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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/00Hastings Planning Commission February 14, 2000 Regular Meeting Commissioner Harrington called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Commissioners Present: Anderson, Harrington, Stotko, and Strauss Commissioners Absent: Donndelinger, Schultz Staff Present: City Planner Matthew Weiland, Associate Planner Kris Jenson 2. Approve Meeting Minutes of January 24th, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Item #4 on the agenda was moved up and heard before the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing. 4. Fluegels Lawn and Garden - Fence Request City Planner Matt Weiland presented background information on this subject. Commissioner Anderson requested more information about the appearance of the black vinyl fence being proposed for the front of the site. The applicant, Joe Mohrhauser, stated that the fence will be exactly like the one surrounding the City Aquatic Center. There was no additional discussion among the Planning Commission. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Stotko moved and Commissioner Strauss seconded to recommend approval of Fluegel=s Lawn and Garden Site Plan to the City Council, subject to the following: 1. That the proposed structure and accessory items including, but not limited to, the parking lot and landscaping shall be completed pursuant to the approved site plan. Upon request for occupancy of the building, all uncompleted items contained within the site plan shall be addressed pursuant to city code escrow payments. Upon vote taken, Ayes, 4; Nays, 0. Motion carried. 3. Public Hearing - Hastings 2020 Comprehensive Plan City Planner Matt Weiland presented information on this subject. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:21 pm. Harold Featherstone, 1403 Featherstone Road, had numerous comments. He submitted his comments in written form to City Planner Weiland during the business day of Feb. 14, 2000. Mr. Featherstone then repeated those comments during the public hearing. A copy of his comments are attached to these minutes. Commissioner Strauss thanked Mr. Featherstone for his comments, saying that he had raised some very good and valid points. Pat Handlson, 517 5th Street W, expressed concern over affordable housing with Hastings. He asked the Commission when the last apartment complex in Hastings was constructed that was not built by Dakota County HRA. Planner Weiland responded that it was in the late 1970's. Mr. Handlson stated that Hastings= percentage of affordable housing is decreasing due to the large number of single family homes being constructed compared to the lack of apartments built. Mr. Handlson indicated that he has spoken with teachers, hospital employees, and some of the new full-time Target employees who have expressed a difficulty in finding a place to live in Hastings. Commissioner Stotko asked Mr. Handlson for some ideas/recommendations regarding bringing apartments/affordable housing to Hastings. Mr. Handlson stated that other communities have entered into public/private paxtnerships, such as Woodbury and Farmington. He said that the City should push the State to change the tax structure for multi-family housing. Commissioner Strauss pointed out in the Housing Plan the vacancy rate for apartments in Hastings during 1999 was virtually zero. Planner Weiland responded that the City has been looking at TIF=s as well as apartments/affordable housing behind the Target site that would be close to jobs, schools, and shopping. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:46 pm. Planning Commission Discussion: Commissioner Anderson commented on the Transportation Plan, noting that he feels the design of the Highway 61 bridge does not cause congestion, rather the amount of traffic causes congestion. He is concerned about the impact a four lane bridge could have on the downtown area. He also feels the City should take a more proactive stance and push the Red Rock Corridor commuter line. If the commuting issue is addressed through the commuter line, it may not be necessary to reconstruct the bridge to 4 lanes. Commissioner Strauss added it would be advantageous to have the Red Rock Corridor line running before the Wakota Bridge is scheduled for replacement, as it may take a number of people off the roads and relieve some congestion, especially during the bridge reconstruction. Planner Weiland reminded the Commission that the main reason for replacement of the bridge is due to structural deficiencies, but that traffic has been increasing. The current design of the bridge also lends itself to accidents, especially during the merging from two to one lanes, or the widening from one lane to two. Commissioner Strauss pointed out the rebuilding the bridge to 4 lanes will not relieve congestion on the bridge or Highway 61 in general. Commissioner Harrington inquired whether the Comprehensive Plan would be updated with figures from the 2000 Census, as well as the timetable for approving the Plan. Planner Weiland stated that the plan would be 2 updated to reflect changes due to updated census figures. The timetable for approval would be delayed if major changes were requested to the Plan, but that Staff could still Atweak@ the plan. Dan Greil, 705 Vermillion St., inquired about ordinances, and if they are not in full compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, could the Met Council comment on or control the ordinance. Planner Weiland responded that the Met Council did not have that kind of power. Mr. Griel then asked whether the Comprehensive Plan is law, and Planner Weiland stated that is was not, that it is a guiding document for the City. Commissioner Strauss did point out that the Comprehensive Plan could be used as a supporting document in a court of law. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Anderson moved and Commissioner Strauss seconded to recommend to the City Council the approval of the Hastings 2020 Comprehensive Plan with consideration of the public=s and the Planning Commission=s comments. Upon vote taken, Ayes, 4; Nays, 0. Motion carried. 5. Updates and other business: City Planner Weiland introduced Dan Greil, who will be sworn in as the new Planning Commissioner, replacing Loren Flom, whose final term expired in January. Commissioner Harrington thanked Staff and all consultants for their effort and work on the Hastings 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Strauss inquired about a brainstorming session for the Planning Commission to deal with changes and new ordinances required to reflect the Comp Plan. Adjournment: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.