HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-14-2006City of Medina Planning Commission Minutes — March 14, 2006
PRESENT: Marilyn Fortin, Sharon Johnson, Steve Jacobson, Tom Crosby, Mary
Verbick, Jeff Pederson and Doug Dickerson. Also present: City Administrator -
Chad Adams, Planning Consultant — Sarah Schield, Administrative Assistant —
Janet Olson and Council Representative Elizabeth Weir.
1. Call to Order: Chair Tom Crosby called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM.
2. Public Comments: There were no comments from the public. Tom Crosby
asked if the need remained for such detailed minutes since the meetings are
now being recorded and asked what the retention schedule for keeping the
recordings was. City Administrator Chad Adams stated the City Council
prefers the written minutes that can show the dialog and the chain of
discussion when they go back to review them, often years later. Chad Adams
also added that City Staff has discussed retaining the recordings for a year
but there has not been a council decision on the length of retention.
Liz Weir provided a report on behalf of the City Council and provided a recap
of the last City Council meeting.
3. Approval of Minutes from 2/14/2006 Planning Commission:
MOTION/SECOND (Verbick/Dickerson) to approve the minutes from the
February 14, 2006 Planning Commission as corrected. MOTION PASSES
BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
4. Planner's Report: The Planner's Report was provided in written form due to
the absence of City Planner at tonight's meeting. Tom Crosby gave a brief
overview of what was in the packet.
Chad Adams, City Administrator showed the location of where the concept
plan that Cudd Builders will be submitting. The lot is north of 55. Chad
Adams also reviewed the Comprehensive Plan process stating that RFP's will
be going out to prepare and implement a citizen survey to occur in April or
May. The survey will be prepared to gain citizen input by an outside party to
ensure the questions are nonbiased. Chad Adams also reported that a part
of the Comp Plan process will involve open forums for community members
starting in May and will be held each month through November 2006.
5. Open Space Planning: Tom Crosby introduced Open Space Planning as a
relatively new concept that determines ways to save and enhance the
environment. Tom Crosby stated for him the greatest issue is will the final
result be optional or obligatory for landowners and developers.
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Liz Weir reported that at the March 6 City Council Meeting decided to appoint
an Open Space Task Force comprised of 1 City Council Member, 2 Planning
Commissioners, 2 Park Commissioners, 3 Citizen Stakeholders, 1 staff and 1
consultant.
Sharon Johnson asked how common open space planning was.
Tom Crosby responded that 30 years ago the community of Jonathon
Minnesota developed their entire community around the Open Space
concept.
Mary Verbick stated that the design features such as Minneapolis uses
incorporates open space planning that allows for many parks.
Tom Crosby stated that with the many wetlands in Medina the need for open
space planning exists.
Liz Weir stated that the planning process will take a year. There are many
models around us in the area cities, such as Independence who is using a
cooperative approach. Liz Weir added that developers like the idea as it adds
value, Wild Meadows is a good example of how incorporating open space into
a development has added value. Liz Weir stated that she would recommend
that Steve Jacobson and Sharon Johnson be appointed to represent the
Planning Commission on the Open Space Task Force.
MOTION: (Fortin/Verbick) to appoint Steve Jacobson and Sharon Johnson to
the Open Space Task Force. MOTION CARRIES BY UNANIMOUS VOTE
Doug Dickerson asked what the budget was for the Open Space Planning.
Liz Weir will check into the budget amount and get back to Doug Dickerson.
Mary Verbick stated that now is a good time to do open space planning as we
are currently under development pressure and can not do the planning after
the fact of development.
6. Moratorium Discussion of Ordinance Amendment to Subdivision
Requirements and Zoning Ordinance.
Tom Crosby reported that since the last meeting the Moratorium Committee
Report has changed and should be modified to remove the tree ordinance.
Tom Crosby continued by stated that there are two letters to be included with
the report that state their opinions that the lot width should be 250 ft. and not
300 ft. as recommended by the committee. The letter from Thomas Crosby
stated that the 300 ft. lot width is too restrictive to property owners and letter
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from David Wessin stated the opinion that the 300 ft. lot width is an unfair
burden on the residents.
Sarah Schield stated that the Planning Commission will need to make a
recommendation to the City Council tonight. Sarah Schield also stated that
she feels that the lot width and lot frontage needs to be clarified as to what is
being recommended.
