HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-12 CPC MINCity of Stillwater
• Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Present: Mike Dahlquist, Karl Ranum, Jerry Tumquist, David Peroceschi, Darwin Wald, Paul
Teske, Chair Robert Gag, City Council Representative David Junker and Steve Russell,
Community Development Director & staff assistant
Absent: Dave Middleton
Mr. Gag called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Gag stated that the order of the agenda was being changed somewhat - the hospital parking
ramp discussion would be addressed before the Boutwell/Deerpath traffic study.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the December 8, 2003 minutes by Mr. Wald. Second by Mr. Ranum. Vote
all in favor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Case No. SUB104-01. A Resubdivision of Lots 28, 29, 30, Block 1, Wilkins Addition
into two lots. Parcel A - 8,026.2 square feet and Parcel B - 8,675 square feet (7,500
square feet minimum) located at 1410 4th Street North in the RB, Two Family Residential
District. Henry and Corliss Thomas, applicants.
Mr. Corliss explained the request and stated that they always intended to sell the extra
property.
Mr. Gag opened the public hearing.
Jeff Johnson of the Heritage Preservation Commission expressed HPC's concerns that
development following the subdivision might not match or conform to the neighborhood
character. Mr. Corliss explained that the character of the neighborhood is very diverse;
different style homes and lot/property dimensions.
Mr. Gag closed the public hearing.
Mr. Ranum asked if the applicants understood and met the conditions of approval
Motion to approve Case No. SUB /04-01 made by Mr. Turnquist, second by Mr. Ranum.
Vote all in favor.
I•
1
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
2. Case No. SUP/04-02. A modification to a Bed and Breakfast special use permit for the
relocation of two guest rooms from the main house to the carriage house and for special
events (40 guest maximum) located at 306 West Olive Street in the RB, Duplex
Residential District. Jeff and Julie Anderson, applicants.
Mr. Anderson stated that he and his wife live at 119 West Chestnut Street which is right around
the corner from the Rivertown Inn Bed & Breakfast for which the are seeking this two-part
special use permit. They currently have a special use permit for nine rooms in the facility and
are now seeking permission to take two of those rooms and move them into the carriage house
on the property. The second part of the request is to permit special events. The original request
mirrored one already approved for the Aurora Staples Inn and was for six special events per
month. After appearing before the Heritage Preservation Commission, however, they decided
that they did not want to do six special events per month. The request has been scaled back to
four events per month. The events in mind are primarily dinners and would be inclusive of the
overnight guests. This would then permit only 22 additional guests for the special events. Since
appearing before the HPC, some concerns from neighbors were expressed about traffic and
frequency (6 per month as stated in the notice) if this were allowed. The request is being scaled
back to 2 special events per month, hoping that this will address the concerns of their friends and
• neighbors.
Regarding the first part of the request, construction had already started when the Andersons were
notified by the City that they would have to go back through the process. The carriage house is
currently occupied by the innkeeper and the two rooms being requested are on the north end of
the carriage house, one on the upper floor and one on the main floor, replacing the garage area of
the carriage house.
There are 9 parking stalls right now and there will be room for 11 stalls (one for the innkeeper)
[7
Mr. Junker asked where the special events would be held and was told they would be in the main
house on the main floor, not the carriage house. This, in fact, is why the request to move two of
the rooms is being made. Mr. Anderson explained to Mr. Wald that the end result will be seven
rooms in the main house and two in the carriage house. No rooms are being added.
Mr. Junker asked if the Andersons were still comfortable with the 9:00 p.m. ending time. He
stated that they were and also with the other conditions that were placed by City staff. Mr.
Ranum asked about the on-site parking or remote parking conditions that were set forth in
Condition #2. Mr. Anderson stated that this is definitely the most challenging of the conditions.
