Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/26/09 Workshop Planning Commission Minutes Workshop May 26, 2009 1. Call to Order Chair Rotty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Vanderbeck, Bonar, Rotty, Stokes Members Absent: None Also Present: Tony Wippler - Assistant City Planner, Lee Smick - City Planner, Jeff Thelen, Doug Heikkila, Nick Schultz, Aaron Steele-Heartland Brick Council 2. Discussion a) Downtown Commercial District Design Standards Staff is looking for feedback regarding the development of design standards for the downtown area. They would like to determine if participants believe that standards are necessary and to what extent they feel they should be developed. They would like to determine if the standards would only apply to new construction or to existing structures as well. Several examples of downtown buildings were shown for discussion purposes. Mr. Doug Heikkila stated that when the City becomes involved and sets standards it generally costs the property owner more. Mr. Nick Shultz stated that he feels that there should be design standards for new construction to prevent buildings from being constructed that are not consistent with the existing structures. Doug Heikkila stated that buildings are usually constructed for functional purposes and it increases the cost to have to meet aesthetic standards. Chair Rotty stated that he is wondering how the building owners feel about standard for remodeling. Doug Heikkila stated that it would be nice to have consistency but it is the building owner's right to choose how they want their building to look as well. He stated that for new construction he would not have an issue with standards in place and a review of the plans for consistency. Mr. Aaron Steele from the Heartland Brick Council gave a presentation about the creation of design standards policies for communities. He showed examples of desirable and undesirable aesthetics from other communities and examples of other ordinances. Staff will send the participants a list of questions to solicit feedback and schedule another meeting for June to discuss the results. Mr. Jeff Thelen stated that he is more in favor of minimum standards than guidelines. He would prefer that whatever the outcome, there be consistency of how the standards are applied. Nick Schultz agreed that minimum standards would be beneficial to improve the look of the downtown. Chair Rotty stated that he would prefer standards over guidelines as well. He stated that the level of detail of the standards is what still needs to be determined. Commissioner Stokes stated that he prefers the standards approach too. He stated that standards can allow choices and flexibility as well. Commissioner Bonar stated that his goal is to create standards that encourage and investment but Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 2009 Page 2 also increase profitability. He does not want the standards to discourage businesses from investing in the downtown. He stated that absentee landlords need to make the necessary investments in their buildings as well. Nick Schultz asked if there were standards, would there be any way to use tax incentives to encourage improvements? Commissioner Vanderbeck stated that for building owners who have owned their properties for a long time, and may have their own plans for modifications in the future, the standards can conflict with their plans. He stated that it has to be affordable for the businesses to locate here. Aaron Steele stated that there can be different levels of compliance based upon incentives and the end user desired. Jeff Thelen stated that there has been use ofCDBG funding as business incentives recently that could perhaps be used for building improvements. Nick Schultz asked about the screening of mechanical equipment as it relates to the New City Hall building. Staff stated that the equipment was not intended to be screened due to the placement of the equipment on the roof. MR. Schultz also asked about the damage to the front of the Larson Building. Staff will look into the status of the repairs. b) Industrial Park Design Standards Staff primarily wanted to begin discussion regarding the development of design standards for the potential expansion of the industrial park. There was discussion regarding exterior building materials such as brick, block, and metal. Screening, outdoor storage, and curbing were also discussed. Chair Rotty stated that it is important to keep the standards "affordable" so that they do not discourage development. He stated that he would prefer not to see all metal buildings, but he would be alright with alternate materials on the back and sides of the buildings. He stated that there should be outdoor storage allowed but there will need to be discussion as to how that is laid out. Aaron Steele stated that some cities require a mix of materials to maintain some variety for large structures. Jeff Stokes stated that curbing is expensive and he would be a proponent of swales when appropriate. Jeff Thelen stated that the Lakeville Industrial park has very little or no curbing throughout their park. He also stated that there were very strict standards when the original industrial park was developed. When the second phase of the industrial park started, the design standards changed and some of the newer buildings in the park like R & L Trucking don't conform to those standards. He said that six years ago when the daycare center was built in the park the standards were not followed. The HRA, Planning Commission and City Council all approved an alternate material (hardy plank) and did not follow the requirements of the ordinance. He stated that the structure of the building as well as the outer materials should be discussed. c) Discussion of Ordinance Amendment - Zoning Definitions This item will be discussed on June 9th. d) Discussion of Ordinance Amendments - Recreational Vehicle Parking and Parking in Residential Areas Staff spoke with the City Engineer and he does not have an issue with recreational vehicle parking in the drainage and utility easements. Staff is discussing options Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 2009 Page 3 like requiring a permit for recreational vehicle parking so that staff can review plans prior to implementation. This item will be discussed further on June 9th. e) Discussion of Ordinance Amendments - Detached Garages, Storage Sheds, and Accessory Structures This item will be discussed on June 9th. 1) Discussion of Wind Turbines in Residential Areas (verbal) Staff received a phone call from a resident who would like to install a wind turbine on a residential lot. The turbine would be approximately 80 feet high. The current City Code does not address wind turbines in residential areas so they are therefore prohibited. Staff would like the Planning Commissioners to review the materials and discuss this item further on June 9th. 5. Adjourn , Respe~ sllbm.... itted, t/." / d~.-.... " y? ~ (j~ "-~ Lisa Dar~s (\ "-- Administrative Assistant Approved