Planning Commission Minutes

CITY OF VICTORIA
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 15, 2008

MEETING

Pursuant to due posted and mailed notice thereof, the Victoria Planning Commission met on April 15, 2008, at 7951 Rose in the Council Chambers.

Chair Simanton opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Members Present: Chair, Gordy Simanton; Commissioners: James Donadio III, Bud Hiivala, Grant Peterson and Tom Vogt.

Members Absent: None.

Others Present: Holly Kreft, Community Development Director; Angie Perera, Assistant Planner, Councilmember Kim Roden; and Tanya Schmieg, Recording Secretary.

A. Adopt Agenda

A motion was made by Hiivala, seconded by Vogt, to adopt the agenda as presented. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried.
 

#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A. Minutes of the April 1, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting.

A motion was made by Donadio, seconded by Hiivala, to approve the Minutes. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.

B. Review Minutes from the March 27, 2008, City Council Meeting.

The above minutes were reviewed.

A. Review request by Michael Coumbe for a Variance for a proposed garage with reduced setbacks for the property located at 1871 Victoria Circle.

1. Agenda Statement No. 08-11
2. Exhibits: Site Plan Options, City Code Section 22-31 (19) Driveways

Ms. Perera stated that no agreement was reached between the applicant and the neighbor. She explained the applicant is proceeding with the original request. She said that there is a petition from six neighbors in favor of the request. She noted that there is a 60-day rule regarding applications and the deadline for this would be April 25^th. Ms. Perera stated that staff’s recommendation is to approve a two-car garage with the dimensions of 24x26 with the four conditions outlined in the staff report.

Commissioner Vogt corrected option 1 in staff’s recommendation to say front load.

Chair Simanton opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m.

Michael Coumbe, 1871 Victoria Circle, commented on other renovations done to other properties. He said he received opinions of other neighbors that felt this would be an aesthetic improvement to the neighborhood and also noted that they don’t have a view due to home improvements and landscaping that have been done. Mr. Coumbe stated that homeowners have the right to make these improvements and said this is unfair. He explained in the first proposal he is trying to save the view. Mr. Coumbe talked about the removal of a tree from the property at 1841 Victoria Circle. He asked that idea of undo hardship be revisited and read the definition of the City of Victoria’s definition of a garage. Mr. Coumbe asked for consideration for an 11 foot rear yard variance for the aesthetic improvement of an attached garage that would better serve him as a homeowner and give a nicer curb appeal for the neighborhood.

Mr. Coumbe stated he did come up with a two-car design he thinks would be reasonable. Ms. Kreft explained that the original variance requested should be acted on. Chair Simanton clarified that the applicant could come back with another option.

Commissioner Donadio asked what the difference was from staff’s recommendation and his design. Mr. Coumbe responded that it would be 28x26 and would tie in with the existing footings. He showed the drawing.

Ralph Ollinger, 1841 Victoria Circle, said there was no talking about a two-car garage and this is the first time he has heard about the 28x26. He talked about the neighbors and said they are not going to see the garage. He noted the three-car garage would be almost the same size as the house. Mr. Ollinger referred to Mr. Coumbe’s comment on the tree and noted they were planted in 1966.

Jana Ollinger, 1841 Victoria Circle, stated that she requests denial of this application. She said it would cause devaluation of their property. She said this will impact their lives. She commented on the six neighbors and said it will not affect their view. Mrs. Ollinger stated that staff’s recommendation of a 24x26 wide garage would infringe on the lake view they have.

Mr. Coumbe noted that the dimensions proposed are just over 700 square feet. He said there is also nothing in the codes and ordinances regulating comparable house and garage sizes.

Chair Simanton closed the public hearing at 6:56 p.m.

Commissioner’s Hiivala, Vogt and Peterson said they still have the same opinion as last meeting.

A motion was made by Hiivala, seconded by Vogt, to follow staff’s recommendation for a 24 feet wide by 26 feet garage with a front load entrance with the four conditions outlined in the staff report. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.

Chair Simanton said that the hardship on a three-car garage isn’t really a hardship but the hardship the neighbors have in terms of their view and appraisal are deemed to be the hardship.

Different options of the 28x26 garage were discussed. Chair Simanton suggested having Mr. Coumbe work with staff on the two-car garage.
 

A.  Review request by Scott Schmitt dba Clearwater Development Group for a revised Preliminary Plat for Lakeview Meadows (currently known as the Swain property located on the north end of Schultz Lake).

1. Agenda Statement No. 08-12
2. Exhibits: Revised Preliminary Plat,

Ms. Kreft explained that the park dedication is going to be based on both land and cash dedication. She noted the tree inventory landscaping plan was also updated. Ms. Kreft said the storm water and grading plans have been reviewed by the city engineer. She stated that staff is recommending approval of the preliminary plat with the five conditions in the staff report.

Commissioner Vogt questioned the calculation on the park land dedication amount. Ms. Kreft said the net for land dedication of 20.39 comes from the buildable area, park dedication, which is Outlot B and then the 30 foot corridor trail easement. Commissioner Vogt stated that he comes up with a different ratio. Ms. Kreft said the cash dedication is based on 11% of the prorated value. She noted she will double check those numbers. Commissioner Vogt said it should be a higher percentage and a higher park dedication number.

Commissioner Peterson talked about the shoreline overlay district and questioned the flood plain area. He noted he was looking at the retaining walls and steep slope requirements. Ms. Kreft said that was looked at and reviewed by the DNR and they had no additional comments. She noted there are no flood plain areas indicated for any of the lakes.

Mr. Schmitt commented on the monument sign and said it would not be an outlot but would be privately maintained by lot number one. Ms. Kreft said there would need to be an agreement with that property owner.

Chair Simanton talked about the monument signs and how some developers have put advertising on them and they have restricted that. Mr. Schmitt said he has no desire to do that.

A motion was made by Simanton, seconded by Vogt, to approve the Request by Scott Schmitt dba Clearwater Development for a Revised Preliminary Plat for 18 Single Family Homes Lots of Lakeview Meadows (currently known as the Swain property located on the north end of Schutz Lake) with the five conditions outlined by staff and the 6^th condition Commissioner Vogt brought up with reviewing the park land dedication amount. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.

B. Review of sketch plat by Daryl Snader dba Cornerstone Development LLC for an eight lot subdivision to be known at Bavaria Acres located east of Bavaria Road and south of 82^nd Street

1. Agenda Statement No. 08-13
2. Exhibits: Sketch Plat, Comments from City Engineer

Ms. Kreft showed the sketch plat and noted that it is across the street from Greenway on the Park. She explained the developer is proposing an 8 lot subdivision that will access Bavaria Road. There is also an outlot owned by the city and a natural gas line. The developer is proposing a storm water pond on the east side of the development and a connection to the wetland and exiting outlot. Ms. Kreft said it is proposed to have water and sewer. The developer will be using low impact development management practices. Ms. Kreft said the plan has been reviewed by the engineer. She noted that staff is anticipating that the park dedication would be done as cash in lieu of land and those numbers are included in the staff report. She stated that if this does move forward staff is recommending five points to be incorporated with the plat.

The Planning Commission discussed the outlot.

Commissioner Peterson commended the developer on the low impact development strategies they are looking at incorporating in the development. Commissioner Donadio said he is intrigued by that as well.

Chair Simanton talked about the future of Bavaria Road. He said that he would like to see the development pushed back off the road 100-150 feet similar to Laketown, which would create buffers and space from Bavaria Road.

Chair Simanton asked staff to look at the property north up to 82^nd Street to see what that could look like in the future if developed and to also look at the streets.

Commissioner Vogt commented on the issue with the sewer and clarified that the developer would have to pay to bring the sewer across. Ms. Kreft noted there aren’t any capacity issues the issue is with the depth of the sewer.

C. Discussion on Downtown Master Plan

1. Agenda Statement No. 08-14
2. Exhibits: Existing Documents, Proposal from TKDA

Ms. Kreft explained this is a plan the Business Development Committee has been working on. She noted there is a revised quote from TKDA. She stated this is trying to incorporate all the plans into one document to also be used as a marketing tool. She said there is also a private plan done by Terry Hartman that showed a future potential plan of Stieger Lake and the park surrounding that area. Ms. Kreft said there would be three concepts that have different versions of how properties might be redeveloped.

Commissioner Vogt commented on the Highway 5 study and said the plans have always had so many access points into the downtown. Ms. Kreft noted a lot of those will be right in right out.

Commissioner Donadio said what is missing is the town square. Terry Hartman said there is a natural gathering spot down by the lake.

Chair Simanton said he supports the ease of being able to move around from the east side to the west side. He said he likes the idea of the plaza and noted that people are attracted to water. Chair Simanton commented on the access north and south and the importance of being connected under the bridge.

Chair Simanton stated a frontage road should still be looked at. Commissioner Vogt said that everything would have to be shifted south to not take away from the business area. He talked about getting around and the need for more space for pedestrian and bicycle trails and sidewalks.

Commissioner Donadio commented on the connectivity with the 13 acres.

Commissioner Peterson stated the master plan is imperative. He said he doesn’t like the idea of the frontage road because it pushes the development off the highway. He said there needs to be a couple of strong entrances off Highway 5 to get people into the city.

D. Update on TH 5 Corridor Study

1. Agenda Statement No. 08-15
2. Exhibits: Alternates

Ms. Kreft explained the three different drawings of the Highway 5 corridor study from east to west. Option one is a 120 foot corridor, which is the minimum for a four lane improvement. She noted the impacts would be on the south side and in all three of the scenarios the Holiday Station would be impacted. The study will also include interim staging steps. Ms. Kreft said the city has recommended continuing with the urban design sidewalks on both north and south sides of the length of the downtown. She stated that staff and the consultant will be meeting with the property owners on April 22^nd and there will be an open house on May 21^st.

Ms. Kreft reviewed option two with a 130 foot corridor. Chair Simanton commented on Park View Lane and the road going behind that now. Ms. Kreft said that is correct with the wider road. She noted that this option does include sidewalks on both sides. She said the major change would be the full intersection, frontage road, extension of Stieger Lake Lane and a cul-de-sac.

Ms. Kreft explained option three with a 150 foot corridor. This is what will probably be required in the study to show the largest impacts but doesn’t have to be the preferred option by the city. This option would realign 78^th Street in which the city can pick and choose different alignments. She noted that most of the homes that would be taken are rental properties and only three were owner occupied. Ms. Kreft said this option shows pedestrian crossing under the bridge.
 

Councilmember Roden provided an update on the 13 acres. She said they are now moving towards a preliminary developer’s agreement with Doran Companies.
 

A. Communications.

Ms. Kreft invited the Planning Commission to attend the open houses on the final draft of the comp plan.

Chair Simanton commented on an email received from Commissioner Vogt and said they are looking for someone to take over the Vice Chair responsibilities.

A motion was made by Simanton, seconded by Hiivala, to nominate Commissioner Donadio as Vice Chair. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.

Commissioner Donadio asked that the City Council agendas be mailed.
 

A motion was made by Simanton, seconded by Peterson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried.
 

Respectfully submitted,

Tanya Schmieg
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.