PL 02/15/1995 - 30803r--,
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CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNINa COI�IIBBION MEETINa, FEBRIIARY 15, 1995
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Newman called the February 15, 1995, Planning
Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Others Present:
Dave Newman, Dave Rondrick, LeRoy Oquist,
Diane Savage, Dean Saba
Brad Sielaff, Connie Modig
Scott Hickok, Planning Coordinator
Gary Vander Vorst, Erickson Oil Products
,APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 1. �.995, PLANNING COMMIS3ION MINUTES:
MOTION by Ms. Savage, seconded by Mr. Saba, to approve the
February 1, 1995, Planning Commission minutes as written.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTIN(� AYE, CHAIRPERSON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
APPROVAL OF AGEATDA:
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Ms. Savage, to approve the
agenda.
OPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON NEi�MAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT. SP
#95-01. BY ERICKSON OIL PRODUCTS:
Per Section 205.14.O1.C.(5) of the Fridley City Code, to
allow construction of a motor vehicle fuel dispensing
service, convenience store, and car wash, on Lot 1, Block 1,
Commerce Park, generally located at 7600 University Avenue
N.E. (Conoco)
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to open the
public hearing.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERBON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PIIBLIC BEARING OPEN AT 7s33 P.M.
Mr. Hickok stated the request for a special use permit is for the
property located at 7600 University Avenue N.E. The property is
'"'� zoned C-2, General Business District and is currently the
- location of a Conoco convenience store/motor fuel operation. The
^ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. FEBRIIARY 15, 1995 PAGE 2
property is located just south of Osborne Road and west of
University Avenue, and is bordered on the west by a service road
to University Avenue.
Mr. Hickok stated the request is to modify the site by removing
the current building and constructing a new structure, modifying
the islands and pumping locations, and modifying the landscaping.
On the existing site plan, the bituminous surface extends to the
property lines. On the Osborne Road side, the property currently
has two access drives. The proposed plan would close one access
drive onto Osborne Road. The proposed access drive would be
centered along the property and would provide a better distance
from the University service road. The propoaed plan also
provides for another access drive on the University service road.
Mr. Hickok reviewed the proposed site plan. The proposed
building is situated in such a way to allow the pumps to be on
the north side of the building. This also increases the
landscaped area by pulling back some of the hard surface from the
property line. In doing so, there is more area for landscape
materials which will soften the impact of the building. The fuel
tanks will be located at the northeast corner of the site.
,r� Mr. Hickok stated staff considered the fact that the Code
requires a 20-foot setback from the property line surrounding the
site. Along the University Avenue side, the setback has been
reduced to 5 feet to help with traffic circulation and to
alleviate the hardship of having roads on all sides of the
property. This is probably the best side to reduce the setback
because of the large boulevard. There is still a plan to
maintain adequate landscaping along the University Avenue side.
The Appeals Commission considered the request and approved it as
submitted.
Mr. Hickok stated staff, during their review, observed the tank
location. There was information in the file going back to 1984
regarding the tank location, and concern about having trucks that
come in to fill the tanks and block traffic. With the setback
variance, it does allow trucks to fill the tanks at this location
while allowing traffic to circulate properly.
Mr. Hickok showed the elevations for the building design. From
an architectural standpoint, staff are pleased with the
appearance of the building.
Mr. Hickok stated, as staff reviewed the request, there were some
concerns as they relate to a motor fuel and car wash operation.
An operation such as this tends to have a higher number of signs
than other types of operations. The petitioner has submitted a
preliminary sign package. Staff are reviewing this information
which appears to be in compliance. Staff recommends approval of
� PLANNING COMMISSION MEETIN�, FEHRIIARY 15, 1995 PAdE 3
the request with the following stipulations:
1.
2.
All signs shall be reviewed and approved by staff to assure
compliance wit Chapter 214 of the City Code.
The petitioner shall install underground irrigation if it
doea not already exist.
3. The petitioner shall submit a performance bond in the amount
of 30 of the construction costs prior to issuance of a
building permit.
4. The petitioner shall submit the requested hydraulic
calculations.
5. The petitioner shall comply with all outdoor sales and
storage requirements in Chapter 205 of the Fridley City
Code.
6. Proper signage will be required to direct waiting cars to
allow vehicles to enter and exit the site, while other
vehicles wait to enter the wash.
� Mr. Hickok stated stipulation #6 addressed a concern about the
stacking distance for the car wash and what that does to the
access from the west. Perhaps this can be accomplished by
posting a sign not to block that access drive. Also, to the
north the petitioner is proposing one access along Osborne.
Staff would like to have the County submit in writing their
approval of this plan to be sure it is consistent with the
County's plan to improve Osborne in the future. The County plans
to add a turn lane in the future. Staff is proposinq stipulation
#7 to be sure the petitioner is not in conflict with the proposed
turn lane.
7. The County shall submit in writing their approval of the
petitioner's site plan to verify it is consistent with the
County's plan for future improvements to Osborne Road.
Mr. Kondrick stated the site plan at the exit to the car wash
shows a large tree. Would this affect visibility?
Mr. Hickok stated staff talked to the petitioner about this.
Staff are concerned about the cars exiting the car wash and
having clear visibility. Staff will review plans to assure there
will be low plantings at this location in order to insure
appropriate visibility.
Mr. Kondrick asked if there was sufficient parking for employees
and for customers who stop at the convenience but who do not
purchase gasoline. .
� PLANNINa COMMISBION MEETIN�. FEHRIIARY 15. 1995 PAG� 4
Mr. Hickok stated the code requires 25 parking spaces based on
the 3,615 square foot footprint of the building. By counting the
parking spaces and the spaces at the pumping islands, the
petitioner does meet the code requirement of 25 spaces. Staff
has historically allowed operations such as this to count pump
spaces as parking spaces. The industry experience has been that
this is adequate parking.
Mr. Rondrick stated he mentions this because another gas station
in the City has a number of parking spaces for employees and
patrons. Those spaces seem to be occupied with customers doing
business other than purchasing gasoline.
Mr. Vander Vorst stated the company has taken this into
consideration. There are some parking spaces to the south and
west of the building and by the tanks. Their experience has been
that most customers are parking at the islands and then go in to
pay for that purchase and pick up other items.
Ms. Savage asked if the operation would have a cash machine.
Mr. Vander Vorst stated yes.
� Mr. Kondrick stated there are numerous other functions that take
place at a gas station and wanted to make sure this has been
considered.
Mr. Vander Vorst stated a firm they have worked with in the past
has reviewed the plan. This is the best plan they could come up
with for this location.
Mr. Newman asked how many stacking spaces are provided for the
car wash.
Mr. Hickok stated they anticipate there are probably five
stacking spaces with the fifth car in the driving aisle.
Mr. Kondrick asked what type of car wash they would have.
Mr. Vander Vorst stated this would be an automatic car wash with
cloth brushes. The car wash would not be manned. The number of
employees at this location would be typically three employees
which includes two cashiers and a manager. He did not know if
there was any parking nearby that the employees could use.
Ms. Savage asked how the access from Osborne is different.
Mr. Hickok stated the current site has two access drives close to
the intersections. The proposed plan has one access more in the
^� center. This is felt to be a more optimum location. The access
to the south has also been redesigned. One of the benefits of
� PLANNINa COMMISSION MEETING FEBRIIARY 15, 1995 PAGE 5
pulling that access back is that it creates a curve in the drive
thus discouraging drivers from using the site as a shortcut to
the intersection.
Mr. Hickok stated, in order to give the Commission a sense of the
parking, he visited two Erickson Oil Products sites to see what
their parking situation was. In both cases, they had a similar
number of parking stalls and, in both cases, they were given
credit for the parking at the pumps. When he visited the sites
on a weekend, there did not appear to be problems. The pumps and
guest parking seemed to function properly. He however was not
there at a heavy car wash time.
Mr. Newman asked if the special use permit was for all functions
including the gas station, convenience store and car wash.
Mr. Hickok stated the special use permit was for fuel and car
wash operations. The zoning is correct for a convenience store
in this location without a special use permit.
Mr. Oquist asked if a special use permit would be required if the
operation is just a gas/service station.
� Mr. Hickok stated, if someone were go to reuse or remodel the
existing building, they would not need to go through the process
because the special use permit goes with the land. This request
is being reviewed because the site is being cleared and
redeveloped.
^
Mr. Vander Vorst stated, on behalf of Erickson Oil Products, they
are proud of their company and pleased with the proposed design.
He felt the photographs presented did not do justice to their
facility. The copper-colored roof and the brick building is
aesthetically pleasing. They are anxious to become a part of the
community.
Mr. Oquist asked if the City needed to include anything in the
special use permit regarding removal of the existing tanks.
Mr. Hickok stated the State has very tight regulations regarding
the removal of tanks, and staff feels the City has a safety net
there for the removal.
Mr. Oquist asked if the State regulations also cover the proper
installation of the new tanks.
Mr. Hickok stated yes. With the redevelopment of the site, the
new installation will include modern tanks and the installation
must meet State requirements.
� PLANNING COMMI88ION MEETING, FEBRIIARY 15. 1995 PAGE 6
�
Mr. Vander Vorst stated the underground storage tanks are
installed according to EPA and MPCA guidelines.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Savage, to receive into
the minutes a letter dated December 28, 1994, from Mr. Michael
Blackburn, Branded Marketing Manager, Conoco, Inc.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE� ALL VOTING AYE� CBAIRPERSON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
OTION by Mr. Rondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to close the
public hearing.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERBON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PIIBLIC HEARI1Ja CL08ED AT 7:55 P.M.
Ms. Savage stated she would recommend approval. She heard the
matter at the Appeals Commission meeting and thought the proposal
would be an asset to the community. She was impressed with the
architectural design and is particularly impressed with the plan
for more green space. This is a corner where there is a need for
a gas station, there is a need for a car wash, and she would
recommend approval with the seven stipulations.
MoTION by Ms. Savage, seconded by Mr. Saba, to recommend approval
of Special Use Permit, SP #95-01, to allow construction of a
motor vehicle fuel dispensing service, convenience store, and car
wash, on Lot 1, Block 1, Commerce Park, generally located at 7600
University Avenue N.E. (Conoco), with the following stipulations:
1. All signs shall be reviewed and approved by staff to assure
compliance wit Chapter 214 of the City Code.
2. The petitioner shall install underground irrigation if it
does not already exist.
3. The petitioner shall submit a performance bond in the amount
of 3% of the construction costs prior to issuance of a
building permit.
4. The petitioner shall submit the requested hydraulic
calculations.
5. The petitioner shall comply with all outdoor sales and
storage requirements in Chapter 205 of the Fridley City
Code.
6. Proper signage will be required to direct waiting cars to
allow vehicles to enter and exit the site, while other
� vehicles wait to enter the wash.
�
PLANNINa COMMI88ION MBETING. FEBRIIARY 15. 1995 PAdE 7
7. The petitioner shall submit documentation that Anoka County
has reviewed and approved the new access onto Osborne Road.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTINd AYE, CHAIRPERSON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIIBLY.
Mr. Hickok stated the City Council at their February 27 meeting
would establish the public hearing and the public hearing would
be held on March 13.
2. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
P±IEETING OF JANUARY 9. 1995
Mr. Kondrick stated the Parks & Recreation Commission has a new
member, Sue Price, whom he feels will be asset to the Commission.
Ms. M. J. Schreiner has resigned from the Commission and she will
be missed. Efforts are underway to secure another member for the
Commission.
MOTION by Mr. Rondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to receive the
Parks & Recreation Commission minutes of January 9, 1995.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTIN(i AYE, CHAIRPERBON NEWMAN DECLARED
.� THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
3. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MEETI_NG OF JANUARY 12. 1995
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to receive the
Housing & Redevelopment Authority minutes of January 12, 1995.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTINa AYE, CHAIRPER80N NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIIBLY.
4. RECEIVE THE MINiJTES OF THE EIWIRONMENTAL OUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 17 1995
MOTION by Mr. Saba, seconded by Ms. Savage, to receive the
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes of January 17,
1995.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE APPEALS COMMISSION MEETING OF
JANUARY 31. 1995
MOTION by Ms. Savage, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to receive the
Appeals Commission minutes of January 31, 1995.
�
�„� PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FBBRIIARY 15. 1995 PAGE 8
IIPON A VOICE DOTE, ALL VOTINa AYE� CHAIltPERBON NEWMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
6. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 2, 1995
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to receive the
Human Resources Commission minutes of February 2, 1995.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE� ALL VOTINC, AYE, CHAIRPERSON NEWMAN DECLARED
THL MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
ADJOURNMENT•
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to adjourn the
meeting.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE� CHAIRPERSON NEFIMAN DECLARED
THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRIIARY 15, 1995� PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ADJOIIRNED AT 8:02 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
'"� `
� � I�C�Z' 1 CQ t,�
Lavonn Cooper
Recording Secretary
�
FEB-13-95 MON 9:28 EF:ICKSON OIL FAX NO�, 17153�6zU�� r,UG/UC
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i"'�
ca,oco tnc.
P.O. Box 1267
Ponca City. OK 74803
December 2S, 1994 . 'Y '
To whom it m2�y concer�: •• •
As the cur�ent awne�s af Conoco faciJities iocated at 1757 6 Highway 7, Minnetonk�, and
7600 N.�, Uriivefsity Drive; Frtdley, w� authorize Erickson Oi! to have access to site pian
a�pprovals, includi�g v�riances a�d _cd�ditional use permits. a�d othe� permits as
appropria#e. . . • . • . .
'��% / / Li��,'�'`'�/ ! G�' G�� a.n --��.
Michael Bfackburn .
Branded Marketir�g Man2��er
,.,� Panca City, Ok.
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