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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 06-01 PC PACKETCITY OF GEM LAKE, MN City Hall - 4200 Otter Lake Road _ Gem Lake, MN 55110-3763 Telephone 651-747-2790 E-mail City,a,gemlakeMN.org To: Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor Uzpen From: Craig Rafferty, Planning Commission Chair GEM LAKE PLANNING COMMISION AGENDA, June 1, 2010. Place: Heritage Hall 1. Call to Order at 7PM. 2. Review and Approval of May 2010 Meeting Minutes 3. Letter for discussion purposes re: car sales 4. Update on Planning Commission size .� 5. Continued Discussion on Comprehensive Plan Review and Adjustments for Chapter 5 and 6 . 6. Other Business Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Page 1 of 1 Reiter Jean From: Fcmag@aol.com [Fcmag@aol.com] Sent: Fri 5/28/2010 11:45 AM To: Craig Rafferty Cc: rluzpen@gmail.com Subject: Gas Station to Car Dealer Attachments: Craig, The property in question at Scheuneman Road and County E has a long history of violations and environmental problems. In addition to leaking gasoline tanks back in the late 1980's when owned by Shorty Urban, there is also a history of using this property to sell used cars repaired by the current tenant (Curt's) from junk vehicles. Previous City Councils and Planning Commissions have been very cautious about expanding Used Car Sales in the City due to the nature of the business, the participants in the business and the clients they intend to attract. In fact, at one time not many years ago there was a moratorium prohibiting additional used car lots. Previous applicants for this property have, as I recollect, been turned down for this use. This lot was originally part of the retail district and I believe it may still be although recent changes may now allow this. In considering this application, I presume it is for a used car lot. What happened to the Gem Lake vision of revitalizing the entire Hoffman Corner area with updated retail, multi -family housing and the like? Should the City be willing to stoop to this level just to get something/anything going at this location? And, once they have been granted their CUP and a developer comes along that actually shares the vision for this area, will you legally be able to rescind the CUP to move forward without an lengthy and costly legal battle that Gem Lake still can't afford. These are simply thoughts from someone who has heard a lot of arguments for allowing and denying this type of use. I believe it will ultimately be a poor choice as the market for (re)development returns. Thanks for hearing my thoughts. These are offered solely as insights from a resident. Regards, Fritz https://remail.co.ramsey.mn.us/Jean.Reiter/Inbox/RE:%20PIanning%2OCommission.EML/1... 6/7/2010 CITY OF GEM LAKE, MN 4200 Otter Lake Road Gem Lake, MN 55110-3227 -A4 Telephone 651-747-2790 E-mail City(RaemlakeMN.or� Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting 6 April 2010 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Gem Lake was called to order by Chairman Craig Rafferty on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gem Lake City Hall conference room. The following members were present: Chairman Craig Rafferty, Planning Commission members Beth Herzog, and Dan Marier. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES Planning Commission Agenda: Chairman Rafferty asked for any changes, deletions or added agenda items. None was given, so proceeded to move forward with the meeting. Planning Commission Minutes: Chairman Rafferty called to approve the March Planning Commission meeting minutes. The March Planning Commission minutes were discussed and some corrections were needed. Upon motion by Commissioner Marier and seconded by Chairman Rafferty. The March minutes were approved with corrections. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. NEW BUSINESS Four Seasons CUP Changes: Chairman Rafferty told the Planning Commission that the amendments were made and were presented to the City Council and passed at the March City Council meeting. Hansen Property (West of Daniels Farm Road): The Daniel Farms Road Association was present at the meeting wanting to know the status on the development of the Hansen property. Chairman Rafferty explained that there was some interest from a developer for three story building with a pitched roof and a senior single level assisted living with a zero lot line and also single level senior living. The development is residential in nature. The Planning Commission has made it clear to the developer that the Daniels Farm Road is not available for use with this development if it goes forward. The concerns from the nine resident properties along the Hansen property are opposed to any height variation to be built on that land. The question was raised on how the city would pay for the IJ Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 4 construction development. Chairman Rafferty explained that no drawings have been done yet, just a site plan. Chairman Rafferty has been attempting to have an open forum for anyone to come forward and discuss the situation. Nothing has been scheduled due to the fact that the Planning Commission has asked repeatedly for the developer to come forward and discuss this and they have declined. A list of questions was sent out to the city residents to keep everyone informed about the situation. No discussion with the developer yet and there may not be any discussion. If one arises, the residents will be informed. Chairman Rafferty feels that the Planning Commission and the City Council are looking at development for the good of the residents. Commissioner Herzog stated that at this point in time the developers right now are just shopping around to see what the cities will pay. Because Gem Lake has not heard from the developer, it's a good chance that they won't develop here. Chairman Rafferty had received a letter with questions regarding the development of the land. There is no secret agenda with the Planning Commission and the City Council and the resident of Gem Lake has been informed and will be updated. Mayor Uzpen stated that with the new ordinance that was passed stated what can be developed in Gem Lake. The basis of the ordinance was discussed with the developer. Comprehensive Plan Review — Section Four: Section Plan Assumptions, Goals and Issues. Page 11 — Plan Assumptions: Planning assumptions will feluxate. Met Council is to work with those projections and will need to be regularly adjusted. Page 12 — Goal of this plan needs to have new residential development in mixed use planning area that averages at least three units per acre to conform to the Metropolitan Council guidelines. Chairman Rafferty does not want it stated that way. In the next use planning area improves the average to balance with the Metropolitan Council guidelines for land use. Improve the average units per acre to balance with the Metropolitan Council guidelines. Will question SEH on what it refers to and will need clarification. The last sentence on page 12 needs to be adjusted so it is not just on commercial development. Page 13 — Provisions for Public Utilities — Sanitary Sewers: Sentence reads sanitary sewers are being installed in the neighborhoods of the City of Gem Lake as requested. Chairman Rafferty thinks it should say in designated neighborhoods in the City of Gem Lake as requested in the designated areas. So it shows that not all neighborhoods have the option to do so, City of Gem Lake presently serving a portion of residents and commercial properties owners. Page 14 — The last portion of the last sentence, take out sentence referring to parks in the future for Gem Lake. Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 4 Comprehensive Plan Review — Ordinance 107 ties into the Comp P maps. Attorney Trevor Oliver will need meeting to work with the Planning Cc agreement to present the Comp Plan. and seconded by Commissioner Marier, Section Five. OPEN DISCUSSION Section Ian. This Five: It was determined that section will need all new updated to come to May's Planning Commission rmission on getting the ordinances in Upon motion by Commissioner Herzog it was agreed to table the discussion on Additional Member for Planning Commission: Chairman Rafferty was open for discussion on adding another member for the Planning Commission. Ordinance states three members with an alternate are enough for the Planning Commission. Mayor Uzpen suggested that Paul Emerott withdraw his application for a seat on the Planning Commission. ADJOURN Upon motion by Commissioner Herzog and seconded by Commissioner Marier, the April 6, 2010 regular meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:29 pm. . Ayes — 3, Nays — 0. APPROVED: ATTEST: ATTEST: Julie Newkirk Craig Rafferty Recording Secretary Chairman Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 4 SIGN-UP SHEET: Paul Emerott Fritz Magnuson Tony Scornavaao John Kony Mike Garrett Isaac Nelson J ki Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org CITY OF GEM LAKE, MN 4200 Otter Lake Road _ kl.-= Gem Lake, MN 55110-3227 — Telephone 651-747-2790 E-mail Citv(d-)izemlakeMN.or� Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting 4 May 2010 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Gem Lake was called to order by Chairman Craig Rafferty on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 7:01 p.m. in the Gem Lake City Hall conference room. The following members were present: Chairman Craig Rafferty, Planning Commission member Derek Wippich. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES Planning Commission Agenda: Chairman Rafferty asked for any changes, deletions or added agenda items. None was given, so proceeded to move forward with the meeting. Planning Commission Minutes: Chairman Rafferty called to approve the April Planning Commission meeting minutes. The April Planning Commission minutes were discussed and upon motion by Chairman Rafferty and seconded by Commissioner Wippich. The April minutes were approved. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING Flood Ordinance: In order for the residents of the City of Gem Lake to qualify for flood insurance, the city has to establish a flood ordinance. FEMA updated all flood maps for Ramsey County. Gem Lake Attorney Trevor Oliver discussed the flood ordinance in detail to the Planning Commission. Open Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m. No comments from the public. Closed Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. Upon motion by Chairman Rafferty and seconded by Commissioner Wippich, the flood ordinance was approved. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 Introductory Review of M and H Gas Station Proposal: Sally Ackerman and Giorgi Gochitashvili would like to renovate the gas station/convenience store building and turn it into a car dealership. They would keep the mechanic shop behind the gas station as is to do repairs on cars. Chairman Rafferty stated that they may have to put in a new well as required. This is an introductory session only. They are thinking of purchasing the property for a small dealership of about twenty to twenty five cars. There was discussion about the zoning of the property as it's zoned for a gas station/convenience store at this time. They would have to work with Tom Riedesel from White Bear Township for a conditional use permit and they would need to draw up a plan and present it to the Planning Commission. There would be a need to have an inspection and soil testing in case replacement of the tanks buried underground was required. It was discussed that the plan would need to have the layout of the buildings and property and present it by the middle of May, 2010. Then they would proceed to have a public hearing where the businesses around that area would have the opportunity to ask questions. The first step is to fill out the application and present the plan to the Planning Commission. There would also be an escrow fee. They would also need to apply for a business license and a state license. Review of Planning Commission Size Preference: It was discussed whether the Planning Commission would add an additional fifth member, add an alternate or do not change the number of the Planning Commission. The three options were discussed and it was decided to add an alternate to the Planning Commission. The alternate can only vote if not enough members were at the meeting. Upon motion by Commissioner Wippich and seconded by Chairman Rafferty, motion passed to add an alternate and will send it to the City Council for the May City Council meeting. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. Comprehensive Plan Review — Section Five — "ES" Estate Residential District: Attorney Trevor Oliver went through Section Five and made some changes to the wordage. Section Five is working with the zoning ordinance. A five acre minimum size lot for any new development. The existing map has not changed much. The McNaulty lots would be grandfathered in and anything that touches the lake would be considered an estate. Trevor is working on ordinance 107 for the comp plan; general regulations. The Gateway ordinance is already done. Once this is ready, a public hearing can be scheduled to make the amendments at the Planning Commission meeting. ADJOURN Upon motion by Commissioner Wippich and seconded by Chairman Rafferty, the May 4, 2010 regular meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3 APPROVED: ATTEST: ATTEST: Julie Newkirk Craig Rafferty Recording Secretary Chairman Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Page 3 of 3 From: <Fcmag@_aol.com> To: "Craig Rafferty" <craffedy rr-rchitects.com_ > Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 11:45:50 -0500 Subject: Gas Station to Car Dealer Craig, The property in question at Scheuneman Road and County E has a long history of violations and environmental problems. In addition to leaking gasoline tanks back in the late 1980's when owned by Shorty Urban, there is also a history of using this property to sell used cars repaired by the current tenant (Curt's) from junk vehicles. Previous City Councils and Planning Commissions have been very cautious about expanding Used Car Sales in the City due to the nature of the business, the participants in the business and the clients they intend to attract. In fact, at one time not many years ago there was a moratorium prohibiting additional used car lots. Previous applicants for this property have, as I recollect, been turned down for this use. This lot was originally part of the retail district and I believe it may still be although recent changes may now allow this. In considering this application, I presume it is for a used car lot. What happened to the Gem Lake vision of revitalizing the entire Hoffman Corner area with updated retail, multi -family housing and the like? Should the City be willing to stoop to this level just to get something/anything going at this location? And, once they have been granted their CUP and a developer comes along that actually shares the vision for this area, will you legally be able to rescind the CUP to move forward without an lengthy and costly legal battle that Gem Lake still can't afford. These are simply thoughts from someone who has heard a lot of arguments for allowing and denying this type of use. I believe it will ultimately be a poor choice as the market for (re)development returns. Thanks for hearing my thoughts. These are offered solely as insights from a resident. Regards, Fritz https://remail.co.ramsey.mn.us/Jean.Reiter/Inbox/Re:%20PIanning%2OCommission-2.EML... 6/7/2010 CITY OF GEM LAKE, MN 4200 Otter Lake Road ` Gem Lake, MN 55110-3227 _ Telephone 651-747-2790 E-mail C'ih rr <,,cmlakeMN.or!_; Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting 6 April 2010 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Gem Lake was called to order by Chairman Craig Rafferty on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gem Lake City Hall conference room. The following members were present: Chairman Craig Rafferty, Planning Commission members Beth Herzog, and Dan Marier. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES Planning Commission Agenda: Chairman Rafferty asked for any changes, deletions or added agenda items. None was given, so proceeded to move forward with the meeting. Planning Commission Minutes: Chairman Rafferty called to approve the March Planning Commission meeting minutes. The March Planning Commission minutes were discussed and some corrections were needed. Upon motion by Commissioner Marier and seconded by Chairman Rafferty. The March minutes were approved with corrections. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. NEW BUSINESS Four Seasons CUP Changes: Chairman Rafferty told the Planning Commission that the amendments were made and were presented to the City Council and passed at the March City Council meeting. Hansen Property (West of Daniels Farm Road): The Daniel Farms Road Association was present at the meeting wanting to know the status on the development of the Hansen property. Chairman Rafferty explained that there was some interest from a developer for three story building with a pitched roof and a senior single level assisted living with a zero lot line and also single level senior living. The development is residential in nature. The Planning Commission has made it clear to the developer that the Daniels Farm Road is not available for use with this development if it goes forward. The concerns from the nine resident properties along the Hansen property are opposed to any height variation to be built on that land. The question was raised on how the city would pay for the Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 4 construction development. Chairman Rafferty explained that no drawings have been done yet, just a site plan. Chairman Rafferty has been attempting to have an open forum for anyone to come forward and discuss the situation. Nothing has been scheduled due to the fact that the Planning Commission has asked repeatedly for the developer to come forward and discuss this and they have declined. A list of questions was sent out to the city residents to keep everyone informed about the situation. No discussion with the developer yet and there may not be any discussion. If one arises, the residents will be informed. Chairman Rafferty feels that the Planning Commission and the City Council are looking at development for the good of the residents. Commissioner Herzog stated that at this point in time the developers right now are just shopping around to see what the cities will pay. Because Gem Lake has not heard from the developer, it's a good chance that they won't develop here. Chairman Rafferty had received a letter with questions regarding the development of the land. There is no secret agenda with the Planning Commission and the City Council and the resident of Gem Lake has been informed and will be updated. Mayor Uzpen stated that with the new ordinance that was passed stated what can be developed in Gem Lake. The basis of the ordinance was discussed with the developer. Comprehensive Plan Review — Section Four: Section Plan Assumptions, Goals and Issues. Page 11 — Plan Assumptions: Planning assumptions will feluxate. Met Council is to work with those projections and will need to be regularly adjusted. Page 12 — Goal of this plan needs to have new residential development in mixed use planning area that averages at least three units per acre to conform to the Metropolitan Council guidelines. Chairman Rafferty does not want it stated that way. In the next use planning area improves the average to balance with the Metropolitan Council guidelines for land use. Improve the average units per acre to balance with the Metropolitan Council guidelines. Will question SEH on what it refers to and will need clarification. The last sentence on page 12 needs to be adjusted so it is not just on commercial development. Page 13 — Provisions for Public Utilities — Sanitary Sewers: Sentence reads sanitary sewers are being installed in the neighborhoods of the City of Gem Lake as requested. Chairman Rafferty thinks it should say in designated neighborhoods in the City of Gem Lake as requested in the designated areas. So it shows that not all neighborhoods have the option to do so, City of Gem Lake presently serving a portion of residents and commercial properties owners. Page 14 — The last portion of the last sentence, take out sentence referring to parks in the future for Gem Lake. Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 4 Comprehensive Plan Review — Section Five: It was determined that Ordinance 107 ties into the Comp Plan. This section will need all new updated maps. Attorney Trevor Oliver will need to come to May's Planning Commission meeting to work with the Planning Commission on getting the ordinances in agreement to present the Comp Plan. Upon motion by Commissioner Herzog and seconded by Commissioner Marier, it was agreed to table the discussion on Section Five. OPEN DISCUSSION Additional Member for Planning Commission: Chairman Rafferty was open for discussion on adding another member for the Planning Commission. Ordinance states three members with an alternate are enough for the Planning Commission. Mayor Uzpen suggested that Paul Emerott withdraw his application for a seat on the Planning Commission. ADJOURN Upon motion by Commissioner Herzog and seconded by Commissioner Marier, the April 6, 2010 regular meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:29 pm. . Ayes — 3, Nays — 0. APPROVED: ATTEST: ATTEST: Julie Newkirk Craig Rafferty Recording Secretary Chairman Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 4 SIGN-UP SHEET: Paul Emerott Fritz Magnuson Tony Scornavaao John Kony Mike Garrett Isaac Nelson Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org CITY OF GEM LAKE, MN 4200 Otter Lake Road i-y Gem Lake, MN 55110-3227 Telephone 651-747-2790 E-mail Cih'(jjj)2emlaI:e1VIN.