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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/07/2001MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION Monday May 7, 2001, 7:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers 1830 County Road B East 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes a. March 19, 2001 Public Hearings a. 2002 - 2007 Maplewood Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) New Business a. Clark Street right-of-way vacation (south of Mount Vernon Avenue) b. Little School of Montessori Conditional Use Permit (1945 Prosperity Road) 7. Visitor Presentations Commission Presentations a. March 26 Council Meeting: Ms. Dierich b. April 9 Council Meeting: Mr. Rossbach c. Apd123 Council Meeting: Ms. Fischer d. May 14 Council Meeting: Mr. Pearson e. May 29 Council Meeting: Mr. Frost Staff Presentations a. Possible Summer Tour Date - Monday, July 30, 2001 10. Adjournment II. III. IV. MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION 1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA MONDAY, MAY 7, 2001 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioner Lorraine Fischer Commissioner Jack Frost Commissioner Matt Ledvina Commissioner Paul Mueller Commissioner Gary Pearson Commissioner William Rossbach Commissioner Dale Trippler Commissioner Eric Ahlness Commissioner Mary Dierich Staff Present: Recording Secretary: APPROVAL OF AGENDA Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Melinda Coleman, Assistant City Manager Ken Roberts, Associate Planner Chuck Ahl, City Engineer Lori Hansen Commissioner Frost moved approval of the agenda, as submitted. Commissioner Pearson seconded. Ayes-All The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 19, 2001 Commissioner Trippler amended the tower ordinance additions 2 and 3 to read: 2. Section 36-610, part b6, modify the section to add the words "equal to or". It will then read: if the tower is equal to or more than one hundred feet in height, and if the tower is equal to or more than seventy-five feet in height. 3. In the same section, "the maximum number" will replace "future rearrangement". Commissioner Frost moved approval of the minutes as amended. Commissioner Pearson seconded. Ayes-All Motion carries. Planning Commission Minutes of May 7, 2001 -2- PUBLIC HEARINGS 2002-2006 Maplewood Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Mr. Ken Roberts gave the staff report for the city. The Capital Improvement Plan is part of the city's comprehensive plan. State law requires the planning commission review any changes to the plan. Dan Faust, Maplewood Finance Director, had a video prepared showing some of the highlights of the proposed plan. Staff is recommending approval of the CIP plan. The video reviewed the various projects scheduled for various neighborhoods throughout the city for the next five years. Many of the proposed capital improvements were a result of the city council and management staff retreat on March 30th, 2001. They included: 1. To integrate new technologies into the way the city does its business. A. Purchase of mobile digital communications for the fire and police department. B. Installation of an 800-megahertz communications system for vehicles in all departments. 2. To better manage traffic at and around the Maplewood Mall. A. Reconstruction of Hazelwood Street from County Road C to County Road D. B. Reconstruction of County Road D from White Bear Avenue to Lydia Avenue. C. Reconstruction of County Road D from Hazelwood Street to Highway 61. 3. Redevelop the city's deteriorating residential properties. 4. Redevelop the city's parks and trail system. 5. To address the changing expectations for and needs of the community center by replacing the carpeting. 6. To develop a strong infrastructure of streets, storm sewers, and water systems, there are 23 public works improvement projects planned for the next five years in various Maplewood neighborhoods. There are 15 other projects that are not designated to particular neighborhoods that are included in the CIP. They include: 1. The purchase of vacant and decapitated properties to prepare them for new housing. 2. A fire engine will be purchased to replace a 1979 apparatus. 3. Mobile data computers will be installed in fire vehicles to improve communications. 4. A 1984 pumper tanker will be replaced with a new tanker. 5. An additional fire engine will be purchased to replace a 1982 apparatus. 6. Parking lot work at fire stations will be completed to improve the existing pavement. 7. A new ambulance will be purchased to replace a 1994 ambulance. 8. The city will upgrade its communications network with the installation of an 800-megahertz radio system. 9. A new training center for police officers will be built to result in better trained officers and better ensure public safety. Planning Commission Minutes of May 7, 2001 -3- 10. Enhancements will be made to the squad mobile communications system. 11. Six new city staff cars will be purchased to replace cars that will be eight years old. 12. Two heavy duty trucks will be purchased to replace two trucks purchased in 1991. 13. A new street sweeper will be purchased in 2005 to replace a sweeper purchased in 1999. 14. Improvements will be made to several undesignated streets based upon the pavement management program. 