HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/04/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
April 5, 2017 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Carper, Claudia Johnston-Madison, Lisa Peilen,
Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich
MEMBERS ABSENT: Torrey Kanne, Rick Person, Ethan Rickert (youth member)
STAFF PRESENT: Erick Francis, Jennifer Monson, Gary Morrison,
Sean Walther
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of March 8, 2017
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the minutes of March 8,
2017. Commissioner Tatalovich seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a
vote of 5-0.
3. Public Hearings
A. St. Louis Park Walker Stormwater Ponds – Conditional Use Permit
Location: 3400 Republic Avenue & 7015 Walker Street
Applicant: St. Louis Park Engineering Department
Case No.: 17-10-CUP
Jennifer Monson, Planner, presented the staff report. Plans for a stormwater
treatment facility require excavation of 2,160 square cubic yards of soil from the
site and 500 cubic yards of clean fill material to be imported to the site. A
conditional use permit is required to excavate or fill more than 400 cubic yards of
fill.
Ms. Monson provided background on the site. She discussed landscaping,
construction haul routes, construction hours and construction schedule. She said a
neighborhood meeting was held and no one indicated concerns regarding the
stormwater project.
Commissioner Carper asked if the diverted stormwater would drain into the
groundwater.
Erick Francis, Water Resources Manager, explained the design of the treatment
facility which prevents diverted water from being infiltrated into the groundwater.
Official Minutes
Planning Commission
April 5, 2017
Page 2
Commissioner Carper asked about involvement with the Minnehaha Watershed
District on the project.
Mr. Francis responded that there are no restrictions placed on the project by the
Watershed District.
Commissioner Carper asked if there are any measures in place regarding blowing
dust and dirt during construction.
Mr. Francis said additional measures for dust control will be in place.
Chair Peilen opened the public hearing. As no one was present wishing to speak,
she closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Carper made a motion approving the Conditional Use Permit for
3400 Republic Avenue and 7015 Walker Street. Commissioner Johnston-
Madison seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 5-0.
4. Other Business
5. Communications
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
6:15 p.m.
1. Architectural Design Study
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, explained that staff wishes to
discuss the architectural design section of the zoning ordinance for direction and
insight on these items: update list of materials in all three classes, review design
criteria, screening and effectiveness of the ordinance.
Chair Peilen said she liked the idea of a focus group to assist with research and
selection of materials and criteria.
Official Minutes
Planning Commission
April 5, 2017
Page 3
Commissioner Robertson said it is a good idea to regularly review the materials
list as new materials come on to the market. He said at the same time it’s often
tough with architectural materials as it is a challenge to be cutting edge and the
city doesn’t want to risk putting materials on our buildings that will not perform
well. It’s good to have a regular review or have something in the code for
reviewing an alternative material. It’s best to have a comprehensive list.
Commissioner Robertson said sustainability is very complex and the city
shouldn’t reject a material that isn’t sustainable. He suggested using extra points
or consideration, similar to what is used with energy efficiency.
Commissioner Robertson said in addition to some architects, focus group
participants should include manufacturing reps, installers and a developer.
Commissioners suggested the following criteria for materials: longevity, aesthetic
durability, performance durability and maintenance.
Commissioner Carper spoke about looking at the types of energy to be used. He
spoke about solar panels and looking ahead to the future.
Commissioner Carper said the focus group might also include large construction
company representative and someone from an architecture school.
2. Vision 3.0 Facilitated Conversation
Mr. Walther conducted a Vision 3.0 community conversation with
commissioners. Discussion items included:
a. Welcome and Why We’re Here
b. Introductions
c. The Big Questions
d. The Closing Circle
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sells
Recording Secretary