HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-07-13 CPC MIN• STILLWATER PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Date: July 13, 1992
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Gerald Fontaine, Chairman
Angela Anderson, Glenna Bealka, Duane Elliott,
Gary Funke, Rob Hamlin, and Don Valsvik
Steve Russell, Comm. Dev. Director
Ann Pung-Terwedo, Planner
Absent: Gene Bealka and Darwin Wald
Chairman Fontaine reviewed the procedures for hearing cases,
discussion, voting and abstaining. He then called the meeting to
order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Don Valsvik noted that on page 3, paragraph 8, the second
sentence should read: A 42-inch height fence does not require a
setback..
• Motion by Glenna Bealka, seconded by Gary Funke to approve the
minutes of of June G, 1992, as amended. All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case No. V/92-28 - Variance to the rearyard setback (20 feet
requested, 25 feet required) for construction of a deck at 1203
North Martha Street. Michael Sampson, property owner, presented
the request.
The request is to replace an existing deck. The two adjacent
property owners have given their written approval.
Motion by Don Valsvik to approve the variance request since the
neighbors have no objection. Seconded by Duane Elliott. All in
favor.
Case No. SUP/92-29 - A Special Use Permit to operate a three-
bedroom Bed and Breakfast at 801 West Pine Street in the RB
District. Jon and Rita Graybill, applicants.
Case No. SUP/92-30 - A Special Use Permit to operate a four-
bedroom Bed and Breakfast at 811 West Pine Street in the RB
District. Duane E. Arndt, applicant.
• The Commission determined that the two applications should be
heard together, since the properties are next door to each other.
The City Attorney has informed staff that one does not take
precedence over the other because both applications were
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• Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes July 13, 1992
submitted prior to the Planning Commission deadline.
Mr. Graybill presented a drawing of his property showing adequate
parking for at least three cars without blocking access to the
carriage house. There is a 90 foot privacy fence along the side
to screen the parking area and a four-foot high picket fence
across the back of the property. Mr. Graybill stated that his
family moved here two years ago from Thailand with the intent to
open a Bed and Breakfast and have restored the home for that
purpose. They have discussed their plans with the neighbors and
most have been supportive. They are aware of the three-block
limitation, and were not aware of Mr. Arndt's intent to apply for
a Special Use Permit.
Mr. Arndt stated that he has lives
done considerable renovation. He
months ago. When he filed for
advised that the Graybills had
previously a duplex and has four
open the business at any time.
approval of both permits.
J in his home since 1971 and has
acquired the B & B ordinance 18
a Special Use Permit, he was
also applied. His home was
bathrooms. He is prepared to
He would have no objection to
Gary Funke asked Mr. Arndt why it has taken 18 months to apply
for the permit. Mr. Arndt stated that he wanted to wait until
• his son graduated and moved out of the home.
Rob Hamlin asked if the Graybills would object to approval of
both permits. They stated they would not object.
Eleanor Jones, who lives across Pine Street from both homes
stated that Pine is a snow emergency route and at times there is
no parking allowed on the street. Chairman Fontaine explained
that the permits would allow on-site parking only. Ms. Jones
went on to say that she would have no objection to approval of
one permit but is not in favor of both.
Bruce Brillhart, owner of the Ann Bean House at 319 W. Pine,
stated that he is not in favor of two B & B's four blocks away.
He stated that the reason for the 3-block separation is so there
is no dramatic impact on the residential neighborhood. Three Bed
and Breakfast establishments within four blocks would visually
hurt the neighborhood.
Diane Mara, 901 W. Pine, stated that she toured three Bed and
Breakfasts in Hudson, all within a five-block area, with 15 rooms
total. All reported that they were successful and were working
amicably together. She stated that Jon and Rita Graybill would
be excellent operators of a B&B.
• Tom Tierney, 717 West Pine, to the east of the Graybills', stated
that their residence used to be a rental property, and the
Garybills had a vision to create a B&B. Shelly Hueller, 722 W.
Pine, stated that she was excited and pleased when the Graybills
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0 Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes July 13, 1992
approached her with their idea for a B&B. Martha Hubbs, owner of
the William Sauntry Mansion on 4th Street, stated that it was her
suggestion to Rita Graybill to talk to the neighbors about their
plans fora B&B. Cliff Thatcher, Minneapolis, stated that he
used to live at 801 W. Pine and the owners have done a wonderful
job of renovation. Duane Hubbs, William Sauntry Mansion, stated
that the Graybills contacted the B&B community to find out the
proper procedures for establishing a B&B. He also stated the Bed
and Breakfast ordinance took a lot of time to write. He suggested
the City adhere to the ordinance and approve only one B&B, and
that should be the one which applied first for the permit.
