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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-12 CPC MIN• PLANNING COMMISSION Feb. 12, 1996 Present: Jerry Fontaine, chairman Glenna Bealka, Rob Hamlin, Darwin Wald, Thomas Weidner, and Terry Zoller Absent: David Charpentier, Kirk Roetman and Don Valsvik Others Steve Russell, Community Development Director Chairman Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mrs. Bealka, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 8, 1996; all in favor. Mr. Fontaine introduced new member, Thomas Weidner. He also passed out some informational material regarding a University of Minnesota Extension Service course members might be interested in taking. Case No. V/96-1 A variance to the flood plain requirements for construction of a 10,454-square foot building located at 412 N. Main St. in the Central Business District/Flood Planning Overlay District. ABS Company, applicant. James Kellison and Monty Brine were present for the discussion. Mr. Kellison said they were unaware the site was in the flood plain until they were well into the design/planning process. The site is not in the flood way, but in the fringe of the flood plain, he said. Mr. Kellison said since the developers became aware of the flood plain issue, they have done some redesigning to flood-proof the building and therefore eliminate the need for a variance. Mr. Russell said it appears the only thing the applicants have to do to meet the flood-proofing requirements is to flood-proof the door/entrance. Mr. Russell also noted that it is preferable to flood-proof the building rather than ask for a variance. If a variance is requested, FEMA becomes involved and that could have an impact on the city's request for federal funds for the levee project, for example. Mr. Russell said he would check to see if a variance is required before bringing the request to the City Council. Mr. Hamlin, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved to recommended that the City Council grant a variance if one is required; motion passed unanimously. I• Discussion of planning concepts for UPTTA Mark Putnam, designer/landscape architect for for the Newman/Kroening property, gave a slide of new developments he had visited in other utilize a traditional neighborhood design (TND). Charles Cudd, developers presentation of a number parts of the country that In the audience for the presentation were Tim Stefan, 807 N. Fourth St., and Dave and Mary Ruch, 1124 Nightingale Blvd. Como Plan implementation Mr. Russell provided members of a draft of a revised Park and Trail Dedication Policy which reflects the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. The document will go to the Parks Board fo its review and return to the Planning Commission which will hold the public hearing on the proposed policy. Mr. Russell also noted that work is beginning on a revised Subdivision Ordinance. Mr. Russell also briefly highlighted the 1996 planning work program. Orderly Annexation agreement Mr. Zoller, who serves on the orderly annexation committee, asked for members input on several items: the size and design guidelines for the neighborhood commercial site at County Roads 12 and 15; the total number of units in the URPTA -- 1200 vs. land use buildout; and the Schubert property. Members agreed that the commercial site at 12 and 15 should be as unobtrusive as possible. Mr. Russell noted the design, proposed in concept by the township, calls for a highway orientation to the site; the city and developers were looking at both a neighborhood and highway orientation. Mr. Russell also cautioned against limiting choices for the future by approving the proposed design guidelines. Mr. Putnam said the concept of a country store, school, doctor, etc. came from a meeting with the township. He suggested that the developers could write proposed design criteria that would likely be more stringent than those proposed by the township. It was agreed that Mr. Putnam and Mr. Russell would develop some proposed design criteria and provide that information to Mr. Zoller for the next meeting of the orderly annexation committee. Regarding the number of units in the URPTA, Mr. Russell said the concern should be more about the quality of design than the number of units. He said there should be a limit, but it would be difficult to pick a specific number at this point. Mr. Russell also noted that the city does have an adopted Comprehensive Plan that shows density. Mr. Zoller talked about the importance of the agreement -- either there's an agreement or there won't be any annexation. Mr. Zoller said the agreement is not that tight regarding numbers -- 600 south of Highway 12 and the number of units in the Abramowitz and Palmer properties, when those properties are developed. It was agreed to use the 1,200 figure in negotiating the agreement. Regarding the Schubert property, it was agreed to exclude that property until such time as the owner wishes to be included. Mr. Zoller said the township would like to be on an ad hoc committee to review the development proposals for the sites in the annexation area. Mr. Russell said the city also should have input on the development of the "infill areas" in the township. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Hamlin, moved to adjourn the meeting at 10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary 11