HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 8, 2023
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING – AUGUST 8, 2023
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was
called to order by Chairperson Karen Godfrey on August 8, 2023, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover
City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners present: Scott Hudson, Bert Koehler IV, Nick Loehlein, Jonathan
Shafto, and Ryan Winge
Commissioners absent: Patrick Shuman, Jr.
Also present: Community Development Director Joe Janish
Planning Intern Aidan Breen
Others
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 25, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Koehler requested the following corrections:
Page 4, Line 14: the addition of the word “not” in the sentence “not attached to the house
and is secure.”, so it reads “not attached to the house and is not secure.”
Page 4, Line 16: addition of the sentence “we have not worked with my contractor to draw
plans up in that matter to make it conforming” to the original sentence that reads “due to
the home placement being pushed back”
Motion by Commissioner Loehlein, seconded by Commissioner Koehler, to approve the
minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0-nays, 1-present (Shuman), 0-absent
vote.
PUBLIC HEARING: Interim Use Permit (IUP) Amendment – 13655 Round Lake
Boulevard; PIDs 34-32-24-42-0009 and 33-32-24-42-0007 – Grace Lutheran Church of
Anoka (Applicant)
The Planning & Zoning Commission is requested to hold a public hearing and provide a
recommendation to the City Council regarding the IUP Amendment request. Planning
Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – August 8, 2023
Page 2
Intern Aidan Breen noted the purpose of this item is to hold a public hearing and take input
on the applicant’s request to extend their existing IUP. Planning Intern Breen shared with
the Commission the history of the IUP which was approved in 2014, extended in 2019,
which was then extended another 4 years. Planning Intern Breen presented site plans and
photos of the site location.
Commissioner Loehlein asked for context concerning the 3 rounds of comments the City
provided to the applicant, noted on slide 4 of the presentation. Janish stated that as a part
of the commercial site plan process, there are several revisions similar to the preliminary
plat process. For every expansion of a commercial use, they go through a commercial site
plan process where this is a list of items that are needed, they are gone through at the same
degree as the grading plans. The plan set can then be used for the planning of that site after
being approved by the engineer and planning and the civil work that is needed can be done.
Commissioner Koehler asked if the City is comfortable with the length of this extension
being so short. Planning Intern Breen stated that he has not heard of any misgivings or any
staff members that have issues with the length of the extension.
Commissioner Hudson asked if an inspection would still be provided for an extension of
the permit, and would the inspection be done at the same time as well. Planning Intern
Breen said that was correct.
Motion: Chair Godfrey assumed a motion to open the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m. Motion
carries by unanimous consent.
st
Tracy Russell, Church Administrator, 2332 151 Avenue NW, came forward to answer
questions from the Commission. Commissioner Koehler asked what makes her think a one-
year extension is going to be enough for the permit. Ms. Russell stated that the original
request was made in the beginning process of raising funds and working with the architect.
In the time since the previous extension, there have been multiple delays including Covid
and getting a new Senior Pastor. Initially, the building was planned to start in the Spring
of 2023, which would have allowed the project to be completed by December. However,
the construction costs and estimates for the build came in $1 million over what the
congregation had approved, meaning the plans had to be revised. Ms. Russell updated that
all of the planning phase is done, and the construction manager has all of the information
and is working on collecting permits to start the construction phase. The hope is to finish
the construction by the spring/summer of 2024, the extension request is made to December
2024 just in case of any delays, such as supply chain delays.
Commissioner Koehler asked what other factors could impact the timeline of the
construction. Ms. Russell stated that she cannot foresee any other delays that could come
up, besides potential supply chain delays.
Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – August 8, 2023
Page 3
Commissioner Loehlein asked if the one-year extension is going to be enough because he
does not want to have to reconsider. Ms. Russell stated that one year should be enough,
according to the construction manager.
Motion: Chair Godfrey assumed a motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m. Motion
carries by unanimous consent.
Commissioner Koehler commented that this seems to stretch on forever, starting back in
2006. He would recommend extending the IUP to 2025 to give a buffer to ensure that there
does not need to be any reconsideration in the future.
Commissioner Loehlein asked staff what would be the downsides or potential hang-ups to
giving a longer buffer. Community Development Director Joe Janish stated that the
residents have received notice that it is only a 12-month extension, changing that could
lead to residents finding issues with a longer extension.
