HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 12, 2002
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CITY of ANDOVER
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING - NOVEMBER 12, 2002
The Regular Bi;..Monthly Meeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was
called to order by Acting Chairperson Dean Daninger on November 12,2002, 7:00 p.m.,
at the Andover City Hall, 1685. Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners present:
Acting Chairperson Dean Daninger, Commissioners Tim
Kirchoff, Douglas Falk, and Paula Larsen.
Commissioners absent:
Chairperson Jay Squires, Commissioners Tony Gamache
and Rex Greenwald.
Also present:
City Planner, Courtney Bednarz .
Associate Planner, D. Tyler McKay
Others
APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
October 8, 2002
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated on all the items, except for the last items when he
left early, it was indicated in the minutes as nays for him and they should be positive
votes. There was not any indication as to who stated the nay votes.
Motion by Kirchoff, seconded by Falk, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, O-present, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
PUBLIC HEARING: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT (02-04) TO
CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM URBANRESIDENTIAL LOW
DENSITY (URL) TO LIMITED COMMERCIAL (LC) ON PROPERTY LOCA TED
AT 13730 CROSSTOWNDRIVE NW FORPINEWSKI BUILDERS.
Mr. McKay explained that the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the City of Andover was
adopted in December of 200 1. The area that is proposed to be changed from Urban
! -'\ Residential Low Density (URL) to Limited Commercial (LC) is approximately 1.48 acres
'0 in size. There are already a number of businesses located adjoining and nearby along
Regular Andover PlannC) and Zoning Commission Meeting 0
Minutes - November 12, 2002
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,-..J Crosstown Drive in similar Business zones. This will not have a negative impact on the
property values or scenic views of the surrounding area
Commissioner Kirchoff asked what types of businesses would go into the building. Mr.
McKay stated the developer did not have any idea what would go in there but they are
looking at offices.
Motion by Kirchoff, seconded by Larsen, to open the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Ms. Shirley Kline, 13761 Northwood Dr. NW asked if the property goes commercial, the
land next to this would like to go commercial in the next few years, could this be done.
Mr. McKay stated the owner would need to file all the paperwork and go through the
same process, but they have every right to do this. Mr. Bednarz stated that there is a
minimum site size requirements for commercial districts and in this case, for limited
business, it is 150 by 150 depth and width and he is not sure they have it there. Ms. Kline
stated she thought he had enough because he owns more than one lot. Mr. Bednarz stated
that if that is the case, he might be able to combine the properties but it would need to be
looked at closer to determine.
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Motion by Falk, seconded by Larsen, to close the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Motion by Falk, seconded by Kirchoff, to recommend to the City Council approval of
Resolution No. _, approving the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (02-04) to Change
the Land Use Designation from Urban Residential Low Density (URL) to Limited
Commercial (LC) on Property Located at 13730 Crosstown Drive NW For Pinewski
Builders. Motion carried ona 3-ayes, I-nay (Larsen), 3-absent (Greenwald, Garnache,
Squires) vote.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be before the Council at the December 3,2002
City Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING (02-04) TO CHANGE THE ZONING
DESIGNATION FROM SINGLE FAMILY URBAN RESIDENTIAL (R-4) TO
LIMITED BUSINESS (LB) ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13730 CROSSTOWN
DRIVE NW FOR PINEWSKI BUILDERS.
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Mr. McKay explained that the applicant is requesting that the property be rezoned from
Single Family Urban Residential (R-4) to Limited Business (LB) to allow a new
professional office building adjacent to the Molly professional building. The external
materials change would allow a proposal to incorporate the two buildings into one site
with integrated parking. The color, style, and stone of both buildings would be similar.
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Mr. McKay stated as with all rezonings, one of the two following fmdings must be made
to justify the rezoning:
1. The original zoning/land use was in error.
2. The character of the area or times and conditions have changed to such an
extent to warrant the Rezoning/Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
In this case the character of the area has changed through the installation of municipal
utilities, increased traffic along Bunker and Crosstown and resulting commercial
development near the intersection.
Other elements to be taken into consideration are:
1) The effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, morals and general
welfare of occupants of surrounding lands.
2) Existing and anticipated traffic conditions including parking facilities on
adjacent streets and lands.
3) The effect on values of property and scenic views in the surrounding area
4) The effect of the proposed use on the Comprehensive Plan.
There are already a number of businesses located nearby in similar Limited Business
(\- ') zones. Since the subject property is located just off of Bunker Lake Boulevard, and
J directly at Crosstown Drive, this is a location along major roads, which, would
accommodate the amount of increased traffic and the parking demands. These issues will
be addressed during the commercial site plan process. This will not have a negative
impact on the property values or scenic views of the surrounding area The rezoning
must be contingent upon a change to the Comprehensive Plan from URL to Limited
Commercial.
Motion by Falk, seconded by Kirchoff, to open the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, I-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Mr. Bednarz stated they have received a letter in opposition to this. Mr. Bednarz
summarized the letter.
Motion by Larsen, seconded by Kirchoff, to close the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, I-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Commissioner Falkasked if the applicant has met with the residents regarding this land.
Mr. Steve Pinewski, Pinewski Builders, stated the property owners talked with the
neighbors prior to the application and everyone seemed to be in favor of this except for
the neighbor to the north. He stated he has not personally talked to the neighbors.
(' 1 Mr. Bednarz stated that staff received a letter in opposition to the request. He
"_j summarized the letter and noted that the Planning Commission received a copy as well.
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Page 4
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Commissioner Kirchoff stated he was curious if there would be any opportunity in the
back to soften the landscaping or putting up a fence. Mr. Pinewski stated they do not like
the idea ofa fence because of high maintenance. They were looking at putting in blue
spruces. He stated the proposal would be to line the property lines with blue spruces,
which makes a good buffer year round.
Commissioner Kirchoff stated he thought this was an appropriate change.
Motion by Kirchoff, seconded by Daninger, to recommend to the City Council approval
of Resolution No. _, approving the Rezoning (02-04) to Change the Zoning
Designation from Single Family Urban Residential (R4) to Limited Business (LB) on
Property Located at 13730 Crosstown Drive NW for Pinewski Builders. Motion carried
on a 3-ayes, I-nays (Larsen), 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be before the Council at the December 3,2002
City Council meeting.
VARIANCE (02-11) VARIANCE TO ORDINANCE 8, SECTION 6.02 FOR SIDE
SETBACK TO ALLOW ADDITION TO EXISTING HOUSE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 2860 135TH A VENUE NW.
'" j Mr. Bednarz explained that the applicant is seeking approval of a variance to reduce the
side yard setback for a proposed addition to the existing house.
Mr. Bednarz stated the applicant intends to finish the existing garage to add additional
finished square footage to the existing house. A new garage with living space above
would be added to the west side of the existing garage. The living space above the
garage would be 1.5 feet below the 10-foot side yard setback for houses. The addition
would extend to 8.5 feet from the side property line.
Mr. Bednarz stated staff researched previous variance applications and found that a
number of variances to the side yard setback have been granted in the past. Typically
these variances have been for decks, house additions or detached accessory buildings
adjacent to streets on corner lots. Four variances have been granted for garage or house
additions from interior property lines.
Mr. John Olsen, 2860 135th Avenue NW presented the proposed addition to the existing
house.
Commissioner Kirchoffasked if the neighbors have objections to this. Mr. Olsen stated
they did not have any objections.
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Commissioner Larsen stated in the letter he indicated one neighbor would not object,
what about the others. Mr. Olsen stated that the neighbor this addition would be closest
to does not object.
Motion by Larsen, seconded by Kirchoff, to recommend to the City Council approval of
Resolution No. _, approving the Variance (02-11 ) Variance to Ordinance 8, Section
6.02 for Side Setback to Allow Addition to Existing House for Property Located at 2860
135th Avenue NW.
Commissioner Kirchoff stated he saw this addition as a border between two houses and
not as an infringement on the setback. He stated he thought this would be an asset to the
neighborhood.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated in the Resolution, it should state 135th Avenue and
not Lane. Mr. Bednarz stated this is true and would be noted and corrected.
Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be before the Council at the December 3,2002
City Council meeting.
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IJ PUBLIC HEARING: RESIDENTIAL SKETCH PLAN FOR A TOWNHOUSE
PROJECT FOR CREEKSIDE HOMES ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 14220
CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW.
Mr. Bednarz explained that the Planning Commission is asked to review a sketch plan for
a residential development containing 24 townhouses on an approximately 4-acre
property. The proposed development would require planned unit development review to
provide alternative development standards.
Mr. Bednarz discussed the criteria with the Planning Commission. Mr. Bednarz stated
the City Council would need to determine if they would accept a medium density
development on the subject property.
Mr. Dave Harris, Creekside Homes stated they have had many different sketch plans for
this project and they finally came up with a plan that would be marketable and address
the issues that were raised by the neighborhood. He presented the proposed sketch plan
to the Commission.
Motion by Falk, seconded by Larsen, to open the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
r~\ Mr. Joe Kabezinksi, 2351 Uplander Drive NW stated he had a memo from Mr. Bednarz
\,~ and he never received one of these, only one neighbor received this and he wanted to
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know why. He also stated that the property was owned by Mr. Windschitl and it was
zoned as light commercial and he tried to get the property rezoned to build homes on the
property and was denied, so how can Mr. Harris build townhomes. He stated with the
new school in the area, there is already too much traffic in the area and if these
townhomes are allowed to be built, the traffic will be unbearable and no one will be able
to get out of the neighborhood.
Mr. Bednarz stated the City sends out notices to residents within 350 feet of the property
and the City also publishes the hearing notice in the Anoka Union and posts a sign at the
site.
Ms. Becky Joiner, 14194 Quinn Street NW stated her property abuts up to the property
behind them and she took the time to go around the neighborhood to have people sign a
petition. She stated the property is zoned low density and Mr. Harris is trying to put in 24
units and they would like to see the City only allow 16 units on the property as a
maximum. She stated the problems with traffic are not only on 141 st but also on l42nd.
These streets are dead-end streets. She stated with additional traffic, 1 42nd Avenue would
be a parking lot in the morning. She stated they would like to see the City go along with
them and only permit 4 houses per acre. She stated they would like to see the property
kept as single-family housing.
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Ms. Bobbie Langner, 141 st Avenue stated she had not received a notice either and this
affects her because she travels the roads around there and right now the traffic is bad.
She asked if the proposed housing is going to be Section 8 housing because they have
these in the area now and there is a lot of trouble with drugs and police calls.
Mr. Harris indicated these would not be Section 8 housing.
Mr. Larry Chavis, 2140 1 42nd Avenue NW stated when he heard about the proposed
project, his concern was the additional traffic. He stated there is a lot of speeding on the
road right now and it is impossible to get out of the neighborhood at times. He stated
the crossings at this time are unsafe and he does not think adding more traffic to an
already problem area is wise.
Mr. Ed Bob, 2139 1 42nd Avenue asked if the exit for the street coincide with l42nd Lane.
Mr. Bednarz stated as drawn, it did not. Mr. Bob stated it produces an extra traffic
problem and a major problem he sees with the sketch. He stated he does not object to
low density development of this plat. He stated he believed this would reduce some of
the home values in the area He stated single-family homes would look better in the
neighborhood.
Ms. Judy Keesar stated her concern is children walking on the road to school and the
increased traffic in the neighborhood. She stated more traffic would eventually hurt some
.r-\ kids.
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Mr. Richard Anderson, 2104 1 42nd Avenue NW stated his neighborhood is a friendly
neighborhood where everyone knows each other and this proposal is in the wrong area
and their neighborhood is not the place for the townhome development.
Ms. Pat Albreight, 2080 1 42nd Avenue NW stated the children catch the bus on l42nd and
with added traffic this would be a danger to the children and she feels this development is
unneeded in the neighborhood.
Motion by FaIk, seconded by Kirchoff, to close the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Mr. Harris stated the questions relating to traffic, cannot control the traffic coming out
onto Crosstown but with their plan, they are proposing a sidewalk along the development
so children will not need to walk in the street. He stated the townhomes would not be
section 8 housing and would be owner occupied townhomes with the starting price at
$190,000 up to $235,000 in the neighborhood. He stated they had another plan that put
six units onto l42nd but staff did not feel this was an adequate plan. He stated that the
City might be able to look at a signal at the intersection. He stated Mr. Rademacher owns
the land and they have a purchase agreement on the property and the only way they were
able to reduce the density was to upgrade the style of unit. He stated a small number of
single-family homes would not make any economical sense for a builder or the seller.
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Commissioner Kirchoff asked if this would be an association. Mr. Harris stated this was
true.
Commissioner Kirchoff asked if staff looked at the possibility of having two entrances,
one off of 141 st and one off of l42nd. Mr. Bednarz stated they did look at this and there is
an existing access off of Crosstown Boulevard that the County would like to see closed.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated the City makes all efforts to post the public hearing
and the City has a policy to send out all the mailings and they do advertise in the Anoka
Union. He also stated he would encourage anyone who sees illegal activity in the area to
contact the Sheriff.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated he did not know about any information regarding
Mr. Windschitl owning the property. Mr. Bednarz stated he did not know a great deal
about the history beyond the past ten years when Mr. Rademacher bought the property.
He stated the City did a neighborhood business study that evaluated the site and provided
a recommendation for it to be developed as residential.
Acting Chairperson Daninger asked if there was any information on traffic changes to the
area Mr. Bednarz stated that Crosstown Boulevard is a County roadway and a County
public improvement project would need to bring the improvements. Traffic is going to
(~) increase according to new traffic counts and the roadway is in need of improvement. He
-~ stated the City is in the final phases of updating a transportation plan, which calls for
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Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
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Page 8
improvements at key intersections throughout the City. He stated there needs to be a
funding source to pay for the improvements and they will continue to look for the funds
for improvement.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated this is a sketch plan and the Commission makes
recommendations to the developer and City Council and then the next step is this sketch
plan moves forward to the City Council for further discussion and a decision. He stated
this goes through many more steps before becoming final.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated the Commission knows that traffic is an issue.
Commissioner Larsen stated that given the traffic issues, she would feel that low density
is more appropriate. She understands there would be some fmandal hardships but it was
originally zoned that way and should remain that way with all the concern from the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Kirchoff stated the developer would not have access to Crosstown so they
would be limited in that aspect. He asked how many single family houses they could put
in there if they put in a cul-de-sac. Mr. Bednarz stated they could probably get seven R-4
single family residential lots in there. Commissioner Kirchoff asked what if the road was
a through street. Mr. Bednarz stated they could put the roadway through but there is not
sufficient depth for R-410ts on both sides of the road.
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Commissioner Falk stated he would prefer this to be a townhouse development rather
than commercial. He stated he agreed with the residents that there should be a limit of
sixteen units instead of twenty-four.
Commissioner Kirchoff stated he would prefer to go half way and have ten twinhouse
buildings instead of twelve.
Commissioner Larsen asked if there would only be seven residential single-family
homes. Mr. Bednarz stated that if it remained R-4, this is likely all that would fit.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated he proposes low density and would encourage the
low-density plan. He stated that development allows things to happen such as parks and
trails and they have a Parks and Recreation Commission that look at this.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be before the Council at the December 3,2002
City Council meeting.
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Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
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Page 9
PUBLIC HEARING: RESIDENTIAL SKETCH PLAN FOR A DETACHED
TOWNHOUSE PROJECT TO BE KNOWN AS "CITY VIEW FARM" LOCATED AT
13313 ROUND LAKE BOULEVARD NW.
Mr. Bednarz explained the Planning Commission is asked to review a sketch plan for
'City View Farm', an urban residential development containing seven detached
townhouse lots on an existing 1.34 acre property. The proposed development would
require planned unit development review to provide alternative development standards
from the typical R-4 requirements.
