11-14-94 PC Minutes64
MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
November 14, 1994
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley
City Hall, Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Ualley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota.
The meeting was called to order by Chair McAleese at 7:02 PM.
Those present were Commissioners Groger, Johnson, Kapsner, Lewis, McAleese,
Pentel and Prazak. Also present were Mark Grimes, Director of Planning
and Development; Elizabeth Knoblauch, City Planner and Mary Dold, Secretary.
I. Approval of Minutes - October 10, 1994
MOVED by Groger, seconded by Pentel and motion carried unanimously to approve
the October 10, 1994 minutes as submitted.
II. Informal Public Hearin -Minor Subdivision
Applicant: Golden Valley Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
Address: All of Block 1, Valley Square Area C - Area Bounded by Hwy.
55, Winnetka Avenue, Golden Valley Road and Rhode Island
Avenue
Request: Combine and Re-divide two Existing Lots and an Outlot on the
Block known as "Area C"
City Planner, Beth Knoblauch gave a summary of her memo to the Planning
Commission dated November 9, 1994 commenting that a replat is being done because
the lot, which was created last year fora assisted housing project, is not
adequate for the proposed Golden Ualley Post Office. Ms. Knoblauch talked about
the driveways to be constructed and proposed r.o.w. changes. She continued with
reviewing staff findings on factors that must be considered.
Commissioner Lewis asked about soil testing and if the United States Postal
Service (USPS) would have a long term lease. Ms. Knoblauch commented that the
USPS has done soil testing and the soil will support a building and retaining
wall. Ms. Knoblauch also stated that the USPS is intending to buy the proposed
post office site.
Commissioners Pentel and Kapsner asked about truck traffic and impact on the
infra-structure. City Planner Knoblauch and Planning Director Grimes commented
on the anticipated truck traffic and possible routes postal service trucks ,may
use. Mr. Grimes also talked about the USPS obtaining a P.U.D. Permit for this
site due to the variances needed on the lot.
Commissioner Kapsner asked about the HRA considering a plan for shared parking
for the entire block. He also commented that an "L"-shaped. lot is not easily
developable but four separate lots could be and then shared parking could be
possible. Ms. Knoblauch commented that the HRA could make a stipulation for
shared parking.
~~
1
1
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
November 14, 1994
Page Two .
Commissioner Pentel asked about building up to _a retaining wa h.. Ms. Knoblauch
stated that could be possible with the City's okay.
Chair McAleese opened the informal public hearing and acknowledged the receipt
of a letter from John Griffiths, 1227 Hampshire Avenue North regarding the
development plans for Valley Square Area C (proposed Post Office site).
John Paulson, 320 Edgewood, owns the Valley Square Office Building and expressed
his concerned with how the post office will be located on the lot and asked if
the USPS felt this was an adequate site. Planing Director Grimes commented that
the USPS knows it will not meet all requirements and will need to complete the
PUD process.
Chair McAleese commented to Mr. Paulson that the Commission was glad to hear of
his concerns for the property but his concerns would be better addressed at a
future meeting concerning the PUD application.
Winston Peterson, 2315 Cavell Aven
Winnetka Avenue and the additional
no buses will have stopping points
library. There is a bus stop area
Ms. Knoblauch also commented that
landscaping purposes only.
ue North, is concerned with buses running
r.o.w. taking. Ms. Knoblauch commented that
on Winnetka Avenue from Hwy. 55 to the
just north of the library at 10th Street.
the r.o.w. on Winnetka Avenue is for
Chair McAleese closed the informal public hearing.
Commissioner Prazak asked about the zero lot line to the south. Ms. Knoblauch
commented that the site sketch included in their packets showed a zero lot line
and the Preliminary Plat reviewed at the meeting showed about 10 feet between
the building and property line.
Commissioner Kapsner stated that his concern is with chopping off a part of Area
C but would support the minor subdivision request.
Commissioner Lewis commented that she does not feel this is a good location for
the post office but would support the application.
Commissioner Pentel stated that she is not "wild" about cutting off a corner of
Area C and asked staff if the 10 foot setback on the Rhode Island side would in-
clude a sidewalk. Mark Grimes commented that at this time, staff didn't know.
Chair McAleese commented that he had no problem with doing clean-up work for the
platting but did agree with the rest of the commissioners about having to carve
out a portion of the block.
MOVED by Kapsner, seconded by Lewis and motion carried by a vote of 6 ayes and 1
abstention to recommend to the City Council approval of the Minor Subdivision
for Winnetka Square.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
November 14, 1994
Page Three
III. Discussion of the Process to Amend the Cit Code to A rove Ordinances
with ne Reading instead o wo
Mark Grimes, Director of Planning and Development, reviewed his memo with the
Planning Commission regarding amending the City Code to eliminate the second
consideration for approval of ordinances. Mr. Grimes emphasized that Planning
items consist of hearing notices and a legal notice so the public is informed
about these issues.
Commissioner Lewis approved of the. amendment stating that this seems to be a
housekeeping item.
Commissioner Groger is concerned about resident notification and is uneasy with
only one consideration for approving an ordinance. City Planner Knoblauch com-
mented that the City Council could continue a hearing item if they. felt more
time was needed for review.
MOVED by Lewis, seconded by Johnson and motion carried unanimously to recommend
to the City Council to amend the City Code to approve ordinances with one
reading instead of two.
IV. Continue Discussion of Updating the Comprehensive Plan
Chair McAleese and Commissioner Pentel had met with staff to work on the
Comprehensive Plan. They talked about statistics needed, what other cities
should be used for comparison purposes and how the information gathered should
be used. Chair McAleese requested staff to gather additional information.
V. Reports on meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), Ci
o~ nci Board o onin~eals, o~ mmunit standards has Force and
Va ev Quare Tas orce
Staff and commissioners discussed various meetings they had attended.
VI. Other Business
No other business was discussed.
VII. Adjournment
Chair McAleese adjourned the meeting at 9:10 PM.
an Lewis, ecretary
1
1
1