HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-28 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA
PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1995
7:30 P.M., EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
May 31, 1995
II. OTHER BUSINESS:
Metropolitan Livable Communities Act
III. NEXT MEETING DATE:
August 2, 1995
IV. ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1995
7:30 P.M., COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: CHAIRMAN G. JOHNSON, L. BERGMAN, N. FAUST, L.
JOHNSON, H. MCCLELLAND, R. HALE, D. RUNYAN, G.
WORKINGER, A. SWENSON, D. BYRON, C.
INGW ALSON
STAFF: C. LARSEN, J. HOOGENAKKER
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes of the May 31, 1995, meeting were filed with corrections.
Discussion/Metropolitan Livable Communities Act
Mr. Larsen explained the City Council seeks the opinion of the Planning Commission
on City participation in implementing elements of the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act.
The Act was enacted by the State in the 1995 session. Further the Council has asked of the
Commission agrees that Edina should take a leadership role in implementing programs that
vest serve the City.
Commissioner McClelland said she hopes the legislature understands that a inner -ring
suburb that is 99% developed faces different issues than a fringe suburb that is not completely
developed.
Mr. Larsen agreed, he said he believes the first ring suburbs are not the main target for
this legislation. Continuing, Mr. Larsen explained as he understands the Act each community
can negotiate their individual plan. Mr. Larsen said he believes the posture of the City should
be pro -active, and it is our goal to develop an individual plan during the early stages of the
discussion that will be approved. Mr. Larsen pointed out Edina is frequently signaled out
negatively, for whatever reason, and being pro -active creates political points, and diffuses
negative comments.
Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Larsen if the City will receive credit for the work
it has done in the past creating low income and middle income housing opportunities. Mr.
Larsen said it is our hope that the plan we propose includes everything accomplished in the
past and we are given credit for them along with a plan to meet present and future needs.
Commissioner Faust asked if taxes will be raised to support the proposed legislation.
Mr. Larsen said the Act has a formula that is used to determine the amount each city is
required to levy. The figure that seems to appear regarding Edina is $80,000 and would be
levied on all taxable property.
Commissioner McClelland commented Edina will run out of new housing opportunities
in the near future, reiterating Edina is almost completely developed, with future housing
opportunities coming from the subdivision of large single family lots. Concluding, raw land in
Edina appears to continue to become more expensive.
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen what the role of the Commission is
regarding this issue. Mr. Larsen said at present our role is not very clear, with more
information becoming available in August. Mr. Larsen reiterated the City would like to open
the dialogue early in the process, and address some of the issues that have been outlined thus
far. Continuing, Mr. Larsen said it is our intent to negotiate a plan that acknowledges the fact
that Edina is roughly 100% developed with the remaining residential lots extremely expensive.
Mr. Larsen said the plan will point out everything Edina has accomplished in the past. Mr.
Larsen pointed out the citys housing stock supports the statement "you do not have to leave
the community to find different housing types." Reiterating staff believes Edina has developed
housing that meets the needs of the community.
Chairman Johnson said if the City adopts a concept the supports the $80,000, what
guarantee do we have that amount won't increase every year.
Mr. Larsen said there are no F.,uarantees, but in the opinion of city staff the city will be
in better shape if it acts now, and does not stonewall.
Commissioner Faust asked if the City can withdraw support at any time. Mr. Larsen
said it appears the City can withdraw at any time. Commissioner Faust asked Mr. Larsen if he
knows how the money will be used. Mr. Larsen responded in the past a surtax was created
that often went elsewhere. This Act would give the city the opportunity to generate funds and
use those funds to benefit Edina residents.
Commissioner Faust questioned Mr. Larsen on the realities of developing an acceptable
plan with only $80,000. Mr. Larsen said the city will focus the plan on what has been
accomplished in the past, and we can request in the plan that city monies be allocated every
two or three years. This would give the city for two years $160.000, or for three years
$240,000. Continuing, Mr. Larsen reported in the 1970's the city was earmarked to supply
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800 low income units. The proposed act appears to allow more flexibility.
Commissioner McClelland said it may be possible that the city could upgrade one home
per year for income qualifying applicants, and meet the intent of the act.
Commissioner Workinger questioned what the city would lose if we didn't act. Mr.
Larsen said in his opinion the city would lose face, and forfeit the opportunity to address our
own needs. Continuing, Mr. Larsen said the city has always worked to provide housing
opportunities for low to middle income residents. In the past the City has incorporated a 2nd
mortgage program for Edinborough, and there is the prospect to do it again with single
dwelling housing stock. Mr. Larsen said the goal of the City is to do the best for our
community, and to be given the opportunity to tell our story. Commissioner Workinger
commented that this plan could take up a lot of staff time. Mr. Larsen responded city staff has
continually worked on programs that benefit residents in one way or another, and will continue
to do so. The initial planning stage may take time, but as I indicated earlier city staff
continues to work with programs that benefit residents, either with grant programs, 2nd
mortgage programs, etc.
Commissioner Johnson stressed he highly endorses an active role for the City. He
stated in his opinion the proposed act gives the City more control, adding this issue is not a
new one, it has been brewing for years, and will be with us in the future. Continuing,
Commissioner Johnson added he is interested in this issue, has been following it for a number
of years, and believes each community should be part of the solution, and participate.
Commissioner Johnson reiterated in his opinion Edina should take an active responsible
leadership role. Reiterating, Commissioner Johnson stated this issue is something that will be
with us for many years, will not go away, and is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Commissioner McClelland commented in her opinion nothing is worse than not acting
and being appointed to do something, agreeing with Commissioner Johnson the city should
take an active posture, adding in her opinion we want to encourage moderate income residents
to live here.
Commissioner Byron acknowledged the $80,000 may not be much, but he is intrigued
with the prospects. Commissioner Byron asked Mr. Larsen if we are endorsing the levy this
evening. Mr. Larsen stated what the City is endorsing now is taking an active leadership role,
and implementing creative measures to best use the monies ($80,000) that may be levied.
Commissioner Bergman questioned what would happen if the plan proposed by the city
is not accepted. Mr. Larsen said he does not believe that will happen, there may need to be
some adjustments to the plan, but as we understand the issue today, a plan endorsed by the
council needs to be presented. The real problem occurs if we have an approved plan, and we
do not act on it..
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Commissioner Workinger said he does not want the city to get in over its head, adding
he does not want to spend $65,000 to get $80,000. Mr. Larsen said the City in not intending
to create new staff positions as a result of this act, though it is possible the City may hire a
consultant. Mr. Larsen explained as mentioned previously, a majority of City projects,
Edinborough 2nd Mortgage program, East Edina Housing Foundation, Grant programs, etc.
have all been developed and administered with present staff and Edina residents who
volunteer. Staff will continue to develop plans and administer to the community.
Commissioner Johnson asked the commission to bear in mind this issue is something
that will be with us, not only Edina, but with every city for 15 to 20 years. It is an issue that
needs to be addressed. It will not go away, and an active responsible posture should be
taken.
Mr. Larsen said something can be said for shaping a program that best suits Edina.
Which is why we are encouraging you, and the council to take an active leadership role with
this issue.
Commissioner Byron commented after listening to the discussion thus far, that we need
to encourage the beginning of the planning process, which will help the council determine if
monies should be levied, and how they should be implemented to best meet the needs of the
community.
Commissioner Byron moved to recommend that the city endorse participating in the
process, and take an active leadership role. Commissioner Hale seconded the motion. All
voted aye; motion carried.
III : 1 I 1: ►lu_I ►
Commissioner Hale moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
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