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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-23 CC MIN Joint Meeting with CPC iiJ216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 ---- 651-430-8800 The Birthplace of Minnesota J WWW.ci.stillwater.mn.us JOINT MEETING CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE January 23, 2018 REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M. Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Present: Mayor Kozlowski, Councilmembers Menikheim, Junker, Weidner and Polehna Planning Commissioners Siess, Hansen and Chairman Collins,and 12 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee members Staff present: Community Development Director Turnblad Mark Koegler, CEO, Hoisington Koegler Group OTHER BUSINESS Comprehensive Plan Discussion Community Development Director Turnblad led a discussion on goals and objectives for the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Each of the goals and objectives from six chapters of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan chapters were reviewed to decide whether they should be kept, revised or added to. The chapters included: 1) Land Use; 2) Transportation; 3)Natural Resources and Open Spaces; 4) Community Resources; 5) Housing; and 6) Economic Development. Land Use Mary Russell,advisory committee member,asked what is the greenbelt noted in Goal 4,"continue establishing the greenbelt in the western and northern portions of the City." Community Development Director Turnblad responded that the greenbelt related to the properties formerly located in Stillwater Township. An orderly annexation agreement was entered into between the City and Township that addressed a number of Township resident concerns. One goal of the orderly annexation agreement was to maintain wider setbacks and green spaces in corridors leading to Stillwater Township and along County and State Roads. He pointed out that these corridors have almost all been developed to their potential, so Goal 4 is probably no longer necessary. Mayor Kozlowski asked if Goal 3, "create new, interesting, quality-designed neighborhoods that relate to their natural settings and surroundings developed areas that protect natural resources,and that provide central parks and open spaces that are interconnected by trails to neighborhood community destinations," is still relevant since most areas are built out. Mr. Turnblad replied that 20 years ago when this goal was originally adopted, Settler's Glen and Millbrook were not in existence and Liberty was just under construction. He suggested tweaking this Goal to speak specifically to infill development and how to make it fit. Councilmember Polehna noted there is still a lot of open space along Manning. The goal could be to "maintain"the greenbelt as opposed to "establishing" it. City Council Meeting January 23, 2018 Deirdre Kramer, advisory committee member, asked about the relationship between zoning and the greenbelt, particularly along Maiming north of Myrtle - what does the Agricultural Preserve (AP) zoning mean in the plan? Mr. Turnblad replied AP is a holding zone. When a piece of property is annexed from the township, the municipal board automatically assigns AP zoning classification because it keeps the properties in relatively large and undeveloped pieces until they are developed according to the land use plan. Deirdre Kramer stated that some people living on an AP property do not intend develop, so the City might consider where AP is serving its purpose and where it is not. She feels that AP may not accurately represent all the property within it; perhaps the City should establish another zone. Councilmember Weidner pointed out that the land use plan as adopted describes the plan for the property at the point when it is taken out of AP. Current owners may not wish to develop, but future property owners may want to develop. Mr. Turnblad added that it is always the landowner's option to decide whether to sell their land for development. He suggested it might be called transitional zoning instead of AP. Mayor Kozlowski stated he likes the idea of changing the name because the term AP is confusing. Planning Commissioner Siess referred to a comprehensive plan from a similar city in Colorado, which talks about encouraging commercial development and revitalization of existing industries. She does not feel like any of the existing goals address those issues. Councilmember Weidner and Mayor Kozlowski agreed that wording could be added about creating a mix of commercial development. Planning Commissioner Hansen asked if the goal would be to create a mix of neighborhood commercial or to expand the commercial uses. Councilmember Weidner remarked that the City does not have a lot of land to re-zone for commercial uses. Mr. Turnblad stated that the critical thing to analyze is vacant and underdeveloped properties. Curt Geissler, advisory committee member, suggested if some neighborhood commercial is desirable as part of new developments, maybe as Goal #3 should include "supports neighborhood commercial uses."Planning Commissioner Collins suggested that one of the goals should address infill development. Mr. Turnblad replied infill development could be addressed in Goal 3. Transportation Community Development Director Turnblad stated that Goal 4, "support construction of the new interstate bridge and TH 36 corridor improvements to provide for regional traffic demands and to relieve cut-through traffic Downtown and in residential areas," has already been met. Sheila Maybanks, advisory committee member, suggested that one of the goals should address environmentally responsible transportation. Mr. Turnblad stated that the last objective, "explore alternative transportation and transit opportunities for Downtown Stillwater," could be revised into a goal. Planning Commissioner Siess asked if parking should be addressed under the transportation objectives. Mr. Turnblad replied that parking is covered in the downtown chapter. An advisory committee member suggested that the St. Croix River be included as a transportation corridor. Mr. Turnblad suggested that the river could be covered under natural resources. Curt Geissler stated