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City of Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 14, 2024 2 | Page Zoning Ordinance Amendment The applicant is proposing a new building type template as “Figure 15a Automotive Dealership” within Section 9.6 of Ord. No. 131. Proposed language was submitted for the new building type template to determine if the proposed language is appropriate. The proposed building type template can be used for new or redevelopment of other sites in the Gateway District, such as the Ford dealership across Highway 61 or the 3700 Highway 61 property also owned by the applicant. The proposed designs from the applicant show a decrease in impervious surface coverage, an increase in landscaping, new lighting, and a modern building compared to the current site; the proposed building template would require other automotive dealerships to adhere to the same standards. Zoning Compliance Request Contingent on the approval of the lot line adjustment and ordinance amendment, the applicant is requesting a Zoning Compliance Permit to allow for construction of a new automotive dealership building. This request for a Zoning Compliance Permit is consistent with the requirements in Ord. No. 131. The applicant must submit a complete development plan prior to the receipt of any building permits. Staff Comments The project plans were forwarded to staff and other agencies for comments prior to the August Planning Commission meeting. City Planner Evan Monson shared that Ramsey County is currently reviewing the plans, MnDOT is currently reviewing the plans, VLAWMO needs to review stormwater management plans, White Bear Lake Fire Department had comments, City Building Official is currently reviewing the plans, and City Engineer is currently reviewing the plans. Commission Member Cummings invited Phillps Architects & Contractors President David Phillips to comment on the request. Mr. Phillips shared that currently the site exists as a legal nonconforming use and Barnett Kia would like to turn it into a legal conforming use. The demolition of the current building and construction of a brand-new building located slightly behind the already existing one to create better access for customers. This new facility would increase the property value on the site and would be better for the community. The new facility would create more jobs than are currently available. Commission Member Cummings shared that he thought it was a very productive informal review when it was first proposed back in the Fall of 2023. Commission Member Cummings wants to make sure that any changes being made to the current ordinance creates language that can be the standard for all existing dealerships in Gem Lake and at the same time not allowing the possibility of new dealerships requesting to be constructed. Commission Chair Patrick introduced a motion to close the public hearing on the matter at 7:36 p.m., seconded by Commission Member Farrell, Motion carried 4-0. City Planner Evan Monson recommends the Planning Commission table all three (3) items for further review by the City Engineer, City Building Inspector, and other contacted agencies and revisit the discussion at the September 10 Planning Commission meeting and forward to the City Council at that point. Commission Member Pratt introduced a motion to table all three (3) requests for further review by staff and to extend the request an additional sixty (60) days in the event there is no quorum at the September Planning Commission Meeting, seconded by Commission Chair Patrick. Motion carried 4-0. Old Business None New Business None