PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON

 

 

Regular Meeting   03-18-03  7:30 p.m.

 

Present:          Commissioners Larry Baker, Jim O’Brien, Norm Schiferl, Thomas O’Keefe, Karen Mann, Jeff Schoph and Paul Zisla.

 

Absent:           None

 

Also Present:    Patrick Boylan, City Planner

                     

·        Minute Approval - No Feb. Mtg., March Minutes at April Mtg.

·        Council Action  -   City Council Member,  Kim Moore-Sykes filling in for Anne Hoffman reported Council discussions with

Ramsey County confirmed a $35 million dollar deficit for Ramsey Co.. Also discussion regarding library closings.

Council also working on street reconstruction, project 03-1.

Approved retirement health savings plan for city employees.

     

Agenda Review:         motion to move Announcement B. to top of agenda by Baker.  Seconded by O’Brien.  Passed 7-0.

 

 

B.        Introduction of Ms. Karen Mann, New Brighton Planning Commissioner

 

Chairman Larry Baker introduced the newest member Karen Mann to the Planning Commission.

 

Public Hearings:         There are no public hearings for this meeting.

 

General Business:

 

A.     Site Plan Review – LP03-02

The Planning Commission is asked to review an application by Raymond Holloway, CEO of Rapid Print to expand existing Rapit Print facility by 10,500 square feet at 1415 –1st Ave. NW.  The purpose of the request is to construct an addition onto the existing building to facilitate storage of materials. 

 

Mr. Boylan presented the site plan and background information for Commissioners.   Bob Michelach f DB Development, representing Raymond Holloway, who was also present, spoke to Commissioners and gave a brief description of the project, stating it would accomplish additional parking and storage. 

 

Motion by O’Keefe, Second by O’Brien to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE ATTACHED RESOLUTION recommending approval of Site Plan  LP03-02, subject to the following conditions:

 

1.                  Approval of a permit by the Rice Creek Watershed District. 

2.                  A final grading and drainage plan shall be submitted and subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. 

 

7 Ayes, 0 Nays,  Motion Carried. 

 

 

A.        Accessory Building Discussion

           

The Planning Commission discussed residential accessory structures.  Boylan investigated the codes of other communities and presented analysis to the Planning Commission. The following points represent the conclusions/consensus by the PC:

·         The City should limit the total number of accessory buildings

·         The City should define “Gazebo”

·         Lot surveys are very important: the requirement should remain unchanged

·         Increasing the Special Use Permit “trigger” threshold upward from 400 to 600 square feet would be acceptable.  Commissioners liked the idea of administrative review of accessory structures between 200 and 600 ft2.

·         The fee structure could change: two fees for Variances ($180 for residential and $500 for comm. & industrial).  Special Use Permit applications are $350.

·         The height of accessory buildings should be examined

·         Section 4-530 should be broken up into standards specific to garages and standards for sheds

·         The code should regulate temporary structures (tented carports) 

·         The home occupation ordinance should be examined for consistency.

 

City Planner Boylan has drafted a memo to the City Manager and will wait for direction.  The Planning Commission would like to see the Council direct Staff set a date for a Public Hearing of Code changes. 

 

 

B.      Bus Bench and Shelter Discussion

 

Staff introduced Mr. Craig Piernot to the Commission and described the basics behind placing transit shelters in the City.

 

Commissioner Zisla excused himself from the discussion citing a possible conflict of interest.

 

Mr. Craig Piernot and his company, Outdoor Promotions Inc., is interested in placing transit shelters at regular Metro Transit bus stops along Routes #4, and 25.  Each shelter would have advertising panels 47” x 67” (21.8 sq. ft.), which would be oriented so cars could read them.  Outdoor Promotions is pursuing agreements with other I-35W Corridor Communities (Roseville & Shoreview).  Communities are sharing in a percentage of the generated revenue.

 

The Planning Commission suggested that the Council should direct Staff to look into this issue further. Although there were several concerns expressed by the Commissioners, the consensus was that this could be a good amenity for the public in the City.

 

Items of concern:

1)       The shelters themselves are a desired public amenity; but as designed, could be seen as billboards at the sidewalk level. 

2)       There needs to be close site placement and design coordination between Community Development, Public Works, Public Safety, Engineering, City Forester, etc.

3)       The City needs a strong “escape” clause in any agreement.

4)       Sign ordinance and Bus bench ordinance would need to be examined and modified accordingly.

 

Staff has drafted a memo to the City Manager and will wait for direction from the Council before proceeding.

 

 

Announcements and Updates

 

A.        Brighton Village – update on development

Memo submitted by David Black on Brighton Village Status.  Mr. Black was not present for questions.

 

 

Motion by Zisla to adjourn, seconded by Schoph.  Passed 7-0.

 

 

Adjourn 9:46

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                          Patrick Boylan, Intermediate City Planner