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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 19, 1989 o o o ,XA. ~ CITY of ANDOVER ANDOVER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 1989 A specially scheduled meeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, September 19, 1989 at the Andover City Hall Offices, 1685 Crosstown Blvd., Andover, MN. Commissioners Present: Chairman Pease, Ron Ferris, Don Spotts, Wayne Vistad Others Present: Jay Blake The Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was requested to interview applicants for the Planning and Zoning Commission and make recommendation to the City Council for one applicant to fill current vacancy and one alternate. Interviews were scheduled for five applicants. The day of interview one person withdrew his application and one person was unable to keep interview appointment. In fairness to other applicants, it was decided not to arrange another interview date for applicant. Applicant can reapply when vacancy is published. o Following is a synopsis of interviews by applicant: Ernest Trettel - Mr. Trettel was asked if meetings that could possibly run quite late would place undue demands on his schedule. Mr. Trettel replied he has a flexible work schedule and late meetings would not be a problem. Commissioner Vistad asked Mr. Trettel if he feels the City of Andover needs more low income, moderate income or high income housing. Mr. Trettel answered he believes moderate to high income housing is most appropriate for the development of Andover; although he sees counter issues for low income housing, his belief is that low density is best for Andover. In reply to the question "What do you see as the most difficult challenge for the city of Andover?" Mr. Trettel stated the growth of the city must be controlled with concern for tax revenue. The city needs to attract light industry to provide for local jobs. Mr. Trettel was asked if he believes City Ordinances should be enforced "to the letter." Mr. Trettel stated in most cases ordinances should be enforced as written, but noted there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that must be studied. o Chairman Pease asked Mr. Trettel how he would propose to balance landowner's rights with the needs of the community as a whole. Mr. Trettel believes the landowner has rights to his land except in case of public utility. Mr. Trettel stated the City Ordinances should cover restrictions, if any, on land. cont 'd. . . o o :J Andover Planning an~ning commission September 19, 1989 Meeting Minutes Page Two o Mr. Trettel feels the most difficult challenge the City of Andover currently faces is traffic problems, balance of new development with existing area, and maintaining low taxes. Commissioner Spotts explained that the City Council has the authority to reverse recommendations made by the Planning and Zoning Commission. !1r. Trettel stated he can accept situation as it is the charter of the organization. Commissioner Spotts asked how Mr. Trettel preceives the community in 1999. Mr. Trettel believes Andover must be careful not to over-extend development. An orderly plan for development, especially pertaining to sewer and water, is necessary. Additionally, Mr. Trettel has lived in Andover for nine years and wishes to become involved in the direction and development of the city. Karen Bridgeman - Ms. Bridgeman was informed the Planning and Zoning Commission meets regularly twice a month and schedules additional meetings when necessary. Mr. Briegeman stated this schedule would not cause her a conflict. Commissioner Spotts asked Ms. Bridgeman what expertise she has to offer commission. Ms. Bridgeman stated she has a background in civil engineering and is interested in a community plan with regard to the environment. commissioner Ferris asked Ms. Bridgeman what she believes are critical issues relating to growth of community. Ms. Bridgeman reiterated her environmental concerns. She added an important issue will be to turn undersirable features of city into desirable features. Ms. Bridgeman was asked what type of housing should be developed in Andover. Ms. Bridgeman believes moderate income housing seems to be the current personality of city. She stated that development of high income housing will create a better tax base. Chairman Pease asked Ms. Bridgeman to state her feelings on the granting of variances. Ms. Bridgeman replied that as an advisory board the Planning and Zoning commission should do thorough research before recommending approval to grant a variance request. Ms. Bridgeman as wasked to list three areas she would like "controlled" by 1999. Ms. Bridgeman would she would like city environment remain. limit strip malls as they lead to a lack of centralization; plan to be "human oriented"; it is important that the natural cont'd.. . o o / , ,~ Andover Planning anc-~~ning Commission September 19, 1989 h__ting Minutes Page Three o Commissioner Vistad asked Ms. Bridgeman what her feelings are regarding the Andover City Ordinances. Does she believe every Ordinance must be enforced to the letter? Ms. Bridgeman answered safety ordinances must be strictly enforced. the less significant ordinances may be variable and that a degree of is necessary in making determinations. She stated judgement Commission informed Ms. Bridgeman that issues brought before them are sometimes controversial and emotional. Ms. Bridgeman believes the Commission may have a larger overview on city than an individual would. She stated the commission must abide by decisions it makes, although decision may be unpopular with some community members. Randal Peek - Mr. Peek was asked his reasons for applying to become a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Peek answered that his background is in architecture, and he believes Andover is an exciting, growing community. He would like to dedicate a portion of his time to the community in which he lives. Commissioner Spotts asked Mr. Peek how he perveives the city ten years from now. Mr. Peek answered the development of related service industries is needed. He believes a central business area is necessary. A major concern is urban versus rural issues. Mr. Peek does not want to abandon rural atmosphere or issues. Mr. Peek was asked several questions regarding City Ordinances and variance requests. Mr. Peek believes issues are not black and white. When requesting a variance the responsibility should fall on the applicant to justify hardship or condition(s) which make compliance with ordinance unreasonable. At that point commission must base decision with regard to precedence that may be set in recommendation of variance request. Mr. Peek added that over time the needs and direction of community change and it may be necessary to change or reverse a precedence. Commissioner Spotts explained that the City Council has authority to overturn decision made by Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Peek does not have a problem with this system. He pointed out that the Planning and Zoning Commission is appointed while the City Council is elected. Mr. Peek stated a large issue facing the city is the negative public image due to tire fire and dump sites. After considerable discussion among commissioners, MOTION was made by Ron Ferris that the Andover Planning and Zoning commission recommend to the Andover City Council Randal Peek be appointed as a member of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission. Second to motion was made by Don Spotts. All commissioners present favored motion; MOTION passed. cont'd... ,:-J ~) , , ... _.-/1 Andover Planning and'~oning Commission September 19, 1989 }~ing Minutes Page Four () Mr. Ferris made a MOTION that the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission forward no recommendation to the Andover City Council for an alternate member of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion is based on the fact that 40% of original candidates withdrew application prior to interview. It is felt, in the best interest of the city, that a larger number of applicants should be interviewed at the time of next vacancy. In addition, the full commission was not available to interview. Second to motion by Wayne vistad. All commissioners present favored motion; MOTION passed. MOTION made by Ron Ferris to adjourn. Second to motion by Wayne Vistad. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Theresa Hogan