that, although the City does not control Highway 36, its cross roads greatly affect Stillwater, so it should be addressed. Mr. Turnblad responded it could be stated that the Page 2 of 4 City Council Meeting January 23, 2018 City will "work with MnDOT and surrounding jurisdictions to design any improvements to the Highway 36 corridor." Natural Resources and Open Spaces Sheila Maybanks suggested that Goal 3, "protect and enhance the St. Croix River as a natural open space system and recreation resource,"should include"its shoreline and Stillwater City lakes and streams." Councilmember Junker pointed out that, now that the City owns two to three miles of riverfront property, the protection of shoreland should be addressed in the goals. Mr. Turnblad agreed that language could be added about enhancement/protection. Planning Commissioner Siess noted that Goal 2, "use the natural resource open space system to connect open spaces, parks, activity centers and neighborhoods," should include "trails." Community Resources An advisory committee member stated she would like to see Goals 1 and 2 tie in the goal of using more renewable energy (i.e., wind and solar) and making it more accessible to residents. Regarding Goal 3, "develop water resource conservation measures to preserve the Jordan aquifer as the city's only long-term source of water," Community Development Director Turnblad noted that the City uses both the Jordan and Prairie Du Chien aquifers and both are affected by the recent White Bear Lake court ruling. The Department of Natural Resources, when issuing well permits, requires that as an alternate, the City must show how surface water can be used to augment its deep wells. Therefore, this goal has to be changed. It may fit better under the water resources chapter. Mayor Kozlowski asked about Goal 4, "provide new facilities that meet the needs of Stillwater residents first. Allow other units of government; school district, Washington County or joint powers groups to serve broader area-wide populations." Mr. Turnblad explained that this goal is about requiring those who use the City's regional services, such as the Rec Center, library, fire station and parks, to pay for them. Councilmember Weidner stated that some services used by citizens of other communities, for instance park and rides, do not necessarily serve the needs of Stillwater citizens first. An advisory committee member suggested maybe this goal ought to be turned upside down to state that Stillwater wants to be a leader in providing for regional citizens. For instance, the community center was made better because the City worked with the National Guard. He sees many services Stillwater is providing that may work better if the City works with some of the neighboring communities. Councilmember Polehna agreed the communities need to work together and explore shared services. Mr. Turnblad responded that the intent of Goal 4 could be changed completely to incorporate working with others on services and facilities. An advisory committee member asked if a new goal or objective should be created to promote the sustainable use of community resources. Mr. Turnblad agreed. He explained that the entire metro area has been given an"option"by the Met Council to include sustainability in its Comprehensive Plan, but in future plans this will likely become mandatory. It makes sense to include that as a goal. Planning Commissioner Siess stated she did not see any reference to recycling and composting as goals. Mr. Turnblad stated he will find where these are referenced, and see where they fit. Page 3 of 4 City Council Meeting January 23, 2018 Housing Planning Commissioner Siess asked what does"support"mean?Mr. Turnblad stated that the goal is to "support," not "provide" quality and balanced housing. Curt Geissler suggested changing "mentally disabled" under Special Housing Needs, to "intellectually disabled." Councilmember Weidner suggested coming up with a new name for the annexation area under New Residential Development. An advisory committee member asked about walking distance referred to in the objective; "provide for neighborhood convenience store locations within walking distance of residential areas without negatively impacting those residential areas."Mr. Turnblad noted that to encourage neighborhood walkability is generic. This concept does not fit tidily into housing, but is more of an overarching concept of connectivity. He will look for a place to include this concept. Planning Commissioner Siess stated she would like this section to address impacts on existing streets. She will send Mr. Turnblad some possible language to explain this. Economic Development Councilmember Weidner questioned making the downtown the central focus in Goal 2, "promote and maintain the downtown as a central focus for community economic and cultural activity."He feels the City will have to redevelop the other commercial areas as well. Mr. Turnblad suggested eliminating the word "central," and perhaps splitting this goal into two goals, not ignoring the downtown but giving focus to the other business areas as well. An advisory committee member suggested including a reference to green industries and green technologies. Planning Commissioner Siess stated she would like to see language encouraging small businesses. Councilmember Polehna stated he would like to make sure the plan addresses having adequate health facilities for the community. Mr. Turnblad stated he would look for an appropriate place to address that. Mr. Turnblad invited committee members,commissioners and councilmembers to email him with additional input. He and Mark Koegler, planning consultant, will create a draft of 2018 goals and objectives based on the discussion, which will be circulated for review and edits. The next Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee meeting will be 7 p.m. February 28 at City Hall. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Weidner, seconded by Councilmember Polehna, to adjourn. All in favor. Mayor Kozlowski adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. %-zg . Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATT. ► // William Turnblad Community Development Director Page 4 of 4