pc-minutes-mar-22-21
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was held via Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made by
the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. In accordance with that declaration, beginning on March 16,
2020, all Planning Commission meetings held during the emergency were conducted
electronically. The City used Webex to conduct this meeting and members of the public were
able to monitor the meetings by watching it on Comcast cable channel 16, by streaming it on
CCXmedia.org, or by dialing in to the public call‐in line.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chair Blum.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Adam Brookins Andy Johnson, Noah Orloff, Lauren
Pockl, Ryan Sadeghi, Chuck Segelbaum
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison present: Gillian Rosenquist
2. Approval of Agenda
Chair Blum asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the agenda
of March 22, 2021. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes
Chair Blum asked for a motion to approve the minutes from March 8, 2021.
Commissioner Johnson asked for the expanded conversation on above or below stormwater
retention to be addressed as well as edit his comment to accurately reflect the irony of cutting
down trees to then sell electric vehicles.
MOTION made by Commissioner Segelbaum, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, to approve
minutes. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Discussion – RLUIPA
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, started his presentation by defining RLUIPA: Religious Land Use
an Institutionalized Persons Act. This act was passed in 2000 to protect religious organizations from
discrimination in land use regulation. The goal was to state no substantial burdens could be places on
religion unless it can be shown there is a compelling interest. Zimmerman went on to explain ways
RLUIPA regulations can come up and reminded Commissioners that the Planning Commission
discussed RLUIPA as it relates to the Golden Valley zoning chapter in 2017. This conversation led to
recommended updates. Some of the recommendations became part of the City Code recodification. A
March 22, 2021 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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recommendation related to parking will be revisited in conjunction with a review of all City parking
requirements later in 2021.
The final item to discuss is if the City should expand areas for religious institutions to locate. A list was
displayed to show zoning districts where there are existing and proposed permissions for places of
worship.
Commissioners discussed the definition of “a place of worship” as well as other language choices in
the memo. Differentiating between places of worship and other facilities with a religious affiliation
was discussed, such as a community center or daycare.
Commissioners and staff discussed zoning districts, uses, locations, definitions, and inclusivity.
5. Discussion – Pawn Shops, Precious Metal Dealers, and Payday Lenders
Myles Campbell, Planner, reminded Commissioners that at the request of City Council a moratorium
on new pawnshops, precious metal dealers and payday lenders put in place in August 2020. Staff was
directed to examine how these establishments are handled in the code. The concerns mainly revolved
around potential issues surrounding public safety, risks regarding stolen goods, impact on surrounding
properties, and consumer protections.
The examination of uses within the context of the current zoning code aligns with the current revisions
to the land use tables.
Campbell went on to explain the current code regarding Pawnshops and Precious Metal Dealers.
Pawnshops are currently classified as “general retail” and are a licensed use. Payday lenders are
considered a financial institution; no licensing is required with the City but a state license is required.
Staff reviewed zoning code in adjacent cities while assessing changes to the Golden Valley Zoning Code.
Staff found most communities use the definition of “Currency Exchanges” rather than payday lenders
to differentiate banks from other financial businesses.
Campbell provided a list of zoning control examples for both pawn shops and currency exchanges,
many akin to those in place for tobacco sales.
Staff recommendations:
Introduce “Pawnshops and Precious Metal Dealers” and “Currency Exchange” to the Zoning Code
Pawnshop and Precious Metal Dealers are defined in Sec. 16‐389. of City Code, no new definition
required
o Added as a restricted use to the Commercial Zoning District only
Restrictions should at a minimum include density restriction, proximity to
residential zoned properties, and visibility requirements
Currency Exchanges will need a new definition in the zoning code
o Commissioners can consider also adding a definition for “Payday Lenders”
o Currency Exchanges are added as a restricted use in the Commercial Zoning District
Restrictions should again focus on a density restriction between exchanges, and a
proximity restriction to residential zoned properties.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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Campbell wrapped up with providing definitions of currency exchanges and payday lenders, as well as
provide a list of potential restrictions for pawnshops and currency exchanges.
Commissioner Baker supported staff recommendations but wanted input from staff’s Equity &
Diversity Manager to ensure the list isn’t excluding services vital to some populations. Commissioner
Segelbaum mostly echoed Baker’s statements while adding he too doesn’t want to put so many
restrictions on currency exchanges that it limits access to anyone who cannot access a bank. Chair
Blum cited case studies from Florida that show pawnshops enhance property crimes and facilitate
criminal activity. He added that property crimes related to pawnshops tend to be underreported and
often lack evidence to be further investigated.
Commissioner Johnson stated some of the proximity restrictions in light industrial, may interfere with
places of worship, per the previous conversation. Johnson added he was surprised to see the definition
of a payday lender included to provide a loan. He added a question asking why defining a person’s use
for an establishment is listed in a city code. Campbell responded that the particular language
referenced is from another city and state licensing references “short‐term consumer loans”. He added
that purpose language could probably be removed aside from the business use description.
Campbell stated that City Council direction wasn’t related to crime and safety but to consumer
protections. There are studies that show payday lenders utilize predatory practices to garnish wages.
Campbell asked Commissioners if they are comfortable with removing some language in the definition
as suggested by Commissioner Johnson. Chair Blum and Commissioner Pockl suggested edits.
Segelbaum pointed out that payday loans are very specific and some of the suggested edits sound like
a general short‐term lender. Campbell said staff would review statute language and state licensing
requirements to make sure city code is as in line with them as possible.
Commissioner Pockl asked if Golden Valley Police are included in the conversations related to pawn
shops. Campbell responded that it’s part of the next step in this process.
6. Discussion – PC Annual Report/Work Plan
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, presented the annual report, he summarized the work the
Planning Commission did, the application types, code amendments, and recommendations of approval
or denial. The end of the report illustrates the work plan for 2021.
Commissioner Baker asked if corrections need to be made to adjust for the light rail no longer coming
through Golden Valley. Zimmerman said there are a few areas to be rezoned and the final decision will
occur when the City knows the final status of the light rail. Commissioners and staff discussed a few
more specifics regarding the 2021 work plan.
Chair Blum pointed to the bullets on the Planning Commission purpose statement. He suggested
developers not be first but mention the residents of Golden Valley first. Blum felt that this will show
commitment to the people and not developers. Zimmerman responded that this was in discussion the
previous year and the process to change this is a bylaw change. City Council needs to approve that
change.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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7. Discussion – BZA Annual Report
Myles Campbell, Planner, presented the annual BZA report, he summarized the work done, variance
application types, hearings, practical difficulty standards, and recommendations of approval or denial.
BZA members will be attending a similar diversity and equity training as the Planning Commission.
Televised portion of the meeting concluded at 8:56 pm
8. Council Liaison Report
Council Member Rosenquist informed the Commission that the rowhouse changes to the zoning
chapter were approved by the City Council. She updated the Commission on talks with the
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board around a Memorandum of Understanding for operations
at Twin Lake, and reported on public engagement around the Police Task Force. She also noted
that concepts were being developed for the Facilities Study.
9. Reports on Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
None.
10. Other Business
None.
11. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Segelbaum to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Pockl, and
approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:08 pm.
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Adam Brookins, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant