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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 12-15 PC MINUTESDecember 15, 1994 Paul R. Emeott, Mayor 3960 Scheuneman Rd. Gem Lake, Mn 55110 Dear Paul: The Gem Lake Planning Commission met Monday, December 12, 1994, 7:30 PM, at Tousley Ford. Present were Gardner, Docken, Titcomb, Arend, and Emeott. The notice of the meeting was published in the White Bear Press on November 30. Mr. Greg Rick and Mr. John Birkeland appeared to present the site plan for the conversion of the Tastee-Freez to a coffee shop, Cafe Cravings. Mr. Rick intends to operate 5:30AM to 10:00PM in winter, possibly until 1:OOAM on Saturday and Sunday, and until 12:OOM weekdays in summer. He intends to remove the old sign, reroof the building in cedar shakes, and put up a new non -blinking neon sign on the roof "Cafe Cravings". He also intends to erect some sign on Hoffman Road, toward the Country Lounge, directing attention to the drive-thru. He understands that he is limited to 50 sf of signage, plus the shopping center sign, and that he needs a permit from Mr. Arend. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the site plan as submitted subject to the following conditions: 1. the developers agree to maintain the 20 foot landscape border should County Road "El' be widened in the future (signed agreement included in Mr. Magnuson's packet), and in consideration of which, 2. the City Council will grant a variance to the developers allowing construction of the required 20 foot landscape border within the road right-of-way, 3. Mr. Rick will provide the City with escrowed funds to cover the cost of the landscaping, 4. Mr. Rick will produce a final plan showing sign locations and dimensions, and, 5. all of these conditions must be met prior to the issuance of a building permit. Mr. Birkeland then requested the opinion of the Commission as to the requirements for his erection of a pole building on his property for the storage of his equipment, etc. The building would be on the separate lot to the south of the greenhouse, and behind the Hansen and Anderson properties (3538 and 3524 Hoffman Road) on the land which is being filled. The proposal would require a special use permit, as it exceeds the allowable 1000 sf for accessory buildings, and, as it would be constructed on a separate lot, but as an accessory building to the greenhouse business, the permit would have to make that clear so that it could not, in future, be construed to be the primary building on that separate lot. Also, since the location is proposed to be close to the neighboring lot lines, a landscape screen should be provided, and size may be a concern. Setbacks, etc., would be worked out in advance with Mr. Arend. Mr. Richard Hiniker appeared to explain the current remodeling project at Tousley Ford. We have been conversing and meeting regarding signage, traffic control, and landscaping on the east side of the main dealership. He indicated that the only new sign to be erected on the main building will be a Ford logo on the new foyer. Mr. Gardner asked about a proposed new pedestal "Ford" sign, and he indicated that was not in the plan. Tousley will need to apply for a variance from the ordinance to allow for one sign of 300 sf and a total of 12 signs. They will also apply for permits in the future for the use of any temporary or mobile signs. We also discussed the ongoing problem of traffic exiting the dealership and service department to the left (east) on "EVI, which has been the site of multiple accidents. Mr. Hiniker has requested that the City join them in petitioning the County to extend the median westerly on "Ell beyond that entrance to prevent its use by both exiting and entering easterly traffic. The Commission and the Mayor agreed to support the petition. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council waive the site plan review requirement for the addition of the entrance foyer on the south side, and the compressor and oil storage facility on the north side, of the main building, subject to the following agreement: 1. total signage at this site will be limited to 674 square feet and 12 signs, 2. a landscape plan for the Highway 61 border, similar to the tree plantings on "Ell, will be submitted by February 1, with completion by June 1, 1995, and, 3. Tousley will install two temporary "right turn only" signs at the exit to "E" from the showroom area, and submit a professionally -developed plan for a permanent solution to the traffic problem by February 1, 1995. Neither Ms. Rademacher nor Mrs. Murphy appeared, although Mr. Ron Benson, one of Mrs. Murphy's tenants, was present. Mrs. Murphy has notified Ms. Rademacher to vacate the premises of all the horses by January 10, 1995. Upon the advice of both Mr. Newcome and Mr. Meslow, Mr. Gardner instructed Mr. Arend to issue a citation to Ms. Rademacher for violation of the zoning ordinance, with the intent to drop the charge if she complies with Mrs. Murphy's request. Mrs. Murphy was not cited as she has been cooperative in solving the problem, and Mr. Meslow agreed. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00. As I will be out of the country until April 4, I will nominate a member(s) to keep track of the Tousley Pintos and the Murphy Broncos. Mr. Magnuson will be able to reach me if necessary. With warmest good wishes for the holiday season and the New Year, I am, Respectfully yours, David K. Gardner, Chairman Gem Lake Planning Commission cc: Planning Commission City Council Arend Magnuson Hiniker Birkeland Rick Murphy