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PL 01/27/1988 - 30677�� 4►� • �_ �� , ��_�� «�;u�u. �_ •� ��+?� �: I=�U��+ -..'IZ� ��, TO ORDER: Chairperson Betzolc7 called the 3anu�ary 27, 1988, Planning Co�►ission meeting to orc�er at 7: 32 p. m, ROLL CALL: Members Preserit: �nald Betzold, .Dean Saba, . S�e Sherek, . Alex Barna, Richard Svanda (arr. 7: 55 p� m. ) Members Absent: Daviol Rondrick Others Preserit: Jim Robinson, Planni.rag Coordinator Jock Robertson, . Co�a�ity Developner� Director Glen Wiens, .202 S. Lily, Lake Crystal, Mn. Peter Schtil.l.er, .209 Wooc] Lake Dr. S. E. , Rochester Georc,�e Applebatun, 2233 L�L H�alir�, . St Paul ApPRnVAT. OF .TA1�1t1AUV 6. 1988. PLANNII�IG CONIl4IISSION MINU1.'ES: Mr. &�rna statec� he woul� 1 ike to note that the reason he was 1 istecl as � absent at the meeting was because he was unaware at the time of Mr. Betzold's appointme.nt as C9nairperson of the Planning Ca�unission and that he was to attend the January 6th meeting. �'LQ�1 by Ms. Sherek, seoonded by Mr. Barna, to approve the January 6, 1988, Planning Coa�¢nission minutes as aQaended. UPON A VOICE VOrE, . ALL V01.'IlSG A�, �IAIItPERSCi�T BEPZ�,D DECLARID THE MOTION Q�RRIED UN�NIl+�US'GY. 1. piiR ,T(_ HF.ARTRY�- C01�SIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT. SP #88-01. BY A. B. SYSTEMS. INC. : Per Section 205.17.1. G 8 of the Fridley City Coc�e to allo�v .exterior stor age of materials anol equignerit � that part of the Fast 225 feet of the west 475 feet of the North Half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, �30, 1�24, Anoka Coumty, Minnesota, lying North of the South 405.60 feet of saa.d North Ha].f of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quar�ter, the same being 1130 - 73rd Avenue 1�L E. � by Mr. Barna, sea�nc7e� by Mr. Saba, to open the pub7. ic hearing. UPON A VOICE VUI'E, . ALL VOrIlQC AYE, C�3AIRPERS�T BErZC�,D DECLARID 'I'IiE MOTION CARRIED ONAir1Il�IJST,Y, . AND THE PUBLIC HEARIl�IG OPENID AT 7: 34 P. NL Mr. Robinson stated this property was loca.te� south of 73ro1 Avenue and east of Higliway 65. It was the subject of a lot split, L. S. #87-02, by Don � Reiken, President of Hydraulic Specialties, located just to the south of the parcel that was split oft. At this time, Crysteel Distributing, Inc. , who is a tenant of Hydraulic Specialties to the south was requesting to -1- PIANNING C�SSION NIEETIl�TG, J�NL�RY 27, 1988 construct ana operate its busir�ess on that property with outside storage. n The property is zoned M-1, light industrial. �'he uses proposed with the business inclucle warehousing, .li�t manufacturing, oftice use, as well as sales ana service. Nir. Robinson stated the site area was approximately 1.3 acres,.anc7 the building area was 11,440 sq. f�, and there was a requireaent for 39 parking spaces. Mr. Robinson skated the site glan whi�h has been developed by A 8 S�istems, Tnc. , included a building with overhead doors within the storage yard area. The storage yard fence would rtul continuously around the bui.lding area. 2'here will be requireol parking in f ront and back and on the east side of the building. Mr. Robinson stated there were two variances associatecl with the projec:t that were going to the Appeals Commission on Feb. 2, 1988--one f or a ��i 1 ding setback on a right-of-way fran 35 f� to 15 ft. and a hard surf ace setback fro�n 20 ft. to 5 ft Mr. Robinson state� Staff was reao�nending the follc�wing stipulations: 1. Redesign garking to provicle ten foot stalls with at least 15 feet of setback on the west with turn-aro�md. 2. Prwide an eight foot high cllain link fenoe with vinyl slats on east, � west, ana north ( including qate ) with no barbed wire visible f ran right-of-way. �� 3. Provide aciditional. landscapirAg as per staft drawing (to be suppl ied prior to Coimcil) . 4. Staff reserves the ri�it to reoomnend changes to the buildig facade to achieve qualitative oonsistency with reoerrt construction in the area. 5. Developer to supply a storm drainage p].an for staff appraval by Ftebr�ry 5, 1988. Rioe Creek Watershed approval neecled prior to lauilding permi� 6. Private util ity easement and �venant between subj ect property and parc�]. to the south to be executed and recorded prior to builing permi� 7. Balan� of park fee fran L. S�87-02 to be �icl prior to building permi� 8. I�b dissp].ay tfor sale or atherwise ) of trucks or equi.Fane.nt will be permitted outside t,he storage yard. 9. Letter of credit to vover outside imprwenerits to be supplied prior to building permi� Mr. Barna askecl how this parking was going to be tied in with the developnent to the south and the development to the east, . ancl with Rice -2- ;� �:_�!�1 �; «�;aiv� .� •� ��?1?�� _ _I,_�1�1; �+ ' : : (�eek being right on the east edge of i�he property. Mr. Robinson stated that along with the lot spl it he hacl mentioneol earl ier, there was also a split af the easterly 25 ft. of the entire lot betweeen 72nd and 73rd, and that 25 ft. , along with approximately another 25 ft. is the Creek area. 7fiat Creek is being pipecl at this time by Determan Welding, the o�mpany to the east. That has been appravecl by the Rioe Creek Watershed District, ancl there was also a Comprehensive Drainage Plan that was approvecl by the Rice Creek Watershed District, so �his c�evelopnent woula have to tie irito that drainage sche�ae. As far as tying irito the property to the south, along with the lot split, there was a variance approve� for the Hydraulic Specialties building with the lat split for insufficient rear yara. There woulc] be a fence on the r�ew property lir�e. Fie did not believe there was any cross traff ic oonsidered at this time. Ms. Sherek askec7 about lancl�caping along 73rd Avenue. Was there going to be a visibil ity problen with the trees and bushes? Mr. Robinson stated they were shawing trees with berming. They