PCM 04-19-2023
Planning Commission
April 19, 2023
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Chair Hansencalled the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Pete Borman
John Buyse II
Mark Hansen
Mike Heuchert
Terry McClellan
Nancy Abts, Associate Planner
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Peter Pfister, Superintendent of Minneapolis Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance
Ann Bolkom, Councilmember Ward 3
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approve January 4,2023, Planning Commission Minutes
Motionby Commissioner McClellanto approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Borman.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing
2.Public Hearing to Consider Plat Request, LS #23-01 for the City of Minneapolis
Motionby Commissioner Buyseto open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Borman.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the public
hearing was opened at 7:01p.m.
Nancy Abts, Associate Planner, presented a plat request from the City of Minneapolisfor the property
generally located at 4300 Marshall Street. The replat will create one new lot that will better define
the property lines for the Minneapolis Waterworks and the Minneapolis Emergency Operations
Training Facility. She reviewed the analysis of the request and stated that staff recommends approval
of the plat request.
Planning Commission 4/19/2023 Minutes Page 2
The Commission asked for details related to right-of-way and details on the ownership and
occupancy of the property. Ms. Abts provided additional details on the right-of-way and explained
that Minneapolis owns the land and facilities.
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, provided additional details on the right-of-way
process including details on utility easements.
Councilmember Bolkom asked if the area would be cleaned up noting trash, abandoned vehicles, etc.
Peter Pfister, representing the applicant, provided additional details on the master planning for the
property they are going through and addressing outdoor storage concerns in the area would be
considered as part of that process.
Mr. Hickok commented that staff has been in contact with staff from Minneapolis. He explained how
some vehicles are used in training incidents. He agreed that improvements could be made to the site
or additional screening could be added.
A Commission member noted that the City of Minneapolis has owned the property for longer than
the City of Fridley has been incorporated and asked for more details. Mr. Hickok provided some
historical background.
Motion by Commissioner Borman to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Buyse.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the public
hearing was closed at 7:19 p.m.
The Commission asked the land use guidance for this property under the Comprehensive Plan. Mr.
Hickok replied that the property is guided industrial and the use is appropriate for the property. Ms.
Abts provided additional details on the zoning and land use, noting that is not proposed to change
under this request.
The Commission noted that this request makes sense and commented that it would be nice to have
the site cleaned up or better screened.
Motion by Commissioner Borman recommending approval of plat request, LS #23-01 for the City of
Minneapolis. Seconded by Commissioner Buyse.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously.
3. Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CPA #23-01 by the City to Amend the Parks
and Trails Chapter in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Update the Future Land Use Map
Planning Commission 4/19/2023 Minutes Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Borman to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner McClellan.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the public
hearing was opened at 7:27 p.m.
Ms. Abts presented a request to update the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for consistency with the Park
System Improvement Plan and in conjunction with the termination of the Joint Powers Agreement
(JPA) with Anoka County regarding parks traversed by the Rice Creek West Regional Trail. She stated
that they would also update the future land use map to change the guidance for a parcel that will be
developed as a park/trail facility. She provided an overview of the requested updates.
The Commission asked how the size of the parks was determined. Ms. Abts replied that is based on
the most recent parcel data of Anoka County. Mr. Hickok provided additional details on the concept
for the new park/trail facility and how development will occur as funding becomes available.
A Commission member asked for details on the JPA with the County and why that is being dissolved.
Mr. Hickok provided additional background information on the history and dissolution of the JPA as
well as the plans going forward for those properties.
Motion by Commissioner McClellan to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Heuchert.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the public
hearing was closed at 7:37 p.m.
The Commission noted that this makes sense to update the plans with the new information and
expressed excitement for the new pocket park. Mr. Hickok provided additional details on the
development of the pocket park which will use alternate funding and will not take away from the
planned improvements identified in the master plan process for the parks. He confirmed that
updates would also be made to the bus rapid transit stop.
Motion by Commissioner Buyse recommending approval of CPA #23-01. Seconded by Commissioner
McClellan.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
The Commission asked for an update on potholes. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that public works
staff will be working on that once the flood prevention efforts are completed. She noted that some
streets are the responsibility of the County. Residents can report potholes to public works.
Planning Commission 4/19/2023 Minutes Page 4
Mr. Hickok commented that staff is completing cold patching. He noted that there will be a town hall
meeting on Saturday and invited residents to attend. The town hall will be followed by the
environmental fun fair.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Borman to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Buyse.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting
adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary