10-25-10 PC MinutesRegular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
October 25, 2010
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall,
Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday,
October 25, 2010. Chair Waldhauser called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Those present were Planning Commissioners Cera, Eck, Kluchka, McCarty, Schmidgall,
Segelbaum and Waldhauser. Also present was City Planner Joe Hogeboom and
Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
1. Approval of Minutes
October 11, 2010 Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Eck noted several typographical errors.
Kluchka referred to the paragraphs on Page 6 regarding PUD amendment criteria
and stated that he did not hear a resolution on whether the PUD criteria apply to
amendments or not. Hogeboom said he would provide further clarification.
2. Informal Public Hearing -Minor Subdivision - 941 and 2021 Angelo Drive -
SU07-10
Applicant: Paula Pentel and Warren & Kim Rottman
Address: 941 Angelo Drive and 1021 Angelo Drive
Purpose: The applicants are requesting that the property line between their
two properties be redrawn to correct a gazebo encroachment
Hogeboom referred to a location map and pointed out the two properties involved in this
subdivision request. He explained that the applicants are proposing to redraw the
property line between their properties because of the encroachment of a gazebo at 941
Angelo Drive. He stated that this subdivision proposal meets all of the requirements of
the Subdivision Code. Hogeboom explained that the applicants went through the
subdivision process several years ago with the same proposal but the Final Plat was not
recorded with Hennepin County so the approvals expired which is why they are going
through this process again. He stated that Staff is recommending approval of this Minor
Subdivision request.
Paula Pentel, Applicant, stated that she put up a fence where she thought the property
line was and then built the gazebo five feet away from the fence. She stated that once
the property was surveyed, it was discovered that the property line in question was not
where she thought it was, so she is proposing to redraw it as proposed.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
October 25, 2010
Page 2
Warren Rottman, Applicant, stated that this is basically a property swap. It won't affect
how the property is maintained and it makes sense to subdivide the property the way
they are proposing.
Waldhauser opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing to
comment, Waldhauser closed the public hearing.
MOVED by Cera, seconded by Kluchka and motion carried unanimously to recommend
approval of the Minor Subdivision request for the properties located at 941 Angelo Drive
and 1021 Angelo Drive subject to the following conditions:
1. The City Attorney will determine if a title review is necessary prior to approval of the
final plat.
2. The City Engineer's email, dated October 4, 2010, shall become part of this
approval.
3. The Preliminary Plat submitted by the applicants, dated September 9, 2010, shall
become part of this approval.
3. Presentation of Capital Improvement Program 2011-2015 -Sue Virnig, City
Finance Director
Sue Virnig, Finance Director, explained that the Planning Commission reviews the
proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) because it is an appendix in the City's
Comprehensive Plan. She explained the various sections in the CIP and stated that the
City Council has reviewed the document once already and they will be reviewing it
again in November.
Eck referred to the golf course section and asked how the interest earnings estimates
were figured. Virnig explained that the money is pooled and the interest earnings are
distributed based on the average cash balance for the year. She noted that the numbers
are evaluated every year.
Eck referred to the Park Improvement Fund and asked if the Hennepin County sports
grant revenue is ongoing. Virnig stated that the City received a sports grant from
Hennepin County and it is only a one year program to make improvements to the Little
League fields near Honeywell.
Kluchka asked Virnig to highlight any major changes in this document. Virnig stated that
one change is that the City no longer has Valley Square tax increment. She explained
another change is that the Douglas Drive project has been put in the CIP because the
franchise fee ordinance has been approved.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
October 25, 2010
Page 3
Kluchka asked what impact the current economy has had on this five-year plan. Virnig
stated that the size of the 2011-2012 Pavement Management Program has been
reduced and extended over a longer period of time. She added that the City is also
trying to stay level on its equipment replacement costs.
Waldhauser referred to the state aid fund shown on page 13 and asked why the
balance is carried at such a high level. Virnig stated that the fund builds up until there is
money to fund various projects.
Eck referred to the franchise fee recently approved and asked why it is being applied to
Excel and not to Centerpoint. Hogeboom stated that the main purpose of the fee is to
bury Excel's power lines in order to make room for improved sidewalks. Kluchka added
that it is also a convenient tool to raise revenue to pay for the long term project.
Waldhauser asked about the project planned for Scheid Park in 2014. Virnig explained
that the Scheid Park project has been delayed several times because there is a house
that would have to be removed.
Waldhauser referred to the funds regarding playground equipment, paths, benches,
shelters, etc. and asked if the budget is shifted as the demographics of the community
change and many playgrounds get less use. Virnig explained that a lot of the
playground equipment replacement projects have been delayed and that the
demographics and use are considered by staff and the Open Space and Recreation
Commission before equipment is replaced.
Cera referred to the demolition of two buildings on Xenia Avenue shown on page 94. He
asked if the City will tear down the buildings. Virnig explained that the City will tear down
the buildings once there is a payment plan agreement with the property owner in place.
Waldhauser referred to the expenses for wetland restorations and said she assumes
the expenses listed in the CIP are for ponds or treatment areas that are owned by the
City. Virnig said yes and referred to the explanation on page 15.
Kluchka asked how the projects in the CIP are prioritized. Virnig said the projects are
prioritized by staff and by the City Council based on need, safety concerns and the
impact on taxpayers.
MOVED by Kluchka, seconded by Eck and motion carried unanimously to recommend
approval of the 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program as it is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
--Short Recess--
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
October 25, 2010
Page 4
4. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
Hogeboom invited the Planning Commission to attend the November 9
Council/Manager meeting where a representative from the Three Rivers Park
District will review the proposed new Bassett Creek regional trail alignment in the
northern part of the City.
Schmidgall reported on the Senior Housing Summit he recently attended. He
discussed the various topics of the Summit such as the need for more senior
housing units and the increasing need for a larger variety in the type of senior
housing.
5. Other Business
No other business was discussed.
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 pm.
Lester Eck, Secretary