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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/12/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Regular OFFICIAL MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 7, 2016 – 6:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Carper, Claudia Johnston-Madison, Torrey Kanne, Lisa Peilen, Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Person, Ethan Rickert (youth member) STAFF PRESENT: Henry Pan, Community Development Intern Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer Jay Hall, Utilities Superintendant 1. Call to Order – Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes of October 5, 2016 The minutes were approved on a vote of 3-0-2 (Carper and Peilen abstained). Commissioner Tatalovich arrived at 6:16 p.m. 3. Public Hearings A. Conditional Use Permit for Communication Tower Location: 8300 West Franklin Avenue Applicant: City of St. Louis Park Case No.: 16-41-CUP Henry Pan, Community Development Intern, presented the staff report. He explained that the purpose of the tower is to collect signals from water meters recently installed in houses in the Westwood Hills neighborhood. Mr. Pan described the proposed tower. Mr. Pan reviewed the zoning analysis. Mr. Pan discussed the outreach efforts which included a neighborhood meeting held on November 29, 2016. Mr. Pan spoke about an inquiry received from a nearby resident who works at the Minn. Department of Natural Resources. The resident is concerned that the project would be inconsistent with agreements between the city, state and federal Official Minutes Planning Commission December 7, 2016 Page 2 governments over the use of the land. City staff are following up with the DNR for clarification and expect to have an answer at the City Council meeting. Commissioner Peilen asked what is planned if the DNR finds the tower to be inconsistent with policies. Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, said staff is confident that the proposal won’t violate any agreements. If it is found there are concerns from the DNR the work could be removed and the city would look for another site. Clint Pires, city Chief Information Officer, said there are very few sites in this part of town which accommodate the need. He stated this site is the second highest point in Hennepin County. He said they would really be stretched to find another location that would work as well as this site. He added that fiber is already in place near the Brick House. Commissioner Carper asked if there was a concern about the pole and bird paths. Jay Hall, city Utilities Supervisor, said staff doesn’t believe there are any issues. He discussed a temporary pole on site which is hoisted on a lift. The temporary pole is at tree level and staff haven’t seen any issues with birds. Commissioner Carper asked if there was a plan for any type of bird survey once the pole is erected within the wildlife area. Mr. Hall said they will monitor it to make sure it is safe for wildlife. Mr. Pires spoke about an existing Xcel pole which has been on the site for decades. There have been no bird issues with that pole. Commissioner Carper asked about the other sites needed for collection of signals. Mr. Pires noted the locations of the other sites. Commissioner Carper asked about lighting and activities at the Brick House. Mr. Pires addressed lighting and frequency of functions at the Brick House. Commissioner Kanne asked about the cost of abandoning the project if there is a problem with the DNR. Mr. Walther said he assumes that the pole could be reused in another location. The Chair opened the public hearing. Official Minutes Planning Commission December 7, 2016 Page 3 Erwin Grossman, 1640 Virginia Ave. S., stated that he is a radio amateur. He said he and Mr. Pires spoke previously about power and frequency. Mr. Hall said that the antenna is a receiver only. Transmitters are installed in city houses. These transmitters are 900 MHz. Mr. Grossman stated that the antenna won’t be a big issue. He said that it is a very low profile antenna. He said he thinks it is a great idea and he hopes it works out for the city. The Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Peilen made a motion to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to allow a 70-foot communication tower located at 8300 W. Franklin Ave. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 6-0. 4. Other Business 5. Communications 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Official Minutes Planning Commission December 7, 2016 Page 4 STUDY SESSION The study session began at 6:35 p.m. 1. Vision/Comprehensive Plan Update Meg McMonigal, Principal Planner, provided information on the Comprehensive Plan update process. Staff will be working with the Commission on the community input process for the plan. Staff is starting to work on demographics, housing and transportation sections of the plan. Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, added that staff will probably give a presentation to the Commission on sections of the existing plan as an introduction for the update. Ms. McMonigal discussed the process for the Community Visioning Process. Next Generation, headed by Rebecca Ryan, has been hired to assist in the process starting in January through the spring. She said the process will include town hall meetings, training/neighborhood conversations, Facebook live meetings, on- line surveys and input at community events. Representatives from all city commissions will be invited to the trainings. An eight member Vision Steering Committee will work with Ms. Ryan to lead the process. 2. 2016 Annual Report Nicole Mardell, Associate Planner, asked if the Commission is in agreement with the 2017 work plan. Commissioner Peilen requested adding zoning changes as a result of construction at 2853 Inglewood. Mr. Walther spoke about councilmember discussions on this matter. At the request of the Council, Jennifer Monson, Planner, has prepared a report for the December 12 Council study session titled History of Housing Code Research and Zoning Amendments 2006-2016. Commissioners asked that the section titled Projects in the Works be replaced with Under Consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Sells Official Minutes Planning Commission December 7, 2016 Page 5 Recording Secretary