qenerally ask for a oombination of trees and shrubloery. Ms. Sherek stated that because of the variance for a reduced setback, they are looking at that luildinq being quite close to the ri�it-of-c�aay in terms � of the traffic that oomes out of S�.iper-America and oomes along the service road an� makes a ri�t hanc7 turn out cnto 73rc1 Avenue. It was becoming a heavily traveled raadvaay. Mr. Robinson state� there �vas a visual safety zone included in a triangle where no landscaping could be plaoed. '�hat would inc].ude r�o berming. They woul� also malce sure that the sic,� was not a problen there either. �e sicgi would have to be high enough, at least 10 f� oft the grotmd. Ms. Sherek stated that the ti.me when the piping of the Creek was proposed, there was also some discussion about the possibil ity of using that for access to Determan frc� 73rd Avenue. Was that still a consideration here? As she r�sn�nbered, the Co�nission had some o�ncern about rear acc�ss or sic� access. There was some concern about whether trucks could turn back in there anc7 c�t back out � to 72nd Avent� and whether there would be enough ac�ess to 73rd Avenue to preverit that f rcen bevoming a problen. Mr. Robi.nson stated Mr. IIeternnan's acc�ss was def initely oft 72nd Avenue. He stated he oould check into this. Ms. Sherek stated she thought the original discussion hadl to �o with the possibility of a coterminous driveway running along there to provic7e Determan with a way to get large vehicles in and out of his property, if r�eecl be. Mr. Fvbinson stated he did shaw some parking and clriveway along that area, /"'� but it was quite a way froan the 25 ft There was some v�nsi�eration at the ti.me for avernic�it truck storac�e, 1-2 t,rucks at a time, but he bel ieved the ac�ess was off 72rid Avent�. He stated he did not see any particular problen -3- _��_��N �i. «��U�U� � � � V��_� _�,. �i l��i i�. • : : W].�1 �115. Mr. P�ter Schuller, A. S Syste�ns, Inc. , stated he was representing Crysteel Distributing. A1so at the meeting was Glenn Wiens, .the General Manager of Crysteel. �3e statec� Crysteel's hane of�i�e was in Lake Crystal, Mn. , and they have a branch office in Fridley. They are leasing right now from Hydraulic Specialties at 1131 — 72nd Aven� N. E. 7.'liey have purchased the property ciirectly north of there ancl would like to expand into that f acil ity. Crysteel' s pr imary business was sal es and di st r i but i on of tr uc k equignent and accessories. '�iey install such things as truck dump bodies onto trucks, as well as installing snow plows, hoists, . tool boxes, anal r�ning boards. Mr. Schuller stated that prior to the intaltation of the truck t�o�ies, they are goi.ng to need a oertain amotmt of storage, tmtil an ir�c7ividual picks of the truck, and that was the reason for the special use permit. He stateol they have ma� a couple of changes, such as lines in the �ra�ain�s, and those have been discussed with Mr. Robinson. A7r. Betzold asked if the petitioner was agreeable to the stipulations as rea�mmendecl by staff. Mr. Schuller stated that Stipulation �1, that the parking be redesigned to � proviole 10 ft. stalls with at least 15 ft. of setback on the west with ,, turrrarouncl, has al ready been diorne. Mr. Schuller stated they were basica].ly in agreement with the rest of the stigulationa He stated they have been working with Mr. Robinson and have talked to the City's Building Inspector. Mr. Schuller stated regarcling the Co�nission's wnoern regarding the sign, if they we�e to install the sicgi on the northwesk wrner, they would elevate it 15 ft off the gra�e level. '�hey did not have a problen with dsoing tha� It was to their advantage to do that; otherwise, the sign �aoulcl not be visihle frcan Higtiway 65. Mr. Betzold stated that with this special use permit and the varianc;es goi.ng to City Co�ci1, was it a problen with the Appeals Do�mnission minutes com�.ng ba.ck to the Planning Caanmission before c�oing on to City CoLmcil? Nir. Robinson stated that if they were to wait for the Feb. 2 Appeals Conanission minutes to aome back through the Planning Commission, it would delay the special use permit and the variances from going to the City Co�ci1 tmtil. Feb. 22, instead of Feb. 8. Mr. SGhuller statedl they would 1 ike to go to City Council on Feb. �, a� possihle, because they wduld like to start spring construction as soon as possih7.e. r� Mr. &�rna asked what they would be storing in the storage yard. Mr. Wiens stated there would be a few chassis, mainly finished products, � � ��_��;�I«�-v�v� �� • s u�� : 1: � �� ,+' �►/�!�II� utility bo�s, snow plows, etc. �is would not be a major storage place. The products would possibly be in the storage yard about a week before they were motmted onto trucks, etc. The sales v�ould be mainly sales of the smaller parts. 7LYze sale of larger �rts was handlec] at their Lake Crystal facil ity. Ms. S'herek askec7 if the creation of this rear yarcl storage was going to eliminate the storage or dlisplay of trucks sitting out on 72nd Avenue. She stated she did not like it, . because it lookea 1 ike a usec] car lot. Mr. Wiens stated the stora� of trucks woulcl stay on 72nd Avenue, . because �hat was �ing to be their lot, .l�ut it wotil.d be fence� so it would not be able to be seen. Mr. Schuller stated they will he eliminating soane storac�e spaoe by building the k�uilding. � by Ms. Sherek, se�ondecl by I+�rr. Saba, to c].ose the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VUt'E, . ALL VOrII�� A�, CBATRPERSCI�i BII'ZCLD DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARIlITG Cq,06ID AT 8: 05 P. NL Mr. Saba stated he thought this lookecl like a good plan. � Ms. Sherek stated it was the best glan she felt anyor� was going to come up with for this site. Ms, Sherek stated they oould eliminate Stipulation �1 as that has alreacly been �one by the petitioner. � by Ms. Sherek, . seoonded by Mr. Barna, to recommend to City Council approval � Special Use Permit, . SP �88-01, by A. B. S�istems, Snc. , per Section 205.17.1. G 8 of the Fridley City Code to allav exterior storage of materials ancl equiLanent on that part of the East 225 feet of the West 475 feet of the North Half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, � 30, I�24, Anoka Cotmty, Mi.nnesota, lying Nor�h of the South 405.60 feet of said North Half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, the same being 1130 - 73rd Avenue N. E. , vaith the f ol low ing stipulations: 1. Provide an eight foot high chai.n link fenoe with vinyl s].ats on east, west, and north (including gate) with rio barbed wire visible fro� ri�t-o�f-way. 2. Provide additiona]. landscapinng as per staft drawing (to be su�plied prior to Cou�ncil). 