Mr. Bednarz discussed the criteria with the Planning Commission.
Mr. Bednarz stated that due to the fact that access can only be provided from 133rd Lane
NW, the development potential of the property is limited. If the property were developed
under the R-4 Zoning District standards and with a typical public street the result would
be three single-family lots. These lots would likely be double frontage lots with
backyards facing Round Lake Boulevard. This is not desirable as the view entering
Andover could be of fences or possibly cluttered backyards. If the street were designed
as a frontage road to allow the three houses to face Round Lake Boulevard, the access at
133rd Lane would need to be dangerously close to Round Lake Boulevard. In either
scenario, the project would make poor use of the land, would hold down the value of the
~._~) land, and may be cost prohibitive as a result.
Mr. Bednarz stated the proposed project is a better alternative. With attention to detail
during Planned Unit Development Review, the project can become an attractive addition
at this entrance to the City.
Mr. Bednarz stated there was a neighborhood meeting last week.
Mr. Mike Bahn, 13313 Round Lake Boulevard discussed the proposed residential sketch
plan to the Commission. He stated there are some buildings on the property that are not
worth renovating. He stated there would be seven detached townhomes, single family
that would be association maintained.
Commissioner Falk asked how units with detached garages would sell. Mr. Bahn stated
he wants to have a backyard courtyard that is useable and away from the road. He stated
the detached garages may be an issue but there are only seven units. Falk asked if there
is a market out there for detached garages. Mr. Bahn stated he thinks that people would
buy them.
Commissioner Larsen asked how many townhomes are in the White Bear project. Mr.
Bahn stated that on the same size property, there are eight with detached garages in the
back.
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Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
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Commissioner Falk asked if the private drive is sufficient for the area. Mr. Bednarz
stated typically all access would be provided from a public street, but that type of
scenario would eliminate the development potential of the property.
Commissioner Falk asked if this would be a safety issue. Mr. Bednarz stated emergency
access is a concern and there is a turnaround between the last two garages in the sketch.
It would need to be modified to accommodate the boiler plate turnaround and they are
exploring with the City of Coon Rapids the potential to connect the private drive with the
private drive in the townhomes to the south.
Commissioner Kirchoff asked if the connection would only be for emergency use. Mr.
Bednarz stated this is true.
Commissioner FaIk asked with a private drive, would the association take care of the
snow removal and maintaining the roadway. Mr. Bednarz stated the City would not
maintain anything south of 133rd Lane and would need to be maintained by the
association.
Motion by Larsen, seconded by Kirchoff, to open the public hearing at 8: 17 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
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Ms. Grace Mary, 13385 Willow Street asked if there is going to be a traffic light on 133rd
Lane to accommodate additional traffic. Mr. Bednarz stated the County went through the
area with striping and modifications and he thought this was all they will see at the
present time. Ms. Mary stated it is disturbing because there will be a lot more cars.
Motion by Kirchoff, seconded by Larsen, to close the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Mr. Bahn stated this project may attract bus line people and the detached garage may
encourage the owners to ride the bus.
Commissioner Kirchoff stated he thought there was a project in Brooklyn Park with the
same type of housing and he liked the design of those.
Commissioner Larsen asked how many acres this is. It was noted it was 1.34 acres.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated they are always concerned with private roads and he
would encourage the City to look to Coon Rapids for a through street for emergency
purposes. He stated he liked the plan as he sees it.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be before the Council at the December 3,2002
City Council meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING: DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCES
#109 AND #230 REGULATING DIRT BIKES IN THE CITY OF ANDOVER.
Mr. McKay explained that a number of Andover residents have requested changes to
Ordinance #109 (Regulating All Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles) be amended to also
regulate the use of dirt bikes and to increase the regulation of A TV's in the City of
Andover. There have also been other complaints by Andover residents about the noise,
dust and fumes associated with the racing of dirt bikes, A TV's and other vehicles on and
off tracks on residential lots. The City Council directed this to be discussed by the
Planning Commission and requested for more information in regard to the Ham Lake
ordinance, the A TV Taskforce and a confirmation of the number of complaints filed to
the Sheriffs office.
