09-26-88 PC Minutes,a
MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
September 26, 1988
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held in the Council Chambers of
the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota.. The meeting
was called to order by Chair Prazak at 7:00 P.M.
Those present were Commissioners Kapsner, Leppik, McCracken-Hunt, Prazak, and
Russell. Commissioner McAleese was not present at the beginning of the meeting.
Commissioner Lewis was absent. Also present were Mark Grimes, Director of
Planning and Development, Beth Knoblauch, City Planner, and Gloria Anderson,
Planning Secretary.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 14, 1988
It was moved by Commissioner McCracken-Hunt, seconded by Commissioner Leppik,
and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the September 14, 1988
Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner McAleese arrived at the meeting.
II. INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARING - PRELIMINARY PLAT OF PACE ADDITION
APPLICANT: PACE Laboratories
LOCATION: 1700 Block of Douglas Drive
REQUEST: Approval of the Preliminary Plat of PACE Addition
Which Proposes to Combine Six Lots Into One Lot in the
a Business and Professional Offices Zoning District
This item was introduced by Chair Prazak. Director Grimes reviewed the request
by PACE Labs for consolidation of their six lots into one parcel as they planned
to connect the buildings and this would eliminate need for variances. He noted
that one of the. neighbors had talked to him regarding a small parcel on the east
(Parcel E). He noted that this parcel was zoned for Open Development and would
remain so even though it was to be combined with the other parcels.
Commissioner Russell asked if there could be two zoning categories in one parcel
and Director Grimes indicated that he had discussed this with the City Attorney
and he could see no problem with the two zoning categories in one parcel.
Commissioner McCracken-Hunt asked if this small parcel could be used as a
separate parcel. Director Grimes said it could not because it would not have
street frontage.
Mr. Steve Vanderboom of PACE Labs was present. He stated that PACE had
purchased the small lot in anticipation of possibly using it as a picnic area
for employees, not a lot to build on. He noted that he did not have any strong
feelings as to whether this parcel was part of the plat or not.
Chair Prazak opened the informal public hearing.
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Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
September 26, 1988
Page 2
Ms. Janet Culver, 1510 West Constance Drive, stated she and other neighbors had
concerns that if all these parcels were combined, PACE would be able to build a
larger building with much more density than they can build as the lots are. now.
Director Grimes explained that Parcel E could not be built on as it was zoned
Open Development and because the setback requirements, if it were rezoned, would
make it almost impossible. He also noted that there is a limit of three stories
for a building and even if a third story was constructed they would not have
enough parking to meet the requirements of the Zoning Code.
Commissioner Leppik asked if there would be a buffer between the PACE property
and the residential area. Director Grimes explained that the setback for
Business and Professional Offices to a Residential Zoning District is 50 feet
to the building and 25 feet to parking.
The informal public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Leppik stated she felt there would be no reason to deny the request
for the consolidation of .the lots but that the neighbors do have a legitimate
concern. She suggested PACE consider using a landscape buffer between their
property and the residential homes.
Chair Prazak noted that he would like to see the approval state that Parcel E
remain Open Development Zoning.
Commissioner McAleese stated he felt that combining the parcels was a better
process than seeking variances.
Commissioner Leppik questioned why this would not be a Planned Unit Development
(PUD) as there would be more control over landscaping on the residential side..
Director Grimes said that it would all be one building with one use and PUD's
usually-consisted of several buildings with several different uses.
Commissioner Russell felt appropriate landscaping would make it more acceptable to
the neighbors.
Commissioner McCracken-Hunt felt that perhaps we should include landscape
buffers in our Zoning Code to have better control over it.
Mr. Vanderboom stated he would be willing to go over the landscaping plans with
the neighbors. The consensus of the Planning Commission was that this would be
a good idea.
It was moved by Commissioner Leppik, seconded by Commissioner McAleese, and.
motion carried unanimously to recommend City Council approval of the Preliminary
Plat of PACE Addition with the stipulation that Parcel E retain its current
Open Development Zoning.
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Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
September 26, 1988
Page 3
III. PRESENTATION OF RON CLARK CONSTRUCTION PROPOSAL FOR AREA C OF VALLEY
SQUARE AND BOSSARDT CHRISTENSON CORPORATION PROPOSAL FOR NORTH WIRTH
Neither Ron Clark Construction nor Bossardt Christenson Corporation were present
to make a presentation of their proposals and will be rescheduled at a future
meeting.
IV. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
City Planner Beth Knoblauch reviewed the status of the current effort to update
the Comprehensive Plan and staff's plans to continue this update. It was
suggested by several Commissioners that landscaping, sign regulations and the
way the Zoning Code addresses decks and three-car garages should also be looked
at in connection with the Comprehensive Plan.
V. MAYOR'S MEETING ON HOUSING
Commissioners Kapsner and Russell stated they planned to attend. Commissioner
McAleese indicated he would make the meeting if he did not have a conflict with
another meeting scheduled that day.
VI. REPORT ON HRA, BZA, AND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Reports were given on the September 14, 1988 HRA meeting, the September 15, 1988
BZA meeting and the September 19, 1988 City Council meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
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