3. Staff reserves the right to recommer�l changes to t,he builcling facade to achieve qualitative consistency with reoent oonstruction in the area. 4. Developer to supply a storm drainage plan for staff approval k�y n �ebruary 5, 1988. Rioe Creek Watershed approval needed prior to building permi� 5. Private utlity easement and covenant between subject property and -5- �_�4 �� . _ «�,SJ��1r , � � U�� . 14_�1 l; '�� --�'�� aaroel to the south to be executec7 and rewrded prior to building permi� 6. Balance of p�rk fee fresn L. S�87-02 to be �id prior to building pernni� 7. l�o display (for sale or atherwise) of trucks or equipaent will be permitteal outsicZe the �orage yard on their property or any ather aolj aoerlt property. 8. Letter of creclit to v�ver outside improv�nents to be supplied prior to building permit i]E�N A VOICE VOI'E, . ALL V�IlQG A�, Q3AIl�ERSODI BII°ZC�I,D DECLARED THE MOTIOI+1 (TiRR]ED UIVANIl�A[TSLY. ,�LQI� by Ms. Sherek, . seaonded by 1Kr. Barna, that tne varianoe request by A. Br S�istems, . Ina , go directly to the City Council from the Appeals C�onumission without going to the Planning Co�aission through the minutes so that the varianoes and special use permit will go to City Council on Feb. �. UPON A VOI� VOI'E, . ALL VOPTNG A�, �A,TRPERSQII BEPZ�,D DECC,ARED THE NIOTIOI�i (�,12RTED UNANIl�W�Y. �� ,�. �� ; �__ •� • v �� L_ z;� _ «�'�is� � �. � �:- K� ��.� .�_�.� : a�� Q�T by Mr. Saba, seconded by Mr. S�ancla, to remove the item from the tayal� UPON A VOICE VO�E, . ALL VOPIl�iG A�, Q�RS�T BE�Z(%D DECLARED THE Ni0TI0N C�RRIED U1�1NIlK�ISLY. N1r. Robirason stated that since the last meeting, Staft lookea at various op�ions, and he was pre�xirecl to present only one option, because staft felt it was the only option that made sense. That option doe s incl ude an additional curb cut to the l�oore Lake C�nmons proposed shopping center on Central/Rioe Creek Roac7 in an area c]irectly across from 63rc1 Avenue. The c�veloper has req�ested this curb cut due to a marketing concern for soQne o� the tenant spaaes in the proposed shopping center. Mr. Robinson statecl that at the last meeting, there was some concern as to t,he impact an the neighborhood to the nortla and the use of 63rd Avenue by c�nnercial tr�f ic wanting to shortcut the 1 ight at Highway 65 and Rice Creek Road. Based upon those oonoerns, . staft came up with a desi� which i.ncludes extending Rioe Creek Road's proposed median to preclude traftic fran exiting the shopping center anol cutting across. In aadition to the olriveway median, it directs traff ic to the east so the mavenent across Rice Creek Road was pro�ibitec7 in that way. It does not restrict the use of 63r� Avenue � the neighbors; they still have all the convenienc�s they have today. One thing they cannot cb is leave the shopping c�riter and go across to 63rd Avenue f ran the new driveway, but that was a Qonvenienoe they woul d not have without the proposed driveway, so nothing was being taken away fran �"`� than. Mr. Robinson stated that with the closing of t,he median on Sic�way 65 at the -6- � i �� ; e��:�ivr ,� • � viai�� .�: Ix �.�I:_�� 63ro1 Avent�e area, the southboimcl traftic would be precludecl fran using 63rd Avenue to cut through. So, .that was working in the r�eic,�borhood's favor as well. Mr. Robinson stated staff was revommnending the follawing stipulations: 1. Developer will proovide a aentral driveway with glantings in line with new curb cut as indicated on attached plan. 2. Developer will provide li�ted directional signage whi�h denotes entranoe and exit lanes with no exit � back on entry sign. 3. TYie developer agrees to close the driv�ay if the City determi.nes that an Lnmanageable traft ic situation results f ran its use or mi.suse. Mr. Robinson stated these stipulations were cliscussed with staft and the Ward Councilmember, and it was the feeling that this lookecl like a workable sGhene. Mr. Barna asked if r�otiae of this meeting was sent out to peopl e on 63rc1 Avenue. � Mr. Robinson stated, . no, it was not. Notices were sent out to the same �� people wlm had been notified about the plat for the last meetinc,� Only one person came to that meeting. Ztie or�e person was oonc�ernecl about assessments related to Central Avenue improvenents, so staft felt it was realty not necessary to send out an aaditional mailing as they do not foresee a sic,�if icant impact to the area. Ma Sherek stated the only thing that would possibly impact the people on 63rd Avenue was the closing of the median on Highway 65/63rc1 Avenue, , and there was nothing they aould ol� about that Nlr. Appleba�un sstated he was satisfied with the plan. In his original aoriversations wit11 Mr. Robinson, . he had stated that ingress was vahat they were looking for, and they felt this was well planne�l and would address their aoncerns. � by Ms. Sherek, . secondecl by Mr. Saba, to approve the Moore Lake Co�mnons curb cut request as presented by staf t and pass it on to the City Co�cil with the follawing stipulationss l. Developer to provide a oentral driveway with glanting.s in li.ne with new curb cut as indicateol on attached plan. 2. Developer will provide lighted direc�ional ssi.c�age whic,li denotes e.ntranae and exit laries with no exit on back on entry sic3n. 3. Zhe developer agrees to c1osQ the c�riveway i� the City �, deternnir�s that an tmmanageahle traff ic situation results f ra�n its use or misuse. -7- � . . �;_�!