HomeMy Public PortalAboutPC Minutes 03-10-2020 1
CITY OF MEDINA
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday March 10, 2020
1. Call to Order: Chairperson Reid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Planning Commissioners Aaron Amic (arrived at 7:01 p.m.), Peter Galzki, Ron
Grajczyk, Beth Nielsen, Kerby Nester, Robin Reid.
Absent: Planning Commissioner Cindy Piper.
Also Present: City Planning Director Dusty Finke.
2. Public Comments on Items not on the Agenda
No comments made.
3. Update from City Council Proceedings
Albers reported that the Council recently met to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 8 of
the City Code related to residential parking. He stated that the Council did not share the same
concerns as some members of the Commission and unanimously adopted the ordinance
which reduced the minimum garage size from 440 to 400 square feet for townhomes. He
explained that there was no concrete reason 440 square feet was originally chosen and the
City’s minimum was out of line with other communities, therefore the Council agreed that it
would make sense to reduce to 400 square feet. He commented that 400 square feet was
more aesthetically pleasing and seemed to fit better with the designs of buildings.
4. Planning Department Report
Finke provided an update.
5. Public Hearing – Adam’s Pest Control (Jar-Har, LLP) – PIDs 04-118-23-21-
0001 and 04-118-23-24-0001 – Preliminary Plat, Rezoning, Conditional Use
Permit, and Site Plan Review (Updated)
Finke reported that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this request in October
of 2019 and noted that most aspects remain unchanged. He stated that the primary change
would be related to access for the property. He explained that the original plan was to
connect a new street through property east of the subject site to Willow Drive with a
temporary right-in to the site from Highway 55. He stated that since that time staff and the
developer have been working with the property owner to the east but have been unable to
secure the necessary right-of-way and therefore are reviewing alternative options in the case
that cannot be obtained. He stated that MnDOT has been consulted and to have access on
Highway 55, full right and left turn lanes would be needed at that intersection to provide
access to the property. He reviewed the different land use applications included in this
proposal for what is intended to be an office building, warehouse, and potential restaurant.
Nielsen asked why the agreement with the property owner to the east was not enforceable,
requiring the construction of the private road.
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Finke explained that would be triggered with development of that site. He stated that
MnDOT has stated that the Highway 55 full access would be allowed but alternative access
options would be preferred when available.
Reid asked for information on the risk of an intersection at this point and whether a study
would be helpful.
Finke replied that there are inherent risks for any intersection. He explained that this is not
the ideal location, which is why alternatives are being explored but noted that a study would
not be required.
Todd Leyse, applicant, stated that the plans remain the same. He stated that they would still
run sewer and water connections through the private road easement. He explained that they
are requesting highway access in order to move forward as they have not been able to make
progress with the property owner to the east. He explained that if they are able to reach an
agreement with the property owner to the east within the next four weeks, they would choose
that option but need to move forward in order to proceed with construction. He confirmed
that if he has to pay for the left and right turn lanes, he expects that access to be permanent
but recognized that he would be at the mercy of MnDOT.
Nielsen referenced the comments from the engineer which provides a variety of options and
asked if the applicant has an opinion on those options.
Finke stated that those options were a part of the discussion with MnDOT.
Leyse replied that they worked with MnDOT and the civil engineer in order to ensure that the
turn lanes and other elements would meet their specifications. He noted that a separate
permit would need to be filed with MnDOT and therefore the intersection plans would be
subject to the review of MnDOT and any changes it may suggest.
Reid mentioned the possibility that a large volume of vehicles could be leaving the restaurant
element at one time.
Leyse noted that there could be times when vehicles could queue leaving the site, but each
vehicle would need to look for a safe opportunity to exit onto Highway 55.
Reid opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m.
Don Jeszewski, 6215 Willow Drive, Corcoran, stated that he believes the access from
Highway 55 would be a better access. He stated that if an access is provided onto Willow
Drive, that will cause additional traffic onto the unpaved roadway from the Adam’s Pest
Control business. He asked how the north parcel would receive access if the road to Willow
Drive is not constructed.
Leyse provided a response as to how that access would be provided to the northern parcel.
Jeszewski asked why the applicant would want the property subdivided at this time instead of
when the proper access is available. He stated that it would seem that the City should require
that the rest of Willow Drive be paved to the Corcoran line when the private road is
constructed.
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Galzki commented that it would seem to make sense to pave the additional 300 feet when the
road is eventually constructed but noted that would depend upon the traffic report.
Finke provided additional clarification that the road would be paved to the access road but not
to the Corcoran city line.
Reid asked if public safety has reviewed this plan and asked for input from Belland.
Belland replied that this access would not be as safe as an access at Willow but noted that the
City has had similar types of access for busier locations, using the example of the Medina
Ballroom. He agreed that the best option would be for access to be provided from Willow
but stated that a left- and right-hand turn lane would make the Highway 55 access safer than
it would be if vehicles were stopping in traffic to turn.
Nielsen referenced the suggestion for an eastbound bypass lane and asked for additional
clarification, using an example of an intersection on Highway 12.
Finke explained that would be an option rather than a turn lane, which would be less
desirable. He explained that the example Nielsen provided is a capacity element rather than a
safety improvement.
Reid closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m.
Galzki commented that he continues to support this proposed development. He stated that
adding a right and left turn lane would suffice from a safety standpoint to allow the Highway
55 alternative if access cannot be gained to Willow Drive.
The other Commissioners agreed that while Highway 55 access would not be preferred, the
alternative proposed would be agreeable.
Motion by Galzki, seconded by Nielsen, to recommend approval of the rezoning,
preliminary plat, site plan review and conditional use permit subject to the conditions noted in
the staff report. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Piper)
6. Approval of the February 11, 2020 Draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.
Motion by Nielsen, seconded by Galzki, to approve the February 11, 2020, Planning
Commission minutes with the noted change. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Piper)
7. Council Meeting Schedule
Finke advised that the Council will be meeting the following Tuesday and Nester volunteered
to attend in representation of the Commission.
8. Adjourn
Motion by Galzki, seconded by Nielsen, to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.