15. Two additional heavy duty trucks will be purchased to replace two trucks bought in 1991. The total cost of all projects is $32,261,590 over the next five years. The city feels the CIP plan is an excellent combination of maintenance and expansion projects to meet the needs of the citizens of Maplewood. Commissioner Frost was concerned there is only one project that addresses the open space that the city purchased. Mr. Bruce Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation, supported Mr. Frost's position and stated as less and less development is generated in the city, fewer funds are available for parks and recreation projects. Currently the city is about 90% developed. Commissioner Frost was also hoping that since technology is changing drastically, the city will consider purchasing a vacuum sweeper which will better protect the water quality, especially around the lakes in the city of Maplewood. Mr. Ahl agreed, and confirmed they are absolutely considering that option. Commissioner Trippler stated the commission was presented with a report noting the number of children playing ball has drastically reduced, and the number playing soccer had drastically increased. The CIP has a number of irrigation improvements for ball fields, but not any development on the soccer fields in the city. Mr. Anderson responded in saying the soccer fields are already fully irrigated. Commissioner Ahlness asked what the states plan (MnDOT) is for Highway 36. Mr. Ahl explained MnDOT is very limited in their funding and therefore has identified "bottle necked" intersections with English and Highway 36 being one of them. With the funding shortage, only 3 billion dollars of the 10 billion need is available, therefore improvements are about 10 years out. Mr. Ahl also explained the proposed Hazelwood bridge project does not include access ramps onto Highway 36. Commissioner Rossbach pointed out that two new fire stations could be built for the cost of the proposed Hazelwood Bridge. He did not feel anyone has ever explained why there is a need for the bridge. He strongly feels the bridge would only serve as another access to the mall and would be disruptive to that neighborhood. Mr. Ahl stated the bridge would provide a nice connection for the southern part of the community, from Larpenteur Avenue north. He felt it would better connect neighborhoods and alleviate some traffic congestion on White Bear Avenue and Highway 61. Mr. Rossbach asked that the city do a study of the people that live on either side of Highway 36 and determine whether or not they want the bridge, and why would they use the bridge if it was there. Mr. ^hi was in support of that request. The 152% increase in the public works budget from last year to this year concerned Mr. Trippler. Mr. Faust explained the city is playing catch up with the pavement management system. There are several streets in very poor condition, so an effort is being made to upgrade those roads. Although the budget is increasing by 152% does not mean property taxes would be increasing by that percentage. The projects are being financed by several different revenue sources: special assessments, state aid, and property tax levies. Planning Commission Minutes of May 7, 2001 -4- VI. Mr. Trippler wanted it noted that on page 3-55 of the CIP it states the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) will be responsible for the remainder of the former city dump closure costs. That is not the case. The program has no money, and does not do that sort of thing. Mr. Ahl said it was an oversight on his part. The project has been approved by the PCA and the minimal remaining monitoring costs will be paid by the city. The graphic for the Hillside neighborhood (page 3-47), the location of the priory open space site, should be on the south west corner, as corrected by Chairperson Fischer. Ms. Melinda Coleman, Assistant City Manager informed the commission that they are free to make recommendations on the capital improvement program and forward those to the city council. They make the final decision. Mr. Trippler strongly feels improvements for the Maplewood Community Center should be paid for by the people utilizing the center. Mr. Rossbach explained how extremely difficult it would be for the commission to fashion a motion that is going to generate a second, and get approved on everyone's individual beliefs. The commission is to look at the plan overall and see if it meets and follows the comprehensive plan already laid out. Individual beliefs can be expressed at the city council meetings. Each of these items, prior to the dollars being expended, is voted on by the city council before each project is started. This provides another opportunity for comments from the commission. Mr. Anderson responded to Mr. Mueller's question about what developments are planned for Sandy Lake. It is now a 46-acre site that is 35 to 40 feet deep of residual lime deposits. A joint project between the county, city and City of St. Paul is being considered to have that area developed as a regional athletic complex. Eight of the acres have been filled with 4-6 feet of fill and seem to be stable at this point. Mr. Frost moved the planning commission recommend to the city council to approve the 2002-2006 Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Rossbach seconded. Ayes-All Motion carries. This proposal will go before the city council on May 29, 2001. NEW BUSINESS A. Clark Street right-of-way vacation (south of Mount Vernon). Mr. Ken Roberts gave the staff report for the city. Mrs. Margaret Oscarson is asking the city council to vacate an unused street right-of-way. This vacation is for part of the Clark Street right-of-way that is south of Mount Vernon Avenue, just west of DeSoto Street. City staff is also recommending that the city vacate an unused alley and the Arkwright Street right-of-way between Mount Vernon and Roselawn Avenues. Mr. Frost moved the planning commission recommend the city council: A. Adopt the resolution that vacates the unused Clark Street right-of-way between Mount Vernon and Roselawn Avenues. The city should vacate this right-of-way because: 1. It is in the public interest. 2. The city and the adjacent property owners have no plans to build a street in this location. 3. The adjacent properties have street access. Planning Commission Minutes of May 7, 2001 -5- This vacation is subject to the city keeping a drainage and utility easement over the right-of-way. B. Adopt the resolution that vacates the unused Arkwright Street right-of-way between Mount Vernon and Roselawn Avenues. The city should vacate this right-of-way because: 1. It is in the public interest. 