�� ,_ ��vivr � • � u!�a�!►.�� It �l�t: ��, UPON A VOICE V�E, ALL VOrI11TG �, . CH�AII�RSCLV B�GCLD DECGARID THE MOTION (�,RR]ED UN�NIl�[JSLY. Mr. Robinson stated that at this time, . it might be appropriate to receive the Jan. 12, 1988, Appeals Co�nission minutes. ,�Q�T by Mr. �rna, seoonded by Mr. Saba, to receive the Jan. 12, 1988, Appeals Co�nission minutes. UPON A`70ICE VOI'E, .ALI, V�Il�C AYE, CHAIl�RS�1 BII'Z�,D DEQ,ARED THE MOTI0I�T C�tRIED UNP�iIlK�JS'LY. Mr. Robinson stated that at the Jan 12t1a meeting, the Appeals Commission ap�ravec] both the varianoe for the front yard setback and the increase in pylon sic�age fro�a 80 sq. ft. to 224 sq. f� E�e statec3 that regardinq the pylon sic� varianoe, staft was g�ing to look at other sign variances that have been c,garited for ather shopping centers in the city, and see if this request was equivalent or excessive to other requests. The City Council also aske� �taff to laok at proposals for changes to the sic� ordinanoe that have been made in the past argl to review that along with the sic� variance to see if the ordinanoe r�eedea to be changed. Mr. �rna stated that about 1 L2 years ago, the Appeals Commission looke� to the City Council for guidance regarding the changing of the sign �` orolinanoe. At that time, . the City Cot�cil deteuairned it was better for the Appeals Conuaission to review each request on a one-ta-one basis. So, that is what the Appeals Commission has been doing. Ae felt the Appeals Co�rm►ission was sti11 looking f or more of a guidel ine on 1 ar ge c�ve1 opment s like the M+oore Lake Ca�nmons develapaerit. �iis was a very larc�e develogne,nt, ancl it was �ot fair that they be stuck with the same restrictions on sic�age as a little oorrier grocery store. Mr. Robinson stateol that without an ordinance change, the size of the c�velo�anerrt esserrtially beoomes the harc�hip� Nir. Barna stated that has been the o�noensus of the Agpeals C�amission--the size of the develormeat, . the location, . the visibil ity, the accessibil ity, etc. Ms. SYierek arnnpsre� the visibil ity the Skywo�l Shopping Center hacl compared to what the Moore Lake Co�m►ans �evelo�me.nt was going to have o�f Hi�way 65. She stated safety wuld be a factor, too, when they are talking abouk having a pylon sic� out in f ront with the names of the businesses on it, as opp�eed to someone driving by on Hic,�.iway 65 in heavy traftic who is trying to figure out if the business he wants is down the stree� Mr. Robinson stated that one stipulation on the sic� variance was that the new �hopping center woul.d have only an 80 sq. ft. pylon si�. The developer aqreed to this, . so the total signac,�e area for both shopping ceriters was 304 �, sq. ft with aver 147, 000 sq. f� � shopping center. N�r, Barna stated that was mai.nly v�lay the l�ppeals Coa�ission did not have a -8- /��1 �� .I�N �.. «�'Ui�� '� � v Uiai?�� s. 1�_�L�4.-'-� — prol�len with the 224 sq. ft. pylon sign being in the proposecl location, . because of the size of the Skywood Shopping Ceriter and the amowlt o�E signage at that c:eriter as a�m�reol to the amoimt af ssic,�age proposed for Moore Lake Caa�unons. N1r. Barna stated he personally wvuld rather see c�ood sic,�age i�ntitying the shopping ce�rter and the stores that are there, . so that, as meritioned by Ms. Sherek, . peogle are not c7riving along Highway 65 loolci.ng for a store and end up causing an accident. Mr. Appleba� statecl that at the Appeals Commission meeting, . it was mentione� that the people wl� live in t,he r�iglib�rhooc�l feel �y,�-h� woulcl be an imprwenerit aver what is there r�ow. �'��_ 4. • � .t��i1,�'�L �4 � �L��! L ��i r� � ; ��L�_ Mr. Robinson stated that sinc� it had been some time since this had been c3iscussed, . staft wanted to bring the Co�nission up to date on what has been happeninc,� Ae stateal they reaently talkec7 to the HRA about two items: (1) the treatment of the medians and shoulders; and (2) the choice of 1 ighting for tile seivic�e roadg and intersections. Nlr. l�binson statedl there was sa�►e serious discussion at the Oct. �, 1987, ,,,� �A meeting on prai rie tr eatment on the medi ans and shoul de r s. Mr. Rnn Bowen, . President of Prairie Restorations, . one of the leading prairie imp].enentors in the ootmtry,.was at the meeting and made a preseritation. He discussed the pros and wns of prairie. The most striking feature about prairie was that it woulc7 do well �a wo�a require minimal maintenance. The problen wou].d be or� of subjectivity in terms of appearance and what they are trying to achieve with the in►prwenents to University Avenue and the image the prairie would project. Mr. Robirason stated the idea was to plarit prairie with an abtmdance of wilcl flawers, . perhaps even up to 50� wild flowers, . with stagecl bloom so there would be aolor throughout the growing season. Because of the fact that there is a question as to whether or not it was what they �re �earching for ima�-wise, they suggested to the HRA that the City olo a test segment and �mpl.enent prairie in the rural section between 73rd Aventg and Osb�rne. The HR� me�nbers seemed to like that idea and suggestea� doing a test acljacent to the Co�an�ity Park and Columbia Arena, . give it two years to s�e how the prairie works, how the people react, eta ; and, . in the meantime, build the rest of the Corrideor in teinns of the intersections and other landscaping. At the s�ame time, they woulcl cb another test to impl.enerrt the first segnent, between 57th Avenue to 61st Avenue, . install turf, mairytain it and evaluate the maintenance time anc7 cost in treating the lawn with fertilizers, . herbicides, and mawing, . and see haa the turf stands up to the salt Mr. Robertson skated one of the things they are wncerr�eol about was that the real enthusiasn and support for the t�grading was local businesses, .not o�].y � on University Avenue �it along some of the other major arterials in the city. Those businesses are looking at their competition in other aom�n�itie� where there is the "golf course" manicured lawn look. The -9- —;_�I�f .