Chuck Dougherty, owner of the River Town Inn, 306 W. Olive, was
at first against the 3-block limit, but now understands the
reasoning. He is in favor of approving one permit, but not both.
Karen Holmberg, 207 S. 6th, stated that B&Bs are taking property
which used to be rental units, and are causing a shortage of
available rental property. Mike McCarthy, 212 S. Greeley,
stated that having B&Bs is a net gain for the community and
neighborhood and would not object to approval of both permits.
Don Valsvik questioned whether there would be any legalities
involved.
• Rob Hamlin stated that this is a unique situation and therefore
should not set a precedent. The adjacent properties would have
less of an impact than properties several doors apart.
Gary Funke stated that he is in agreement with the ordinance.
Mr. Arndt was given a copy of the ordinance 18 months ago but did
not apply for the permit. The Graybills were first to apply, and
the neighbors approve of the Graybills application, and therefore
that is the one which should be approved.
Don Valsvik asked how the Commission can approve one over the
other. Steve Russell stated that the Commission has received
testimony and that can be taken into consideration in deciding.
Motion by Gary Funke to approve Case No. SUP/92-29 (801 West
Pine). Seconded by Glenna Bealka. There was further discussion:
Steve Russell explained that if one is approved, the second one
will require a variance. If Case No. SUP/92-30 is continued as a
variance, it will not be heard by the City Council at its next
public hearing. He therefore recommended that Case 92-30 be
denied rather than continued, so that both cases will be before
the City Council at the same time.
The vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0-1 (Angela Anderson
• abstained.)
Motion by Gary Funke to deny Case No. SUP/92-301 based on the
fact that 92-29 was approved, in order for the City Council to
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Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes July 139 1992
review the case. Seconded by Rob Hamlin. Motion carried 6-0-1
(A. Anderson abstained.)
Case No. SUP/92-32 - A Special Use Permit for an expansion of
Lakeview Memorial Hospital along with additional parking and
landscaping, at 919 West Anderson Street in the RS District.
Case No. SV/92-31 - A street vacation for the portion of West
Anderson Street between South Greeley Street and South Everett
Street in the RHO District. Lakeview Memorial Hospital, applicant.
Pete Smith, architect, presented the request. He explained that
the addition will expand the hospital's outpatient services. The
goals of the planned addition are to improve circulation within
the hospital, improve circulation between the hospital and
clinic, and reduce traffic on Greeley and Everett Streets by
opening an entrace on Churchill Street. The hospital is aware of
and in agreement with the 12 conditions of approval.
Richard Slivik, 805 W. Churchill, stated his concern with the
six-foot high fence along the employee parking lot, and the 12-
foot-high lights which he stated will be visible from the second
story of his home. Mr. Russell stated that there are a
significant number of trees on the lot which should assist in
• screening the fence from the residences, but additional
landscaping could be considered.
Howard Lieberman, who lives across from the hospital on Greeley
St. asked about the hours of construction and how long the
construction will take. Mr. Smith stated that construction would
begin next spring and the exterior will take 5 or 6 months.
Mr. Lieberman asked about the proposed landscaping and suggested
that community input be allowed in planning the landscaping.
Andra Patzoldt, also of 805 W. Churchill, asked about the impact
of traffic on Churchill. She stated that there are many children
walking and biking to the two parks in the area.
Don Valsvik proposed that two conditions be added to the
twelve listed; Cond. No. 13 - The east boundary of the Everett
St. parking lot be fenced and landscaped for improved aesthetics
to neighbors east of the parking lot including ground level
and/or second story visual effect. Cond. No. 14 - Community
input will be allowed on landscaping for separation.
There was further discussion of the ti
stated that the plans have been
engineer. It was suggested that a
• condition of approval.
Motion by Don Valsvik, seconded by
Special Use Permit with 15 conditions
-affic impact. Mr. Russell
submitted to the traffic
traffic review be another
Rob Hamlin to approve the
as discussed. All in favor.
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• Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes
July 13, 1992
Case No. SV/92-31 - A street vacation for the portion of West
Anderson Street between South Greeley Street and South Everett
Street in the RB, Two Family District. Lakeview Memorial
Hospital, Applicant.
Duane Elliott asked if easements would be needed if the road was
vacated. Mr. Smith stated that there are currently three
utililty easements which will be relocated. Mr. Russell stated
that all utility departments have been informed of the vacation
request.
Motion by Duane Elliott to approve the street vacation subject to
any easements which may be required. Don Valsvik seconded. All
in favor.
Case No. SUP/92-33 - A Special Use Permit to conduct a 11316
square foot retail business, along with outdoor sales, at 501
North Main Street in the CBD, Central Business District.
Susan and Sabi Sabongi, Stillwater Antiques, presented the
request. They plan extensive renovations to the exterior of the
building. Outdoor sales will be held only on the weekends when
weather permits.
• Approval of the three elements noted by the Design Review
Committee will be conditions of approval along with a fourth
condition: Outside sales will consist of antiques only and items
will be outside only when the store is open.
Angela Anderson moved to approve the Special Use Permit with four
conditions as discussed. Seconded by Glenna Bealka. All in
favor.
Case No. V/SUP/92-34 •- A Variance to the sideyard setback
requirements (10 feet required, approximately 2 feet requested)
and to the frontyard setback requirements (20 feet minimum
required, 4 feet requested) along with a Special Use Permit to
operate a commerical lap swimming pool as part of an existing
fitness club facility at 100 South Greeley Street in the RB, Two
Family Residential District.
Heidi Rosebud, owner of the Stillwater Fitness Building,
presented her request along with the architect. They stated that
the actual measurements are 3.4 feet to the side property line
and 6.5 feet to the front property line. Plans include
relocating and enclosing the dumpster. Ms. Rosebud has obtained
a written reciprocal agreement with the Methodist Church for
overflow parking.
• Mike McCarthy, 212 South Greeley, stated that he is opposed to
the addition because the neighborhood is residential in
character. He is also concerned about adequate parking.
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• Stillwater Planning Commission July 13, 1992
Mr. Russell stated that the agreement with the Methodist Church
satisfies the parking requirements.
Mr. McCarthy continued to express his opposition and stated that
there is a growing conflict in the neighborhood because this
business continues to request variances.
Ms. Rosebud stated that there are currently too many children
playing in the alley and that is a safety concern. The architect
stated that the proposed addition will clean up and improve the
property.
Rob Hamlin stated that he agrees the aesthetics will be improved
along with community safety and could see no negatives to the
request.
Don Valsvik stated that because of the cooperation of the church,
and because there are other commercial buildings within the area,
he could see no problem with the request.
Motion by Don Valsvik, seconded by Angela Anderson to approve the
Variance and Special Use Permit with three conditions as stated.
All in favor.
• Case No. SUP/92-35 - A Special Use Permit to conduct an art
studio business at 207 South Sixth Street in the RB, Two Family
Residential District.
Steve Salek, owner, presented his request. His business is
restoring antique ceramic, porcelain and glasswork. He expects
three to four customers per week by appointment only.
There was discussion regarding the solvents used. Mr. Salek
stated he uses a ventilation system. Ann Pung-Terwedo stated
that the fire department has reviewed the request.
Gary Funke stated that the Mayor received a call from a neighbor,
Ruth Lara, who is currently in the hospital and could not attend
the meeting. She is completely opposed to the request.
Muriel Haas, 122 S. 6th St., stated that she is opposed. There
is already one art studio in the area, which has caused an
increase in traffic. She stated that the neighborhood does not
need another business.
Julie Sullivan, 206 S. 5th, directly behind Mr. Salek, stated
that she has no problem with his request. Chuck Dougherty, 306
W. Olive, also sees no problem, and is in favor of home business.
• Mr. Funke stated that Ruth Lara has an easement on Mr. Salek's
driveway which should be protected. Mr. Russell stated that could
be a condition of approval. Condition No. 4 was changed to read:
All parking shall remain on site and shall not affect the
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Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes July 139 1992
driveway easement.
Karen Holmberg, 207 S. 6th, a tenant in the home who will be
moving out in August because of the sale of the home, is
concerned because of a shortage of rental properties.
Motion by Glenna Bealka to approve the Special Use Permit with
five conditions as amended. Seconded by Don Valsvik. Motion
carried 4-3.
Case No. ZATl92-1 Zoning Text Amendment regulating outside
sound in the Central Business District. City of Stillwater,
applicant.
Motion by Don Valsvik, seconded by Duane Elliott to approve the
Zoning Ordinance Amendment. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Submitted by:
Shelly Schaubach
Recording Secretary
•
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