Because the property is on a corner and there are already ten parking stalls available in the
property, he feels that ten or eleven vehicles would have to park on the street and most of them
would actually be abutting the Anderson's property on Fifth and/or Olive Streets. In no case
would there be more than ten or eleven additional vehicles during the special events. Mr. Junker
2
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
asked if the special events would be scheduled on any particular night of the week and was told it
would more likely be on a weeknight than a weekend night. Nothing definite has been decided.
Mr. Peroceschi asked how there got to be a guest room in the carriage house in the first place and
was told that since the Special Use Permit stated "9 rooms at the facility", the Andersons always
thought that it was okay to have some rooms in the carriage house. It was news to them that they
needed special permission to do so, especially considering that the City issued the building
permit. It came as a shock to the Andersons when told that construction had to stop. A grapery
is being built shield any noise and light from the neighbors to the west and to shield the parking
area from the street. Mr. Peroceschi asked how the Rivertown Inn can have nine rooms when
other B&B inns are limited to five. The Rivertown Inn was "grandfathered in".
Mr. Wald questioned how many rooms are operated at once. Never more than the 9 rooms have
been on the property or operated. Mr. Wald expressed his concern that even more rooms will be
requested in the future.
Mr. Teske questioned what percentage of coverage can exist on a property. How much
impervious surface is allowable? Thirty percentage of coverage is allowable in a residentially
zoned district. Mr. Russell stated that there are three city lots and according to his calculations,
they are in compliance.
Mr. Gag opened the public hearing.
Jeff Johnson, representing the Heritage Preservation Commission stated they reviewed this
request on January 5, 2004. Since then, the special events request has been scaled down to 4 and
then 2 per month. The site was grandfathered in, has been used as a bed & breakfast inn since
the early 80's, with approximately nine units. HPC found no objection to the plan to move two
of the rooms - not to exceed nine. The HPC found that the site is large, being on a corner lot it
can accommodate a higher use and has the street frontage to manage the use and it is fairly well
screened from the street and neighbors. The commission feels that in looking at the ordinance
and how it has been interpreted in the past, especially by City Council, that it is compatible with
what was approved for the James Mulvey Inn; actually less because no rooms are being added
here. Also, the special events of up to 40 people was approved for the Aurora Staples Inn and
this request is no different. The spirit of the ordinance, in the opinion of the HPC is primarily to
utilize these large, historic homes in Stillwater. Many of these, including the Rivertown Inn have
been everything from farm houses to apartment buildings. This type of use of a big, historic
home, is preferred. It is a good and appropriate use of this type of property. These properties
can produce revenue that will keep them in good condition and on the tax rolls. The intent of
this request is within the guidelines.
Mr. Johnson mentioned that although his is on the HPC he did abstain from voting because he
lives in the vicinity of this B&B.
•
•
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Lino Sullivan, north of the Inn. He asked for the commissions support of the Anderson's goals
in this project. He and his wife feel that the Anderson's have proven to be impeccable neighbors
and hosts. He has had no complaints about the guests or the operation of the inn. He is proud to
live in the neighborhood of a classic, Victorian house. He feels that every time forty people
come to Stillwater and see the gorgeous homes in gorgeous neighborhoods, like this Inn, it
increases the value of the entire community. He asked the commission to support the Andersons
in this venture and if there are any problems to address them immediately. He feels they are and
will continue to be reasonable and cooperative.
Leo Lohmer of 303 West Olive stated that whenever problems in the neighborhood came up,
everyone worked together to quickly to resolve it. He asked Jeff for two things and they were
taken care of. He does worry that people attending special events could be injured while
crossing the street. Some drivers come up the hill as fast as they go down it. He is concerned
about the 18 or 19 cars that would be involved during a special event but if Mr. Anderson says he
can take care of it, then Mr. Lohmer is sure that he will. He asked if the old gas storage tank,
under the driveway was ever removed.
Jim Martin, 225 Chestnut Street West, stated that he is in support of the Andersons' request and
believes that any parking concerns he has will be taken care of.
Katie Keller, 207 Sixth Street South, believe the Rivertown Inn is a good thing for the
neighborhood. It is being beautifully restored and maintained - a true showplace in Stillwater.
