pc-minutes-jun-13-2022
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote options for attending,
participating, and commenting. 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 6:30 pm by Chair Pockl.
Roll Call
Commissioners in‐person: Ellen Brenna, Adam Brookins, Sophia Ginis, Andy Johnson, Lauren
Pockl, Chuck Segelbaum
Commissioner remote: Mike Ruby
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner,
Max Gort – Planning Intern
Council Liaison present: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, to approve the agenda
of June 13, 2022.
Motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Johnson asked if the City would certify the work and if the City selected the
contractor. Staff replied there would be a public bidding process and the City would select someone
after that process. Johnson mentioned a comment noted in the previous minutes and a typo.
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the minutes from May 9, 2022, pending edits.
MOTION made by Commissioner Brookins, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve.
Motion carried with Commissioner Ginis abstaining.
5. Discussion – Off Street Parking Update
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, introduced the Planning Intern for 2022.
Max Gort, Planning Intern, introduced himself to the Commission and started the update of Off‐
Street Parking and Loading in the zoning code.
He reminded the Commission of the background on this topic: amending this code language will
match current use tables, minimum required parking spaces may be reduced to meet contemporary
June 13, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Hybrid
Council Chambers, City Hall
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 13, 2022 – 6:30 pm
2
standards, electric vehicle charging requirements will updated, and front yard requirements will be
updated to reflect current building and yard setback requirements.
Gort went in more detail on each of these items, reviewing inconsistencies with current uses, and
discussed modern best practices. He reviewed the City’s sustainability goals as well as discussed what
other cities are doing in these areas that are noteworthy.
Staff is looking for feedback on:
Does the Planning Commission agree with Staff researching these four primary updates to
Section 113‐151?
What are some further areas that the Commission could recommend that Staff consider for
updating Section 113‐151?
Chair Ruby asked if there was data or specific sources on required parking spaces for apartments and
apartment sizes. Ruby noted he was curious about what the responsibility, beyond EV installation,
was of the property owner. Staff responded that numerous data sources and points would be
gathered through the summer and noted that many places currently charge payment for EV charging.
Commissioner Ginis asked what the bigger picture goals were for addressing this portion of the
zoning code. Staff responded that updating the use tables lead to new inconsistences in the zoning
code, additionally, the group has been discussing electric vehicle requirements for a few years and
that addition parallels parking regulation updates. The conversation moved on to new developments
and requiring conduit to be run so owners could install charging stations. Commissioner Brenna
asked if staff was looking at the Green Steps City Guidelines. Staff went on to discuss this process,
Golden Valley goals, and considerations before returning to the Commission with this topic. The
discussion went on to discuss how Fire is involved with determination of driveway aisle size and
parking regulations to ensure Fire Code is followed. Commissioner Segelbaum added there are
incentives for developers to create items beyond requirements, and suggested too many
requirements may not be ideal. He continued that it may be worth noting what areas can have
parking eliminated, completely.
The conversation went on to discuss the increase in electric vehicles, teaming with electric
companies, and projections on gas station needs as things progress.
Commissioner Johnson asked staff to clarify the 25/35ft setback requirements. Staff responded that
front yard setbacks for all residential districts were 35ft, at some point R‐3 and R‐4 front yard
setbacks were reduced to 25ft. The parking portion of the zoning code, cites the old setback distance
restricts parking within 35ft. Updating the code aligns with the new setback requirements. Johnson
asked if transit access and routes were factoring into this analysis and staff responded they were not.
A transit‐based reduction option as part of this, there isn’t enough transit accessibility data to move
that direction.
Chair Pockl ended the televised portion of the meeting at 7:20pm.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 13, 2022 – 6:30 pm
3
6.Council Liaison Report
Council Member La Mere‐Anderson noted the recent actions taken by the City Council related to
Planning, including approval of an Outdoor Service Area permit for Schuller’s, a subdivision on Harold
Avenue, and new zoning language around mobile uses. She previewed topics for the upcoming Council
Work Session including a conversation with the Robbinsdale School District superintendent, the role
of the Human Services Commission, and a discussion of a site selection process for a new fire station.
Commissioner Ginis asked for clarification around the current number of police officers.
7.Other Business
None.
8.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Brookins and
approved unanimously by roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
________________________________
Andy Johnson, Secretary
________________________________
Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant