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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-05 PC Minutes MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Fischer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioner Joseph Boeser Vice-Chairperson Tushar Desai Chairperson Lorraine Fischer Commissioner Harland Hess Commissioner Robert Martin Commissioner Gary Pearson Commissioner Dale Trippler Commissioner Joe Walton Commissioner Jeremy Yarwood City Staff Present: Absent Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Tom Ekstrand. Citv Planner Michael Thompson. Citv Enqineer III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Pearson moved to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Desai seconded The motion passed. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. April 21, 2009 Ayes - all Commissioner Trippler moved to approve the amended minutes of April 21, 2009, revising the second sentence on page four to read "the commission could recommend approval." Commissioner Pearson seconded The motion passed. V. PUBLIC HEARING None VI. NEW BUSINESS None Ayes - Desai, Fischer, Hess, Martin, Pearson, Trippler, Yarwood Abstention - Walton Planning Commission Minutes of 05-05-09 -2- VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. White Bear Avenue Improvements, City Project 08-13 City engineer Michael Thompson presented the staff report for the second consideration by the commission of the final plans and specifications for the White Bear Avenue improvements that were authorized by the city council last December. Engineer Thompson said there are 31 properties that will be impacted with permanent easements by the reconstruction improvements. Engineer Thompson said Maplewood property owners involved in the construction want assurances that they will not be negatively affected by the road widening. Mr. Thompson said the city attorney reviewed the question of holding a public hearing and he recommended that a public hearing would not be required, since this is an action of a governmental agency, and no decision would be made. Engineer Thompson explained city code maintains that property owners have the same rights after the improvements as they do now. Commissioner Hess suggested that all of the properties listed on the report attachment have the business names included on it and also asked what type of retaining walls would be constructed. Engineer Thompson responded retaining wall details are in the process of being decided, but the walls will be either pre-cast or cast in place. Commissioner Desai mentioned that Arby's and Caribou Coffee appear to be losing a few parking spaces and those businesses appear to need more parking. Mr. Desai asked if a study has been done on those locations to see if they will still have sufficient parking after the construction. Commissioner Desai also asked if mature trees removed with the construction would be replaced as is usually required by the city. Engineer Thompson responded that there has been extensive coordination with the property owners and lessees of Arby's and Caribou and new parking configurations are being considered for these sites. If a property owner claims their business can no longer survive due to the taking of parking, this would be considered with the appraisal and acquisition process. Mr. Thompson said a designer is working with these businesses to show them how these sites could function with losing a few parking spots. Engineer Thompson said since this is a public improvement project, trees are not required to be replaced and that many business owners have concerns with trees interfering with their visibility. Mr. Thompson said landscaping and enhancements will be considered. Planner Ekstrand explained that in road-widening situations, city staff works with the property owners and county to get the trees and landscaping back to as close as it was previously. Mr. Ekstrand said it is not always possible to get the landscaping to exactly where it was since land has been removed, but it is staff's goal to get it to a reasonable condition. Commissioner Trippler asked if sidewalks that need to be removed would be replaced. Engineer Thompson responded that the plan is to replace all of the sidewalks in the corridor. Mr. Thompson said it is planned to have sidewalks on both sides of White Bear Avenue and on County Road D. Commissioner Walton asked if the bike lane on the south side of County Road D would remain. Engineer Thompson said the intention is to have off-street pedestrian ways built on the south side of County Road D and on White Bear Avenue on the easement acquisitions. Commissioner Pearson asked if the variance would be transferred with the property if a property is sold and the use changes. Engineer Thompson responded that it would transfer with the property and that the intention of memorializing the right-of-way plan is to show the before and after. Mr. Thompson said a copy of the Right-of-Way Plan will be kept with each property. Planning Commission Minutes of 05-05-09 -3- Commissioner Pearson moved the planning commission has reviewed the Right-of-Way Plan and recommends to the city council approval of the Right-of-Way Plan. Commissioner Hess seconded The motion passed. Ayes - all VIII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None IX. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS a. April 27, 2009 City Council Meeting: Commissioner Martin reported on this meeting. b. Upcoming City Council Meeting of May 11, 2009: Commissioner Yarwood will attend. X. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. In-Service Training Planner Ekstrand explained that the planning and development of in-service training and informational topics for the commission is moving forward and staff will be presenting items at upcoming meetings. Commissioners made suggestions for training topics. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.