The clientele it attracts are up-scale and well mannered. They have experienced little or no
problems with unruly behavior or noise. Concerning the carriage house rooms, they trust that the
additional lighting necessary for the handicapped accessible entrance, will be appropriate and not
bothersome to them. Ms. Keller suggested a motion-sensor type of device be put in place so the
lights are on an "as needed" basis. She expressed serious concern regarding the increase in
delivery truck traffic that would result from the special events portion of the request. Mr.
Anderson assured that there would not be a increase in the traffic - just an increase in the amount
of food, etc. in those trucks. She stated that increased parking is a concern and would appreciate
that as many cars as possible be parked on site/abutting Anderson property. She would like to
see information on the dates, number of guests and number of vehicles parked on the streets for
each special event would be a useful way for the Rivertown Inn to demonstrate conformance
with the special use permit. She asked the Planning Commission to require the Rivertown Inn,
and others to supply this information and provide a summary in the annual B&B report. Mr.
Russell stated that this has been performed on an irregular basis - on an individual basis when
complaints are received. This process, as required by ordinance, can be formalized. Mr.
Anderson proposed that every time a special event is scheduled, he would invite a neighbor to
monitor and participate in the special event. This would relieve the Council and the Planning
Commission of that duty and would allow the neighbors and friends to see what is going on and
if they have any concerns, the Andersons would have the chance to address them. Ms. Keller's
4
•
•
Ie
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
final concern is that any future owners might run the inn as a hotel or restaurant. Is this special
use permit transferable to a future owner/operator other than the Andersons? Mr. Turnquist
informed her that it is not transferable.
Judith Lacy, 318 Olive Street West, feels that this affects her more than anyone else. She
expects to continue to live in a quiet neighborhood and asks the Council to ensure her a
reasonable expectation to privacy. Ms. Lacy recited multiple dates and times that her quiet and
privacy was disturbed by the water heater vent in the Inn. She informed the Andersons and they
said they would get the sound muffled. Their attempts to muffle the sound did not meet with her
approval. She stated that she continued to call Mr. Anderson regarding the problem until he told
her not to call again. She then registered a complaint with the City. A decibel level test was
completed and found that the sound did not qualify as a nuisance. She hopes that the Andersons
will get the noise level under control with a new muffler system being installed within the week.
After requesting the City's help to alleviate the noise level she is very concerned that there could
possibly be two more rooms even closer to her. She stated that the innkeeper has been observed
staring into their bedroom windows. She wants no more rooms in the carriage house. She is
upset that no notification was given to her or any of the other neighbors when this latest
construction project began. She stated that the plans given to the Planning Commission are not
the plans that the Andersons are actually using. She is upset that she has had to live with all the
noise for the last two and one-half years without being able to do anything about it. She is
concerned about the noise of the guests coming and going late at night. Lighting is also
disturbing and even though some lovely things have been done to the carriage house, she cannot
erect a 20 foot wall between the properties. She is looking to the Planning Commission to
seriously consider the plans, the actual plans before making any kind of decision in this matter.
She is concerned about her property value when it comes time to sell her home if there is a
restaurant/hotel complex right next door. She does not like her family and friends being exposed
to the liquor being served next door. She asked the Planning Commission to deny all of the
Anderson's requests, at least until the next meeting. She is willing to consider allowing the
Andersons to have some special events but certainly not 4 times a month and especially not on
Sundays. That is a day of rest. She would like to designate "no parking" in front of her house
and in the area of her bedroom window. The City should provide signage to that effect. She
thanked the Commission for their time and consideration.
Mr. Anderson addressed some of the issues brought up by Judy Lacy. There are no windows in
the carriage house guest rooms visible to the neighbors to the west (Lacys). The grapery
structure is designed with the Lacys in mind. It reduces their visual observation of both guests
and the parking area. He has offered to reroute the venting system for the water heater if the new
muffler system does not meet with their approval.