Tom Crosby stated that frontage is where the lot meets the road and width is
defined in the ordinance. Tom Crosby suggested speaking with Rose
Lorsung for clarification.
Steve Jacobson asked what the plan is for the tree ordinance as with the
possibility of future development will there be protection for the trees.
Tom Crosby stated that there is no deadline for the tree ordinance but is on
the fast track of "to do list"
Liz Weir stated that it may be better to have a professional assist with the
ordinance and implement with open space planning.
Steve Jacobson asked what if a developer comes in before a tree ordinance
is in place.
Liz Weir answered that this is a risk, but is important to have a first class
ordinance then one that is put together being rushed.
Tom Crosby reported that during discussion in Moratorium Committee
meetings Jim Dillman, Public Works Director stated that trees equate to value
and developers want to maintain value of projects and this has never been an
issue in the past.
Steve Jacobson stated that in Plymouth the removal of excess trees has been
an issue and would like to see something in place when the moratorium
expires.
Public Hearing was opened at 7:45PM
Tim Druk, 190 Bergamot Drive stated that he thinks that 300 ft. lot width is
quite excessive and that 250 ft. meets the needs of the residents.
Mark Metzger, 4065 Shorewood Trail stated that 300 ft. is quite excessive.
He agrees with the set backs being proposed but wonders why the additional
50 ft. were added.
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Tom Crosby stated that many communities were looked at during the process
of coming up with the 300 ft. lot width. Tom Crosby added that Liz Weir
measured the width of many houses and the 50 ft. setback and 300 ft. lot
width is currently the norm in Medina
Dan Johnson, 2505 Willow Drive stated that he lives on property that is
affected by the lot width and feels that 300 ft. lot width is good. If need be a
person could ask for a variance. And 300 ft. lot width would preserve rural
character. Dan Johnson also added that the tree ordinance is important and
do not leave the trees unprotected.
Susan Sween, 2112 Holy Name Drive stated that she is a long term resident
and so is her family. She feels that as residents they are being picked on as
there are so many new ordinances and regulations. Susan continued stating
that 300 ft. lot width is an exorbitant amount.
Bill Cavanaugh, local property owner stated that he has built a lot of houses
and does not understand why someone would need that much land.
Tom Crosby showed the area that is included in the moratorium and
explained that the area in the moratorium is zoned Rural Residential.
MOTION (Verbick/ Dickerson) to accept the moratorium report with the
deletion of the tree ordinance and to include the two letters regarding lot
width. MOTION CARRIES BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Marilyn Fortin suggested polling each Planning Commissioner to get their
individual opinion on uniform 50 ft. setback, lot width, and the proposed
ordinance.
Uniform 50 ft. set back:
Marilyn Fortin agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back
Doug Dickerson agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back
Sharon Johnson agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back
Steve Jacobson agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back
Mary Verbick agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back
Jeff Pederson agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back.
Tom Crosby agrees with the uniform 50 ft. set back.
300 ft. Lot Width:
Marilyn Fortin stated that her opinion remains that 250 ft. should be the lot
width.
Doug Dickerson stated that he was in favor of 300 ft. lot width especially
because of animals but when you add the wetlands into play he feels the lot
width should be 250 ft.
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Sharon Johnson stated that if 300 ft. is the current standard as that is what
most houses are being built on and if this is part of the current housing
movement then the 300 ft. lot width is not too restrictive.
Jeff Pederson stated that he is in favor of 250 ft. because the 300 ft. set back
is too restrictive and with the wetland ordinance pending we do not know what
the buffer zones will be.
Mary Verbick stated that she is in favor of 300 ft. based on the extensive work
that has been done by the Moratorium Committee and added that the 300 ft.
would maintain rural character.
Steve Jacobson stated that the sum of the parts exceeds the value of the
whole and does not understand that developers cannot see that fewer lots
make them more valuable. It is not restrictive and actually enhances the
value. Because of this there isn't any hardship and the 300ft. lot width would
help maintain rural character.
Tom Crosby stated that he is in favor of 250 ft. based on the reasons
previously stated.
Proposed Ordinance:
Doug Dickerson wondered how feed lots would be defined.
Liz Weir stated that she will look into the definition.