Mr. McKay discussed other cities Ordinance's with the Planning Commission.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated Mr. McKay mentioned nineteen complaints, does he
know how many different addresses this is from. Mr. McKay stated the sheriff's report
he received does not have a lot of information.
Motion by Falk, seconded by Larsen, to open the public hearing at 8:30.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
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\,J Mrs. Mary Hilke, 18030 Uplander Court stated she is one of the residents requesting dirt
bikes be included in the current Ordinance. She read a letter to the Commission and
presented her viewpoint.
Mr. Tom Dancheck, 15584 Raven Street stated they feel Ordinance 109 needs to be
modified to address a setback distance from the property line and residents and needs to
address the repetitive operation of dirt bikes on trails and private properties. He stated
they are not trying to ban motorized vehicle use in the City, they are trying to create a
buffer. He discussed his issues and viewpoint with the Commission.
Mr. Pat Roberts, 18030 Uplander Court stated he would like to add that in talking to
Anoka County Sheriff's Department, the noise ordinance is unenforceable as written.
Andover's snowmobile and ATV Ordinance is written for public property. This means
that a resident can do whatever they like on their own property with no regard to their
neighbors. He read from the Ordinance and asked if this could be changed to include dirt
bikes and A TV's for public property also.
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Mr. Brian Flute, 15667 Raven Street stated there were a couple of issues he would like to
clarify in regards to the track described by Mr. Dancheck. He stated the track was built
for safety and curves so it slows the traffic down. The issue arose because neighbors
refused to communicate and work with each other. He stated after understanding of the
issue, the amount the kids have been allowed to ride has decreased and the rules for
riding have changed and been followed. He stated he has a problem with people that
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Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
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Page 12
want to change because the City is changing. He stated he has a list of neighbors that
agree with him. He stated some of the numbers forbid 2.5 acres from riding. He stated
they want to make it clear that by the petition, they want to reserve the right to operate on
their property. He stated the majority of people moved out to Andover to do be able to
ride. He cautioned the Commission to look at the lots and not just the dimensions.
Mr. Jim Linahan, 665 l48th Lane stated he owns two and a half acres and moved to
Andover from North Minneapolis because he wanted to get away from all the regulations.
By putting the setback restrictions in place, the residents cannot do anything on their
property. He stated if the setbacks were enforced, this would force people to own more
la.Qd, which is impossible in Andover.
Mr. John Swoosher, 1433 l6lst Avenue NW stated his concern was finding out the
setbacks seemed so excessive and unreasonable. He stated he does not have a dirt bike or
A TV or snowmobile. He stated his concern is seeing what seemed to be stunning figures
for the change in the Ordinance. He stated residents need some type of resolution other
than the sheriffs' department.
Mr. Dan Barrett, 17271 Partridge Street NW stated they moved to Andover in 1993 from
Minnetonka for the added acreage. He stated they have not had any complaints or police
calls. He stated he feels sympathy for what Ms. Hilke is going through but he hates to
(,j see the entire City affected by a couple of people who do not follow the rules.
Mr. Dan Benedict, 15638 Raven Street stated he lives next door to Mr. Dancheck. He
stated they invited the entire City Council over to see the trail they have complained
about and Mayor Gamache showed up. He stated they rode the trail for about forty
minutes and was amazed. Mayor Gamache stated this was one of the safety trails he has
seen. He stated the trail is completely lined with trees.and there is not an issue that
someone could cross over the property lines from the trail. He stated their four wheelers
have never been started at 8:00 a.m. He stated the noise ordinance issue is great and if
anyone of the vehicles exceeds the Cities limits for over a minute, they should be made
to change the vehicle to be remufflered. He stated there are three other neighbors that
would like to connect the trail together to create a larger trail to ride. He stated he feels
for Mr. & Mrs. Hilke and stated that something needed to be in regards to their issue.