Mr. Ranum asked the Anderson's for the total square footage of either the improvements or the
entire property. 8,200 square feet of house, carriage house and grapery.
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Kathy Oertle, 118 Fifth Street South thanked Jeff & Julie Anderson for the wonderful restoration
and upkeep of the property. She appreciates that the special events request was reduced from
four a month to two per calendar month. She is concerned about the delivery trucks for both the
Rivertown Inn and the Stillwater Residence. Trucks have backed into her driveway and broken
off branches from their trees. Mr. Anderson said he will tell delivery drivers to avoid backing
into any of the driveways to turn around. She questioned where all the cars, including staff
vehicles, would park. She requested a review after six months of special events. The
commission told her that it would be a yearly review period. Ms. Oertle said that most of the
neighbors feared being "tattletales" so hesitated to say anything regarding these issues. She was
informed that issues cannot be addressed if no one is made aware of them.
Paul Lacy, 318 W Olive Street feels that Mr. Anderson really intends to put a restaurant and
hotel in the middle of a residential section of town. He pointed out that only four of the 15 items
on the special use permit were not violated. He hopes that if any of the requests are allowed, that
it is stipulated that all the events be held inside the main house.
He cited many lighting violations and signage problems and stated that the outside of the
carriage house was completely modified without permission. Mr. Lacy fears that Mr. Anderson
is trying to change the character of the neighborhood. He is already in violation on the special
use permit and now wants more. When the Dougherty's made similar requests they were flatly
denied. He said that no comparison should be made to the Aurora Staples Inn or the Mulvey
House because the locations are so very different. He requested the Planning Commission deny
this SUP or at the very least delay any decision.
Tim Parker, 321 Olive Street West, is interested in a safe, quiet but lively neighborhood. He
stated that the Andersons keep the neighborhood alive. He doesn't know how you could support
an historic property such as this other than converting it to an apartment complex. He has never
had any parking problems or noise problems because of the Rivertown Inn.
John Oertle, 118 Fifth Street South, criticized the lack of enforcement of special use permits and
monitoring building activities. He feels that the city has let the system fail. He does have
concerns regarding the lighting of the Rivertown Inn.
Mr. Anderson stated that no matter how important the Inn is to him and his wife, it is nowhere as
important as friends and neighbors are. The property was restored to share it with the
neighborhood. The use they are seeking, at least the changes, is consistent with why they bought
the property and how they intend to use it. They value their friends and neighbors much more
than their property.
6
•
•
I•
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Jeff Johnson, 309 Fifth Street South, (also on the HPC), commends Jeff & Julie Anderson for all
that's been done to the property. He feels there intent is to operate a business that makes the
community better. He asks the Commission to look to the requests as an appropriate use for a
larger, historic home, it's consistent with what the City wants as far as preservation is concerned,
it makes a viable business that fits fairly well with a busy community/neighborhood. The HPC
Commission has looked at all of these issues, previous cases and feels that this is consistent with
what has been reviewed and approved and is compliance with the permitting process. Most
building permits would not be subject to a public hearing if the fit within codes and ordinances.
The Andersons have appeared before the HPC at least 3 times since acquiring the property in
1999. Mr. Johnson supports the project and hopes the Planning Commission will grant approval.
Before closing the public hearing, Mr. Gag asked if any questions remained for the applicants.
Mr. Ranum asked Mr. Anderson how his property operation/business differs from a restaurant
and hotel complex. Because of their plans, he feels that there are no changes from what they
have been doing all along. Mr. Ranum stated that there does seem to be more lighting on the
property than before. Mr. Anderson reduced the voltage on the front porch light and put it on a
timer. He will take down the outside lighting on the stained glass and take down any and all
lighting that is not required by code.
Mr. Gag closed the public hearing.
Discussion
Mr. Gag explained that the request would be broken into two separate requests and voted on
separately.