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting 4 May 2010 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Gem Lake was called to order by Chairman Craig Rafferty on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 7:01 p.m. in the Gem Lake City Hall conference room. The following members were present: Chairman Craig Rafferty, Planning Commission member Derek Wippich. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES Planning Commission Agenda: Chairman Rafferty asked for any changes, deletions or added agenda items. None was given, so proceeded to move forward with the meeting. Planning Commission Minutes: Chairman Rafferty called to approve the April Planning Commission meeting minutes. The April Planning Commission minutes were discussed and upon motion by Chairman Rafferty and seconded by Commissioner Wippich. The April minutes were approved. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING Flood Ordinance: In order for the residents of the City of Gem Lake to qualify for flood insurance, the city has to establish a flood ordinance. FEMA updated all flood maps for Ramsey County. Gem Lake Attorney Trevor Oliver discussed the flood ordinance in detail to the Planning Commission. Open Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m. No comments from the public. Closed Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. Upon motion by Chairman Rafferty and seconded by Commissioner Wippich, the flood ordinance was approved. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. N Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 Introductory Review of M and H Gas Station Proposal: Sally Ackerman and Giorgi Gochitashvili would like to renovate the gas station/convenience store building and turn it into a car dealership. They would keep the mechanic shop behind the gas station as is to do repairs on cars. Chairman Rafferty stated that they may have to put in a new well as required. This is an introductory session only. They are thinking of purchasing the property for a small dealership of about twenty to twenty five cars. There was discussion about the zoning of the property as it's zoned for a gas station/convenience store at this time. They would have to work with Tom Riedesel from White Bear Township for a conditional use permit and they would need to draw up a plan and present it to the Planning Commission. There would be a need to have an inspection and soil testing in case replacement of the tanks buried underground was required. It was discussed that the plan would need to have the layout of the buildings and property and present it by the middle of May, 2010. Then they would proceed to have a public hearing where the businesses around that area would have the opportunity to ask questions. The first step is to fill out the application and present the plan to the Planning Commission. There would also be an escrow fee. They would also need to apply for a business license and a state license. Review of Planning Commission Size Preference: It was discussed whether the Planning Commission would add an additional fifth member, add an alternate or do not change the number of the Planning Commission. The three options were discussed and it was decided to add an alternate to the Planning Commission. The alternate can only vote if not enough members were at the meeting. Upon motion by Commissioner Wippich and seconded by Chairman Rafferty, motion passed to add an alternate and will send it to the City Council for the May City Council meeting. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. Comprehensive Plan Review — Section Five — "ES" Estate Residential District: Attorney Trevor Oliver went through Section Five and made some changes to the wordage. Section Five is working with the zoning ordinance. A five acre minimum size lot for any new development. The existing map has not changed much. The McNaulty lots would be grandfathered in and anything that touches the lake would be considered an estate. Trevor is working on ordinance 107 for the comp plan; general regulations. The Gateway ordinance is already done. Once this is ready, a public hearing can be scheduled to make the amendments at the Planning Commission meeting. ADJOURN Upon motion by Commissioner Wippich and seconded by Chairman Rafferty, the May 4, 2010 regular meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Ayes — 2, Nays — 0. Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakernn.org Gem Lake Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3 APPROVED: ATTEST: ATTEST: Julie Newkirk Craig Rafferty Recording Secretary Chairman Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org