HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 11-15 PC MINUTESGem Lake Planning Commission
David K. Gardner, Chairman
1399 E. County Road "E"
Gem Lake, Mn 55110-5231
(612)429-9288 FAX 429-5034
November 15, 1995
Paul R. Emeott, Mayor
3960 Scheuneman Rd.
Gem Lake, Mn 55110
Dear Paul:
The Gem Lake Planning Commission met Tuesday, November 14, 1995,
7:00 PM, at Tousley Ford, the meeting having been postponed from Monday
due to scheduling conflicts. Present were Gardner, Titcomb, Nielsen,
and Emeott. Notice of the change in date was published in the White
Bear Press on November 8. Rob Hansen also attended.
Jack Frost and Mike Kuehn of the Metropolitan Council staff
presented the Livable Communities Act and requested the City's
participation. This legislation is a result of the 1995 session and is
voluntary in nature. The Act, basically, is designed to encourage
communities to develop "affordable" and "life cycle" housing. At this
time, all Ramsey County cities have agreed to participate, with the
exception of Vadnais Heights (voted down) and Gem Lake. We were
clearly not a high priority, as the deadline for participation is
today.
The definition of "affordable" is $115,000 for a single-family
home, or $630 per month for an apartment. Although these numbers seem
reasonable in this market, it is difficult to envision an appropriate
location in our City. Although there is aid money mentioned, it was
suggested that we could not expect a developer to qualify. There are,
of course, conventional sources of aid for such developments, such as
Minnesota HFA, etc. The suggestions for accomodating such development
fly in the face of the City's Comprehensive Plan and goals: increased
density, sewer extension, etc.
The "life cycle" housing component has no cost limit, and North
Oaks is participating on the basis of that aspect of the Act. Although
we do not have zoning for common-wall/condominium development, it is
possible that such could be accomodated without a density increase, and
may become an attractive option at some point in the future.
The process for participation would require that the City Council
adopt a resolution at the November 20 meeting, and adopt the agreements
by December 14. The City would then develop an "action plan" by June
30, 1996, and prepare an annual progress report thereafter. Non-
participation is a "black mark" and restricts access to certain state
funds.
The Commission did not vote on a resolution, but the consensus of
opinion was that the paperwork requirement far exceeded any predictable
value to the City. Clearly, the MC wants loot participation, but both
representatives evidenced an understanding of our reluctance. Also,
the 12th hour approach allows little time for thoughtful study, and
participation can be initiated at a future date.
Tousley Sports Center has submitted a tentative proposal for re-
signing their facility, as discussed in June. The proposal calls for a
large pedestal sign on the corner, and the general restructuring of
their existing signage. Unfortunately, the proposal totals 555 square
feet, or double the most liberal interpretation of the ordinance limit,
and 2.5 times the current signage. Mr. Gardner has written Mr. Hiniker
requesting a revised proposal not to exceed 300 square feet.
White Bear Floral erected some new signs at Highway 61 and Hoffman
Road this summer which exceeded their permit. Mr. Emeott raised the
issue of this new sign meeting the requirements of the ordinance, and
the Commission wishes to review the entire signage issue with Mr.
Birkeland. Mr. Gardner will communicate with Mr. Birkeland, requesting
that he remove the new signs immediately, or reduce the signage to the
limit of the 1990 permit, and revisit the issue with the Commission in
December.
Mr. Roger Bromander, of SEH, presented the initial re -draft of the
Comprehensive Plan, and the Commission and Mayor spent the balance of
the evening editing and suggesting changes. There was very little
"new" in this edition. It appears that the old plan has simply been
put on disk for review. Mr. Magnuson informs me that SEH billed us for
57 hours of work on the Plan through September, which strikes me as
unbelievable! I would suggest that we request a friendly audit, as we
have only begun the process.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
David K. Gardner, Chairman
Gem Lake Planning Commission
P.S.: At adjournment, Mr. Hansen presented Mr. Gardner with the
revised application for rezoning the northerly six acres of their
property on County Road "Ell from R-1 to R-4. This will require a
public hearing and Commission and Council action prior to Jan. 13.
cc: Planning Commission
Arend
Magnuson