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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-12-06 CPC MIN STILLWATER PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Council Chambers TI i2, 7:30 P.M. DATE: December 6, 1976 ME,'-BERS PRESENT: Martin Hansen Russell Meister Ann Bodlovick Charles Swanson Ronald Kiel Mary Lou True Chris Madsen Jeffrey Zoller APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Martin Hansen called the meeting to order. Ann Bodlovick moved that the minutes of the November 1, 1976 meeting be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. USE OF NELSON SCHOOL PROPERTY Jeffrey Zoller noted that he had attending a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission in regard to the Nelson School property, and they recommended that the Council not accept th6 -property for a park. Mr. Albert Ranum, Attorney for the School District, noted that the School District has offered the property to Stillwater to be used for recreational purposes. He stated that the School Board had received low bids on the property. He felt that the main reason the Recreation Commission had rejected the offer, was that the City doesn't have any money for the development of the property. Mr. Ranum stated that he and Mayor Junker had consulted with some of the Foundations, and they will know by 5:00 P.M. tomorrow whether or not there will be enough funds made available to the City to demolish the building and construct two tennis courts on the property. This would cost the City nothing. It is Mr. Ranum's personal feeling that the City could use the additional recreational space. He pointed out that the property without Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes December 6, 1976 Page rive the building on it is worth'approximately $10,000. Mr. Ranum stated that there is an apparent need for tennis courts in Stillwater, since the Lily Lake courts are continually crowded, as well as the courts at Staples Field. Donald Jahnke, 1111 South 1st Street, also a member of the Recreation Commission, noted that all tennis courts in the City are used by the School District. He stated that the School District was scheduling the tennis courts for their practices, and the City had complaints because the courts were always busy, so the City Council changed the arrangement so that one court could be free to the public during practice sessions. The Junior High teams do not have a place to practice, and the proposed courts would be close to that school. Mr. Robert Hagstrom, a member of Rivertown Restoration, stated that he was not against playgrounds and tennis courts, but he would like the Commission to consider the value of a historical building. He noted that the heritage of buildings is of interest today. He felt that a residence would probably be the most logical use for the building, with adequate parking, landscaping, and architectural style. Speaking for Rivertown Restoration, Mr. Hagstrom pointed out that their position is to encourage the use of these old buildings and find ways, if they are sound buildings, to put them back on the tax rolls. Mr. Jahnke pointed out that the residents near the property have no idea what the buyer might do with the property. Another nearby resident stated that if it wasn't feasible for the School District to remodel the building, it must be in pretty bad shape. He stated that he would favor some form of recreational, facility. Jeffrey Zoller suggested that it might be wise to give someone the chance to do something with the building--perhaps let a private investor give some options as to its use. A resident stated that there has been vandalism to the building and the windows have been broken. The site is becoming a place where neighborhood children congregate. Mayor Junker stated that he had been working with the Foundations to secure support for the tennis courts. He pointed out that most of the neighbors in the Nelson School area are opposed to a four-plex or an eight-plex, and a public hear- ing to change the zoning of the property would bear this out. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes December 6, 1976 Page Six In view of the information received by the Commission, Ann Bodlovick moved that the Stillwater Planniryr Commission recommend to the City Council that if funds are made available for the demolition of Nelson School and the construction of two tennis courts, the City accept the property from the School District. The motion was seconded and passed with the following votes Ayess Martin Hansen, Ronald Kiel, Russell Meister, Charles Swanson, Ann Bodlovick. Nays: Jeffrey Zoller, Mary Lou True, and Chris Madsen. ORDINANCr 383 Ordinance 383 will be finalized at the next meeting of the Commission on January 3, 1977. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M. STILLWATER PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PLACE= Council Chambers TIME: 7:30 P.M. DATE: December 6, 1976 MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Hansen Russell Meister Ann Bodlovick Charles Swanson Ronald Kiel Mary Lou True Chris Madsen Jeffrey Zoller APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Martin Hansen called the meeting to order. Ann Bodlovick moved that the minutes of the November 1, 1976 meeting be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL BUILDING ON OSGOOD AVENUE Mr. Robert Hagstrom appeared before the Commission with plans for a proposed building to be constructed to the northeast of the Southill Professional Building. He noted that the property to the east of the proposed building, which will be the parking lot, is actually located in Oak Park Heights, while the building itself will be on Stillwater property. The sewer utilities will come from Oak Park Heights and the water from Stillwater. The proposed structure will be of a professional nature and approximately the same architectural style. Mr. Hagstrom pointed out that he was showing the Commission preliminary plans and would like their comments in the future if they foresee any problems