Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-10 CPC MINPLANNING COMMISSION Feb. 10, 1997 Present: Jerry Fontaine, chairman Glenna Bealka, Dave Charpentier, John Rheinberger, Kirk Roetman, Don Valsvik, Darwin Wald, and Tom Wiedner Others: Steve Russell, Community Development Director Absent: Terry Zoller Chairman Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 13, 1997; all in favor. Case No. SUP/97-5 A special use permit for a five-unit bed and breakfast located at 626 N. Fourth St., in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Arthur and Elaine Halbardier, applicants. The applicants were present. Mr. Halbardier said they were ware of the conditions of approval and were asking for the prior approvals granted for the B&B. Mr. Wiedner asked about special events that might be held. Mr. Halbardier said small weddings, anniversaries, corporate daytime meetings were among possible special events. Mr. Valsvik noted the B&B has been operating for a number of years with a good record. Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Wald, 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. This case was continued from the January meeting. Mr. Wiedner abstained from the discussion and vote. Representing the applicant were attorney Robert Briggs and Robert • Anderson. Mr. Fontaine noted the Planning Commission had asked for City Attorney David Magnuson's opinion on the issue. It was the recommendation of staff that a variance is not needed. Mr. Briggs said he had read and concurred with Mr. Magnuson's opinion. I* Mr. Roetman asked if the recommendation represented going back to the terms of the original Special Use Permit. Mr. Russell responded in the aff irmative. Mr. Fontaine noted the Parking Commission has asked the Planning Commission to support the recommendations regarding the formation of a downtown Parking District. Karl Ranum of the Parking Commission spoke briefly about that group's recommendations. Mr. Rheinberger moved to follow staff's recommendation and take no action on the variance. Mr. Roetman seconded the motion; all in favor (Mr. Wiedner abstaining). Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Mrs. Bealka, moved to recommend to the City Council that the UBC site be improved as a parking lot as soon as possible, as recommended by staff, and to endorse the recommendations of the Parking Commission. Motion passed unanimously (Mr. Wiedner abstaining). Case No. SUP/97-2 A special use permit request for St. Croix Valley Life Care Center to conduct counseling services at 920 W. Pine St. Mr. Russell stated the special use permit application has been withdrawn. Mr. Russell suggested that those present for the hearing be allowed to speak for the record. opposed. Ford Runge, 901 W. Pine St., submitted letters stating "permanent and total opposition to the commercial use of the property." He said all contiguous property owners and most in-line-of-sight owners were Concerns centered on the impact of the use on the residential neighborhood; parking/traffic; exception to the current zoning of the property; and safety issues. Also speaking in opposition were Paulette Poffey, 904 W. Pine St., and Dick Dunnigan, 917 W. Pine St. 10 Mr. Wiedner, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved to accept the withdrawal of the application; all in favor. Case No. SUP/97-3 A special use permit request for a five-unit bed and breakfast at 319 W. Pine St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. John Wubbels, applicant. Mr. Wubbels was present for the discussion. He said he was aware of all the conditions of approval. He said he planned to operate the facility as it has been in the past and did not foresee any changes in the future. Pat Peterson, 320 W. Pine St., asked if regarding lighting and signage. She alsc would be permitted. Mr. Russell said the the new operator; a separate special use new owner wishes to conduct special events. the same regulations will apply asked whether special events same regulations will apply to permit would be required if the Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Valsvik, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. SUP/974 A special use permit request for a 3,300-square-foot music center addition to the west side of Stonebridge Elementary School • located at 900 N. Owens St. in the RA, One Family Residential District. Independent School District 834, applicant. Present for the discussion were Stonebridge Principal John Johnson and Rick Dahl of the district's architectural firm. Mr. Dahl briefly explained the project and went through some architectural renderings and elevation plans. Mr. Fontaine asked about the proximity to neighbors and asked whether the sound would be contained. Mr. Dahl explained the measures taken to mitigate acoustic issues. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mrs. Bealka, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. V/97-6 A variance for exterior signs for HealthEast Med Home located at 1260 W. Frontage Road in the BP-C Business Park Commercial District. Rose Schafhauser, applicant. Ms. Schafhauser was present for the discussion and said she was aware of the conditions of approval. The need for a variance is due to the fact that 0 the name of the business is too long to fit on one line without making it unreadable. The requested signage is two lines of 18" uppercase letters. Mr. Valsvik, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Wiedner questioned whether the length of the business name represents a hardship. Vote was 7-1, with Mr. Wiedner voting no. Case No. V/97-8 Variance to the setback at 1004 S. Holcombe St. (southwest corner of Holcombe and Anderson streets) in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Steven and Monica Sorensen, applicant. Mr. Sorensen was present for the discussion. He explained they are trying to meet the city's stipulation attached to the sale of the lot that the existing maple trees remain. He said they were trying to position the structures, house and two-car garage, to meet their needs and to reduce the risk to the tree(s). Mr. Russell noted one of the issues is the proximity to the junior high school and the high traffic at the intersection. He said the concern is to keep the right-of-way clear, particularly on the west property line. He also noted that the garage could be moved and still meet setback requirements if it is placed on the west portion of the property. He also • noted that if the house faced Anderson, it could be within 15 feet of the front property line because of the setbacks established by existing houses. After considerable discussion and several withdrawn motions, it was agreed, with input from Mr. Sorensen, to amend the variance request to provide for a 10 foot rear yard (south) setback which will allow the garage to be placed on the west portion of the property and the house to front on Anderson Street. Mr. Roetman made the motion to approve the variance as amended. Mr. Rheinberger seconded the motion; all in favor. Case No. SUB/97-9 A minor subdivision of lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Marsh's Second Addition, located at 1333 S. Third St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Kevin Regan, applicant. Present for the discussion were Mrs. Regan and Philip Eastwood. Mrs. Regan referred to a letter from City Coordinator Nile Kriesel stating the second lot is a buildable lot, an opinion they used in determining to stub in water and sewer services for the lot. Mr. Eastwood said the intent is to do a survey and take square footage off the existing lot to bring the 0 other lot up to the required 7,500 square feet. Mr. Fontaine suggested a survey • subdivision is granted in order to survey is taken prior to granting have to reapply for a variance to garage on the existing lot. ought to be completed before the clarify lot lines. He noted that if the the subdivision, the Regans might not the property line to accommodate the Mr. Rheinberger, seconded by Mr. Wald, moved to continue the request to the March 10 meeting. Case No. SUP/97-7 A special use permit for modification of a bed and breakfast to increase the number of rooms from three to four at 210 E. Laurel St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Mark Balay, applicant, for Doug and Deb Thorsen. Present for the discussion were Doug Thorsen and Mark Balay. Bob Raleigh spoke in favor of the request noting B&Bs are one of the few ways that allow owners to maintain historic homes. Mrs. Bealka, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved approval as conditioned. • Semiannual review of special use permit SUP/89-26 for trolley booth at 305 S. Water St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Stillwater Trolley, applicant. Mr. Raleigh spoke briefly about the changes made in the last year -- the addition of a new trolley, varying the routes, etc. He noted he has never had a problem or complaint that he has been unable to resolve. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Rheinberger, moved to grant the SUP indefinitely, with review upon complaint. Mr. Roetman suggested adding that the SUP is non-transferable as a condition of approval; that was acceptable to Mr. Wald and Mr. Rheinberger. Motion passed unanimously. Other business Mr. Fontaine and Mr. Russell gave an update on the AUAR study. It was noted the Planning Commission and Park and Rec Board would hold a meeting to receive input on the Long Lake water surface use at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Stillwater Senior Community Center. n Mr. Roetman asked about the status of the in-home business ordinance and the possible regulation of antennas. Mr. Russell said the city has placed a moratorium on antennas. The ordinance regulating in-home business and commercial uses in residential areas is before the City Council and will come back to the Planning Commission if the Council makes significant changes to the ordinance. Mr. Wald, seconded by Mr. Roetman, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 0