�. ��;viv� �� s��+!� �1 I;._�1�1=�� — objective was to c7em�strate that over a 2-3 year period what this prairie will look like and give it a chance to look attractive. He felt the busi.ness people with vomanercial frontage �mtil now have been expeeting the traditiona7. golf dourse look. Ms. Sherek stated the question she hacl about the prairie was: Has it been put in urban high traffic areas before? The iaea of prairie was nice and idealistic, but native prairie type plants are not going to grow ira that atmosphere any bet�er than sod or evergreens. Mr. Robertson stated they have been told by the prairie experts that natural grasses that are native to this area were more resistant to the kin�s of abuse that high traftic puts on then than, . for instanoe, , hlt�c,�rass. Ms. Sherek stated they are looking at a lot o� traftic and a lot of salt in the �vintertime. Mr. Robertson stated it was precisely the kinds of concerns NLs. Sherek was raising that indicated they better test the prairie before they spend a lot of money on i� Ms. 5herek stated it was nioe to have the iciea o� rotating seasons and the different flawers, . but haw much of it was really g�ing to survive? �� Ms. 5herek stated another thing to look at was if they plant the prairie gras� and flowers near residential houses, . were they going to have the problen of people calling the city to come and spray their lawns because they do not want aaisies and thistles grawing in their front yarc�? Mr. Robinson stated that rec�arding lic�iting, . it was the current concept to try to proviole f rontage road 1 ighting at the commercial se ct ions and intersection lighting. �iey have gone through a variety of c�nsiderations. The first one loack in 1986 included the typical shoebox light along the highway itself and then a smaller version of that on the s�rvice roaol. Then, . the discussion mwed to an iclea where they c�ould provide something more c�eoorative, . more eye- catching—a globe 1 ight with a mast arm on the frontage road with the shoebox light sti11 in the intersection. Mr. Robertson state� it should be emphasized that the globe lights are dewrative. They cb not cast an efficient path of light, �e objective was strictly to catch the eye and attract attention to the oonoQaercial busiriesses on the f rontage roads. Ms. 5herek stated they were looking at two different kincls of lights that really did not look that compatible together. If the merchants want deoorative lighting, .let then buy it. Nlr. Robinson stated the hybrid ooncept included the globe light with the gooseneck, . because it was kind of different than what was seen in other � oommtmities. Then, . at the intersections, , they �uld use a Wingate, . a high efficie.nt o�br�hea� light in a d�ewrative globe casing. Then, . they woulc7 have the globe-type fixture in both cases and have that consistency. They -10- /� ' i,l�l !�, �!�;V�V� 1 � � V�DI�� , Li_�i�l: +i woulc] have the cbuble globe at the oommercial frontac� roaol and the single globe along the bikeways and mir�or frontages. Mr. Robertson stated the cyt�estion c�ne up at staft level as to whether they �ould get a more �iform li�at kut have the s�►e type af 90� radius, , rather than the 180� rac�ius on the snaller c7eoorative lights. Staft will have a vendor supply a catalog to look into that possibility. Mr. Barna askea if staft had lookeol at the light scatter-eftect from these lifferent globe lights. He statec7 there was an astronomy club at Springbrook Nature Center, anci he was an amateur astronoaner. He knew if he was trying to look at something in the sky over Brookdale, . he had to look through a glaw. Ae realized that lights were needecl for safety purposes and decrorative purposes, . kxit when it enf ringes upon hobbies and prof essions, . etc. , then it Y�i.nclers people's enjoyment o�' their awn back yards. Mr. Robertson stated one thing ak�ut the deaorative lic�,it was they will have a transluoent glow, . and they can use a low wattage bulb to achieve the deoorative effect. But, there would be a certain amount of sky overcast glare that was �avoidahle, There was a little less of that glare with the gaoser�ck because the casing was at the top rather than at the b�ttaa. Mr. Saba askecl if there was going to be any problem with these proposed � li�nts with the State of Minnesota's lia,�ting standards. Mr. Robinson stated everything has to be approveol by the State,.arid they are working on that Mr. Robertson stated they have been told that all the a].ternatives being looked at will meet A�DOT's stanalards. 7C'Yie critical difference was that MnDOT w�ll servioe, . install, �ol repla,ce the standard oobra-head curvecl arm which is used all over the state. However, . if a city wants anything differerrt, . Mr�DO� will eval�te it and approve it for 1 ighting eft iciency, but the local g�verrsnerit was responsi4le for servicing it and replacing it. So, . the City Council will have to realize that they are taking on an ac�C7itional annual oost if they deviate from MnDOT's stanc7arc7 lighting. ' �?i�� _?ir • 4�v�� z�� C' ei ; �`�4_� �!