jim Danielson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE # 88 -09, COPPERFIELD EAST, REZONING, PUD, & PRELIMINARY PLAT, HEARING Commissioner Burke moved approval of the March 22 minutes as submitted. Commissioner Duggan seconded the motion. Chairman Morson called the meeting to order for the purpose of a public hearing to consider a request from Copperfield East Associates for a rezoning, PUD and preliminary plat for Copperfield 4th. Mr. Dick Putnam was present to explain the proposal. He noted that the property involved is the former George Weed property and consists of 9.3 acres. The proposed rezoning is from the current R- 1A, 40,000 square foot lot to R -1, 15,000 square foot lot sizes. Seventeen single family lots are proposed for this area. Mr. Putnam stated that the existing Copperfield covenants would apply to these 17 lots and the plan is roughly the same as for the Copperfield 3rd plan, with the average lot size being 20,100 square feet. Mr. Putnam stated that sewer and water for the site comes from Stone Road to serve all the lots, with the land being located just south of the Montgomery Addition. The development has a looped street system, rather than an additional access point on Delaware Avenue. He noted that there are some large, mature trees along the property line which they would like to save, as well as remodeling the existing Weed home, if at all feasible. He pointed out that no grading will be done in the April 26, 1988 Page 2 area of the trees. Per staff request, Mr. Putnam agreed that the watermain size can be increased to 8 inches and the slope on Stone Road could be 5 -6 %, rather than 7 %. Commissioner Duggan expressed concern with the fact that six of the 17 lots would need a variance to the 100 foot frontage requirement. He also was concerned with preservation of the mature trees. Planner Dahlgren favored the relationship of the proposed rear yards to the abutting Montgomery Addition's larger lots and felt it was very appropriate to try to preserve the Weed home. Chairman Morson asked for questions and comments from the audience. Mr. Mike Dwyer, 558 Stone Road, asked what the developer plans to do with the 25' -35' cliff off Stone Road and Field Stone. Mr. Putnam responded that it will be removed and will be a gradual drop. Mr. Dwyer also asked if there would be an increase in water runoff when the new lots are developed. He stated he has water in his rear yard now from the natural drainage. Mr. Putnam noted that the drainage amount will definitely be reduced after the lots are developed. Mr. Stewart Siebell, 2232 High Point Court, expressed concern with the increased density, increased traffic, a deteriorating road surface due to extra traffic and construction equipment, and root damage to trees from heavy equipment. Commissioner Duggan suggested video taping the trees before development and again after, to see that none were unnecessarily removed or damaged. He asked if this would be feasible and /or legal. Mr. Putnam stated that a lot with a mature tree on it is worth much more money than an empty lot. Mr. Siebell stated he would be very happy if the development were scaled back by Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 4 Nays: 1, Duggan April 26, 1988 Page 3 three lots, since he was very concerned with the extra traffic and the safety of his children. He also wanted to encourage stop signs on Huber Drive to slow down the traffic speeds. Mr. Chuck Gilbertson, 542 Huber Drive, also expressed concern with retaining the existing trees and with the proposed density. Mr. Putnam stated it would be possible to use snow fence around the trees to be saved from grading during construction. Ms. Kay Houghland, 2244 High Point Ct., noted that two of the smaller lots border on the west side of the development, those being Lots 1 and 2, Block 1. She asked that those lots be reconsidered. There being no further questions or comments, Commissioner McMonigal moved to close the public hearing at 8:40 P.M. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. Commissioner Duggan reminded the audience to vote next Tuesday on the Parks Bond Referendum. He also asked Mr. Putnam if he would be willing to reduce the plan by 2 or 3 lots. Mr. Putnam stated he is not prepared to reduce the plan, and that originally he had looked at 19 lots for this site. He felt that if someone could give him a good reason for reducing the lots from 17 to 14, he may consider it, but he was not prepared to reduce the plan otherwise. Commissioner Burke moved to recommend approval of the zoning change from R-1A to R-1 PUD for the plat as submitted. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. Commissioner Anderson moved to recommend approval of the preliminary plat called Copperfield 4th Addition, with the provision that every reasonable effort be made to retain the trees that are existing and compatible with this development. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the Ayes: 4 Nays: 1, Duggan CASE #88-08, JESCO, INC., REPLAT, EAGLE RIDGE SUMMIT 2ND, HEARING Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE #88-13, PASTER ENTERPRISES, CUP FOR LIQUOR STORE, HEARING April 26, 1988 Page 4 motion. Chairman Morson called the meeting to order for the purpose of a public hearing to consider a request from Jesco, Inc. for the replatting of existing lot lines in Eagle Ridge Summit 2nd Addition. Mr. Bill Tuminelly was present to explain the request. He apologized to the members for not being present at the last meeting, when the matter was originally scheduled. The intent is to rearrange the lot lines on Lots 8, 9, 10, and 11, Block 1, Eagle Ridge Summit 2nd Addition because Lots 10 and 11 are so small that it is difficult to design a house that would be compatible with the existing houses. The most feasible plan is to reduce the size of Lots 8 and 9, and increase the size of Lots 10 and 11, to allow construction of townhouses similar to the others in the area. He noted that Jesco will comply with Mr. Kieffer's request for additional screening along Lots 8 and 11. Chairman Morson asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being none, Commissioner Burke moved to close the public hearing at 9:04 P.M. Commissioner Duggan seconded the motion. Commissioner Duggan moved to recommend granting of the replatting of the existing lots lines in accordance with the plans submitted. Commissioner Burke seconded the motion. Chairman Morson called the meeting to order for the purpose of a public hearing to consider a request from Paster Enterprises for a conditional use permit to allow a liquor store in the Mendota Plaza Shopping Center. Mr. Ron Krank, architect from Korsunsky and Krank, was present representing Paster Enterprises. Mr. Ed Paster, his mother Celia Paster, the President of Paster Enterprises, and Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 April 26, 1988 Page 5 several others from the company were present. Mr. Paster noted that he lives in Mendota Heights, on Douglas and Lexington. He gave an update on the shopping center and showed several options for development in the rear of the center and along the westerly portion and around the rear portion. One of the options called for a raised roof structure and a raised pylon identification sign. He noted that the covered walkway may also be removed to allow for direct access to the stores. He noted that the exterior remodeling is contingent on approval of the liquor store in the center. An MGM representative felt that there is a market for liquor here in the City of Mendota Heights. Chairman Morson asked for questions or comments from the audience. Mr. Brian Birch, 755 Willow Lane, expressed concern with a liquor store coming into the community and was concerned that the major advertising thrust was aimed at the 15-16 year old market. He noted several liquor companies that do not put any money into rehabilitation of persons suffering from excess alcohol useage. He felt that MGM should be required to give a surtax to the City and that the police department should have input on the matter of a liquor store in the City. A representative from Paster Enterprises noted that the J. Phillips Company contributes to all programs. There being no further questions or comments, Commissioner Duggan moved to close the public hearing at 9:52 P.M. Commissioner Burke seconded the motion. The MGM representative noted that this MGM store would have no territorial infringement on the West St. Paul MGM liquor store. Commissioner Anderson moved to not Ayes: Nays: April 26, 1988 Page 6 recommend approval of the conditional use permit for an off -sale retail liquor store. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. 3 2, Duggan, Burke The majority of the Commission felt that the remodeling and updating should be done prior to asking for approvals for a liquor store. CASE NO. 88 -11, NORTHLAND LAND CO., PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR MAC PROPERTY, HEARING Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Chairman Morson called the meeting to order for the purpose of a public hearing to consider a request from Northland Land Company for a preliminary plat of the MAC property, which is east and west of Pilot Knob Road, between TH 13 and TH 55. Mr. George Burkards and Mr. Dale Glowa were present from Northland Land Company and United Properties. Mr. Burkards noted that the property consists of 50 acres, 35 of which are west of Pilot Knob Road and the remaining 15 acres are on the east side of Pilot Knob Road. He noted that the right -of -way on Lemay Court will be 80 feet, rather than the indicated 66 feet, and also noted that this is the last of the Metropolitan Airports Commission land. There is presently no access on TH 13 to the site, but that development will take place before TH 13 is upgraded. There will be stop lights at Pilot Knob Road and also at TH 55 in the future. The property is to be divided into 12 commercial lots, all conforming to the lot size and frontage requirements for an Industrial area. Chairman Morson asked for questions or comments from the audience. There being none, Commissioner Duggan moved to close the public hearing at 10:13 P.M. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. Commissioner Duggan moved to recommend approval of the subdivision as requested, including the 80 foot right -of -way for Lemay Court, and the necessary easements being granted as noted in Public Works Director Danielson's memo of April 20, 1988. April 26, 1988 Page 7 Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE #88 -10, HOWE, Mr. Gordon Howe, 539 Hiawatha, was VARIANCE present to request a 6.47 foot side yard variance to allow construction of an addition to their existing home. He had received written approval from his neighbor to the west, who would be most affected by his proposed addition. Commissioner Duggan moved to recommend approval of a 6.47 foot side yard variance as requested. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE #88 -12, STREBIG, VARIANCE Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE #88 -14, SCHAEFER, WETLANDS PERMIT Mr. Kelly Strebig, 1421 Clement, was present to request a 5 foot side yard variance to allow construction of a 20' x 28' garage on his property. He noted that his neighbor, Laura Scheibel has no objections, but her husband had some questions, but Mr. Scheibel never called him with his questions, nor was he present for the meeting. Commissioner Duggan moved to recommend approval of a five foot side yard variance as requested to allow construction of a 20' x 28' garage at 1421 Clement Street. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schaefer were present to request approval of a wetlands permit to allow construction of a single family home on Lot 3, Block 1, Spring Creek Acres, at 726 Marie Avenue. It was noted that there is ample room on the lot to construct a home without a wetlands permit, but that would involve removing a stand of mature evergreen trees fronting on Marie. The Schaefer's wished to preserve the trees. Commissioner Duggan commended the April 26, 1988 Page 8 Schaefer's for their high caliber presentation, noting that the color photos of the lot were very helpful, and he hoped that others would be as conscientious in their presentations as Mr. and Mrs. Schaefer had been. Commissioner Duggan moved approval of a wetlands permit for Lot 3, Block 1, Spring Creek Acres, allowing construction of a single family home within 75 feet of a wetlands area. Commissioner Burke seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE #88 -16, KILEY, Mr. Scott Kiley, 716 Spring Creek Circle, VARIANCE was present to request a variance to allow construction of a 22' x 22' detached garage 15 feet from Dodd Road. This property is Lot 8, Block 1, Spring Creek Acres. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1, Duggan PRE - APPLICATION MEETING TO CONSIDER CAR WASH After discussion, Commissioner Anderson moved to recommend to the City Council that the application for a 15 foot front yard setback variance to allow construction of a garage 15 feet from Dodd Road be disapproved. Commissioner Burke seconded the motion. Mr. Brian Birch and Mr. Steve Wentworth were present to discuss proposed plans to locate a car wash on Mr. Birch's property north of the Mendota Heights Animal Hospital off Freeway Road. They showed a model of their proposed car wash and noted that it would be a two story structure, with 4 bays self- service and 1 -2 bays automatic washes on the lower level with offices on the second floor. There would be 1000 psi in each bay. The building would be concrete block exterior with 10 foot Anderson windows in the second story. Mr. Birch noted that Dr. Koepke had no problem with the car wash and the Miller's across the street from the site are opposed to anything on that corner. After considerable discussion, Commissioner Anderson moved that no such amendment be to include a and that the is. Commissioner motion. April 26, 1988 Page 9 made to the zoning ordinance car wash in Mendota Heights ordinance should be left as McMonigal seconded the Chairman Morson felt that this B-2 site is inappropriate for a car wash. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1, Duggan VERBAL REVIEW Since the applicant did not appear at the last meeting, there was no verbal review. MISCELLANEOUS Commissioner Anderson noted that he felt the Commission should only address items on the agenda and should avoid political issues. Commissioner Duggan apologized to the Commission for causing any discomfort to them. ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Burke moved that the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner McMonigal seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:30 P.M.