HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-09 Planning Commission Regular Meeting MinutesDraft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: February 9, 2022
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Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Planning Commission
Virtual WebEx
June 9, 2021
I. Call To Order
Chair Nemerov called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
II. Roll Call
Answering the roll call were: Commissioners Miranda, Berube, Strauss, Bennett, Olsen, Agnew, Bartling,
Alkire and Chair Nemerov. Staff Present: Cary Teague, Community Development Director, Emily
Bodeker, Assistant Planner, and Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist.
Absent from the roll call: Commissioner Cullen.
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Chair Nemerov indicated he would like to add Planning Commission Guidelines for discussion.
Commissioner Berube moved to approve the June 9, 2021, agenda. Commissioner Strauss
seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Bennett arrived at 7:03 p.m.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A. Minutes: Planning Commission, May 26, 2021
Commissioner Strauss moved to approve the May 26, 2021, meeting minutes.
Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
V. Community Comment
None.
VI. Public Hearings
A. Continue to June 23, 2021: B-21-17 Front Yard Setback Variance – 5404 Stauder
Circle
Director Teague indicated this item is to be continued to the June 23, 2021 Planning Commission meeting.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: February 9, 2022
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Motion
Commissioner Berube moved that the Planning Commission continue this item to the June 23,
2021 meeting. Commissioner Alkire seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
B. B-21-15, Front Yard and Rear Yard Setback Variances – 4241 Valley View Road
Assistant City Planner Bodeker presented the request for front yard and rear yard setback variances . Staff
recommends approval of the front yard and rear yard setback variances at 4241 Valley View Road, as
requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the staff report.
The Commission asked questions of staff.
Appearing for the Applicant
Mr. Paul Abdo, Owner and applicant, and Ms. Anna Devolis and Mr. Evan Hall addressed the Commission and
answered questions.
Public Hearing
Ms. Jennifer Henneman, 6225 Brookview, introduced herself and indicated she was not in favor of the setback
variances.
Commissioner Berube moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Agnew seconded
the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
The Commission started deliberation and discussion. Staff and the applicants answered Commission
questions. Video of the meeting is available on the City website for review of detailed comments.
Motion
Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the variance with the condition of moving the
proposed building to the northeast, five feet closer to Valley View Road and shifting the proposed
driveway to the south to avoid impacting trees shown on the proposed survey. Commissioner
Alkire seconded the motion. Motion carried 7 ayes, 2 nays (Agnew, Bartling).
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. Planning Commission Guidelines
Chair Nemerov indicated he would like to discuss this item. Member Berube indicated it was her
understanding that these were drafts and staff had a plan for the Commission to submit comments via email
with staff consolidating the edits for Commission to review at a later date. Chair Nemerov indicated the
need to discuss this and would like to have a discussion on the issues raised.
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Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: February 9, 2022
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Chair Nemerov explained there was a question on whether the Commission needs to discuss anything
more about the role of the Vice Chair. He indicated staff responded to this question raised by
Commission Agnew. He asked if Commissioner Agnew was satisfied with the response. Commissioner
Agnew thought staff’s response to her question was appropriate and made sense. There are other
organizations and Boards that do scope it out a little more thoroughly, but she thought for the Planning
Commission and staff’s response it made sense.
Commissioner Berube thought this discussion was really awkward and something for a work session
because the materials are not before the Commissioners and is totally off point. She indicated if the
Commission knew this was going to be on the agenda there could be better preparation done. She
thought it would be more helpful if people could be prepared and in front of them instead of being
unprepared.
Chair Nemerov asked if the Commission would be able to discuss this at the next work session. Director
Teague indicated the guidelines could be discussed at the work session.
Chair Nemerov indicated there is one item that came up in the comments that he wanted to discuss
related to ex parte communications. Director Teague reviewed the ex parte communications with the
Commission. Chair Nemerov asked the Commission to review this and the other guideline items for
discussion at the next work session.
VIII. Chair and Member Comments
Commissioner Bennett updated the Commission on Grandview Redevelopment of the Public Works site and
infrastructure around it.
Commissioner Bartling indicated regarding the last public hearing item a twin home could have been built more
appropriately for the size of the lot. She asked if the Commission is going against some of the ideals being talked
about and making this a neighborhood and community for all. She indicated setbacks and lot sizes are for a
reason. This worried her because it was approved. Commissioner Berube appreciated the comment because
the Commission has been brought up and taught that they are not to speak to the aesthetics. The Commission
is to speak to whether it requires a variance or not and if it does require one, does it make sense. It is not
about what it looks like because it is subjective, it is only a matter or if the logic says it deserves a variance or
not. The Commission discussed the variance and the reasons for approval. Video of the meeting is available on
the City website for review of detailed comments.
Chair Nemerov noted the Commission will be starting discussions on work plans. He asked Director Teague
and the Commissioners to start getting information together for discussion.
Chair Nemerov indicated there is an increasing National trend to disallow for new construction the use of gas.
He thought this might be something for the Commission to look into.
Chair Nemerov explained another thing he wanted to bring up is facial recognition technology. He discussed
the biasness of this technology.
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Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: February 9, 2022
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IX. Staff Comments
Planner Teague reported on the Office Industrial program and the City Council meeting items the
Planning Commission reviewed.
X. Adjournment
Commissioner Bartling moved to adjourn the June 9, 2021, Meeting of the Edina Planning
Commission at 8:57 PM. Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.