HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-28 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28,1999,7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
March 31, 1999
II. DISCUSSION:
Continuation of Public Hearing on Comprehensive Plan
III. ADJOURNMENT:
I
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 28,1999,7:30 P.M.,
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Acting Chair David Runyan, Helen McClelland, Ann Swenson, John Lonsbury,
Lorelei Bergman, Charles Ingwalson
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Gordon Johnson, Geof Workinger and David Byron
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Larsen and Jackie Hoogenakker
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Commissioner McClelland moved approval of the March 31, 1999, meeting minutes
with the correction that Chairman Johnson's abstention from discussion and vote be
moved to the beginning of the staff report on Normandale Lutheran Church.
Commissioner Ingwalson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
LD -99-1 Fred and Robyn Green
4404 West 42"d Street
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the proposed lot division will facilitate a five
foot addition to the garage at 4404 West 42nd Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals
granted a variance for the addition subject to this land trade. The home at 4406 West
42nd Street will comply with setback requirements following the trade.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval.
Commissioner McClelland moved to recommend lot division approval.
Commissioner Ingwalson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
Minutes of the Edina Planning Commission
Page 2
II. DISCUSSION/COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the goal of staff is to update the
Comprehensive Plan, incorporate new data, and eliminate rejected sections. Concluding
there are no major changes to the plan.
Commissioner McClelland said she would agree, pointing out Edina is 99%
developed.
Mr. Larsen noted future changes to the plan.will more than likely occur in the transit
and transportation sections. Mr. Larsen told the Commission the rail road line in Edina
has been mentioned for possible use as heavy rail transport.
Commissioner Ingwalson asked Mr. Larsen the difference between heavy and light
rail transportation systems. Mr. Larsen said heavy rail uses existing railroad tracks and
light rail cars "move people", explaining light rail systems are usually electric, and requires
It's own line. Mr. Larsen added most new systems are light rail.
Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Larsen if the railroad line in Edina is still
active. Mr. Larsen responded the Canadian Pacific line is still an active line.
Commissioner Swenson referred to the section of the Comprehensive Plan
regarding percent of land that is public and quasi public, and asked where Edina falls. Mr.
Larsen responded Edina is in the high percentile on public land and average to below
average on quasi public land.
Commissioner Ingwalson said he has a concern with the environment, and ground
water, and questioned Mr. Larsen on that aspect of the plan. Mr. Larsen said at present
the City is reviewing a Well Head Protection Plan that safeguards the City's wells. Mr.
Larsen said at present all Edina wells are located in "safe" locations where there are no
environmental waste concerns. Acting Chairman Runyan asked Mr. Larsen how many
wells the City has. Mr. Larsen responded the City has 17 wells. Acting Chair Runyan
asked if the "Well Head Protection Plan" includes private wells. Mr. Larsen said it does
not, but the City has a goal to ensure that every well in Edina is either abandoned
properly or is operable. Mr. Larsen said another goal is to have every residence hooked
up to City water, though residents may choose to maintain active wells to sprinkle their
lawns and gardens.
Commissioner Lonsbury asked Mr. Larsen how one interprets the environmental
aspect of the plan when one considers variances. (i.e. windows, insulation, etc). Mr.
Larsen responded the Comprehensive Plan is to be used as a guide. The City of Edina
requires that all buildings meet State building codes, and all building materials (windows,
insulation, etc.) must meet those codes, adding there are new stricter building codes to
adhere to. Mr. Larsen concluded in reality it becomes the choice of the property owner to
upgrade materials above what is required by State code.
Minutes of the Edina Planning Commission
Page 3
Commissioner McClelland referred to the Transportation section of the plan and
questioned Mr. Larsen on the concept of prohibiting through traffic. She referred to: #4,
page 4, of the Transportation Element which states "design residential street systems to
discourage through traffic and to be compatible with other transportation modes including
transit, bicycle and walking, including traffic calming measures on local streets and, in
some cases, collector streets." Commissioner McClelland said she believes this is not
really what the City wants said. Mr. Larsen agreed. Commissioner Swenson suggesting
eliminating "to discourage through traffic and". Mr. Larsen and Members of the
Commission agreed the statement reads better with that elimination.
Commissioner Swenson questioned Edina's Park and Ride facilities and
commented it would be nice if the park and ride area at Benton Avenue and Highway 100
had a covered shelter. Mr. Larsen responded the park and ride system is not as "used" in
first ring suburbs, as it is farther out. Mr. Larsen said the City works with MTC, and in the
future it may be possible to work at developing more park and rides and/or park and ride
shelters in Edina. Mr. Larsen said If the school bus garage becomes a reality it may be
possible to develop a park and ride on that site.
Commissioner McClelland questioned if the Tax Increment District for Valley View is
still active. Mr. Larsen said Valley View and France 44 districts fell flat for lack of either
public or private investment. Mr. Larsen said the only area the City captured Tax
Increment funding is 70th and Cahill due to the Ron Clark development of townhomes.
Continuing, Mr. Larsen explained the City has been speaking to Rosters (U-Haul/gas
station) about acquiring the Roster site for future re -development.
Commissioner Lonsbury moved to recommend adoption of the elements of the
Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Swenson seconded the motion. All voted aye;
motion carried.
III. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
_Hoogenakker`