APPROVED MINUTES MINUTES OF THE BROOKLYN PARK PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING October 10, 2018 Approved Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. 2. ROLL CALL/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Those present were: Commissioners Hanson, Herbers, Husain, Kiekow, Kisch, Mersereau, Mohamed, Morton-Spears, Vosberg; Senior City Planner Larson; Planning Director Sherman; Council Member Liaison Jacobson. 3. EXPLANATION BY CHAIR 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION HERBERS, SECOND KISCH TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 10, 2018 AGENDA WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MOVING THE MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA TO OTHER BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes September 12, 2018 B. Time Extension for Public Storage for Conditional Use Permit #18-106 MOTION HANSON, SECOND HERBERS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. PUBLIC HEARING A. Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota Amendment #18-120 to the Planned Unit Development to allow for a cultural center at 6731 Boone Ave N. Page 1 of 7
Senior Plan Larson introduced the application identifying the location of the site at the southwest corner of Boone Ave and I-694. He explained the development history with this site included working with the neighborhood to reach an understanding of acceptable uses. He stated the Planned Unit Development district zoning allowed for this negotiation to reach specific desired outcomes. He stated the City Council approved a development plan 23 years ago that allowed for any uses in the B-1 or B-2 zoning districts except for a list of 21 uses such that the neighborhood found undesirable. He stated that institutions were on the list of 21 exclusions. He explained the request from the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM) is to occupy the former Petsmart property that has been vacant for 18 years except for some temporary uses. He provided that the foundation is relocating from St. Paul and needs a permanent home that is large enough to support event space, cultural learning, seminars, and other similar functions. He described the space as a little over 26,000 square feet with several hundred parking spaces because the entire shopping center has a shared parking arrangement. He stated there is one bad light on the property that should be upgraded. He explained that as part of this request City Staff included an allowance for a taller shopping center sign as the current sign is barely visible amongst the trees. He noted that the applicant also requests the ability to put up traditional Tibetan prayer flags on the property which are allowed and should not be confused with banner ribbons which are prohibited. Staff recommends approval. Tashi Nyima, 851 66 th Ave in Fridley, MN 55432, represented the applicant, TAFM. He came to Minnesota in 1996 and has since become a part of TAFM. He provided a history of TAFM starting in 1990 when a federal resolution passed to immigrate 1,000 Tibetans to America, out of which 160 came to Minnesota which is what prompted the foundation. He stated TAFM has been located in St. Paul since 2004. He explained they are quickly outgrowing their space because of family reunification and others are moving to Minnesota for its attractive reputation, education opportunities, and job availability. He noted that TAFM is a non-profit organization (501(c)) with a board of 12 member-elected volunteers who serve three-year terms. He stated there are three staff members: an officer, an accountant and a caretaker. He explained the more notable programs at the center. Tibetan language classes are held every Saturday taught by 16 paid teachers for 160 kids in elementary school through eighth grade. Cultural dance classes take place on Sundays in the morning and afternoon led by one teacher and is regularly attended by 60 kids. A program called Lamton takes place every Friday at 5 PM for older students (middle school and high school age) where college students assist with homework, ACT preparation, career counseling, and college readiness. He stated that they hope to include all neighborhood students in Lamton as they believe it is a strong program with a 100% success rate of involved students attending college, including his own two boys. He noted that many Lamton students come back as college students to provide guidance. He added another component of the program is college tours and last year this included a trip to Boston. He stated there is one special annual program that provides free flu shots to all members, and they hope to continue that tradition in Brooklyn Park. Commissioner Chair Hanson opened the public hearing. Lhawang Tara, a board member of TAFM, added that in the last 25 years since TAFM was Page 2 of 7
established the young members of the community have achieved great professional success, many becoming doctors, engineers, software engineers, computer engineers, anesthesiologists, and psychologists to name a few. He explained that the college graduation rate in their overall community is 90%, and the homeowner rate is also at 90%. He stated their community is growing, self-reliant, and hopes to be an asset to the. Ngawang Dolker, a board member of TAFM, stated there has not been a single incident with the surrounding neighborhood at their current St. Paul location. She explained the current parking lot is too small for their community, but the neighborhood has allowed them to park on the streets, and the next-door business allowed them to use their parking lot with no issues. She stated her belief that there won t be any issues with the site location on Boone Ave. She explained that Tibetans are Buddhists, and their religion is very important to them. She pointed out that at the same time, they follow the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and they want to raise awareness about living in interfaith religous harmony. She stated they hope to host an interfaith event when the Dalai Lama comes to Minnesota in the future. Seeing no one approach the podium, Commission Chair Hanson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Mersereau stated her approval of the amendment based on the information provided to her so far. She welcomed them to Brooklyn Park assuming this will pass with the Planning Commission and City Council. Commissioner Kisch seconded the welcome to Brooklyn Park. He asked how many parking stalls are currently striped on the lot since there is a mention of potentially restriping the lot as a requirement. Senior Planner Larson stated that due to the current condition of the lot the exact number of parking spaces is unknown, but he provided a rough estimate of 353 spaces. He noted that if you include the Home Depot spaces there are probably around 900 spaces overall. Commissioner Kisch asked why the proof of parking stalls are included on the plan. He wanted clarification if it was just for reference, if there was an intention of the applicant to build those out or was it originally a part of the master plan. Senior Planner Larson reiterated that parking is a concern at the smaller St. Paul location, so this was to show that they have plenty of room to work with should more parking be needed. He explained the front half of the lot is striped with a 10-foot retail space, but this could be restriped at a non-retail space of 9-feet for more parking, but that is not as important at this time as simply re-striping the lot. Commissioner Kisch asked if may is the appropriate word for item 4 in the resolution that refers to the re-striping. He offered the use of the word shall. Senior Planner Larson explained the intent of item 4 was to allow for re-striping of a 9-foot Page 3 of 7
space. He clarified that either way the lot must be restriped. Commissioner Kisch explained that he didn t read anywhere that the lot must be restriped, so he suggests considering clarifying the requirement within the resolution language. He referred to the original PUD that had an exclusion for institutions, offering that a specific resolution item 6 be added that states the PUD is being updated to remove the institution exclusion, unless that was inherent in the previous language of the resolution. Senior Planner Larson explained the whereas is what leads you to the inherent conclusion that the PUD is being updated so that institutions are allowed. Commissioner Kiekow asked for the anticipated average occupancy of the building. Tashi Nyima answered that on average there will be around 200 people during regular use. Commissioner Kiekow asked for the anticipated occupancy for larger events. Tashi Nyima explained there are two larger events with anticipated attendance between 350 to 450 people. Commissioner Kiekow stated his concern with the lack of restrooms to support the high number of attendees. He noted there are eight facilities for women, and nine for men. He asked if this is sufficient considering the potential for waiting lines. Senior Planner Larson explained that the interior design is regulated by building code which makes requirements based on anticipated usage. Commissioner Kiekow stated that in his own experience designing buildings, the number of bathrooms seem to be insufficient. Commissioner Mohamed thanked the applicant for choosing Brooklyn Park for their community center. He noted the site has been neglected for a long time, and he understands the goal of new immigrants to find a place to fit-in. He lives and works in the area of the site, so he sees the parking lot every day. He stated his enthusiasm for the center as well as for the Dalai Lama to visit and bless the site. He noted that the Dalai Lama blessed a site and the surrounding city in California, and now the city is prosperous. He stated that Brooklyn Park wants to be prosperous too. MOTION MOHAMED, SECOND VOSBERG TO WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION #2014- APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO PLANNUED UNTI DEVELOPMENT #1995-151 TO ALLOW AN INSTITUTIONAL USE AT 6731 BOONE AVENUE NORTH. Commissioner Mersereau asked if it is correct that the attendees quoted are based on the smaller current location, and if it is correct that they expect growth at the proposed location. Page 4 of 7
Tashi Nyima stated yes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Planning Director Sherman stated this item will go to City Council on October 22, 2018. 