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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-06-27 CPC MINNOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A special meeting of the Stillwater Planning Commission will be held: Monday, June 27, 1977 Stillwater Council Chambers 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Omer 2. Approval of Minutes of June 6, 1977 meeting 3. Interviewing of potential candidates for the Planning Commission so that recommendations can be made to City Council 4. Discussion of amending Ordinance 383 regarding lot sizes for two-family districts 5. Discussion of rezoning of certain properties within the City 6. Discussion of Citizen's Committee to help work on park and open space study for McKusick Lake area 7. Possible discussion of downtown parking / 8. Barge terminal lease for Aiple Barge & Towing Company 9. Adjournment Dated: June 20, 1977 Jeffrey A. Zoller, Chairman NOTE TO COMMISSIONERS: To ensure that we have a quorum at our meetings, please call me (439-2260 after 6:00 P.M.) or Carol Slavik (439-4311) if you will not be able to attend. Thank you. See attached sheet for further explanation of items 4 and 5 on the agenda. TO COMMISSIONERS: There is an area in Dutchtown, approximately four blocks, which is presently zoned multi -family and could be rezoned to single family. In regard to two-family districts, as I see it we have a couple of options. We may just change the ordinance to say that two- family districts have to be on 10,000 square foot lots, and that will just cover the whole town. Otherwise, we can rezone the areas in the older part of town so that 10,000 square feet would be required for a duplex, and we could leave the requirement at 7,500 square feet for the newer areas of town. -Jeff STILLWATER PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PLACE: TIME: DATE: MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Chambers 7:00 P.M. June 27, 1977 Jeffrey Zoller Dale Kress Russell Meister Jack Shelton Jerry Smith Charles Swanson Mary Lou True APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Jeffrey Zoller called the meeting to order. Russell Meister moved that the minutes of the June 6, 1977 meeting be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. LOT SIZES Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that the Planning Commission could change the ordinance and increase the lot size necessary for a two-family dwelling (ordinance presently requires 7,500 square feet) or it could create a second two-family district in those areas where the Commission feels the lot sizes are too small; for instance, in the older sections of town. He stated that there may be areas where the 7,500 square foot requirement could stand as is. Jeffrey Zoller showed the Commissioners a map of Stillwater which showed the different types of housing --historically significant, housing with a certain amount of character, and the newer homes built after 1917. The map was provided by RTR. It was felt that the ordinance should require as much area for a two-family dwelling as it does for a single family dwelling, which is presently not the case. Jack Shelton stated that the ordinance could be changed to require 10,000 square foot lots for duplexes in a single family area, and leave the single family requirement in a two-family area at 7,500 square feet. It was decided that the Planning Commission would consider this further at its next meeting. In the meantime, Jeffrey Zoller will contact County Planner, Bill Schwab, to determine the County's position on lot sizes. REZONING OF CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE CITY Chairman Jeffrey Zoller noted that the Planning Commission had discussed the possibility of rezoning Left 42, 43, 48, and 49 in the Dutchtown area. This property is currently zoned multiple family. There is no City water and sewer on the property, and there are mostly single family homes in the area. After further discussion, Russell Meister moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that 6 i20 43, 48, and 49 in Dutchtown be rezoned to single family. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 27, 1977 Page Two PARK AND OPEN SPACE STUDY FOR MCKUSICK LAKE AREA Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that some time ago he was approached by a land- owner on the west side of McKusick Lake, and the party was asking if he should put homes on some property he owned or if he should subdivide. Jeffrey Zoller suggested to the landowner that perhaps he should offer it to the City for open space. Mr. Zoller talked to Councilman Roger Peterson, who asked if the Planning Commission could come up with a comprehensive study for the McKusick Lake area. Jeffrey Zoller contacted Mr. Blekum, Director of Parks and Recreation, who was present at this meeting, and asked what his feelings were about the McKusick Lake property. Mr. Blekum stated that this area is so close to the Croixwood area on the other side of County Road. 12, which is a recreation area, that he does not think the City should try to buy it. He stated that the City would realize more revenue from the taxes by developing the property. Mr. Blekum felt it was necessary for the City to control by ordinance any construction so that it doesn't impede the course of the watershed. Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that he would look into this further to see if there is enough interest in that area to protect the property in question. Charles Swanson noted that the property on the west side of Long Lake should also be investigated. PROPERTY SOUTH OF PIONEER PARK ON SECOND STREET Chairman Jeffrey Zoller noted that the City is considering the possibility of selling a parcel of land south of Pioneer Park to a private individual, and the Planning Commission should make a recommendation as to whether or not the City should sell the property. Mr. Blekum stated that he felt it would be a mistake to sell the property, because it is necessary to preserve the character of the park. Also, it is right below all the terraces that support Pioneer Park, and the terraces are deteriorating. In order to repair them, the only access to them is by way of this property. Charles Swanson moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that the City retain ownership of the property south of Pioneer Park. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. AIPLE BARGE TERMINAL LEASE Mr. Blekum. stated that he felt the City might need coal to heat homes some day, in support of the Aiple barge terminal lease. He noted that he was not certain as to the terms of the lease option. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 27, 1977 Page Three Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that Mr. Harry Peterson had pointed'out An his letter to the City Council and Planning Commission that although Aiple does have an option to renew his lease, he has not lived up to the lease and therefore the City should get control of the property. Mr. Jim Hunt pointed out that if the City should need coal in the future, there are facilities further south. Michael McGuire noted that the Downtown Retail Council Parking Committee may be interested in some investigation of the Aiple property for parking. Mary Lou True pointed out that there is more than a year to go on the lease. She'stated further that this decision will greatly affect the City and the river for the next 20 years, and therefore the whole question requires more investigation and attention than it has been given to date. She believed it would be hasty on the part of the Council to do something about it at tomorrow evening's meeting. Mary Lou True moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that the City Council not make a decision as to the renewal of the Aiple Barge & Towing Company lease at its June 28 meeting. The Planning Commission is requesting additional time to consider its recommendation to the City Council. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. DOWNTOWN PARKING Michael McGuire, Chairman of the Downtown Retail Council Parking Committee, outlined a list of suggestions which the Committee feels deserve study: 1. Purchase or control of the railroad right of way in areas where the City has parking facilities. He noted that this was recommended to the City Council two or three months ago. Mr. McGuire noted that there is always the possibility that the railroad may sell their property, and the City may be without those parking facilities which would be affected. 2. Study a second level for the parking lot on Second Street directly across from the site of the old Auditorium. This could facilitate parking for 45 cars without a ramp, with access off of Olive Street. The cost of the ramp and ways to finance it should be considered. There is also City land west of the parking lot between the yellow house and the parking lot that might also be incorporated. 3. Proceed with revision of Main Street traffic flow. It was thought that the City Council would be holding a Public Hearing on this matter in July, 1977. In conjunction with this, the Committee suggested the possibility of eliminating parking in.front of the old Goggin Candy store for an easier left turn east on Nelson Street. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 27, 1977 Page Four Mr. McGuire pointed out that most of these recommendations involve the southern end of town, because most of the Committee members who attended the special meeting to draw up these recommendations were concerned with the southern end. Committee members from the northern end of town did not attend the meeting. 4. Possible purchase of Erickson gas station property on Main Street at the south end of town for a parking facility. In conjunction with this item, the Aiple property was discussed. Mr. McGuire wondered if some arrangement could be made with Mr. Aiple for some of the property to the north. It was noted, however, that this is some distance from the downtown area. 5. The Committee feels that perhaps there should be metered parking on South Main all across the NSP building and across the Erickson property. He stated that many downtown employees park there. After doing a traffic count in downtown Stillwater, it was learned that approximately 500 employees in the downtown area drive to work. The possibility of designating one area for downtown employee parking was discussed. It was felt that if the parking were some distance away from the heart of town, some incentives would have to be given to the employees by the downtown merchants. Mr. Perkl stated that he had been told there was a possibility the State would be abandoning its highway property at the north end of town. He noted that this should.perhaps be investigated with the thought of purchasing it for parking purposes. Charles Swanson pointed out that the State may be willing to relocate some- where else within a couple of miles. Jack Shelton stated that the lot across the street from Lowell Park is usually not full unless there is a special Jubilee cruise. It was thought that perhaps the lot is unpopular because of poor access over the tracks to Water Street. Mr. McGuire stated that he felt an^improved walkway across the tracks to Water Street is necessary, but there are some liability problems which would have to be worked out with the City Attorney. Mr. McGuire recommended that Jack Shelton look into this and contact the railroad authorities. Mr. McGuire mentioned investigating the property on North Second Street by Pioneer Park and the area by the Muller boatworks. A'discussion'followed as to what course of action should be taken. Mary Lou True stated that the City has been talking about the parking and traffic problem for several years. She felt it would be in the best interests of the City to . hire someone to do a study as to what the City's needs are at present, in the future, and the economic feasibility of various options. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 27, 1977 Page Five Mary Lou True moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that the City Council hire a parking specialist to study the City's downtown parking needs. It is further recommended that the Planning Commission and the Downtown Retail Council Parking Committee be allowed to assist the City Council in inter- viewing various candidates for the parking specialist'.posipion. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mr. Perkl added that the Committee had discussed metering of the area by Simonet's warehouse and also east of Main Street on Nelson, and along the Freight - house. He stated that there should be some uniform parking'.signagc in the down- town area so that visitors coming to Stillwater know where public parking is as opposed to private parking. CANDIDATES FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION Chairman Jeffrey Zoller noted that he had received a call from a citizen who is interested in serving on the Planning Commission but who could not attend this evening's meeting. Mr. Jim Hunt submitted his application at the meeting and was questioned by the Commissioners. It was decided that a candidate would not be chosen for recommendation to the City Council until the next meeting, at.which time the other interested individual will be interviewed. OTHER BUSINESS Mary Lou True asked if there was an ordinance regulating the use of mobile signs, in terms of how long a mobile sign can be in one place. Charles Swanson.stated that there might be a conflict with State law in regard to the flashing mobile signs and billboards, because they could be considered a hazard to drivers. Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that he would go through the files and determine what regulations there might be concerning portable'mobile signs. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be July 11, 1977. e n rnr MMMM P The meeting was adjourned at 9s10 P.M.