Tom Crosby added the Moratorium Committee addressed the review and
updating of the definition of Agriculture in city regulations.
Steve Jacobson stated that he is of the opinion that the tree ordinance should
be adopted as soon as possible.
Liz Weir said that a lot of discussion has occurred on how it is best to
measure the removal of the trees.
Mary Verbick stated that it is important to be proactive and not reactive in
dealing with the tree ordinance.
Tom Crosby stated that he does believe trees are worth saving, but some
trees may not be worth saving which is why the trees will need to be
classified.
Dan Johnson, 2505 Willow asked what the recusal policy is for Planning
Commission and City Council members.
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Tom Crosby stated that there is a requirement of disclosure for a conflict of
interest. He stated that all Planning Commission members currently are
property owners.
Steve Jacobson questioned building height and what if someone was to build
on high elevation.
Tom Crosby stated that the Planning Commission has recently reviewed
building heights. Tom Crosby added that the city has been asked to develop
a steep slope ordinance.
Dan Johnson, 2505 Willow Drive stated this is the last chance to put a stop to
excessive subdivision and urges the Planning Commission to acknowledge
the time spent by the Moratorium Committee by approving what they have
submitted and by doing so would be a way to empower citizen to be involved
and their time spent is heard by City committees.
Public Hearing closed at 8:30PM
MOTION (Verbick/Fortin) to recommend approval of the amended Moratorium
Report to the City Council with the following additions: the Plan Commission
has 4 members in favor of the 250 ft. lot width and 3 members in favor of the
300 ft. lot width, add as well as terms related to agriculture such as feed lots
in definitions, and add the Planning Commission believes the tree ordinance
is very important and should be adopted promptly. MOTION PASSES BY
UNANIMOUS VOTE
Tom Crosby called for a short break at 8:34 PM
The meeting reconvened at 8:50.
Mary Verbick left the meeting
Tom Crosby stated that Dick Picard undertook the project of creating by-laws
for the Planning Commission and created a draft. Liz Weir reviewed the draft
and made some changes that she felt would more likely be accepted by the
City Council.
Sarah Schield stated that if this is a guideline then how will the guidelines be
enforced.
Tom Crosby stated that he is ok without guidelines as we are only a
recommending body and are appointed by the City Council.
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Liz Weir stated that she appreciates the initiative that Dick Picard took to get
the by-laws started and also feels where there is structure there is efficiency
and thinks the by-laws are a helpful document.
Marilyn Fortin suggested that we should use the term guidelines instead of
by-laws.
General discussion occurred on what would constitute an absence and how
many absences are too many. Tom Crosby stated that he will work on the
wording for this item.
Doug Dickerson stated that it is important to receive packets on Friday
evening.
Steve Jacobson wondered if the packets could be received earlier.
Sarah Schield answered that it is not possible to get the packets earlier as
often there are items included that are a result of a City Council meeting that
meets the Tuesday before the Planning Commission meeting.
Tom Crosby stated that if there is a large agenda that it might be best to
schedule an extra meeting instead of meeting late into the night.
Doug Dickerson stated that this year there were 7 candidates for the Planning
Commission. Is it possible they could come before the Planning Commission
before being appointed?
Liz Weir responded that the candidates were interviewed and Mary Verbick
was a part of the interview process. Candidates are appointed based on
diversity, geography and experience.
Jeff Pederson stated that he thought that the interview process was very
helpful.
Sharon Johnson stated that she would like a copy of the Orientation Manual
and feels it is important to be sure that what is in the by-laws are not in the
manual.
Liz Weir reported that Chad Adams is working on the manual and it is near
completion.
Tom Crosby offered to take comments from tonight's meeting and incorporate
them into version 2 and bring it back to the April Planning Commission.
General consensus was to have Tom Crosby bring back a version to the April
Planning Commission meeting.
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Doug Dickerson wondered why the security lights are on all the time at the
Community Building and asked if the Community Building should follow the
same standards as others.
Doug Dickerson stated that a silt fence that the City put up a couple years
ago along Pioneer Trail is still up and wants it removed.
Sarah Schield stated that she will talk to staff about the fence.
MOTION (Fortin/Dickerson) to Adjourn. MOTION PASSES BY UNANIMOUS
VOTE.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:34 PM
Janet Olson Date
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