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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-15 PC Work Session Minutes Approved: April 8, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Roberta Thompson called to order the work session meeting at 7:55 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Roberta Thompson, Commissioners Brent Bartel, Angela Hames, Andrew Holewa, Steven Jones, Phillip Neururer, and Clayton Zimmerman. Absent: None. Also present were: City Planner Ryan Streff and Associate Planner Matthew Bachler. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – MARCH 4, 2015 The Agenda was approved as presented. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. 2015 Work Plan Review City Planner Streff stated that the City Council will be asking the Planning Commission to join them for a joint work session on March 16th to discuss the work plan for 2015. To assist in that discussion, staff would like the Planning Commission to provide input on topics that might be addressed at this meeting. While the Council will make the final determination as to the goals and priorities for the coming year, it will be useful for them to have input from the Planning Commission. City Planner Streff explained that the Planning Commission differs from the City’s other committees and commissions in that the purpose and scope of the Commission’s work is largely determined by State Statute. The majority of the Planning Commission work plan is dedicated to continuing the work of evaluating and providing recommendations on land use applications, zoning code amendments, and other planning related items that come before the City. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – MARCH 4, 2015 2 City Planner Streff indicated that the League of MN Cities offers an e-learning land use series as part of their loss control program. All of the Planning Commissioners were signed up to participate and have completed the required coursework. The League, which provides liability insurance to Arden Hills, has found that cities that have Commissioners and Councilmembers who are educated about land use law and make sound rulings are less likely to be sued, or to lose lawsuits when they are filed. The website-based training is designed to make land use decisions less confusing, and will help cities avoid expensive land use claims and lawsuits. City Planner Streff explained that the joint work session to discuss the draft 2015 Work Plan with the City Council will be held at 5:00 on March 16, 2015, at City Hall. Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commission questions. Chair Thompson noted that she would be attending the joint meeting. Commissioner Holewa wanted to see the work plan have the Planning Commission review the City Code versus the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) and to evaluate where the codes differ. City Planner Streff provided comment on the City’s current zoning code and the TRC. Commissioner Hames was in favor of reviewing the sign code and requested staff have a list of recent sign issues that have been addressed by the Planning Commission. She thanked staff for their assistance and preparation before each meeting. Commissioner Hames was in favor of reviewing the minimum parking requirements in the Zoning Code and evaluating whether these requirements were appropriate. Commissioner Holewa stated that the work plan of 2015 is pretty full and recommended that parking be placed on the 2016 work plan. Chair Thompson agreed. Commissioner Jones discussed the traffic issues that may result on area roadways due to the redevelopment of the TCAAP site. ADJOURN Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to adjourn the March 4, 2015, Planning Commission Work Session Meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).