HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-10-2023 Planning Commission Minutes 1
CITY OF MEDINA
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday January 10, 2023
1. Call to Order: Acting Chairperson Rhem called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Planning Commissioners Adeel Ahmed, John Jacob, Matt Plec, Justin Popp, and
Braden Rhem.
Absent: Planning Commissioners Beth Nielsen and Cindy Piper.
Also Present: City Planning Director Dusty Finke
2. Changes to Agenda
No comments made.
3. Introduction of Planning Commissioners
The members of the Commission introduced themselves.
4. Update from City Council Proceedings
Albers introduced himself and provided an update on the activity of the Council from its first
meeting of the year at which Council appointments were made and a discussion was had with
Representative Kristin Robbins.
Popp asked if there is a timeline for a new fire station and when that would be necessary.
Albers commented that timeline is not yet known and provided additional information on
how the communities in this area are working together to establish a fire district with shared
services that would operate in a more cost-effective manner.
Popp asked if there are any concerns with current response times.
Albers replied that Medina is currently served by four fire departments with excellent
response times.
Jacob asked what is driving the water treatment plant expansion.
Albers replied that it would be in anticipation of future growth.
5. Representative at Next City Council Meeting
Finke advised that the Council will be meeting the following Tuesday and Jacob volunteered
to attend in representation of the Commission.
6. Planning Department Report
Finke provided an update.
2
7. Meander Park and Boardwalk – Meander Road, East of Arrowhead Drive –
Medina Ventures – PUD General Plan and Preliminary Plat for Commercial
Development Including Event Venue, Daycare, Restaurant and Retail (PID
0211823330003)
Finke noted that the Commission reviewed this case in November and recommended
approval.
Plec excused himself from this discussion and vote to avoid a conflict of interest.
Finke stated that this is predominantly a commercial development with residential
development on the northern portion of the site. He stated that originally the lodging units
were proposed to be on the northern portion of the site, but concern was raised, and it was
determined that the lodging should be incorporated into the commercial development and the
northern units should remain strictly residential. He stated that the applicant has updated
their plans as such for review. He stated that the focus tonight will be on the architectural
changes and incorporation of the lodging units into the event venue space. He stated that as
proposed there would be 19 rooms within the lodging space. He also highlighted
architectural elements that have been updated and improved since the last review. He noted
that the twinhomes have been updated to be two story homes. He stated that the materials
were updated on the event venue, increasing brick and tile. He noted that staff would suggest
additional modulation for the event venue and the twinhomes.
Jacob asked for details on signage.
Finke replied that signage has not yet been requested and therefore the standard signage
regulations would apply.
Chris Pederson, applicant, stated that they are attempting to create a boutique development
and therefore have not yet discussed signage but could consider a larger sign for the
development on the upland area. He stated that he would prefer more signage on the actual
buildings. He stated that the water feature would stand tall enough to have signage for the
event space. He stated that most daycare users would not be deciding to stop because of
signage and therefore building signage should be sufficient. He stated that the retail and
restaurant would have visibility from Highway 55 and therefore building signage should be
sufficient as well. He stated that it is not his intent to have large multi-tenant signage. He
stated that it is their intent to provide enough signage to alert customers but have the overall
development more lowkey and boutique.
Finke noted that if desired, the Commission could direct staff and the applicant to work
together to present a general plan for signage prior to the Council meeting.
Ahmed referenced the townhomes and asked if those would be listed for sale.
Pederson confirmed that they would sell those as single-family homes to individuals. He
thanked the Commission for the pivot at the November meeting to suggest lodging on the
commercial side as that is a key component for the development. He stated that having the
lodging component enclosed within the event center would also address the previous concern
of safety for those crossing Meander to reach the units on the northern portion of the
development. He recognized the signage is important for a restaurant or retail user and noted
that in terms of signage they want something on the building that would be visible and would
blend with the overall aesthetic of the development.
3
Ahmed recognized that detailed signage at this point would be premature.
Finke explained that the intent would be to discuss the allowable signage per frontage, noting
that could be combined to have one larger sign rather than two smaller signs. He noted that
they could also then discuss the building signage that would be allowed. He stated that there
could be general signage requirements incorporated into the development agreement that
would help to ensure the aesthetic of the development is carried through by individual users.
Pederson commented that he would perhaps want a sign denoting the overall Meander Park
and Boardwalk development that would fit with the rural character of the area.
Jacob inquired about what vehicle-resistant fencing would entail.
Finke replied that the alternative would be bollards. It was noted that securing and hardening
of various locations has become common practice, so there is likely a standard for fencing
intending to stand up to vehicles.
Pederson commented that a daycare operator would have additional regulations they would
have to meet in terms of safety, above the regulations of Medina.
Finke noted that a public hearing was held in November, therefore a second public hearing is
not required, and the meeting was not noticed as such. He stated that public input could still
be accepted.
No comments were made by the public.
Popp commented that he supported much of the development proposed in November but was
happy to see this compromise on the lodging. He stated that he also wanted to ensure that
this pivot was still economically feasible from the perspective of the developer, which seems
to be the case. He believed that all of the issues from November have been addressed and he
is happy with the updates to the design. He stated that he does support the recommendation
of staff for additional modulation.
Jacob concurred with Popp’s comments.
Ahmed had nothing new to add and wished the developer well.
Rhem commented that he too would support additional modulation on the two-story addition
to the event venue.
Pederson provided additional details that will be on the event venue and twinhomes that he
believes will provide modulation. He noted that the design of the twinhomes will be
changing and stated that their desire was to receive approval for the footprint, two-stories,
and number of units for the residential component.
Motion by Popp, seconded by Rhem, to recommend approval with the conditions noted in
the staff report. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Nielsen and Piper; Recused: Plec)
Plec rejoined the Commission.
4
8. 2023 Planning Commission Officer Elections
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
Finke opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chair for 2023.
Popp asked if there was interest expressed from Nielsen or Piper on the positions.
Finke replied that Nielsen stated that she is not interested in serving as Chair and suggested
Rhem for the position.
Motion by Popp, seconded by Ahmed, to elect Rhem as Chair. Motion carries
unanimously. (Absent: Nielsen and Piper)
Rhem opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice Chair.
Rhem nominated Popp.
Motion by Rhem, seconded by Jacob, to elect Popp as Vice Chair. Motion carries
unanimously. (Absent: Nielsen and Piper)
9. Approval of the November 9, 2022 Draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.
Motion by Jacob, seconded by Rhem, to approve the November 9, 2022, Planning
Commission minutes with the noted changes. Motion carries unanimously. (Absent: Nielsen
and Piper)
10. Questions/Discussion: “Land Use Regulation for Local Officials” Webinar
Finke stated that the City encourages the Commission to alert staff if there are training
opportunities they are interested in. He stated that this webinar was offered from the League
of Minnesota Cities and provides general knowledge on the topic which can be helpful for
Commission members.
Rhem commented that the information is helpful and provides a refresher as well.
Finke noted that planning cases typically fall into one of two categories: quasi-judicial or
legislative and provided additional details on each category including the level of discretion
each would have.
11. Adjourn
Motion by Jacob, seconded by Rhem, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.