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Mr. John Stong, 2333 1 55th Lane NW stated they live on a lot that is 200 by 400 feet and
if the Ordinance changed to 300 feet, it would make their yard unusable. He stated they
have no complaints from neighbors when riding their A TV's. He stated he cannot hear
his neighbors running their A TV's but occasionally they do hear a dirt bike running in the
distance constantly.
Ms. Patty Howard, 2119 1 56th Avenue stated she understands the issues with dirt bikes
but some of the families have gone out of their way to make sure riding their A TV's does
not disturb their neighbors. She stated the neighbors are concerned about what their kids
are doing. She stated they are living in a rural area and the kids generally ride with care.
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Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 12, 2002
Page 13
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She stated as a landowner, they have a right to do what they want on their property as
long as no laws are broken. If there needs to be limitations, she understands that but she
does not want privileges taken away. She stated she does not want to see the rights of the
landowner taken away. She stated the kids deserve the opportunity to ride recreational
vehicles as long as the rules are obeyed.
Mr. Dancheck stated he did not propose the 300-foot setback, staff proposed this. He
suggested a minimal setback. He also did not state there was continuous use. He stated
that comparisons to leaf blowers and lawn mowers are a distinct difference between these
types of operations versus optional riding vehicles.
Mr. Flute stated he wanted to clarify that on the trails they ride, the kids cannot speed
through where they are going. They have never crossed the property line and the kids
riding know what they are doing and the safety issues. He stated the track was designed
for safety. He stated this is not a racetrack and if the kids are caught racing or timing, the
machines are put away for a long time and it is taken very seriously.
Mr. Roberts stated that they have to appreciate the people that have moved to Andover
for a little peace and quiet.
Ms. Hilke stated that as snowmobilers, they went through this a few years ago and she
/ " thinks this is something that is happening and as communities grow, they have to look at
\J what is best for the community and she urges everyone to become active to open up some
of the forests trails.
Motion by Falk, seconded by Larsen, to close the public hearing at 9:23 p.m. Motion
carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Commissioner Kirchoff stated the issues that certain parties are experiencing are real. He
stated he couldn't support adding new regulations everywhere. He asked ifhe could
drive a snowmobile on his property south of 161 st. He stated the noise ordinance should
be enforced. He asked if they have a noise ordinance. Mr. McKay stated they do but the
Sheriffhas stated that by the time they get to the property, the activity is done so it is hard
to enforce. He stated the Sheriff's Department does not consider this an issue.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated they should have staff look at what would make for a
more enforceable noise ordinance because there is a concern on how to enforce this.
Commissioner Falk stated he does not want restrictions but it is an issue between two
neighbors. They need to take this issue as a whole for the entire community.
C)
Commissioner Larsen stated she did not think it is just a one-neighborhood issue. She
stated they need to be sensitive to the people who moved here for some peace and quiet
and the noise is the issue and she would like to find a solution for this.
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Regular Andover Plann~ng and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 12, 2002
Page 14
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,-.,,; Acting Chairperson Daninger stated because of a few incidents, this comes to the City's
attention and they need to look at this as a whole. He believes the responsible riders in
the area will comply with the current Ordinances. He stated he is not in favor of a buffer
zone at this time. He stated they needed to look into checking the noise ordinance and
how to help the law enforcement enforce this. Mr. McKay stated he would talk to the
law enforcement on how to enforce this.
Commissioner Larsen stated she would be in favor of some type of buffer zone.
Commissioner Falk stated it would be nice for neighbors to try to work things out for
themselves because he cannot see a buffer zone as being the solution.
Acting Chairperson Daninger stated the direction is to look more at the noise and how to
enforce this.
Mr. Bednarz stated that this item would be before the Council at the December 3, 2002
City Council meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS.
Mr. Bednarz updated the Planning Commission on related items.
'..J Mr. Bednarz mentioned that the City would be holding an open house for the Rural
Reserve Study. This will be held on November 20, 2002 at 4:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT.
Motion by Falk, seconded by Larsen, to adjourn the meeting at 9:36 p.m. Motion carried
on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Greenwald, Gamache, Squires) vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue Osbeck, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc,
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