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1/13/2021 - Planning Commission - Regular - Minutes CITY OF SPRING PARK PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2021 - 6:00 PM SPRING PARK SPRING PARK CITY HALL On Lake Minnetonka 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Present: Hoffman, Kaczanowski, Avalos, Mason Remote: Homan 4. ADOPT AGENDA Motion to adopt the agenda — M/Avalos, S/Kaczanowski, all votes in favor with the addition of 2 items of discussion under communications. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. November 18, 2020 Planning Commission Minutes M/Avalos, S/Mason to approve the minutes. Motion carried 5-0. b. December 16, 2020 Planning Commission Minutes M/ Kaczanowski, S/Avalos to approve the minutes. Motion carried 5-0. 6. CONSIDERATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS a. 3872 Northern Ave Variance Application i. Staff Presentation City Planner Brixius reviewed the Land Use Application No. 21-01 VAR for a variance for a reduced side yard setback from 10 feet to 7.5 along the west side and 7.9 feet along the east side to allow for removal of a blighted house and construction of a new house at 3872 Northern Avenue in Spring Park Minnesota. Brixius stated the property has a single-family home that is in a deteriorated state and currently a hazard to the community. He stated elimination of the blighted property is improvement and will increase home values for the neighborhood. Discussion was had on the new build, Kristen Erickson and Ethan Kindseth of Alma Homes were present to answer questions. ii. Public Hearing Motion made to open the public hearing at 6:12 pm — M/Avalos, S/Mason, all votes in favor. Kim Sippel of 2241 Hazeldell Avenue, Tyler Roethle of 3940 Northern Avenue, Molly McNellis of 3862 Northern Ave and Jon Yedoni of 3916 Northern Ave all spoke in favor of the variance. Avalos inquired whether the neighbor next door was in favor of the new build being that close to her property and Molly stated she was in favor of the plan. Motion made to close the public hearing at 6:25 pm — M/Mason, S/Avalos, all votes in favor. iii. Discussion Discussion was had on the current ordinance and setbacks along with the importance of staying in line with the current ordinance, yet when given an opportunity for such an improvement an exception should be made. Brixius stated that the variance allows for reasonable use of the lot and that the variance is needed to overcome existing difficulties unique to the property. Brixius reviewed the conditions of the variance including submittal of a grading and drainage plan with the building permit. Further discussion was had on the new build. Brixius stated the plan pays respect to both side properties and that it is a good project. iv. Recommendation Motion made to recommend approval for a variance for a reduced side yard setback from 10 feet to 7.5 and 7.9 feet to allow for removal of a blighted house and construction of a new house at 3872 Northern Avenue in Spring Park Minnesota. M/Mason, S/Kaczanowski; Roll call vote being taken.Avalos, Mason, Kaczanowski, Homan in favor; and Hoffman against. Motion passed 4-1. 7. COMMUNICATIONS Mason stated he would like minutes of the Planning Commission be sent to the Council. Tolsma informed Mason that when minutes are approved, they are put online for review. Hoffman stated he would rather see less paper and recommends going paperless. Discussion was had on Planning Commission terms and attendance reports. Consensus was that no changes should be made unless they start having issues. Discussion was on the agenda process. Hoffman noted that additional items for discussion should be discussed with Tolsma the week in advance of the meeting to be put on the agenda. 8. MISCELLANEOUS a. Chair/Acting Chair Assignments Tolsma brought forward a discussion in assigning a chair for planning commission. He asked the Planning Commission if we want to look at assigning a chair on an annual basis. Discussion was had and the consensus was to keep everything the same for now. Further discussion was had on the variance presented at tonight's meeting and possibly making changes to the ordinance especially in respect to blighted properties, as well as what constitutes a reasonable side yard setback for properties that are less than standard width (<50 ft.) in Spring Park. The commission agreed that they should continue to discuss the issue of setbacks at a future meeting as they all felt it was a positive discussion and an important topic for the City moving forward. 9. ADJOURNMENT Motion made to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 pm — M/Avalos, S/Kaczanowski, All votes in favor.