� • �.. Mr. Robinson stated staft has been asked to l�k at porta-panel si�s by one of the City Council members. Presently, . the city ordinance allows porta-panels with a permi� It is limi.ted to three non-consecutive times per year for r� more than ten days at a ti.me per k�usir�ess. �Yie problan they get into is there is no direction in terms of multi-tenant ]cuildings such as shopping centers, . so each tenant within a shopping ceriter would be allawed to have that same allotme.nt � sign, . regardless of how many tenants there are in the center. l�irr. Robinson stated they are ending up with some �oblens. Skywood Mall has � 2- 3 siqns up at one time. In fact, . it gives then an ac�ditional 150 sq. ft of pylon sic�age on an ongoing basis. There were also soane problens on East River Road at the Riverboat Shopping Center. -11- pra►Nnrrrx: CUNIl�SSION MEETING. JAN[Il�R3t 27. 1988 � . Mr. Robinson stated Lisa (�npbell,,Code �foroement Specialist,.did a survey an� fouu�cl that tlnree cities prahibit por�a.-panels altoc�ether; hawever, . they cb allav banners, . ana, . in some cases, . changeable message signs such as rea�r boards. 7Sze City of Fric�.ey, at this time, , prohibits a message sic� that c�hanc,�ees the message more than onc� every 15 minutes. Other cities have similar ordinances to Fridley's, , some more restrictive and some less restrictive. I�r. Robinson stated it was staft's reoommendation to consider some of the follawing code �►enc�merits: 1. Stipul,ate rm use of t�nporaLy/porta-pariel sic�s with all riew comprehensive si� plan agprovals. 2. Restric.t the use of temporary/porta-par�l sicg�age to one ta.me per year per business; this wi11 all�v for exposure for new business grand openinc�s and major sales pramotions. 3. Restrict the use of porta-par�els to one �it per tax parcel/ developnerit at any one ti.me. 4. A11aw for changeable message pylon sic�s as a subetitute for P�rta-Par�els- � 5. Allaw iEor banners and balloons as tenporary pranotional si�age. 6. Restrict the use of p�rta-panels altogether. Mr. Robinson stated that reoo�nerx7ation #6 by itself would be a solution, . anol reoo�nendations �1-5 could be a sewnd solution. Mr. Saba asked if the city now allvwed the hot air balloons. l�rr. Robinson stated the ordinance did not specif ica].ly address the balloons, . aric7 they have treated then as teaporary sic,�aqe. l�.s. Sherek stated the ooncern she had was if the city c%cides to prohibit porta-panel signs, . someone is going to come up with some other kind of sic�age. Mr. Saba statecl he li.kecl the idea of one sic,� per business per year for a restrictec� perial of time to be usQd for special grand openings or special sales. fle dicl not fir�d porta-panel signs objectional for those kinds of things, . but he did f ind it objectional when the use of the si� is abused. Aqr. Betzold askecl if they should be aslcing the Fridley Ch�nber of Commerce for some input regarding porta.-par�l sic�s. Mr. Barna stated there was a lot of discussion with the businesses in � Fria�ey back when the Sign Coamnittee czhairecl by Pat Gabel studieol the ssign ordinance and reaomm�encled changes to the City Council. He thought it was the main c�oncensus then that the lusines�s will take all the sic,g�s they can -12- �"� � .; �� , «�;��r . • � ��.�; �;_��!r: ;�. 9et- Mr. Barna stated the problen with the tanporary sic� ordinance ric�t riow was there was no teeth in it Ma Sherek statecl she like� the idea of one porta-panel per business per year, .10 clays maxim�no. She did not care if the sicyz then mavecl and another busirr�ss usea i� What she clid object to was when the sic� was left in the same location with the same sale infornaation on it two months after the sale was over. However, . anything they clo along these lines would have to encompass the temporary banners that are being put on the f ronts of buildings. So many � these banners are left up for �re than four weeks, . anol they get dirty and quite tattered. Mr. Robertson stated the real problem was enforc�ability. Whenever they write an orolinanc�e where they have to start counting days, they introduce the oomplexity of enforaement. In other words, . they have to have staft out in the field co�ting days. 79ze end result was that a lot of violations fall throu�n the cracks bec°ause they cannot field a permanent staft gerson to really �vatch things. Ms. 5herek stated that right now a business has to pull a permit for a tenporary sicg�. So, . oaue solution would be that every Monday (or any other � day), staff can print out a list of the kusirnesses that have telnp�rary sic,� penmits. As the staft person is clriving around and notices signs, . he/she can check the list, . see if that business has a permit, . and the date the permit expires. It was similar to the Police .�gartment's °hot sheet° on lioense plates or stolen cars. �1 Mr. Saba skated that if they put on a restriction of one sign per business per year for a maxinumn of 10 days, . where cb they clraw the 1 ine as to which business gets to put a sign up during the year? Even it it is on a first-come, . first-serve basis, , he did not know it that would hola up in c�ourt. Ms. Sherek stated the le.�sor nf the shopping center should then make the dete�nination as to whi�h lxisir�esses get to put si�s up c�uring the year. Mr. Eetzold stated that would be a sol�ion, . because most shopping centers have very tight restrictions in their leases that prohibit tenants from c7eveloping their awn sicg� plans, . eta Mr. Betzold stated that it they d�o restrict the use of porta-panel signs, . they should probably put something in the orclinance about banners and balloons. Ms. Sherek stated she did not thi.nk there would be a problan with balloons. Those are pretty expensive to rent and a business usually cloes not leave thea up very lonc� Aawever, . there mic�it be a prolalen with bar�ners. Mr. Barna suggested that any temporary sic�age or any signage that is not part of the recognized sign plan be limited to °x° number of days per °13- � �=_��r �� Ui�� .