pm_040109 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, April 01, 2009 Page 5 Discussion included meeting time; interesting cases heard at the Variance Board level; and a quorum consisting of two, with three usually in attendance. Commissioner Gisselquist volunteered to serve on the Variance Board. Chair Doherty thanked Commissioner Gisselquist for his interest; and staff noted that the Planning Commission’s recommendation for appointment of Commissioner Gisselquist would be placed on the City Council’s consent agenda for their April 13, 2009 meeting for their approval. Upon their ratification, the Variance Board would consist of Commissioners Boerigter, Best and Gisselquist, with Commissioner Gottfried serving as an alternate. d. Other Reports/Updates Mr. Trudgeon advised that the City Council had approved an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant to assist with work to be completed once the Comprehensive Plan was approved by the Metropolitan Council and the City Council; and anticipated selection in June. Discussion included the anticipated zoning code amendments and Master Plan review to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; preliminary review by the Metropolitan Council and their request for additional detail unrelated to land use issues and designations; anticipated receipt of the Plan by the end of April or the start of May of 2009 and nine (9) months for aligning all zoning code amendments; the numerous amendments in place, since initial adoption of the zoning code in 1959, and the difficulties in interpreting the code with those many amendments. Commissioners requested that staff return to the May 2009 meeting with the Work Plan for the benefit of new commissioners, and as a reminder to other commissioners of that work plan, and how the zoning amendments will be incorporated during 2009. Mr. Trudgeon advised that the Orchard Development by Mr. Art Mueller has not made it to the City Council level, and he didn’t anticipate it doing so before late April, as the applicant(s) were still tweaking the plan, following continuing discussions with the neighbors, individual City Council members, and the developer to address remaining concerns. Mr. Trudgeon advised that the Wellington Redevelopment had been presented at the City Council level; however, the City Council expressed concerns related to the building’s location and the safety triangle; with the developer agreeing to additional work on the design before again presenting it. Mr. Trudgeon noted that if there were major adjustments indicated, the plan would return to the Planning Commission for further review. Commissioner Gottfried opined that the Planning Commission would like to be in concert with the City Council in decision-making; with the City Council supporting most of the recommendations of the Planning Commission and issues addressed at the Public Hearing level. Commissioner Gottfried suggested that a joint meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission be held to make sure everyone was in agreement with the process and the charge to the Planning Commission. Mr. Trudgeon advised that the annual joint meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission was scheduled for May 11, 2009 for that very purpose. Chair Doherty noted that the Wellington redevelopment case was the first case utilizing the contemporary design feature with buildings located closer to the street and parking in the back; and expressed enthusiasm for further discussions. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the City Council’s usual agenda didn’t allow them to concentrate on major discussion time on land use issues. 8. Adjourn Chair Doherty adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:37 p.m.