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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 19, 2011jJ'\\ 'C i y n 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 o WVVW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US ANDOVER PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION INTER VIEWS JANUARYI9, 2011 MINUTES The Andover Planning & Zoning Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None William Bastian Mr. Bastian explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Knight questioned if Mr. Bastian would be strict in following City Ordinances. Mr. Bastian replied he would be fairly strict in order to not set a precedent. He said he understood every case is special and unique. Therefore, he would start out with the rules and take each issue on a case - by -case basis. Councilmember Trude wondered if there are any changes in ordinances Mr. Bastian thought might help the City or neighborhoods, raising the recent issue of making the liquor licensing ordinance somewhat more lenient. Mr. Bastian explained he would be concerned about how late the liquor could be sold. He would rely on staff's input to have more of an opinion on the issue. Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Bastian about his well business and whether he sees anything that cities have in their ordinances to inhibit his business. Mr. Bastian replied the City does try to step in and regulate things. However, the State Department of Health is the overriding authority. He said he would prefer there was no City Ordinance and the State rules were followed. Councilmember Bukkila pointed out an issue this past summer regarding noise and general nuisance problems between neighbors. She asked what Mr. Bastian would factor in to make decisions and whether he would see any restrictions to put in place. Mr. Bastian explained he would look at how the situation could be resolved without involving others. He suggested it could possibly be better served by the Police Department. Councilmember Knight asked what Mr. Bastian saw as the most important issue facing the City right now. Mr. Bastian responded the tax base is an important issue. Property tax is also a big issue. He added financial issues have to be considered economically and frugally. © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2011 Page 2 Councilmember Trude asked if he would support higher density housing in areas with sewer and water. Mr. Bastian raised the idea of allowing cluster homes while leaving some open space. He said he would be open to considering these types of developments. The Council thanked Mr. Bastian for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Val Holthus Ms. Holthus explained to the Council why she would like to be reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Knight questioned what Ms. Holthus thought would be the most important issue facing the City within the next five years. Ms. Holthus answered she believed it is the economy and development. She noted in her profession, she sees parents losing jobs daily, and family structures are disintegrating. She mentioned she is aware that the number of free lunches is going up district wide. Discussion took place regarding the cost of homes and the economy. Ms. Holthus suggested the Commission and the Council schedule a joint meeting for further discussion. The Council thanked Ms. Holthus for her interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission for another term. Bill Fields Mr. Fields explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Jacobson asked what Mr. Fields' ideas would be if a developer requested to put up an apartment building next to single family housing. Mr. Fields answered he would consider the development and zoning around it and consider the traffic pattern first of all. Councilmember Knight questioned whether Mr. Fields would interpret City Ordinances strictly. Mr. Fields responded he prefers to be strict with the ordinances, but being objective is best. He added adjustments can be made later. Councilmember Trude inquired what Mr. Fields might like to see done differently in housing. Mr. Fields stated the planned communities do great and take a lot of guesswork out of planning. Councilmember Knight asked what Mr. Fields thinks could be changed in regard to the City. Mr. © Fields responded he would like to see more business come in, though acknowledged this is difficult with the current economy. Mayor Gamache questioned what Mr. Fields' thoughts are on the traffic flow in Riverdale from a © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2011 Page 3 traffic planner's perspective. Mr. Fields replied it works okay, but is more of a web. Mayor Gamache pointed out the Council would like to keep the "flavor" of Andover and asked how Mr. Fields would accomplish that. Mr. Fields said the City needs more restaurants and/or shopping, which would add to the already high quality of life. The Council thanked Mr. Fields for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jim Nelson Mr. Nelson explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Nelson indicated he has attended Council meetings, though has not attended Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. He does follow issues by reading the minutes. He noted the second monthly meeting for the Commission has not been held in some time. Mayor Gamache explained there has been a change with the State government in the amount of variances allowed. Since there are less, the Planning Commission doesn't need to meet as often. © Councilmember Knight questioned what Mr. Nelson sees down the road for Andover. Mr. Nelson responded he thinks there is a movement toward the urban center. People want to live closer to work due to gas prices and finances. He pointed out that outlying areas may have a difficult time attracting home buyers due to gas prices in the future. He suggested some consideration be given to maintaining the businesses the City has and attracting homebuyers. Mr. Nelson added that one cannot go into a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission with a "black and white" view. They would have to be creative. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Nelson was suggesting that some work take place in regard to transit or bussing. Mr. Nelson responded he was and believed that Park and Rides need to be considered. He stated he commuted from Andover to Minneapolis for quite some time and noted convenient transportation is needed. Mr. Nelson asked about the Comp Plan and when it is due for an update. Mayor Gamache said it was updated in 2008 It is a mandate to update the Plan every ten years. The Council thanked Mr. Nelson for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mike Casey © Mr. Casey explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission again. Councilmember Trude asked what Mr. Casey's opinion is on PUDs. Mr. Casey said it depends on © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning Commission Openings Minutes —January 19, 2011 Page 4 the proposal. Many factors affect a PUD and a lot of the factors overlap. He cautioned the City has to be very careful with the type. Councilmember Knight questioned whether Mr. Casey would be strict in applying ordinances. Mr. Casey said each issue should be approached on a case -by -case basis. A base line must be established, although a zoning law is a zoning law. He noted variances can be considered in isolated situations. The Council thanked Mr. Casey for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Dean Daninger Mr. Daninger explained to the Council why he would like to continue to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Daninger's opinion on PUDs. Mr. Daninger noted the Council has the final decision and there are not as many PUDs. He said there is a set of rules for guidance and that is the starting point. He indicated the intent of a PUD is livability and the issue of maintaining a © tax base falls more on the business developments. Councilmember Jacobson stated it was a practice long ago that the Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission would attend the Council meetings and present items. He asked Mr. Daninger's opinion on this practice. Mr. Daninger replied it is a great idea; however, the time commitment is difficult. This now falls in staff's responsibilities. He added he debriefs with City Planner, Courtney Bednarz every Monday or Tuesday after he scans his paperwork so he can guide the Commission meeting. Mr. Daninger stated he watches the Council meetings to be well informed. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Daninger would like to see any changes in the Commission. Mr. Daninger noted the Commission's job is to let the public speak and get their concerns. Though it seems the Commissioners aren't always prepared to discuss issues, and he would like to see more discussion take place. The Council thanked Mr. Daninger for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Council discussed the candidates for the Planning and Zoning Commission and made a decision. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight to appoint Dean Daninger to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Bukkila, to appoint Val Holthus to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Bukkila, to appoint Mike Olsen to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Q Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning Commission Openings Minutes — January 19, 2011 Page 5 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Bukkila, to appoint Jim Nelson as first alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, to appoint Dean Daninger as Chair and Tim Kirchoff as Vice Chair to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Gamache, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chris Moksnes, Recording Secretary H C