� • � �i?!�4� �� Ii_�l�l= ��. develagne.nt per year. Mr. Barna stated that it tlze sic,� was permittecl to one per Ixisiness, . then they wall nm into the prok�].en where the si� oampany is renting sic,�s for 30 day�, . and if the permit is for �ly 10-15 days, . the �siness miqht f ind someone else in the develognent to take �he sic,g� for the other 15 clays. If the City restricts that to the poirat where the busir�ess has to tell the sicgi oampany they cannot rent the sicgi because they can only rent it for 10 days,. the sign Qompany will acljust their rent sahedule because i�hey want to rent that sic�. Nir. Betzold suggested that the business pay a c�eposit when getting a sign permit Ms. Sherek state� the idea of a deposit was a very goocl idea. If the busir�ess c�ets the sign a14wn within 10 days, . the dep�sit is returnec7. Make the aeposit stiff—S]50? Mr. Saba state� he also agreed that it would be a good idea to put a refundable deposit on all temporary sic,�n permits. This almost made the ordinanoe enforQeable by itself. Mr. Robinson thankecl the Planning Co�unissian menbers for their input. . . , . ��1� _�� • Lx y _�,�- _- ��, 4?�� _� �_ ��?�� !�_� � �! � 4�_ • �'- Mr. Robinson stated this isst� was lookecl at and discussed at an earlier meetinc� The issue was that there were going to be variances with the taking of n�unerous properties along East River Roacl for road expansion. What they did not know at that time was whether or not the City was oblicfated to grant variances ancl building permits for this. Staft had talke�l to the Leaque of Minnesota Cities who studiecl up on the case law. A Le�l Research Assistant by the name of Jay Squires responc�ed to the City in a letter datecl Jan. 11, 1988, in which he statea that the City was not obligated to issue a variance or a builoling permit on non-conforming property, . and that these °takings" should reaoc�ize what they are cloing to the property in ternis of restricting future develognent. Mr. Robir�son statedl it was his opinion at this time to take a"wait and see" approach. Tlze only property there seeaed to be an issue on, . provided the County purchases all the other lots which the Planning Commission reo�uenended, . was a vac�nt lot which was �art o� t11e Oak Ridc,�e Estates which has a cul-�ie-sac, .101 - 76th Way. Tlzat lot was being diminished in size fran 9,000 sq. ft to 7,500 sq. ft., so it would require a variance for lot area which was nat there before the Co�ty takin� Mr. Robinson stated the other varianc�s were for existing structures, . and they were r�t a problen �til sucli a time as the builoli.ngs burned or were deestroyed to more than 50� of their value. At the time of rebuild, , the � �er woulc7 have to seek a varianoe. �iere was also the chanoe that some of the buildings aould be relocated at the same time so they w�uld meet oo�e. -14- � _�_ ��1 �, «�<�l�V� ',ti'� � � 41�� . IQ �1�1�_��' NLs. Sherek askecl if any � the property awners had been notit ied that the Cotulty was cutting their properties down to what would not be buildable lot sizes. Mr. Robins�on stated that at this time, . no one has notitied the property owr�ers; hawever, . the person who awns the vacant lot has been in oonta.ct with the City. Mr. Robertson stated the City Co�cil discussed this at their January 25th meeting, . and he would get the Co�anission aopies of that disciassion . �� r�_��.4� ��. • � v�.�� •� i ��_ ��9�-�� ' � �1v;_� � _`• a�i�_, �!�,u�i�� . •� �!�� s�. 4� �__ • u�U__ 1!� 4 • ' � • /4_. _ • x_ ' • _ � �_ ^ ' � !� �L _�N 's_ _ � .. 4 - z'- :i � by N1s. Sherek, . seoonc�ed by Mr. �aarna, . to receive the Oct. l, 1987, Htunan Resouroes Co�nmission minutes which includecl a motion to recommend a�roval of a pol icy regarding m�micipal data bases. UPOIV A VOICE V�, , ALL VOPIlIK� AYE, . CHA�RPERS�T BETL�,D DEQ�ARED THE 1+�OTIOI�T CARR�D U1VAN�i1SLY. Ms. 5herek stated the rea.son this was back before the Cwmnission was because � somehaw this motion haci gotten lost and had not g�rie onto the City Co�cil. Ms. Sherek stated the IIim1an Resouroes Coamnission had some rather extensive cliscussions with mmibers of city staft, . Sid Inman, . Rick Pribyl, . and Bill �t about the uses of da.ta anc7 c7ata bases by city staft. �iey talkeol about the fact that the city staft should have a planning comanittee that talks about what they have in terms of data acc�uaulation. This came out of some oonaerns that were expressed about what kind of data was being accwntalatea in the various oomputers and various o�ata bases around the City, . and what kind of �mpact it vould have on the privacy of the citizens of Fric7].ey. Contrary to popular opiraion, . the State Data Practioes Act was not the same as the Federal Privac.y Act. The Federal Privacy Act says it is private tuiless it says it is publia 79�e �tate �ata Practioes Act says it is public tui].ess it says it is private. T�ings like disoontin�d poli�e iravestigation information is public information. Ptis. Sherek stated another a�ncern was that the Fire Department maintains in the computer lists of where the elderly and disablec7 people resicle in Fridley. �e City also maintains lists of what houses are worth in Fridey. (tiirrently, the data bases are riot oompatible, . k�ecause they happen to be on two different machir�s, .�t if they should happen to be put on the same machir9e, . when they oampose a�if ied data base, . some salesper�n or someone posing as a salesperson wuld oome in looking for a list of people over 65 years of age who are well to clo and be able to go out and rip oft these older peopl� r"� Ms. Sherek stated that as a result of these kinds of concerns, , the Commission was asking that the City develop and maintain a systematic practioe of looking at the data that is being acct�ul.atecl. �ne of the -15- �i �f��M��. Rrvi�� . • � uial?