HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/14/10
Planning Commission
Minutes
Regular Meeting
December 14, 2010
1. Call to Order
Chair Rotty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Rotty, Bonar, Franceschelli, Kuyper, Vanderbeck
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Lee Smick - City Planner, Tony Wippler - Assistant City Planner
2. Approval of Minutes
a) October 12, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Franceschelli, second by Kuyper to approve the minutes as presented.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
3. Public Hearings
None
4. Discussion
a) :MN GreenStep Cities - Sustainability Chapter 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Planner Lee Smick introduced Philip Muessig from MNPCA to talk about the MN
GreenStep program. The program is a set of actions and how to achieve them with
some of the constraints city's face. They have created a website that will offer
information to answer questions that cities may have and contacts for specific issues.
The website also identifies cities that are part of the program and indicates what each
city has accomplished and/or identified as concerns. Chair Rotty indicated that they
will continue with discussions and review information and forward a
recommendation onto the City Council for approval. Planner Smick noted she
would like to see the resolution go to the City Council in February or March 2011.
Member Bonar asked about term limitations. Mr. Muessig replied that they are still
discussing this issue. His thought was that Step 3 cities will have no term limits.
More information will be available in 2011. Member Vanderbeck asked what
communities can do, without money to engage residents. Mr. Muessig suggested
communication through newsletters, websites, civic leaders and programs, etc.
Contacting member cities would be a valuable tool for any city interested in this
program.
Assistant Planner Tony Wippler discussed the request of residents keeping hens on
city lots. This item could qualify as part of the food portion of the GreenSteps
program. Neighboring communities (Burnsville) have adopted an ordinance to
include chickens on city lots, with specific requirements. Wippler would like the
Planning Commission members to discuss and give staff direction. Chair Rotty
suggested the board could discuss this at the sustainability workshop on January 25th.
The consensus of the Board was to discuss this at the workshop. Member Bonar
requested that nuisance (noise) and health concerns be added to the items to be
explored by staff and brought to the workshop. Member Franceschelli asked how
Planning Commission Minutes
December 14, 2010
Page 2
many hens are needed to make productive? Interested residents will be informed of
the workshop date.
b) Draft Ordinance - Amending Sections 10-3-6 (Variances), 10-4-2 (Non-
Conforming Uses) and adding Section 10-4-7 (Expansion of Lawful
N onconfonnities)
Section 10-3-6 Variances - Wippler updated the Commission on the Supreme Courts
ruling pertaining to variances. The purpose of this amendment is the City's non-
conforming use code is outdated and state laws have changed. The variance law has
changed the "undue hardship" requirement as being a viable reason for a variance
and therefore will not allow expansion of non-conforming uses. Tony has been
working with the City Attorney to allow for expansion of non-conforming uses,
buildings and structures and lots. Wippler noted that this could get away from
variances by having expansion permits. This is being presented to the members for
their information and discussion will occur at a future workshop.
c. North Creek Greenway Master Plan Update & Open House
An open house will be held on Thursday 12/16/10 at Dakota County Western
Service Center. The Greenway extends south from Lebanon Hills to the Vermillion
River. Residents who are interested in providing ideas are encouraged to attend.
5. Adjourn
MOTION byFranceschelli, second byVanderbeck to adjourn at 8:05PM. APIF,
MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved
~'i)~
Sue Miller
Administrative Assistant