7. OTHER BUSINESS A. Minutes September 26, 2018 Commissioner Kisch stated that he wants a few points of clarification on the meeting minutes to provide context of his statements. He pointed out that on page 15, second full paragraph down, second sentence he wants to add in similar to the language in the site plan resolution, as said on the tape. He noted that on the same page, the eight full paragraph he wants the use of it replaced with, proposed development plan for clarification, and then adding a comma at the end of the current sentence to add emphasizing that the Comprehensive Plan states warehousing and distribution activities that are accessory to the principle use. He explained leaving out that portion of his statement leaves out his intent. He asked that on page 19 where it discussed his reasoning for voting against the motion to be changed to read, Commissioner Kisch voted no because he believed there to be a lack of clarity in the definition of a distribution center. He feels that this proposed use qualifies as a distribution center. The Comprehensive Plan and underlying zoning appear to be out of alignment, meaning we may not have the authority to approve based upon that lack of alignment. He asked if that was clear. Commissioner Chair Hanson stated that Commissioner Kisch s statements were clear. She asked for clarification that he is looking to clarify intent of his comments from that evening. Commissioner Kisch explained no, these were his direct comments from the tape. Commissioner Chair Hanson asked staff if they captured Commissioner Kisch s suggestions. Planning Director Sherman confirmed understanding of the suggestions, and that the tape can be reviewed once more. Commissioner Kisch stated that he wants those points clarified as they were stated on the tape because he understands that the meeting minutes become a part of the public record. He felt that his statements previously excluded were the most noteworthy. Planning Director Sherman confirmed that the changes can be made, at the same time the meeting minutes are a summary and not intended to be verbatim. She also wants MOTION DENIED changed to MOTION FAILED. She stated the modifications will be made, and the minutes will be brought back at the next regular meeting. Page 5 of 7
Commissioner Chair Hanson confirmed that no action will be taken on the 9/26/2018 meeting minutes and they will be reviewed again at the next meeting after staff completes the suggested changes. 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS (none) 9. INFORMATION ITEMS A. Council Comments Council Liason Jacobson stated that the Ramsey Development project on Fallgold Pkwy was approved on Monday, 10/08/2018. B. Commission Comments Commissioner Morton-Spears stated she is on the Business Forward Committee. She explained that lately the Committee is having a hard time getting bigger businesses in the community to participate on the Business Forward Board, so they are looking at ways to attract people from companies such as Target. She noted there are a lot of small businesses involved which is great. She encouraged the idea of sending someone from the board to physically go make a connection with these larger businesses instead of just sending an emailed application. She stated that right now two spots are being held open on the board in the hopes of securing representatives from bigger companies. Commissioner Chair Hanson said that a personal discussion with the businesses is a great idea, in her experience it is much more meaningful than a generic email or letter. Commissioner Morton-Spears agreed, stating she herself deletes emails from unknown parties. She hopes to engage these larger companies and be able to get everyone to work together towards the future as well as level the playing field. Commissioner Mersereau asked Council Liaison Jacobson for a summary about the Council work session about Project Hotdish. Council Liaison Jacobson answered she is not able to discuss at this time. Planning Director Sherman provided that an update was provided to the Council about what occurred at the Planning Commission meeting on 9/26/2018. She explained the Council was asked if they were interested in pursuing a different location, and the Council stated they support the current proposed location, which provided needed direction to the applicant. She explained that the applicant will be moving forward with the proposal with some modifications, but not a whole-sale redesign. Council Liaison Jacobson explained that not a lot of information has been provided to the Council as of yet. Page 6 of 7
Planning Director Sherman clarified it was a staff update, and that there were several residents from the neighboring community in attendance. Commissioner Merserau stated she read an article in the Sun Post which indicated there was more discussion on possible ideas at the work session. C. Staff Comments Planning Director Sherman updated the Commission that Scannell Properties has taken the comments and concerns raised at the Planning Commission meeting on 9/26/2018, and further studies will be completed on the transportation, noise, and design issues. She reiterated that the plans will be modified to respond to the input as they move forward to City Council, but she doesn t anticipate that they will have to go back through the Planning Commission. She provided that the City Council date is scheduled for 11/26/2018, and part of the reason for the postponed date is that the updated traffic study will need to be republished with a period for public review. She stated that there is a rumor circulated by a news article that Project Hotdish has been shelved, and Scannell Properties is doing another project instead. She clarified that this rumor is not true, there is a building remodel of an existing Amazon distribution facility at 9001 Wyoming Avenue that will be converted into a sortation facility, and jobs are currently being advertised for that facility. She confirmed that Hotdish is moving forward, and the two facilities are separate. Commissioner Kisch thanked the Commission for the thoughtful and civilized dialogue around the application for Project Hotdish even though the meeting went until 12:00 AM. 10. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Chair Hanson adjourned the meeting at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Natalie Davis Planning Assistant Page 7 of 7