��l �� I= �L!4 �-� - problens with pub].ic data was onae they start accumulating it, , it is very diff icult to get rial of i� The la�vs, . esse�tially, . prohibit d�nnping i� Mr. Saba. stated maybe s�aeone should checK with other communities and see haw they are handling these same lcinds of sittzations. Ma 5herek stated they didl t,hat, . and they fotmd that ather cities are doing nothing. She stated the H�unan Resourves Co�nmission was recommending that the City have an ED�P overall oonunittee that looks at all the priorities,.all the projects, . atl the traininq. The State has what they call a prototype glan for management ir�f'ormation syst�ns. She stated they used that plan in her affioe where she works when they developed their own plan as to what reoords they vaanteol to retain on their systen. Mr. Robertson stated the City just ooncluded a reo�rds oonsial.tant study with a f inn called Bottcan Line. �ie president o� Bottaa Line used to be the head of Administrative Servioes Reooro� Retention at the State of Minnesota. '�9ae ena result of their reaonaaendations was that the City was keeping a lot more c�ata than the� r�eed, .l�ut that most of it was manual files. �he City has now hired a Reooro� Reterition Specialist to �p].enent these rec�nnendations, . and they are c�:aring up for p��.S°�� lJLlyp before they start the remodeling of City Hall. ^ Ms. Sherek stated one o� the aonc,ern� with the auto�nated data was one the City has addressed in a crt�de, . kx�t effective manner. �hen s�►eorie comes in looking for information, . staft wi11 give him/her that information l�t r�t in a manner that makes it easy to get That..essentially,.i� all that�the Data Ptactioes Act requires, . t]aat if the information iss there, . it must be made avail abl e to the publ ic, . but it does not say it has to be made avail abl e to the p�abl ic in a f orniat the publ ic requi res. Nis. 5herek state� that there is so much integration in computer equipment today anci the worlcl has oper�ed up so much that a lot of attention has to be pai� to what inEormation is being retair�ed. Ms. Sherek stated one of the thinc�; she finds as a Systens Analyst was that people aie always wanting to put things on the aomputer without a clear idea of why they are doing it or €or what purpose. So, . there has to be a point where there is a clear and comprehensive reason for why people are acc�unu]. ating data. Ms. S�aerek stated she would like to recommend that the following motion reo�nended by the H�unan iZesour�es Crna¢aission be forw�rded on to the City Cotmcil : � by Mr. Storla, secondea by Ms. Doclge, . to recoimaend to City Council appraval of the follaving polic� recommendation as revised at the Oct. l, 1987, H�m►an Resourves Com�ni.ssian meeting: �"'� "As City Staff is r�viewing its entire management information system, . the Hiunan Resouroes Coamnission makes the following recommendations regarding the mtmici�l data bases, , the Degartraent of Publ ic Saf ety -16- i"� �,__�!�M �: _ «��uiul ;, � s ��M �� 1�_�114 t� ' : : data base, , and any ather data bases that may be tuld�er the control of the City of Fric�.�y: A. That The City's Management Information Committee give high priority �o its fu�ction as an internal policy review boa.rd. S 7�at the f�u►ctions of tdle Pelicy Review Board include: (v Developing written criteria for addi.tions to, . or retention of, data eleaents i.n the data bases. The criteria should consio�r not only the potential eEfect of new data acctuau].atec�, . but its potential impact when combined with other data elements alreacZy in any data base. On a salneduled periodic basis, . alt the elenerits in the data bases should be reviewec7 in 1 ight of the estab�lishec7 criteria. (2) Requiring a clear written statement of purpose fro�n those req�esting the addition of elenenks � to the data b�ases. (3) Developing a clear and consistent policy for releasing information requestecl. Consideration should be given to vesting the responsibility of addressing requests for ir�formation in a oeritral location within the city. '� (4) Segregating potentially sensitive data on single purpose data hases, . micro- computers, . or ather reo�rds. " The Cflmanissianers agreed that this motion should be passec� on to the City Cotmcil for its wnsideration ancl revi�w. �,_��i_ �1 , � 91�I�i�l. 51; 1 ' : : • !�. • + �i� �11� � ' u�� 9_ �� s� i. �� U1 !�L �4 _� M4.�S�Q�T by Mr. Saba, . seoonded by 1+Hr. S�anda, to receive the Dec. l0, 1987, Housing & Redevela�xne.nt Authority minutes. UPQN A VOIC� VOI'E, . ALL VOPIl�G AYE, . Q�AIl�PERS�T BII'ZCa,D DEQ,ARID TflE P20TION CARRIED UI�TIl�DLTSLY. �� ?_ �1�_ � _ �x�i. �� — ��U �'� ��'�!��! _- • : 5��_ «��viu. . ,. • � v t! ,�4 ;_ � by Mr. S�anda., seoonded by Ms. Sherek, . to reoeive the Dec. 15, 1987, �virornaerital Quality Co�ni.ssion minutes. i]PiON A VOICE VC1I'E, .ALL VOrING AYE, ,�AIRPERS�I BEiZ�D DEGLARED TIIE NlOTION C�iRR1ED U1�NIl+�DLTS'GY. ,_ � �1 ��_�lv!�� NlS�I�1 bi' Mr. �arna, . seoondecl by P9s. Sherek, . to adjourn the meetng. Upon a ^ voioe vote,.all voting aye,.C%airperson Betzold declared the mation carrieci unanimously and the January 27, 1988, Planning C�nission meeting adj ournecl at 9: 30 p. m. -17- i ��N �: •_•:��r • � ��+� �� , ��ri ;+ � Respectfully subaitted,. I� Saba Rewrd�.ng Secretary � �"1 -18- �. , - � � i , � . n_ . -- -. _ __ _ _ _ _ � � / ��'� - --- _ ----_ _- ----- - _ �'�� _ --- - -- - - ---- ---- ----�-_--.----- - __--- - � ---- - - -- - - - ---- -- - - - - - - -- -- --- - . . � e �.5 - _ _ a__ � _ �. � � i -- �..��- - - �� _ ��-.,,� � _ __ _-- -- - --____- - � - �?09 G/ e� • S'1? �o�� i ��i� � .��"�� __ _ _ _____ ___e _ __�___ _ ___ _ _ ____.__ ____ __, __ _ _ _ y __ ., �___ ___ __ _ _ ___ _ _ � ___, r_ ____________ __ __ ___ ____________-________ __________