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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-13 CPC MIN PLANNING COMMISSION Jan. 13, 1997 Present: Jerry Fontaine, chairman Glenna Bealka, Dave Charpentier, John Rheinberger, Kirk Roetman, Don Valsvik, Darwin Wald, and Terry Zoller Others: Steve Russell, Community Development Director Absent: Tom Wiedner Chairman Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mr. Fontaine welcomed new Commission member John Rheinberger. Mr. Roetman, seconded by Mr. Valsvik, moved approval o the minutes of Dec. 9, 1996; all in favor. Case No. SUB/97-1 A subdivision of Interlachen 4th Addition, Outlot B (2.48 acres), Fairmeadows No. 3, except the east 90 feet, into five residential lots located at Interlachen Drive in the RA, One Family Residential District. Trail Head Development, applicant. - Jim Peterson, representing Trail Head Development, said in light of the staff report, the request has been changed to a four lot subdivision -- proposed lots 4 and 5 would be combined into one. He also said he agreed with the staff recommendation regarding submittal of a landscape plan as some trees will have to be removed during grading. Much of the discussion centered on concerns regarding drainage. Trail Head Development's engineer briefly explained grading/drainage plans. He said the proposed subdivision will remove 1.38 acres of the Horseshoe Pond watershed and drain the water north through Interlachen 3rd Addition. Mr. Peterson said the proposal won't solve existing problems experienced by some Fairmeadows residents in the area, but it will not contributed to the problem; runoff will be less than in the undeveloped state, he said. Mr. Peterson also noted that one of the conditions of approval is that final grading and erosion control plans must be approved by the City Engineer and Community Development Director Karl Vollstedt, 304 Laurie Court, said he has no objection to the proposed houses, but wants to be sure the subdivision doesn't disturb the drainage in Fairmeadows. Mr. Russell and Mr. Peterson addressed Mr. Vollstedt's comment. 0 Jack Gill, 302 Darrell Court, asked whether earlier applications for subdivision of the outlot were turned down for any reasons other than the fact there previously was no road to serve the area. Mr. Russell said previously the cost of providing services was too high to support development of the outlot. Mr. Roetman, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No_ V/96-3 A variance to parking requirements for rehabilitation of existing. UBC building to a banquet facility (101 parking space demand, 0 provided) at 301 S. Second St. in the CBD, Central Business District. St. Croix Catering, owner. Present for the discussion were attorney Robert Briggs, representing owner Richard Anderson; attorney Scott McDonald, representing Linda Hinz; Karl Ranum of the Downtown Parking Commission; Linda and Bob Hinz, John's Bar; Monty Brine, downtown business owner; and Dick Chilson, MadCapper. Mr. Russell briefed Commission members on the status of the UBC storage site. After the Gerrard proposal was withdrawn and request for RFPs from • potential developers received no response, the City Council has committed to developing the former storage site for parking, he said. Provision of parking at the UBC storage site was one of the original conditions of approval for the proposed reuse of the UBC building. Mr. Russell also noted the Parking Commission will be recommending that the City Council establish a Parking District as a possible funding source for short- and long-term solutions to parking issues. It was Mr. Russell's recommendation that no action needed to be on the issuance of a variance now that the City Council has committed to providing parking at the UBC storage site. Mr. McDonald addressed the Commission on behalf of Ms. Hinz and questioned whether the issuance of the original SUP eliminates the need to obtain a variance for the parking. Mr. Briggs presented arguments on behalf of Mr. Anderson. Mr. Brine questioned that process that has occurred to date. He said the real issue is that the impact of the type of facility proposed in the "worst" parking area in the downtown district has not been considered. r Linda Hinz questioned why Mr. Anderson's project was not put on hold while the Gerrard proposal was being debated and then withdrawn. Mr. Chilson noted that Firstar Bank's decision to close its underground parking area on weekends will add to the existing problems. He and Bob Hinz questioned whether the UBC storage site will, in fact, provide 100 parking spaces. Mr. Fontaine asked whether there was a timetable for improving the UBC site lot. Mr. Russell said the council has not yet decided to improve the lot. Karl Ranum of the Downtown Parking Commission also raised the issue of whether the SUP eliminates the need for a variance for parking. He noted the Parking Commission will be presenting its recommendations, including the recommendation for the formation of a Downtown Parking District, to the City Council. He suggested the Planning Commission consider going on record in favor of the Parking Commissions' recommendations. Mr. Valsvik suggested getting a legal opinion regarding the SUP/variance issue. Mr. Zoller, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved to request a legal opinion regarding condition of approval No. 2 in the May 1995 Special Use Permit; • all in favor. Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved to recommend to the City Council that the UBC site be a top priority for development as a parking lot and to go on record in support of the formation of a Downtown Parking District as recommended by the Downtown Parking Commission; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Roetman, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved to table the variance matter. Other business Mr. Zoller briefed members on the status of the St. Croix River bridge and the potential impact on the downtown if the bridge were to be constructed in the central corridor. He suggested members might want to voice their opinions on the issue. Mr. Russell reminded members there might be two meetings in February, one a joint meeting with the Parks and Rec Board regarding Long Lake surface water use. Mr. Zoller said he would prefer to take testimony only and not take action at the joint meeting. Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved to notify affected property owners that the meeting will be for the purpose of taking testimony only. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved to adjourn the meeting at 9 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 0