Mr. Peroceschi expressed his concern that the City Council had earlier decreed that there would
be no rented rooms in the Carriage House and now there are two. Mr. Ranum is not overly
concerned because no additional rooms are being added, just moved. The original special use
permit states 9 rooms, 18 guests. Holding the line at 9 rooms/18 guests is his primary goal. Mr.
Wald is concerned that this property has 9 rooms when the code allows 5 rooms. He was told by
Mr. Turnquist that this particular permit was issued prior to the code. Mr. Junker agreed that as
long as there are no additional rooms, he has no problem with this part of the request. Mr. Teske
has no objection because the carriage house use is not being changed and there will be no
increase in the number of vehicles because two rooms are being moved from one building to the
other. Mr. Ranum sees no impact on the site with moving the rooms. Mr. Dahlquist asked if this
decision would affect allowing others to establish residential units in their carriage
house/garages.
Mr. Ranum moved approval of the relocation of two guest rooms from the main house to the
carriage house subject to the conditions set forth in the staff recommendations and adding the
7
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
condition that impervious surface coverage on the site not exceed the 40 percent figure that is
allowed by current City ordinance. Second by Mr. Tumquist.
Discussion
Mr. Junker asked if any conditions regarding lighting need be added. Mr. Ranum feels that there
are already conditions set on the lighting and it is for the City to review and enforce compliance.
Mr. Dahlquist questioned the impervious surface condition. He stated that there is already hard
surface under the addition of the grapery so is not sure that there are changes to the existing
impervious surface. Mr. Ranum reiterated that checking for compliance is necessary.
Vote 6 to 4 in favor. Mr. Wald and Mr. Peroceschi dissenting. Motion passed.
The second part of the request is permission to hold special events in the main residence. The
Andersons request to offer dinners to a maximum of 40 guests per event. These events would be
conclude by 9:00 p.m. The events would be based on a reservation only basis and be defined as
business meetings, bus tours, bridal and wedding showers, anniversaries, weddings and wedding
receptions and church functions.
Mr. Teske expressed concerns regarding the parking problems that already exist in the
neighborhood from both the Inn and the Stillwater Residence. Allowing special events, even if
only 2 per month, would escalate the problems. It is clearly stated that no off-site parking that
would affect the neighborhood, is allowed. Mr. Ranum is "flat-out" not in favor of the special
events. Parking for the events, accessibility for neighbors to their own parking, the noise factor
with coming and going of up to 40 guests and the fact that this would be more like a
hotel/restaurant (not a proper use in a neighborhood) are all his deciding factors. Mr. Junker
likes the aspect of the vitality this operation brings to the neighborhood. He is definitely in favor
of this. He is concerned that some of the neighbors felt that if they voiced their opinions then
they would be considered "tattle tales". He stressed the importance of expressing specific
complaints to the City so they can be addressed immediately. There is also the yearly review for
these concerns. If no one complains, then the City is under the assumption that there are no
problems - "no news is good news". In turn, it is important to hear that all is fine. He feels that
the Andersons are very in tune with neighborhood concerns and are willing to compromise to
address concerns. Since the SUP is nontransferable he is definitely in favor of this.
Mr. Russell stated that it is important to clarify the requirements. If you want the special events
to be confined to the interior of the main house then state that specifically. If additional parking
is to be restricted to either on-site or at a controlled, remote location then adhere to that
condition. He feels that this hasn't been discussed even though it is listed as item 2 in the staff
recommendations for approval. If that i If it is two special events per calendar month, then state
"calendar month" in the permit. Also, state that the special use permit will be reviewed by the
Planning Commission in January of 2005 so everyone will have the opportunity to attend and
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
review how the first year has gone. This gives everyone the chance to participate and express
their opinions without feeling they are complainers.
Mr. Peroceschi favors monitoring of the special events as Mr. Anderson offered - guest monitors
comprised of neighbors. Mr. Dahlquist feels that the controlled, remote location parking will be
as detrimental to the neighborhood as on street parking. A maximum of 2 special events per.
