PL 02/06/2002 - 30915^ CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2002
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CACL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Savage called the February 6, 2002, Planning Commission meeting to order at
7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Diane Savage, Dave Kondrick, Barbara Johns, Larry Kuechle,
Dean Saba, Leroy Oquist
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Stacy Stromberg, Planner
Julie Jones, Environmental Planner
Jerry Thompson, 6831 East River Road
Ann Bolkcom, Councilmember
APPROVE THE JANUARY 2, 2002. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to approve the January 2, 2002, Planning
Commission meeting minutes as presented.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Consideration of a Lot Split, LS #02-01, by Jerry Thompson, to separate the property
into finro separate lots, generally located at 6831 East River Road.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Oquist, to waive the reading and open the public
hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:33 P.M.
Ms. Stromberg stated that the petitioner is seeking to split the property into finro single family lots
to construct an additional single family home. Code requires lots in the R-1 district to be a
minimum of 75 feet in width with the minimum total lot area of 9,000 square feet. The proposed
lot #2 will be 80 feet in width and 11,280 square feet in size after the split. The proposed lot #11
will be 80 feet in width and 9,473 square feet in size after the split. Both lots meet code
requirements for lot width and area. The lot was initially two separate parcels and combined
into one lot in 1968 for tax purposes. This lot split will restore the parcel to its original finro lot
configuration.
Ms. Stromberg stated that if the lot split is approved, the vacant parcel will have access off
Hickory Street. The existing home has access off East River Road. The lots exceed the
�� minimum size requirements and provide additional home ownership opportunities for Fridley
residents. Staff recommends approval of the lot split request with stipulations:
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2002
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� 1. The petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction.
2. Grading and drainage plans shall be approved by the City's engineering staff prior to
issuance of any building permits in order to minimize impacts to the surrounding
properties.
3. The petitioner shall provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage treatment
systems located on the site are properly capped or removed.
4. The petitioner shall pay $750 required park fee for the newly created lot prior to issuance
of building .
5. The petitioner shall pay all water and sewer connection fees.
6. The petitioner shall agree to preserve all mature trees to the extent possible. All trees
required to be removed for the new home shall be marked and approved by City Staff
prior to issuance of building permits.
Mr. Oquist asked if the petitioner was going to construct a house on the second lot.
Ms. Stromberg stated that she believed so.
Mr. Jerry Thompson, petitioner, stated that he has no problem with any stipulations.
Mr. Kondrick asked when he wants to start construction.
Mr. Thompson stated that he would start construction in May.
Ms. Johns asked if any neighbors had any questions.
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Ms. Stromberg stated they have not received any calls.
Mr. Kuechle asked if there is any potential for a drainage problem.
Ms. Stromberg stated that the stipulation for a grading and drainage plan is a standard
stipulation requested by the Engineering Department when there is a lot split or plat addressing
any possible concems.
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Saba, to close the public hearing.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:38 P.M.
Mr. Kondrick stated that this request seemed pretty simple.
Ms. Johns agreed.
Ms. Savage also agreed.
MOTION by Ms. Johns, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to recommend approval of LS #02-01 with
the following stipulations:
1. The petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction.
2. Grading and drainage plans shall be approved by the City's engineering staff prior to
� � issuance of any building permits in order to minimize impacts to the surrounding
properties.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 3
n 3. The petitioner shall provide proof that any existing wells or individual sewage
treatment systems located on the site are properly capped or removed.
4. The petitioner shall pay $750 required park fee for the newly created lot prior to
issuance of building .
5. The petitioner shall pay all water and sewer connection fees.
6. The petitioner shall agree to preserve all mature trees to the extent possible. All trees
required to be removed for the new home shall be marked and approved by City
Staff prior to issuance of building permits.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION (EQEC) TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT
WOULD RESTRICT THE SALE OF LAWN FERTILIZERS THAT CONTAIN
PHOSPHORUS:
Ms. Jones stated that this issue came about based on a request Mayor Lund received from the
City of Shorewood to support State legislation they created last year and tried to pass last year.
The EQEC investigated this request over a number of months. One of the components of the
education plan of the Springbrook Watershed Implementation Project includes a plan to ban
phosphorus fertilizers for the City of Fridley and the three neighboring cities involved. Voluntary
efforts to try and get the industry to change their practices over a number of years have been
unsuccessful. Local municipal bans have struggled and failed. The bans are about impossible
^ to enforce because what city can afford to have fertilizer police out on Saturday mornings as
people are fertilizing their lawns? It is also difficult to compete with national advertising. Cities
struggle to get nonphosphorus-containing fertilizer on display at Menards or Bachmans or
wherever, but people want what they have seen advertised on N. It is hard to compete with
that. Education efforts have been overshadowed by multi-million dollar advertising campaigns.
Phosphorus causes excess algae growth making lakes and ponds turn green. The submerged
plants cannot get enough sunlight and die out and consume oxygen as they decompose. The
fish and other organisms then die out because they cannot get enough oxygen to breathe.
Ms. Jones stated that corrections are expensive and the typical lake phosphorus treatment
costs $50,000-$75,000 for one treatment. Getting approval from lake shore owners to pay such
extreme costs is difficult. The type of treatment tends to create other chemical imbalances that
require further treatment. The irony is that phosphorus is not needed in fertilizers.
Mr. Kondrick asked what phosphorus does.
Ms. Jones stated that phosphorus is recommended for certain types of plants. This legislation
would only pertain to lawn fertilizer; it would not pertain to garden fertilizer or fertilizer for flower
beds where the phosphorus may be needed. In most cases, soil already has a high phosphorus
content. Phosphorus is added to non-organic type lawn fertilizers. Phosphates were removed
from detergents many years ago; yet in our very storm water system that does not go through
treatment, there are no regulations on things like fertilizers. Phosphorus is a regional issue.
Storm water coming through Rice Creek comes from Forest Lake and Hugo. Even if we control
phosphorus in Fridley, there is so much water coming in from other areas that they have no
control over. It is difficult to have an impact on national retailers. Water quality impacts property
;� values. Green lakes would not be nice to swim in. High phosphorus levels are coming into the
Springbrook wetlands from other cities, not land in Fridley's borders. Moore Lake is treated
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 4
�--� regularly for algae. Harris pond is treated every third year for phosphorus levels and ever year
for algae. The statewide legislation is a better approach than trying to do something on a city
level.
Ms. Jones stated the EQEC recommends restriction of the sale of phosphorus for all types of
properties. That was not a clear point, and the Commission felt that this should apply to all
types of property, not just residential. This should apply to commercial applicators, not just the
homeowner. Staff concurs with the EQEC's recommendations and that there are many other
education aspects that need to occur about phosphorus. Phosphorus in lawn fertilizers are only
part of the problem. Some studies say that grass clippings and leaves getting into the storm
water system are a much bigger problem as well as soil erosion.
Mr. Kondrick asked what other communities and suburbs adjacent to us are going along with
this program.
Ms. Jones stated there are 36 cities. Plymouth is certainly one city that put a phosphorus ban in
effect. Minneapolis is in progress. She has not heard of any City close to Fridley with the ban,
but it has sounded more like a Hennepin County issue. Hennepin County has been active on
doing some studies on it.
Mr. Kondrick asked if Ramsey County was further along than Anoka County cities.
Ms. Jones stated they could be because there are some Ramsey County cities on the list of
supporters.
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Mr. Kuechle asked if the commercial applicators are controlling the amount of phosphorus being
put on.
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Ms. Jones stated that she did not know that, but cities that have the bans have gone to the
commercial applicators first. That might be due to the content of the fertilizer or they feel it is
more critical to get that part started first.
Mr. Kuechle stated that it may be easier because there is only a certain number of vendors to
work with and they have the economic interest of not putting it in there if they do not have to.
Mr. Kondrick asked if we were going towards a ban.
Ms. Jones stated that is the way it was described in the education plan for the Springbrook
project. The State legislation restricts the sale of the fertilizer at the point of sale. It still would
be out there and available, but you would have to prove with a soil test that you need it for the
soil or apply it to a newly established lawn which needs some phosphorus to get it going.
Mr. Kondrick stated that ChemLawn comes to his house and he will check it out.
Ms. Savage stated ChemLawn would not be allowed to use phosphorus under this proposed
legislation.
Ms. Jones stated ChemLawn would not be allowed to purchase phosphorus just like everyone
else.
Ms. Savage asked if the Rice Creek Watershed was in favor of this.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 5
^ Ms. Jones stated she did not know.
Mr. Oquist stated that he believes that the low phosphorus fertilizer is available now, but
everyone wants the fertilizer containing phosphorus.
MOTION by Mr. Saba, seconded by Ms. Johns, to recommend approval of supporting
legislation to restrict the sale of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Oquist asked when the legislation would come in 2002.
Ms. Jones stated they were planning on introducing it very early in the session. She does not
believe it has been introduced yet.
Mr. Oquist asked why they would not send a letter to the local people such as State
Representatives as well as the Govemor.
Ms. Jones stated that she assumes the Council will direct her to do that. The resolution states
that the City is directing the legislature to support it.
Mr. Kuechle asked if a bill exists and if it has a sponsor.
^ Ms. Jones stated that the bill in the packet is what she has also. It does not have a number on
it.
3. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 3. 2001, PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Ms. Johns, to receive the minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 6. 2001. HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to receive the minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 12. 2001 APPEALS COMMISSION
MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Ms. Johns, to receive the minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
� MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 6
� 6. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 18. 2001. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
& ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Johns, seconded by Mr. Saba, to receive the minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 14, 2002, HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING:
MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Kondrick, to receive the minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 15. 2002, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY &
ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION by Ms. Johns, seconded by Mr. Saba, to receive the minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
^ OTHER BUSINESS:
Ms. Stromberg stated the February 20�' Planning Commission meeting has been canceled. The
next meeting will be March 6 with two items.
Mr. Kondrick asked if Connie Modig's seat would be filled soon.
Ms. Stromberg stated she will have an update on the vacancy at the March 6�' meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick, seconded by Mr. Saba, to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRUARY 6, 2002, PLANNING COMMISSION ADJOURNED
AT 7:57 P.M.
RespectFully submitted,
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Sign L. Johns �
Recording Secretary
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