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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-09 CPC MINCity of Stillwater Planning Commission February 9, 2009 Present: Dave Middleton, Chair, Suzanne Block, Mike Dahlquist, Mike Kocon, John Malsam, Scott Spisak and Charles Wolden Staff present: Community Development Director Bill Turnblad and Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Robert Gag and Dan Kalmon Chair Middleton called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Dahlquist, seconded by Mr. Kocon, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 12, 2009. Motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM Mr. Turnblad explained this is a new agenda item at the request of the Mayor and Council. Mr. Middleton invited any comments from the audience. No comments were received. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. 08-51 A variance to the river and bluff setback for Bergstein and Shoddy Mill at 805 S. Main St. in the IB, Heavy Industrial District. City of Stillwater, applicant. Continued from the Jan. 12, 2009, meeting. Mr. Turnblad explained this case was tabled pending comments from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Park Service. He stated he had talked with representatives from both agencies. The National Park Services' primary concern was that the shoreline remain as natural as possible, noting that Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will be responsible for that aspect of the project; he stated MnDOT has agreed to work with the Park Service on that issue. Mr. Turnblad stated the DNR's concern is with storm water management; the DNR would like any storm water channeled through some type of mitigation device, he said. He noted that there will be crushed rock placed between the two buildings which can serve as the storm water mitigation. Mr. Turnblad stated approval is recommended with the condition that the landscaping plans and storm water mitigation plans meet the approval of the National Park Service and DNR, respectively. Mr. Turnblad noted that if approvals of those two agencies require substantive changes to the site, this case will come back to the Planning Commission. Mr. Middleton opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Kocon, seconded by Mr. Malsam, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/09-03 A special use permit request for the remodeling and expansion of the mechanical room at 927 W. Churchill St. (Lakeview Hospital) in the RB, Two Family Residential District. BWBR Architects, Shannon Brambery, applicant. Mr. Turnblad stated that Lakeview's application for expansion has been withdrawn at this time. The hospital would now like remodel existing space with a goal of obtaining more single-room patient space. In order to do that, he said, some services, such as oncology, will be relocated. The remodeling plans, he said, require the upgrade and expansion of the mechanical space in order to accommodate larger air handing units. City of Stillwater Planning Commission February 9, 2009 Mr. Turnblad stated the new mechanical room addition will be located at the southeast of the hospital site, surrounded by the parking ramp. He stated the additional will basically look like a low-lying wall and won't be visible except from Everett Street. Mr. Turnblad noted the proposal will not create any more beds, won't generate any additional traffic and no additional parking requirements. Mr. Turnblad stated any addition to the hospital requires an amendment to the special use permit and approval is recommended. Mr. Middleton opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Middleton asked if there would be any mechanical units located outside that would possibly make noise and disturb residents. Mr. Turnblad stated the existing cooling towers would remain at their current location. Mr. Brambery, BWBR Architects, explained that all new equipment will be located inside of the new addition and all equipment that is being replaced will be located internally, as well. Mr. Brambery stated there would be some rooftop penetrations on the addition to accommodate for the possibility of future expansion. Mr. Dahlquist asked if there were any architectural drawings. Mr. Brambery stated they had not gone to that detail, but noted that the addition will appear as a solid wall constructed of brick to match the hospital. Curt Geisler, president of Lakeview Health, pointed out that the hospital has an interest in aesthetics as well due to views from patients' rooms. Mr. Middleton asked if the roof would be visible from any residences. Mr. Brambery said he did not believe the roof would be visible. Ms. Block clarified the addition's relation to the parking lot retaining wall. Mr. Brambery said a portion of the addition will actually serve as the retaining wall and will be slightly higher than the existing retaining wall. Mr. Malsam moved approval of the special use permit amendment as conditioned. Mr. Dahlquist seconded the motion and asked if Mr. Malsam would consider an additional condition that the architectural treatment of the addition match or complement the hospital structure. Mr. Malsam agreed to amend his motion as suggested. Mr. Dahlquist seconded the amended motion; amended motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Communication towers in residential districts - Mr. Pogge explained that it is likely the City will be receiving several requests for new communication towers in the upcoming months and staff felt it would be wise to review the City's existing code requirements. Mr. Pogge noted the existing ordinance was written in 1997 before the stealth tower technology was available, but said he felt the ordinance was fairly well-written. Mr. Pogge briefly reviewed the various sections of the existing ordinance. After general discussion, members were in consensus that the City ought to be as flexible as possible considering the new towers likely will be located in residential areas. Mr. Pogge suggested adding definitions of monopole and stealth designs to the ordinance; he said he would come back with some recommended language. Mr. Turnblad asked new members to consider attending one of two seminars designed for Planning Commission members, noting that attendance would be at members' expense. Mr. Turnblad also stated the City would be scheduling an orientation session for all new commission members in the near future. Mr. Middleton officially welcomed Mr. Spisak to the Commission. 2 City of Stillwater Planning Commission February 9, 2009 Ms. Block, seconded by Mr. Kocon, moved to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 3