Discussion to strike item #2 from the conditions of approval. Mr. Ranum stated this permit is up
for yearly review and that it can be reviewed upon complaint. Therefore, rather than the
Planning Commission being specific in the parking conditions, the applicant must find some
solution to the parking issues. He should leave with the knowledge that he should be attending
to parking issues so he is not looking at complaints which would bring them up for review.
Mr. Tumquist moved approval of the special events portion of SUP/04-02 with the following
changes to the conditions listed in the staff recommendation:
Condition #1 changed to read a maximum of two special events per calendar month
Condition #2 be striked
Conditions #3 through 10 be retained
Add Condition #11 to read that the noise from the water heater be reduced and feasible
Add Condition #12 stating that this SUP will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in
January of 2005
Reword Condition #7 to read all special events are to be held indoors.
Second by Karl Ranum.
Discussion
Mr. Peroceschi addressed the concerns of Mayor Kimble that this would become another
restaurant, not simply a Bed & Breakfast Inn. Mr. Wald stressed that the limit of 2 special
events per calendar month was "iron-clad".
Vote 4 in favor, 4 against. Motion denied. Mr. Turnquist, Mr. Wald, Mr. Teske and Mr. Junker
in favor. Mr. Ranum, Mr. Dahlquist, Mr. Peroceschi, and Mr. Gag opposed.
Mr. Russell stated that this may be appealed as a separate issue.
Mr. Gag called a short recess at 9:25 p.m.
Reconvene at 9:40 p.m.
9
•
r?
I•
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Other Items
-Review of revised parking facility plans. (Lakeview Hospital)
Mr. Jeff Robertson, Lakeview Hospital Administrator, presented the revised parking plans. Mr.
Peroceschi asked if any changes were made since the City Council meeting and the initial
presentation to the Planning Commission on October 13.
Mr. Robertson stated that the parking ramp size is reduced by 2700 square feet overall. The exits
on Everett Street decreased from four to one. An internal transition from the upper level to the
lower level is incorporated into the design. Everett Street will no longer be used as a transition
from one level of the ramp to the other level. The setbacks along Everett Street increased from
37 feet to 77 feet and from 49 feet to 56 feet on the south side. Earth berms were added between
Everett Street and the parking lot. Screening with walls as well as landscaping is now a part of
the design. Keeping as many of the existing trees as possible is a goal of the design. They have
also agreed to put a brick fagade matching the rest of the hospital on the south side of the ramp
and the screening walls. The neighbors across the street and directly south of the ramp are
invited to take part in the detailed landscaping to ensure it meets with their approval.
The neighbors did request that one condition be removed from the seven conditions sent to the
City Council. The neighbors requested the hospital give the city a walking path easement to the
south of the ramp but no longer want that. Mr. Robertson feels that many different options to the
ramp were explored and that the concerns of the neighborhood have been taken into
consideration.
Mr. Gag asked to see the original drawings along side of the new plans and specifications.
Mr. Teske asked about the walking path easement and the neighbors' request to remove this
item. The neighbors expressed concerns regarding vandalism and partying in this sheltered area.
Mr. Peroceschi stated that this type of activity was reported before so the path would probably
make no difference now. He also expressed his concern if there is too much vegetation planted
for screening. Mr. Robertson displayed a drawing depicting the screening plan.
Mr. Ranum asked what the "15 Foot" marking, painted on the red house indicates. He was told
that that indicates the height of the structure relative to the height of the red house. The top of
the structure will actually be lower than the existing house.
A security arm will be used at the Greeley Street entrance to prevent non-hospital personnel from
using the ramp as a cut-through to Churchill or Everett Streets.
Mr. Junker was told that the road width is 20 feet and will have two lanes.
10
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Mr. Gag invited the public to speak about the plans.
