pc-minutes-sep-12-22
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 present: E. Brenna, S. Ginis, L. Pockl, M. Ruby, C. Segelbaum,
Commissioner absent: A. Brookins, A. Johnson
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
(Chair Pockl moved items 3 and 4 to the end of the agenda as there was not a quorum)
Chair Pockl. asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Chair Pockl, to approve the agenda of September
12, 2022.
Motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Chair Pockl, to approve the meeting minutes of
August 22, 2022.
Motion carried and Commissioner Ruby abstained.
5. Informal Public Hearing – Preliminary Plan for Lot Consolidation
Address: 4501 Merribee Drive
Applicant: Nancy Lyons
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, gave a summary of the home, its location, and the properties
of the yard and excess ROW. The ROW to the east was previously owned by 4444 Merribee Drive, but
was deeded to the City in 1965 to create access to lots to the south. The current homeowner started
constructing a shed in the east (front) yard in 2021, not realizing the setbacks involved. There is an
September 12, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Hybrid
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
September 12, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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excess of ROW so the City vacated a portion to the homeowner so they can place a shed in the
intended location.
The portion of ROW was previously deeded to the City by the neighboring property so the City had to
vacate back to the original owner. Now the neighboring property is deeding it to 4501 Merribee.
City Council has approved the ROW vacation for the homeowner.
Staff displayed the lot, ROW, and shed location. Engineering has confirmed no utilities are located
within the ROW and there is sufficient boulevard for future snow storage.
The lot meets the three standards for Minor Consolidation Eligibility.
Staff reviewed the nine qualifications governing approval.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval of the proposed minor consolidation, subject to the following conditions:
1. All required drainage and utility easements shall be included on the final plat.
2. The City Attorney will determine if a title review is necessary prior to final plat approval
Chair Pockl asked staff if the easement in the ROW was no longer needed and staff clarified the
remainder of the easement is. The City vacated a portion of the ROW, not the entire ROW.
Additionally, the original
Chair Pockl invited the applicants to speak.
Nancy Lyons, homeowner, stated that the neighbors have been supportive and offered to answer
questions but stated staff reviewed the request well. Members did not have questions for the
applicant.
Chair Pockl opened the public hearing at 6:43pm.
There were no in person comments.
Ron Jones
2450 Lee Ave
We are very supportive of what Laura and Nancy are proposing.
Chair Pockl closed the public hearing at 6:15pm
Commissioner Ginis commented on how many odd areas of deeded and vacated easements there
are in cities and is glad Golden Valley is working with the homeowner to clear this easement/vacation
area up. The homeowner has been following City rules, guided by staff, and she feels approving is an
easy decision. Commissioner Brenna echoed this comment. Commissioner Segelbaum added that
each factor and finding as required has been met and therefore the request should be granted.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
September 12, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Brenna, to recommend approval
of the proposed minor consolidation, subject to the following conditions:
1. All required drainage and utility easements shall be included on the final plat
2. The City Attorney will determine if a title review is necessary prior to approval of the final plat
Motion carried
6. Informal Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit to Allow for a Drive Thru
Address: 650 Douglas Drive
Applicant: Zeke Hellenbrand on behalf of BCU
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, started by reviewing the lot and history of the facility. This
consideration of a conditional use permit to operate a drive‐thru at an existing (but vacant) bank
building was spurred by the purchase and remodel as a facility owned/operated by Baxter Credit
Union (BUC). The site is 3 acres, was built in 1970s, remodeled in 2003, and closed after 2019.
The applicant proposes to reduce the number of lanes from six to four, two lanes would be atm only,
there will be other construction to improve trash enclosure and landscaping. The interior will also
have an extensive remodel.
Staff displayed images and a survey with their review.
Staff Review
Drive‐thru Revisions
Conversion from six narrow lanes to four wider ones (with a pass‐thru lane around the
outside)
Removal of queuing area pavement may trigger native vegetation buffer
Parking
Addition of a landscaped island to break up row of parking stalls
Minimum parking stall count easily met; will need to provide four bicycle parking spaces
Trees and Landscape
Replacement of sanitary sewer line will disturb landscaping; a permit will be needed to ensure
minimum requirements are met
Removal of diseased ash trees will also be monitored
Stormwater
Depending on extent of pavement repair/replacement, water quality treatment and rate
control could be needed
Staff reviewed the 11 criteria needed in order to approve a CUP.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
September 12, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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Recommended Action
Based on the findings, staff recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 173, allowing for
the operation of a drive‐thru facility at 650 Douglas Drive North, with the following condition:
1. Four bicycle spaces, available for use by the public, shall be provided.
Chair Pockl clarified that a CUP is being required for the applicant to place a drive‐through in an area
where one already exists without a CUP. Staff responded that the original drive‐through was built
before a conditional use permit was required and this will allow the City to review the plans in
greater detail and noted there had not been past complaints.
Chair Pockl invited the applicant to speak.
Zeke Hellenbrand, applicant, stated that staff gave a thorough presentation and expanded on BCU as
an organization.
Commissioner Ginis commented that this location is the nexus for numerous bike trails/paths as well
as a bus stop. Adding that while those don’t fall within the purview of the Planning Commission, she
encouraged the applicant to keep that information in the front of their mind.
Chair Pockl opened the public hearing at 6:59pm.
No in person comments.
No remote comments.
Chair Pockl closed the public hearing at 7:02pm
Chair Pockl noted that the use seems consistent with the standards that need to be met. Pockl added
that staff’s findings are reasonable and it makes sense to have a CUP for this project. Commissioner
Segelbaum echoed these comments and noted the enhancements the applicant is agreeing to.
MOTION made by Commissioner Segelbaum, seconded by Commissioner Ginis, to recommend
approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 173, allowing for the operation of a drive‐thru facility at 650
Douglas Drive North, with the following condition:
1. Four bicycle spaces, available for use by the public, shall be provided.
Motion carried
Chair Pockl noted the group’s need to return to the first two items now that a quorum was present.
7. Council Liaison Report
Councilmember La Mere‐Anderson updated the group on the swearing in of the new police Chief,
Virgil Green. The primary focus moving forward will be the budget. It was noted there are many
vacancies on other Boards and Commissions.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
September 12, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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8.Other Business
Term limits on Boards and Commissions was discussed, a decision is tentatively scheduled for October
City Council.
9.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Brenna to adjourn, seconded by Chair Pockl and approved
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
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Andy Johnson, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant