HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070716 - Minutes 20070702Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Minutes
July 2, 2007
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday,
July 2, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall,
101 East 4~ Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Hicks, City Councilmembers Hazlet, Hollenbeck, Schultz,
Slavik, and Riveness
Councilmember Alongi arrived at 7:08 p.m.
Staff Present: City Administrator Dave Osberg
Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee
City Attorney Dan Fluegel
Planning Director John Hinzman
Parks & Recreation Director Barry Bernstein
Approval of Minutes:
Mayor Hicks asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the regular meeting
or Special meeting on June 19, 2007. There were some corrections to the vote totals. With
those corrections, the minutes were approved as amended.
Council Items to be Considered
Assistant City Administrator Mesko Lee requested that a resolution approving the
Jaycees as the licensed vendor at Rivertown Days be added to the Consent Agenda.
Moved by Councilmember Riveness, seconded by Councilmember Slavik to add that
item to the Consent Agenda.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Consent Agenda
Moved by Councihnember Schultz, seconded by Councilmember Riveness to approve the
Consent Agenda as amended.
1. Pay Bills as Audited
~. Schedule Joint Council/HRA Meeting on July 30, 2007
3. Adoption of 2006 Minnesota State Fire Code & First Reading/Order Public Hearing for
Ordinance Amendment relating to Adoption of Minnesota State Fire Code
4. Adoption of 2007 Minnesota State Building Cade & First Reading/Order Public
Hearing for Ordinance Amendment relating to Adoption of Minnesota State Building
Code
5. First Reading/Order Public Hearing-Ordinance Amendment #2007-26: Non-
conforming Signs
6. First Reading/Order Public Hearing--Ordinance Amendment #2007-18: Temporary
Auto Sales in C-4 District
7. Adopt Policies for Use of Electronic Message Board
8. Resolution 07-01-07--Accepting Donation for Parks & Recreation Department
9. Pay Estimate #9-Project 2006-1: 3rd Street: Pember Companies ($99,969.87)
10. Pay Estimate #10-Project 2006-1: 3rd Street: Pember Companies ($45,139.02)
11. Resolution 07-02-07 Accepting Donation for Police Department Equipment Budget
12. Resolution 07-03-07-Approve Gambling Premise Permit for the Miesville Lions at
the Bierstube, 109 West 1 lth Street
City of Hastings .luty 2, 2007
City Council Minutes Page 2 of 5
13. Resolution 07-04-07 Approve Renewal Gambling Premise Permit for Knights of
Columbus 1600, Columhian Hall, 3075 Vermillion Street
14. Resolution 07-OS-07-Approve Temporary Liquor License for Jaycees for July 20 and
21, 2007
6 Ayes, Nays, None.
Copies of resolutions on ftle.
Resolution--Minor Subdivision #2007-24: 3605 Red Wing Boulevard
Planning Director Hinzman stated that the request is to create a new parcel east of the
existing home at 3605 Red Wing Boulevard, which would allow the future construction of a
single or two-family home. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the subdivision,
based on the following:
• Lot size inconsistent with the neighborhood
• Traffic safety
• Concern about the close proximity of the detached garage to home
• Location of the split is not in character with the neighborhood
Hinzman stated that staff recommends approval of the request, in that the minor
subdivision meets the size and use requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Mayor Hicks stated that while this is not a public hearing, comments would be heard
from the members of the audience.
Derek Jager, 600 Maher, stated that he moved to his house because of the space and
maturity of the neighborhood and does not support the minor subdivision.
Karl Jager, 600 Maher, stated that the applicant does not have the neighborhood's best
interests in mind with this proposal and is concerned that this will start a trend.
Joan Reinardy, 3625 Red Wing Boulevard, stated that she bought her property for the
size of the lot and does not support the minor subdivision.
Mary Rother, 3665 Red Wing Boulevard, stated that she does not support the minor
subdivision.
Donald Swanson, 3580 Malcolm Avenue, stated that this is a single family
neighborhood and should remain that way. He also stated concern with location of utilities and
power lines.
Lori and Ron Best, 3525 Red Wing Boulevard, stated that just because the proposal
may meet the minimums does not mean that it should be approved, as it does not fit the
neighborhood.
Councilmember Schultz asked what the proposed use for the subdivided lot would be.
Hinzman stated that has not yet been identified by the applicant.
Hinzman stated that the Council may consider establishing a zoning district which
recognizes the unique characteristics of this neighborhood.
Moved by Councihnember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to accept the
Planning Commission's recommendation for denial, using it's findings of fact.
Following further discussion, a friendly amendment to the motion was accepted which
directed further discussion on the creation of a different zoning classification be had at the
Planning Committee of the Council level.
7 Ayes; Nays, none.
Resolution-Site Plan Review #2007-27: 36 Unit Apartment Building on 31~` Street
(Siewert)
Planning Director Hinzman stated that the Planning Commission recommended
approval of the request, with conditions. Hinzman stated that comments have been received
from residents regarding:
• Land use in the area has changed; apartment does not fit
City of Hastings July 2, 2007
City Council Minutes Page 3 of 5
• Increased traffic and difficult access to County Road 46147
• Loss of open space and sightlines
• Apartments would have a negative effect on property values
Hinzman stated that in 2004, the City Council approved athree-story building with six separate
garages. Since that time, the applicant has revised the plan to provide underground parking,
which increases the height of the building. Additionally, the original plans were for the units to
be sold as condominiums; changes in the market result in these being rented as market rate
apartments.
Mayor Hicks stated that while this is not a public hearing, comments would be heard
from the members of the audience.
Tim Cherney, 3532 Greten Lane, stated that a traffic study is needed and an apartment
is not in the neighborhood's character. He also stated that there was no notification of this
project, and presented a petition signed by 90 people opposing the project.
Shelley Sticha, 3546 Greten Lane, requested clarification on the project's sunset clause
and why it wouldn't apply in this case. Hinzman stated the 2004 approval was for the site plan,
which has expired. The original project, which began in the 1990's, had no sunset clause on the
density provisions.
Todd Siewert and Paul Siewert, the developers and property managers, stated that Todd
lives in Hastings and they are proud to develop in the community, using local vendors.
Kerry Liff, 3577 Greten Lane, stated that the City's one notification sign was not
sufficient and that there is already sufficient rental housing.
Tony Trezza, 902 36~' Street West, stated that there is too much traffic already.
Dave Bacca, 3582 Greten Lane, stated concern with traffic and the project.
Shelley Hughes, 918 36`~ Street West, stated that the City needs to review the number
of high density properties and that she wants to maintain her property values. She opposed the
project,
Lori Moldenhauser, 3552 Greten Lane, stated that she would like to see the integrity of
the neighborhood maintained.
Billie Maher, resident, stated support for the project, as it wilt be handicapped
accessible and up-to-date.
April Weiss, 3539 Greten Lane, stated that there already exist handicapped accessible
apartments in town, and stated concern with safety.
Mark Beebe, 3345 Malcolm Avenue, stated support for the project, as there is little
accessible housing in Hastings and he would like to live independently.
Paul Siewert stated that he maintains apartment buildings in Red Wing, and that this
building is designed to be converted to condominiums in the future.
Dan Dancer, 3466 Olson Drive, stated that he would like to see it remain a single
family development.
Mayor Hicks entered comments from Brad Johnson at 744 Greten Lane into the record,
indicating objection to the project.
Councihnember Alongi asked how the traffic assessment was conducted. Hinzman
stated that the intersection at 36~ and 46/47 was developed with apartment buildings at that
location. Traffic is currently at approximately 1,000 vehicles daily, and it was constructed to
handle approximately 5,000/day. Hinzman stated that there is the possibility of a traffic light
being installed in the future, but that it currently does not meet traffic warrants.
Councihnembsr Hazlet stated that there are no legal reasons to deny the sits plan, as the
density has already been approved by the Council,
Councihnember Schultz referred to a staff comment regarding architectural changes.
Hinzman stated that the applicant has agreed to the changes.
City of Hastings July 2, 2007
City Council Minutes Page 4 of 5
Mayor Hicks stated support for the project and felt that the size and the location was
appropriate for the overall housing needs of the community. Hicks also stated support for the
underground parking change.
Councilmember Blueness asked if there would be an on-site property manager. The
developer stated that there will be local staff and an on-site caretaker to show properties and do
small repairs and maintenance. Blueness also asked whether the drainage concerns had been
addressed. Hinzman stated that the City's engineer has approved the drainage plan.
Councilmember Slavik asked what will be developed on the rest of the open space
surrounding this site. Hinzman stated that this is the first building of a proposed seven building
complex proposed for the site.
Councihnember Schultz asked the developer if they would be participating in the City's
Crime Free Multi Housing Program. They stated that they would. Schultz also discussed the
complexity of the traffic concerns in the City and stated that the City is working with MnDOT,
Dakota County, and other entities to address traffic, but it can be a long process.
Councihnember Slavik expressed concern with a seven apartment building
development.
Councilmember Alongi asked when traffic Counts were last conducted. Hinzman stated
they were conducted in the last two years. Alongi stated frustration with the action before the
Council, stating that expectations may have been raised that the Council would be reviewing
the land use of the proposal, not simply the site plan. Alongi stated that he would not support
the project.
Mayor Hicks stated that the City has worked hard on ensuring a variety of building
densities throughout its comprehensive plan.
Councilmember Hollenbeck stated that the City needs varying densities of properties
throughout the City and that property management is essential for successful rental properties.
Moved by Councilmernber Hazlet, seconded by Councilmember Hollenbeck to approve
the site plan with the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission.
5 Ayes, Nays, Two. Councihnembers Alongi and Schultz voting against.
Copy of resolution on file.
Mayor Hicks declared a recess from 8:47 to 8:50 p.m.
Concept Approval-Hastings Trail Connection to Red Wing
Parks & Recreation Director Bernstein requested Council consideration for staffto
proceed with meetings to discuss a possible trail connection to Red Wing, using a vacated rail
bed.
Moved by Councihnember Schultz, seconded by Councihnember Alongi to give
conceptual support of the project, and direct staff to work with the NRRC and P&R Committee
of the Council as the discussions proceed.
7 Ayes; Nays, None.
Roadside Tennis Court Lighting
Parks & Recreation Director Bernstein stated that requests have been received to keep
the lighting available until 11:00 p.m. Currently, lighting is available until 10:00 p.m. Staff
was directed to review previous Council action regarding hours of light availability which may
have been discussed at the time the lights were originally installed. If complaints are received,
the item should be referred to the NRRC for review.
Moved by Councilmember Schultz, seconded by Councilmember Hollenbeck to
approve the lights being available until 11:00 p.m.
7 Ayes; Nays, None.
City of Hastings July 2, 2tl07
City Council Minutes Page 5 of S
Comments from Audience
Steve Lindbohn, 3701 Century Drive, stated that he was unaware of the plans for 7
apartment buildings and asked how to be aware of the City's plans. Mayor Hicks stated that
residents are encouraged to call City Hall planning staff for questions related to land use. Hicks
also stated that residents are encouraged to participate in the Comprehensive Planning process.
Reports from Councilmembers
Councilmember Alongi stated that there will be an update from the Comprehensive
Planning Committee at the next City Council meeting.
Councihnember Hollenbeck provided an update on the Red Rock Corridor project.
Mayor Hicks invited residents to attend the East Hastings Association's 4~' of July
celebration.
Adjournment
Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Slavik to adjourn
meeting at 9:14 p.m.
7 Ayes, Nays, None.
Paul J. Hicks Melanie Mesko Lee
Mayor City Clerk