Tom Sherber of 1121 South Everett stated that the whole process has been confusing. He
commended Mr. Robertson for being able to convince the community that the need for this ramp
and the benefits outweigh the 80 to 90 signatures on a petition opposing it. It outweighed the
concerns regarding the traffic, air pollution, light pollution, noise pollution, and it outweighed a 9
to 0 vote of the Planning Commission. He remarked that somehow people were led to believe
that if the hospital did not get approval for this ramp that the hospital would leave. He is
concerned that the next time the hospital wants something that this (implied) threat will surface
again. He thanked the Planning Commission for their understanding and support although it was
overturned.
Rich Soderholm of 1128 Everett Street South is concerned about storm water runoff. Drainage
will actually be greatly improved. Drains from the ramp and open parking lots will divert water
to two different holding ponds, not directly into Brick Pond.
Dr. Karen Hofstrand of 1204 S Everett Street expressed her sadness about the decision and her
concerns regarding light pollution. She would like some guarantee that lights will be turned off
when not in use. She also stated that she would not want a walking path on the south side of the
parking structure - it would likely cause more problems.
Mary Soderholm of 1128 S Everett Street expressed her concerns regarding the type of natural
screening to be planted between her property and the parking structure. She plans to taking part
in the decision process. She, too, does not want a walking path to be included in the plan.
Stuart Glaser, 1103 Everett Street South thanked the hospital for inviting him to participate in the
landscape design. He is saddened by the City Council's decision in this matter and is
disappointed that zoning ordinances did nothing to protect their neighborhood. Mr. Ranum
asked Mr. Glaser what changes he would most like to see in the plans. He stated that the 15 foot
boulevard is pretty narrow and does not know how large of a tree can be planted in that much
limited space. He doesn't know where the snow will go when plowed - will it slide back off the
berm into the street? Mr. Glaser also expressed his concern about headlights shining into their
house. He does not want a walking path between Greeley and Everett Streets.
Mr. Sherber regrets that the neighborhoods original plan for the parking ramp was rejected by the
hospital. He feels that this would have obtained unanimous approval from the neighbors yet was
not presented to the Planning Commission or to City Council. He also talked about the
importance of the types of trees, not merely the size of the trees being planted. Deciduous trees
do not provide much coverage in the winter. He wants the hospital to commit to the planting
is plan now.
11
City of Stillwater
Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2004
Mr. Gag stated the Planning Commission is charged with reviewing the City Council's approval,
the results of subsequent meetings and to make recommendations on some of the changes.
Mr. Junker recommended removing condition #6 - pedestrian trail easement shall be provided
connecting Everett Street to Greeley Street. Mr. Teske recommended retaining the easement
rights for the future but not developing a trail at this time.
Mr. Ranum asked how auto headlights will be screened from the neighbors to the south and east.
Mr. Robertson stated that 3 %2 foot high walls in combination with landscaping will shield the
headlights from the neighbors.
Mr. Turnquist recommended adding an eighth condition for approval - Residents shall be
involved with landscaping decisions/changes both now and in the future. Mr. Junker enhanced
this recommendation further to include addressing the vehicle lighting situation Mr. Ranum
recommended it read "landscaping plan shall involve resident input concerning and including
vehicle lighting and the screening of it.
Mr. Russell suggested having the Heritage Preservation Commission review the final lighting
and landscape plans and invite the neighbors.
Mr. Ranum moved approval of the revised plans as presented to the Planning Commission
including the conditions set forth on page 2 of the staff memo dated November 26, 2003 with the
addition of Condition #8 - the landscaping plans shall involve resident input and concerns
regarding vehicle lights and additional screening thereof to the site. Condition #9, Final lighting
and landscape plan shall be reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission with inclusion of
concerns directed at vehicle headlights and containment of on-site lighting. Second by Mr.
Turnquist. Vote all in favor.
-Continued discussion of Boutwell Area Traffic Study. (Deerpath/Brick). Mr. Junker
recommended tabling this discussion to another date. He, along with Robert Gag, felt that this
issue deserves its own meeting. After discussion, the meeting was rescheduled for Thursday,
January 22"d at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Turnquist moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:05p.m. Second by Mr. Dahlquist. Vote all in
favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Rogness
Acting Recording Secretary
r
12