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PC-05-18-10 CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TUESDAY, 18 MAY 2010 7:00 P.M. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Geng called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Geng; Commissioners Vilett, Davis, Arnst, Hasek, Hutchins, and Ruoff; Planning Director Nielsen; and Council Liaison Turgeon Absent: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Hasek moved, Davis seconded, Approving the Planning Commission Meeting Agenda of May 18, 2010 as presented. Motion passed 6/0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  May 4, 2010 Hutchins moved, Hasek seconded, Approving the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 4, 2010 as presented. Motion passed 5/0/1 (Arnst abstained). Commissioner Ruoff arrived at 7:05 P.M. 1. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING – C.U.P. FOR BATTING CAGES IN FREEMAN PARK Applicant: South Tonka Little League Location: 6000 Eureka Road – Freeman Park, Field No. 3 Director Nielsen reviewed his staff report which states that several years ago the City granted South Tonka Little League a conditional use permit to construct a batting cage on the west side of Freeman Park between their first ball field and the parking lot. STLL now wishes to replace the existing cage and construct three cages in its place. The proposed cages would be located in the same place in the park, but would be constructed somewhat differently than the current facility. The existing cage has a chain-link enclosure with a concrete pad. The new facility would have a steel fence frame with mesh netting suspended from it. The floor of the cages would be surfaced with ag-lime, a crushed limestone material. Nielsen added that the Park Commission has approved the proposal. Grant Leum, Project Manager, was present and said that the proposal is essentially just a renovation. Chair Geng opened the Public Testimony portion of the Public Hearing at 7:06 P.M. Pete Davis, in attendance representing the American Legion, said he liked the proposed changes. Commissioner Davis pointed out that the shed, proposed to be removed, was already gone. Chair Geng closed the Public Testimony portion of the Public Hearing at 7:09 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 18 May 2010 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Davis asked if Larry Brown, Public Works Director, has approved of the project. Nielsen said he was given a copy of the staff report and has made no comment. Pete Davis said he reviewed the plans with Larry Brown, and Kristi Anderson of Community Recreational Resources and they are in agreement with the plan. Commissioner Arnst asked what the schedule for completion is, and if the cages become City property. Mr. Leum said the goal is to have it finished by Memorial Day, or the first week of June, assuming the City Council approves the C.U.P. He further stated that STLL has a maintenance agreement with the City and he will take care of the paperwork necessary for donation to the City. Commissioner Hasek asked if the netting stays on the framework over the winter. Mr. Leum said STLL is looking at a way to raise and fasten the netting for over-wintering so as to avoid having to remove it. Commissioner Arnst said when she was on the Park Commission in the past she recalls that the reason the netting was to be removed was for aesthetic purposes. Davis moved, Vilett seconded, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit for renovation and expansion of the batting cages in Freeman Park. Motion passed 7/0. 2. SMITHTOWN CROSSING Chair Geng welcomed the landowners and representatives of properties within the Smithtown Crossing area. He stated that the format of the meeting is meant to be informal, although it is being recorded. He explained that the area known as Smithtown Crossing is identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan as an area of potential redevelopment and it is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to review it for that purpose. Director Nielsen presented a map of the area and pointed out the boundaries, zoning, and other characteristics of the properties within the study area. He described the existing and potential issues that the Planning Commission has been discussing. Nielsen went over the list of pros and cons for a unified versus piece-meal approach to redevelopment, and concept plans, created by Commissioner Hasek, illustrated the potential differences resulting from a unified versus piece-meal development. Ken Dallman, representing the American Legion, said they have entertained three different developers’ proposals. The Legion would like to retain ownership of their property and one proposal would have resulted in them being a tenant. Another plan included senior housing and they would own a piece of the property. He said they even had signed a letter of intent, but for financial reasons it didn’t work out. The last proposal wouldn’t have contained enough parking for the Legion’s needs. He stated that the Legion wants to do something, but it needs to be something that is fiscally reasonable and responsible. Pete Davis, American Legion Elected Finance Officer, said the Legion is open to a unified plan. Lowell Day, American Legion, said the Legion has done its due diligence and have had a couple of different concept plans done which were rather expensive. Blair Bury, 24470 Smithtown Rd., said he is also in favor of a unified approach. He said the Legion could drive this redevelopment to happen, but the economy needs to recover. Jennifer Osborne, 5660 Co. Rd. 19 (Heartbreakers), stated that the site they are on is too small for their business needs when they are ready to expand, and they would not stand in the way when the time comes for a unified development. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 18 May 2010 Page 3 of 3 Lynn Fisher, 24285 Smithtown Rd, said she had a plan to expand their business at one point but the City would not approve it. She said she is in favor of the City’s vision for a unified development. Ken Dallman said they are currently trying to lease out the old gas station site (5680 Co. Rd. 19), and if they find a good tenant who is willing to tolerate whatever repairs the building needs they would probably want to sign at least a three year commitment. Director Nielsen announced that the next step is to meet with commercial developers for feedback and discussion, and to also talk with senior housing developers. Chair Geng thanked those in attendance for sharing their time and thoughts. 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR None. 4. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Arnst asked if the City has a plan or program for abandoned, foreclosed properties. Director Nielsen said properties that fall into disrepair are handled like any other nuisance, on a complaint-basis. 5. DRAFT NEXT MEETING AGENDA st The Agenda for the June 1 meeting will include the panel discussion with developers regarding Smithtown Crossing; discuss mixed-use regulations; review the C.I.P.; and discuss life-cycle housing. 6. REPORTS • Liaison to Council Councilmember Turgeon reported on matters considered and actions taken at the City Council meeting of May 10, 2010. • SLUC None. • Other Commissioner Arnst reported on a conference she attended: “Two Cities, One River”, and she shared a copy of “Urban Land” magazine. Commissioner Vilett departed the meeting prior to adjournment due to illness. 7. ADJOURNMENT Arnst moved, Davis seconded, Adjourning the Planning Commission Meeting of May 18, 2010 at 8:38 P.M. Motion passed 6/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Patti Helgesen, Recorder