Commissioner Shafto stated that he tends to agree with Commission Koehler and his
recommendation.
Chairperson Godfrey reminded that the Commission does not approve the amendment,
they only make a recommendation to the City Council.
Community Development Director Joe Janish recommended that the Commissioner makes
a motion to recommend the approval of the resolution as written and if legally available to
add an additional year. That way there is an opportunity for the City Attorney to provide
comment related to that possible extension.
Commissioner Winge asked staff if there have been any complaints from residents
concerning the subordinate structures. Community Development Director Joe Janish stated
that there have not been. The only comment that he has received was wondering what the
signs were for but did not receive any complaints.
Motion by Commissioner Koehler, seconded by Commissioner Shafto, to recommend to
the City Council approval of the resolution as written, asking City Council to entertain
extending it by 1 year. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0-nays, 1-absent vote.
Mr. Janish stated that this item would be before the Council at the August 15, 2023 City
Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a Preliminary Plat for the third phase of the Petersen
Farms development which will be known as Legacy at Petersen Farms. (Applicant – JD
Andover Holdings).
The Planning and Zoning Commission is requested to hold a public hearing and make a
recommendation to the City Council to consider a Preliminary Plat for the Petersen Farms
Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – August 8, 2023
Page 4
development. Community Development Director Joe Janish gave a presentation
concerning the approximate location of Legacy at Petersen Farms. Mr. Janish updated that
th
the applicant is proposing a roadway connection at 170 and CR 7. Site A would be a
newly constructed roadway, that would be paved in the spring. Site B would be a possible
future roundabout. Site C would remain as access to the farm site and emergency access
location as well. Site D would be a gated emergency exit. Mr. Janish updated that there
would be no negative impact on traffic in this area. Mr. Janish gave information on the
shoreland management criteria, parkland dedication, minimum net land area, and
stormwater reports. Mr. Janish updated that properties within 700 feet received notice of
the public hearing, as well as there are 3 sign locations, and advertised in the Anoka County
Union Herald Newspaper.
Motion: Chair Godfrey assumed a motion to open the Public Hearing at 7:33 p.m. Motion
carries by unanimous consent.
Darren Lazan, representing the applicant, updated that they are excited to get underway
this fall. Mr. Lazan stated there is a high demand for these lots to be online. Commissioner
Koehler stated that there is one lot that is not conforming and would like an overview of
the adjustments that would be needed. Mr. Lazan updated that there are floodplains A
(normal floodplain) and B (higher floodplain), minor changes including 6 inches of fill to
floodplain B will allow much more upland to be created and become conforming.
Chairperson Godfrey asked what the confidence level at this time after all the geotechnical
reports that have been done that this road can be built to code. Mr. Lazan stated that
confidence levels are very high.
Commissioner Hudson asked when the IUP for stockpile will be brought before the
Commission. Mr. Lazan stated that the Preliminary Plat presented tonight includes all the
activities during construction. The IUP is needed when construction is done.
Community Development Director Joe Janish stated that the grading plans need to be
evaluated by staff and stamped first, at which point they can carry out their project.
Hope Luedtke, 16932 Jivaro Street NW, came forward and stated concern for the slippery
slope occurring in the development in Andover. Mrs. Luedtke stated she would like to push
the pause button until the roundabout is put in. She asked the Commission to look at the
big picture for what the goals are for Andover. Mrs. Luedtke stated her concern for the size
of the lots and recommended dropping a few lots to allow for larger lots to be made in
regard to resolving the upland issues. She stated that Andover needs to keep its gate narrow
to remain in control.
th
Bud Holst, 4276 165 Avenue NW, came forward and stated that during rush hour it is
th
difficult to turn out of his driveway onto 165 Avenue and then onto CR 7. He stated there
thth
have been 12-13 fatalities between 157 and 167 Avenues, and that putting a roundabout
Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – August 8, 2023
Page 5
in before would be lovely to work to avoid that. He stated that parking is another issue that
was not discussed in the last phase.
Fred Siegel, 17185 Roanoke Street NW, came forward and stated that he has seen
numerous deer hit right in his driveway because of the speed of drivers. Another concern
is the water near the boundary line, the pond is low now, and he does not want to see the
ponds disappear. Mr. Janish updated that they are looking for intersection improvements
th
going in both directions on 170 Avenue.
Leslie Crowley, 16732 Guarani Street NW, came forward and stated her concern with the
traffic and speed of drivers. At 7 a.m. every morning, the speed of drivers coming down
either side of CR 7 is 65+ mph, the roundabout needs to be done sooner rather than later.
Because the construction trucks park on both sides of the road, there are major problems
getting cars to be able to get through.
Chairperson Godfrey asked Mr. Janish to provide a summary of the authority over CR 7
and provide any suggestions on whom residents can contact about concerns for that road.
Mr. Janish updated that the funding for the roundabout has been approved for 2026, Anoka
County is not able to move that funding forward at this point.
rd
Rhonda Ganski, 2159 153 Lane NW, came forward and stated that because of the lack of
forethought about where stormwater would go when the other Nightingale estate
developments were put in. There is no room in the drainage ponds for stormwater from the
new developments, leading to the excess water being directed into her private backyard.
She recommended trying to make sure how this will affect future citizens.
Pat Becker, 17125 Roanoke Street NW, came forward and stated concern for phase 4 and
the effects it will have on his property. He also stated his concern for the traffic as well.
Darren Lazan came back to the podium and updated that the proposed improvements for
th
the 170 Avenue access at CR 7 and Roanoke are to add dual left turns and right turn lanes
into the neighbor’s and their properties. He stated that there has been a remarkable change
to the stormwater management in the last 7-10 years, they are storing twice the amount on-
site and is confident that the stormwater issues are resolved.
Commissioner Koehler asked Mr. Lazan about failed wells that needed to be rebuilt. Mr.
Lazan stated that the main concern was iron and nitrates; however, the redrills hit very
clean water, and none of the redrills failed.
Jason Osberg, 15356 Yukon Street NW, came forward and clarified that they work with
city staff to ensure they are not lowering the neighboring property’s water tables or
backyards.
Commissioner Loehlein asked how the developments will affect neighboring property
values. Mr. Lazan stated that based on studies, there have been no negative impact on
Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – August 8, 2023
Page 6
property values, but usually a positive impact. Mr. Janish clarified that these developments
has been shown to pull the values up.
Commissioner Shafto asked about parking on the streets and streets being clogged due to
construction trucks. Mr. Lazan updated that they make it clear to their builders that they
must follow the parking requirements in that neighborhood. He recommends the Sherriff
should go through and ticket trucks that are parking incorrectly, but that it is not in his
control.
Motion: Chair Godfrey assumed a motion to close the Public Hearing at 8:22 p.m. Motion
carries by unanimous consent.
Commissioner Shafto asked about the potential enforcement of the clogging of streets and
what the City can enforce. Mr. Janish stated that he could speak with the Sherriff’s
department about enforcing the parking violations.
Commissioner Shafto stated that he also shares the public’s concern about the dangers on
CR 7.
Commissioner Koehler stated that if you see something illegal with parking, call the police.
He also stated that there cannot be stormwater redirected into anyone’s property, and he
asked how residents should deal with that if that occurs. Mr. Janish said to call the City to
get that resolved.
Commissioner Winge asked if there have been any significant variances requested by the
applicant that have been approved through this process. Mr. Janish stated that they have
gone through the PUD process. There are deviations to the code, such as the standard 2.5-
acre lot can be 1.5 acres, and instead of a 300 foot wide lot, it can be 100 foot wide. Mr.
Janish stated that the deviations can be done if there is proof of higher quality development
as a result of the deviations.
Motion by Commissioner Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Loehlein, to recommend to
the City Council approval of resolution as written. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 1-nay
(Koehler), 1-absent vote.
Mr. Hellegers stated that this item would be before the Council at the August 15, 2023 City
Council meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Community Development Director Janish updated on the IUP for the extension of
subordinate structures. That was approved by City Council.
For the variance request, City Council voted and tied. They put it on the table and are
th
trying to have 5 members present at the meeting to potentially vote on August 15 to
Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – August 8, 2023
Page 7
reconsider the item.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Chair Godfrey assumed a motion to adjourn the meeting 8:36 p.m. Motion carries
by unanimous consent.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lilian Rokosz, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.