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04-22-02 PC Minutes . Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 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, April 22, 2002. Chair Pentel called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Those present were Chair Pentel and Commissioners Eck, Groger, Hoffman, McAleese and Shaffer. Also present were Director of Planning and Development Mark Grimes, City Planner Dan Olson and Recording Secretary Lisa Wittman. Commissioner Rasmussen was absent. I. Approval of Minutes - April 8, 2002 Planning Commission Meeting - MOVED by Eck, seconded by McAleese and motion carried unanimously to approve the April 8, 2002 minutes as submitted. II. Informal Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit (CU-95) Applicant: Aaron Zdon and Mark Muller . Address: Purpose: 850 Florida Avenue South, Golden Valley, MN The Conditional Use Permit would allow for a skate park on property in the Industrial zoning district. Olson referred to the location on a site map. He discussed the applicant's existing indoor skate park operation in Minneapolis. He stated that the applicant is not proposing any changes to the exterior of the building, but they are planning to make changes to the _ interior, which would include a pro shop of not more than 600 square feet. Olson discussed parking on the site and stated that parking is the biggest issue for anyone who would occupy this space, because of the way the building has been added onto in the past. He stated this proposed skate park would not have the normal 9:00 to 5:00 business hours and that most of the customers would not arrive at the site until after 5:00 PM. He discussed the fact that most of the clientele are under the legal driving age and would be carpooling, taking a bus, riding their bikes or being dropped off by their parents, which will help with the parking issue. He then discussed the 15 conditions of approval listed in his memo dated April 17, 2002. Olson stated that Staff believes a major concern of surrounding businesses may be noise. He stated that outdoor speakers and music would be prohibited and the outside skate area would be screened to lessen the visual and noise impact. . . e . - Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 2 Olson mentioned that the applicants have submitted a code analysis for the building and that the Building Official has no issues with it. He told the Commission that Staff is recommending approval of this proposal. Pentel stated that she thought some sort of speaker system outside would be a good idea on this site so announcements could be made to the outdoor skate park users. Groger referred to the applicant's narrative where it mentions that people of all ages would be coming to the site. He asked how limited the access would be and wondered if it would be advisable to limit the number of people allowed on the site. Grimes told the Commission that he would find out the maximum occupancy from the Inspections Department. He stated he also had concerns with after hours or weekend events and stated that the applicants may have to lease some parking space from the adjacent properties. Groger stated that another condition of approval might be that the number of people on the site would equal the number of parking spaces. Shaffer suggested closing the outdoor part of the skate park in the summer, if necessary, so they could gain another ten parking spaces. Grimes stated that if they were to run out of parking spaces they could lease space from businesses located nearby. Pentel asked if there are smoking ordinances for the type of business being proposed. Olson stated that he did not know and suggested that she ask the applicants. Mark Muller, Aaron Zdon, Applicants, introduced Steve Gareri the current manager at 3rd Lair, Eric Froland of Plywood Benders and Jordan Greenburg the realtor for this property. Pentel asked the applicants if they were planning to close their current location. Muller confirmed that they would be closing their current location on Lake Street in Minneapolis and that they would like to open the new location before winter, probably on or about September 1,2002. Muller stated that all of the business partners involved have over 60 years combined experience with skateboarding and that they own their own business. He stated that they have looked at warehouses all over the metro area and thought the proposed site was good because it is right off of Interstate 394 and it is not located too far away from their current location for their existing clients. He stated that most of their clientele were young boys under 16 who do not drive and that this site has double the amount of parking space compared to their current location. He explained that they have a zero tolerance policy in regards to smoking, drugs and alcohol and that if someone were to get caught doing these things they would be kicked out of the facility for life. He stated that they want to become active members of the community and would like to get schools involved in their programs. . Gareri, stated that he has worked at the 3rd Lair for 4 % years and that 80% of the kids are dropped off by their parents. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 3 . Pentel asked Gareri to explain the procedure they use when a new client comes to their skate park. Gareri stated that first the parents fill out a waiver form and then the information gets entered into the computer. They then explain the rules and issue a card. Pentel asked how injuries and accidents are handled. Gareri stated that most of the injuries are bumps and bruises, buy they call the parents for anything more serious. Grimes asked how many people they expected to attend each session and if clients can make reservations. Muller stated that it is first come, first served and they expect about 25 kids per session. - Eck asked how much noise there would be on this site and if they have an outdoor skating area and air conditioning at their current location. Muller stated that they do not have an outdoor skating area at the current location and that half of their current building is air-conditioned. He stated that there wouldn't be much noise because the skateboards have rubberized wheels and they would be skating on plywood. Grimes asked what type of skating is planned for the outside portion. Muller stated that it would have smaller ramps for little kids and beginning skaters. . Eck asked if they expect to have a whole new clientele since their clientele now are dropped off at the site. Muller stated that most of their clients are from the suburbs and that they expect to keep most of their current clientele. Eck asked about the hours of operation. Muller stated that it basically follows the school schedule. e Grimes asked if they intend to keep any doors open and if they would have music playing. Muller stated that they do have a jukebox and P.A. system but they don't play it loud. Eck asked if they required clients to wear safety gear. Muller stated that helmets, kneepads and elbow pads are required and that they do daily safety checks on all the ramps before they open. Greenburg stated that he is impressed with Muller's experience and certification. He is also impressed that the park will be smoke free and drug free and thinks it is a great idea. . Groger asked how many demonstrations and events they have per year and how many people they expect to attend them. Muller stated they have two or three events per year that are held on Saturdays or Sundays and they would expect approximately 50 to 100 people if it were a big event. He stated that the building is rated at 494 people and that it . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 4 would never be full. He assured the Commission that he is looking to lease parking space from adjacent properties. Pentel opened the public hearing. Sam Wagenheim, 7182 Harold Avenue, Golden Valley, asked if they would have a bike rack at the site. Muller stated that they would. Matt Knippenberg, 6677 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, asked how long a skating session would last and if someone was already a member at the current skate park if that membership would carry over to the new location. Muller stated that the sessions would be three hours long and that memberships would carry over to the new location. _ Seeing and hearing no one. Pentel closed the public hearing. Groger stated that this proposal seems logical and that parking doesn't seem to be an issue. Pentel stated that it is a safe and positive youth activity for Golden Valley. . e . The Commission discussed what they thought the hours of operation should be and if a P.A. system could be used outside for announcements and safety issues. Shaffer stated that he would like to add to condition number eleven that the outdoor skating space could be closed down and used for parking if leasing space from adjacent properties couldn't be worked out. MOVED by Hoffman, seconded by Eck and motion carried unanimously to approve the request for a conditional use permit which would allow for a skate park on property in the Industrial Zoning District with the following conditions: 1. No parking shall be allowed within the landscape areas. 2. Any signage for the building must meet the signage requirements of the City's Inspection Department. 3. The outside dumpster must be screened from view with materials compatible with the building. 4. The fencing around the outdoor skating area shall have screening made of a high- grade mesh material (similar to a tennis court) to lessen noise and visual impacts. 5. All deliveries shall take place between 8:00 A.M and 2:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. 6. Bicycle racks for at least 20 bicycles shall be provided. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 5 . 7. Whenever possible, private individual and group lessons shall be scheduled before opening hours on Saturdays or Sundays. 8. No outside music, loud speakers, or public address systems will be allowed except for occasional announcements and safety issues. 9. The pro shop shall remain a secondary use to the recreational uses of the facility and shall occupy no more than 600 square feet of the building. 10. The parking lot shall be striped so as to provide for 50 parking spaces. 11 . If the Director of Planning and Development determines that more parking spaces are needed, the applicants will be required to take down the outdoor skating area and/or lease parking areas from businesses within 500 feet of this building. e 12. If the Director of Planning and Development determines that parking is becoming congested during sessions, the time between sessions may be lengthened so as to alleviate this congestion. 13. Operating hours shall be: Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. . 14. All other applicable local, state, and federal requirements shall be met. 15. Failure to comply with one or more of the above conditions shall be grounds for revocation of the conditional use permit. III. Informal Public Hearing - Conditional Use Permit (CU-96) Applicants: Minnetonka Motor Car Sales, Inc. (dba Morrie's Mazda) e Address: Purpose: 9010 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN The Conditional Use Permit would allow for an automobile dealership on property in the Commercial zoning district. The applicant for this proposal was not in attendance. Grimes discussed Morrie's plans to operate a small dealership of previously owned cars at 901 0 Olson Memorial Highway. He stated that Avis Rent-a-Car utilized this site in the early 1990's in a very similar way and discussed the parking plan. He stated that the information submitted by Morrie's indicates there are 57 outdoor spaces. Ten of the spaces are designated for customer parking and six of the spaces are designated for employee parking. The remaining.~ 1 spaces are for the outdoor display of vehicles. He . discussed Morrie's plans to have three vehicles on a showroom floor inside the building . e . e . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 6 and stated that Staff has asked Morrie's to submit a structural analysis to determine whether or not the floor can support three cars. Grimes stated that Morrie's is predicting about 150 customers per month, which equates to approximately 50 trips per day. He discussed Morrie's plans to enhance the existing building and the conditions of approval he is recommending in his memo dated April 18, 2002. Pentel asked how the cars would be dropped off on the site. Grimes stated that he has not discussed that with the applicant, but thought they might have an occasional drop-off on Golden Valley Road. Shaffer suggested adding a condition stating that cars are not to be parked in landscaped area. Grimes stated that he agreed. Eck stated that this site is pretty small and questioned what Morrie's is gaining by doing this. Grimes stated that he couldn't answer that and suggested that would be something to ask the applicant. Pentel opened the public hearing. Steve Johnson, 8951 Olson Memorial Highway, asked how long the lights would be on after the business is closed for the day. Groger explained that one of the conditions of approval would be that only the security lights can be on after 8:00 PM. Pentel questioned if a fence or bushes would help with the lighting issue. Johnson stated he is also concerned about noise. Eck asked if the lighting on the site was satisfactory when Avis utilized it. Johnson stated yes it was. Carole Aljadah, 8945 Olson Memorial Highway, stated that since 1983 when Avis was at the site there were lights on all of the time, constant ringing of a phone, and they were paging people constantly. She also stated that she wants to make sure that there isn't any expansion of car dealerships on Olson Memorial Highway. Eck asked Aljadah if she was satisfied with all of the changes the City had Avis make in regards to the lighting. Aljadah stated she didn't remember and stated she was concerned about increased crime. Arlen Turnquist, 433 Ensign Avenue North, stated he too has concerns about the lights and asked how willing the applicant would be to work with the neighborhood. Pentel explained that the lighting issue is covered as one of the conditions of approval and that if Morrie's doesn't follow the conditions, they won't get a conditional use permit. Groger suggested that it might be helpful to the neighbors if they read Staff's memo. . e . e . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 7 Heidi Erickson, 820 Rhode Island Avenue South, stated that she works two doors down at AutoPoint, which does the exact same business. She stated that it would be excellent to have Morrie's Mazda at this location and that Morrie's is a great dealer. Hearing and seeing no one, Pentel closed the public hearing and stated that she would re-open it when the applicant is present. She stated that she would like to table this item to have a chance to talk to the applicant. Groger stated that it seemed odd that they are only estimating 150 clients per month, because that would equal only 6 per day. McAleese told the Commissioners that they could still vote on the item and that it doesn't have to be tabled because the applicant is not present. John Liss, National Camera, owner of the land that Morrie's is proposing to use, stated that he didn't understand why the applicants weren't at the meeting because they seemed to be in a hurry to get this project started and they have a date set for closing on the property. MOVED by Hoffman, seconded by Groger and motion carried unanimously to table the request by Morrie's for a conditional use permit which would allow for an automobile dealership on property in the Commercial zoning district until the May 13, 2002 Planning Commission Meeting. Pentel asked Staff to mail hearing notices again to properties located within 500 feet of the site. -- Short Recess -- IV. Reports On Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings Hoffman discussed the City Council meeting he attended on April 16, 2002 where the Conditional Use Permit for International Healthcare Services was tabled until the May 7, 2002 Council meeting. V. Other Business A. Discussion of Draft Telecommunications Ordinance Olson referred to the draft Telecommunications Ordinance that the Commissioners received with their agenda packets and stated that he would like to discuss this draft with the Commissioners. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission April 22, 2002 Page 8 . Groger asked about the timetable for finalizing this ordinance. Olson stated there isn't a deadline set but that he has gotten responses back from some of the providers he sent the copies of the draft to. Eck referred to page 6, line 32 of the draft ordinance and stated that he thought the sentence should read as follows: No telecommunications tower shall be located in the required minimum front, side, or rear yard (setbacks) of any parcel. Grimes agreed the word "setback" should be added to that sentence and stated that would make sure it is changed. Eck stated that he didn't understand why the information about satellite dishes is repeated in each zoning district. Grimes stated that Staff would be going over this draft of the ordinance with the City Attorney and would try to make the information more clear. Shaffer referred to page 9, line 26 and stated that it doesn't mention anything about the _ landscaping and maintaining the landscaped areas. Groger stated that he would like to see something in the ordinance that requires telecommunications towers to be a minimum distance from single-family residential areas. Olson stated that telecommunications towers would have to follow the same setback requirements that buildings do. . Grimes stated that he would ask Sue Webber from the Sun Post newspaper to do an article regarding the telecommunication ordinance. B. Discussion of May 27,2002 Planning Commission Meeting The Planning Commission decided to cancel their May 27, 2002 meeting because of Memorial Day. _ VI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM. .