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2025-09-23 MIN BZA Regular Meeting MEETING MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement • Acting Chair Corrado called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgement. a. Members Present: Corrado, Tapio, Brookins b. Student Member: Vacant c. Staff Members Present: Chloe McGuire, Deputy Community Development Director, Jacquelyn Kramer, Senior Planner, Steven Okey, Associate Planner d. Council Liaison: Councilor La Mere-Anderson 2. Consent Agenda 2.a. Approval of Agenda 2.b. Approval of September 23, 2025 Meeting Minutes • Brookins made a motion to approve. • Tapio seconded. • Voted unanimously for approval. 3. Public Hearings 3.a. 410 Edgewood Avenue North Applicant: Anna Swenson and Peter Schwarz Request: Request for a variance from the City Code Section 113-88(e)(1)b to reduce the rear yard setback for an attached deck more than eight inches from the ground level at 410 Edgewood Avenue. • Kramer presented the staff report. • Brookins asked staff for clarification regarding the joining property. He asked if the stormwater pond creates any concern for the setback. • Kramer stated that there isn’t any flood plan on the property, and the setback is standard. • Corrado asked for more information regarding the negative impact of the existing trees. • Kramer explained that the applicant provided pictures showing how robust the trees are. She noted that if they were to build the deck, they would either have to cut back on the branches of the trees or possibly damage the root system. This would also reduce the natural screening that the trees provide the property. • Applicant Anna Swenson spoke: o She stated that their neighbor sent in a letter of support for this variance. She read aloud the letter of support received. • Corrado asked if the City received this letter. • Kramer stated that the City did not receive this letter, but they can add it to the files for the application. • Corrado opened the public hearing. September 23, 2025 – 7 pm City Hall: Council Chamber Hybrid Meeting: Teams/Phone City of Golden Valley BZA Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025 – 7 pm 2 • Robert Bialozynski Stated that he is the contractor for the project. He explained that with the alternative locations for the deck placement, they would have to cut a door to the master bedroom. He also noted that he would not be able to put steps from the existing porch down to the ground without violating the setback. • Corrado closed the public hearing. • McGuire stated that the request makes a lot of sense and meets the criteria. • Brookins stated he agrees. • Corrado shared his agreement. • Tapio stated that he agrees with staff’s evaluation. • Kramer stated that there was an error made on page one of the staff report. • Corrado asked for a motion. • Brookins motioned to approve the variance request. • Tapio seconded. • Vote was taken and approved unanimously. 4. Council Liaison Report • La Mere-Anderson provided an update on recent Council action. • La Mere-Anderson stated that at the Council meeting last week, they voted to move forward in acquiring property for the East Side Fire Station. She stated that in 2016, they decided that they needed to make improvements to fire safety in the City. She noted that the property they decided was best for the new station is at the 100 and Duluth St. intersection. She noted that they are in negotiation with the current owner of the property at this location. She added that they have received $3M in bonding from the State to build the station. She stated that they have until the end of the year to move forward on the project, or the State will take the funding away. She stated that at the last City Council meeting, they voted that the City would use eminent domain to acquire the property if necessary. • La Mere-Anderson updated that they are actively engaging with the community to shape the climate equity plan. She stated that this will guide the approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate impacts, and ensure equitable benefits across neighborhoods. • La Mere-Anderson updated on upcoming community engagement events. She stated that the EV and electrification showcase will be on September 30th. This will promote sustainable transportation and energy solutions. She noted that on September 25th, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission has a session. • La Mere-Anderson stated that the Planning Commission meeting for the week has been cancelled. • Corrado asked if the negotiations for the fire station location are close to being resolved. • La Mere-Anderson stated that the business owner has become ill in the years since they have been negotiating, and that has stalled the negotiations. She noted that she can’t speak to how close they are to finishing negotiations. 5. Staff and Board Member Updates City of Golden Valley BZA Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025 – 7 pm 3 5.a. Staff Comments • Kramer stated that they are unsure if they will hold the October and November meetings, depending on whether they receive any applications. She stated that the December meeting is cancelled. She stated that they will most likely have annual training in January. She also mentioned that they would like to conduct safety training with the Police Department when they are available. 6. Adjourn • Acting Chair Corrado adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.