2. The city and the adjacent property owners have no plans to build a street in this location. 3. The adjacent properties have street access. Adopt the resolution that vacates the unused alley in Block Seven of Magoffin's North Side Addition between Mount Vernon and Roselawn Avenues. The city should vacate this alley because: 1. It is in the public interest. 2. The city and the adjacent property owners have no plans to build an alley in this location. 3. The adjacent properties have street and alley Mr. Rossbach seconded. Ayes-All Motion carries. This proposal goes before the city council on May 29. B. Little School of Montessori Conditional Use Permit (1945 Prosperity Road). Mr. Ken Roberts gave the staff report for the city. Ms. Noemi Palmer, is requesting a conditional use permit for the Little School of Montessori. They would like to open a preschool/childcare facility in Cross Lutheran Church at 1945 Prosperity Road. In review with neighbors and staff there was no opposition to the preschool. The school is in the process of getting state licensed. Staff is recommending approval subject to the noted conditions. Ms. Noemi Palmer, the Director the Little school of Montessori, was present to answer questions. Ms. Palmer informed the commission that the church is working with the state and city fire marshal in rewiring the whole church for smoke detectors. Mr. Frost moved the planning commission recommend the city council adopt the resolution that approves a conditional use permit for a preschool and child care facility in Cross Lutheran Church at 1945 Prosperity Road. This permit is based on the standards required by the city code and shall be subject to the following conditions: 1. The city council may approve major changes to the site, after a public hearing. The Director of Community Development may approve minor changes to the site. 2. The church and the Montessori school shall install smoke and alarm systems as required by the fire marshal. 3. The city council shall not review this permit again unless there is a problem or if the owner or operator proposes a major change. Mr. Pearson seconded. Ayes-All Motion carries. This proposal will go before the city council on May 29, 2001. Planning Commission Minutes of May 7, 2001 -6- VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS No visitors were present. VIII. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS IX. A. March 26th Council Meeting: Ms. Dierich attended and gave the commission report. The Maplewood Imports addition was approved although the council was concerned with the business still parking cars on the grass. Also approved were the proposals for the easement at Birch Run Station, the University Auto Sales Conditional Use Permit (CUP), the AT & T Monopole CUP and the NURP Pond Ordinance. B. April 9th City Council Meeting: Mr. Rossbach attended and gave the commission report. The first reading of the tower and antenna ordinance was approved. The second reading of the NURP Pond Ordinance was also approved. The meeting included discussion about the Menard's addition. The exterior elevations ended up considerably taller than the approved plans and the concrete panels were of a different design than what was approved. The Design Review Board brought them back to their March meeting to discuss the changes. The board and the council did accept the revised landscaping and painting scheme for Menard's. C. April 23rd City Council Meeting: Ms. Fischer attended and gave the commission report. The second reading of the tower and antenna ordinance was approved. The first reading of the residential parking ordinance was approved by a 4-1 vote. D. Mr. Pearson will attend the May 14 City Council Meeting. E. Mr. Frost will attend the May 29 City Council Meeting. F. Mr. Mueller asked if staff could address the parking situation at Affordable Auto on Rice and Roselawn Avenue. They are parking cars 2 % feet from the street. Mr. Roberts will ask Mr. Ekstrand, Assistant Community Development Director, if he will research this concern. STAFF PRESENTATIONS Mr. Roberts gave a brief update on the Beaver Lake Estates proposal. The developer has submitted a revised plan that has reduced the number of units from 162 to 148. The $100,000 state grant will be used toward the $340,000 needed to purchase 8.8 acres of open space. The remainder of $240,000 will come from the open space fund. The revised 64 page staff report for the city council was completed today. If any commissioner is interested in viewing the report or the revised plans, they are available from Mr. Roberts. The city is holding a neighborhood meeting Tuesday May 8 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the fire station for neighbors to express any concerns or comments about the Beaver Lake proposal. A. The Summer Tour Date for 2001 is scheduled for July 30, 2001. Sandy Lake will be included in the site locations. There were no objections to this date by any of the commissioners. B. New commissioner member orientation will be held at 6:15 p.m. May 21,2001. Planning Commission Minutes of May 7, 2001 -7- C. Mr. Roberts updated the commission on all of the changes in the Community Development Department. Melinda Coleman is now the Assistant City Manager. Tom Ekstrand is now the Assistant Community Development Director. He is presently continuing to work with the Design Review Board. Shann Finwall is the new city planner, and has started working with several residential and commercial projects. Shann was previously a planner with the city of White Bear Lake. Dave Fisher has been hired as the Building Official and comes to Maplewood from the City Brooklyn Center. The city is in the process of adding an additional inspector to replace inspectors who have been contracted out through the city. The community development department will also be hiring a new clerk typist to replace Lori Hansen who will be moving to the city clerk's office. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.