regarding the location of the site. SPECIAL USE PERMITS Case No. 241. Applicant: Lakeview Memorial Hospital Association, Inc. Address of Property: West Anderson Street. Rezoning of property to allow for the construction of a clinic building. The facility will be located on the corner of Anderson Street next to Everett Street. The plan includes the vacation of Anderson from Everett to Greeley. Mr. Bud Moelter, of the Lakeview Memorial Hospital 'Board, stated that they would like to begin construction February 15, 1977. When asked if there was a special reason why they were asking for a rezoning of the property rather than a special use permit, Mr. Moelter replied that there was no reason and they just want to build a clinic on the property, which could be accomplished either by rezoning or a special use permit. It was noted that the first phase of the building would accommodate 12 to 15 doctors, and the next expansion would be designed for 24 or 25 doctors. Mr. Moelter noted that there would be a walkway from the clinic to the hospital, necessitating the vacation of Anderson Street. They also investigated the possibility of a tunnel Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes December 6, 1976 Page Two beneath the street, but this plan would be quite costly. Charles Hooley, 920 South Greeley, expressed the concern of his neighbors and himself as to the increased traffic the clinic would bring. He stated that he is not against the clinic, but with the present traffic problems generated by the Washington County Welfare Office, additional cars would make it even more difficult for residents on Greeley Street to pull out of their driveways. It was noted that the vacation of West Anderson Street would eliminate student traffic to the high school. After further discussion, Charles Swanson moved that the Stillwater Planning Cpmmission recommend to the City Council that they grant a Special Use Permit to Lakeview Memorial Hospital Association, Inc. for the construction of a medical doctors clinic building within the boundaries of the legal description submitted, subject to local building ordinances and setbacks. The Planning Commission further recommends that in the event West Anderson Street is not vacated, a variance of 10 feet on the south side of the proposed building should be granted. The motion was seconded and passed, with one abstention by Mary Lou Triie. Case No. 259. Applicants Clark Nyberg. Address: 506 West Pine Street. Variances for single family dwelling. Ann Bodlovick noted that at the last Council meeting the City Attorney had stated that this is a non-conforming use, and the lot must be rezoned if Mr. Nyberg wants to use the carriage house as a single family dwelling. The question arose as to whether or not Mr. Nyberg could subdivide the lots. Mr. Nyberg stated that he would not mind subdividing the lots rather than asking for a rezoning. It was pointed out that a driveway easement would be needed for the main building. Jeffrey Zoller moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that they grant side yard and back yard variances to Clark Nyberg for his carriage house at 506 West Pine Street, contingent on the replatting of the property, Lots 4, 5, and 6, so that the carriage house is on a separate lot no less than 7500 square feet, and the main house has a side yard of five feet, subject to all legal requirements. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Case No. 260. Applicants E. Leo Voeltzman. Address: 927 North Owen. Side yard variance for garage. The Commissioners examined the drawing of the placement of the proposed attached garage. Mr. Voeltzman stated that his neighbor to the south has no objections to his plans for the garage. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes December 6, 1976 Page Three Russell Meister moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that the City Council grant a side yard variance to Mr. E. Leo Voeltzman to add a garage to his home at 927 North Owen Street. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Case No. 262. Applicant: Dennis M. Kuhlon, Reliance Development Company. Address of Property: Area bounded by County Road. #12, Croixwood 7th Addition, and Interlachen Drive. Mr. James W. O'Brien and Mr. Kuhlon presented a drawing of the layout for the proposed 119 units to be constructed at the above location. The units would be single family dwellings and townhouses. These will be rental units. The total acreage is 37.12 acres, of'which 3.08 acres would be allocated for neighborhood commercial. The concept is a series of cul-de-sacs coming in from a service type road, and an interior circulation system from the units toward the pond. There may be a community center building to be used as a warming house in the winter and a place for community meetings in the summer, plus space for maintenance functions. Charles Swanson questioned the availability of utilities. Mr. O'Brien stated that they had not checked on this as yet. It was noted that a lift station may be required. Mr. O'Brien noted that the dwellings will be three bedroom units, and they believe that the approximate number of children to be added to the school district will be 250. When asked about what improvements they intend to make as far as the lake is concerned, Mr. O'Brien replied that they plan to clean up the shoreline after securing an okay from the DNR. Charles Swanson expressed concern as to the ingress and egress on County Road #12, especially regarding police and fire protection. Mr. O'Brien pointed out that the construction would be continual, with actual construction time to be about 18 to 24 months. There may be Section 8 low income units included, but Mr. Kuhlon doubted that there would be more than 30%, depending upon what the allocations are. Mr. O'Brien stated that no definite decision has been made as to who will be managing the units, but they may retain a private management firm for this purpose. After further discussion, Charles Swanson moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission refer Reliance Development Company's proposal of a Planned Urban Development to Mr. William Schwab, County Planner, District #834 School Board, and Duane Elliott, City Engineer, for their recommendations. The Commission would like to have these recommendations by the next regular Planning Commission meeting, which is January 3, 1977. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Stillwater Planning Commission December 6, 1976 Page Four STREET VACATIONS Vacation of a portion of Forward Street. Mr. Jerry Mechelke, 809 W. St. Croix Avenue, appeared before the Commission. He pointed out that he and David Magnuson, 901 W. St. Croix Avenue, are currently using the land in question for their yards. The other landowner involved is Swager Bros. , Inc. , and they are also in favor of vacating this portion of Forward Street. Jeffrey Zoller moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend the'. granting of a petition to vacate that portion of Forward Street lying between the North line of Stillwater Avenue and the South line of St. Croix Avenue, all in Cooper's Addition to the City of Stillwater. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Vacation of West Anderson Street between Everett Street on the East and Greeley Street on the West. Having briefly discussed this street vacation earlier, Mary Lou True stated that she would like to know how much traffic is on Anderson Street at the present time. It was decided that the Secretary would ask Jack Shelton to provide the Planning Commission with this information at its next meeting. Charles Swanson also pointed out that Everett Street may have to be widened in the future due to increased traffic to the hospital-clinic area. A decision will be reached as to the Planning Commission's recommendation on this vacation at its next meeting January 3, 1977• USE OF NELSON SCHOOL PROPERTY Jeffrey Zoller noted that he had attending a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission in regard to the Nelson School property, and they recommended that the Council not accept thy:-property for a park. Mr. Albert Ranum, Attorney for the School District, noted that the School District has offered the property to Stillwater to be used for recreational purposes. He stated that the School Board had received low bids on the property. He felt that the 'main reason the Recreation Commission had rejected the offer, was that the City doesn't have any money for the development of the property. Mr. Ranum stated that he and Mayor Junker had consulted with some of the Foundations, and they will know by 5:00 P.M. tomorrow whether or not there will be enough funds made available to the City to demolish the building and construct two tennis courts on the property. This would cost the City nothing. It is Mr. Ranum's personal feeling that the City could use the additional recreational space. He pointed out that the property without Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes December 6, 1976 Page Five the building on it is worth'approximately $10,000. Mr. Ranum stated that there is an apparent need for tennis courts in Stillwater, since the Lily Lake courts are continually crowded, as well as the courts at Staples Field. Donald Jahnke, 1111 South 1st Street, also a member of the Recreation Commission, noted that all tennis courts in the City are used by the School District. He stated that the School District was scheduling the tennis courts for their practices, and the City had complaints because the courts were always busy, so the City Council changed the arrangement so that one court could be free to the public during practice sessions. The Junior High teams do not have a place to practice, and the proposed courts would be close to that school. Mr. Robert Hagstrom, a member of Rivertown Restoration, stated that he was not against playgrounds and tennis courts, but he would like the Commission to consider the value of a historical building. He noted that the heritage of buildings is of interest today. He felt that a residence would probably be the most logical use for the building, with adequate parking, landscaping, and architectural style. Speaking for Rivertown Restoration, Mr. Hagstrom pointed out that their position is to encourage the use of these old buildings and find ways, if they are sound buildings, to put them back on the tax rolls. Mr. Jahnke pointed but that the residents near the property have no idea what the buyer might do with the property. Another nearby resident stated that if it wasn't feasible for the School District to remodel the building, it must be in pretty bad shape. He stated that he would favor some form of recre&tionil''fabil#y. Jeffrey Zoller suggested that it might be wise to give someone the ,chance to do something with the building--perhaps let a private investor give some options as to its use. A resident stated that there has been vandalism to the building and the windows have been broken. The site is becoming a place where neighborhood children congregate. Mayor Junker stated that he had been working with the Foundations to secure support for the tennis courts. He pointed out that most of the neighbors in the Nelson School area are opposed to a four-plex or an eight-plex, and a public hear- ing to change the zoning of the property would bear this out. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes December 6, 1976 Page Six In view of the information received by the Commission, Ann Bodlovick moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that if funds are made available for the demolition of Nelson School and the construction of two tennis courts, the City accept the property from the School District. The motion was seconded and passed with the following vote: Ayes: Martin Hansen, Ronald Kiel, Russell Meister, Charles Swanson, Ann Bodlovick. Nays: Jeffrey Zoller, Mary Lou True, and Chris Madsen. ORDINANCE 1`82 Ordinance 383 will be finalized at the next meeting of the Commission on January 3, 1977. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M.