HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 11, 1980OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY ll, 1980
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Present
PURPOSE OF MEETING
Mayor Nawrocki stated that this was a special meeting for the purpose of
considering an ordinance which will affect property on Stinson Blvd. where
the First Bank System would like to build a detached facility.
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
The City Manager stated that the two proposed ordinances, 909 and 911, were
published in the paper. Residents in the immediate area of the property were
also notified.
The initial request of the First Bank System was denied because the present
zoning ordinance doesn't allow for this type of facility in a Limited Business
District. As a result, the First Bank System is requesting a rezoning of the
parcel.
Howard Dahlgren, planning consultant representing the First Bank System, presented
a site plan of the proposed bank. He stated that he has talked with residents
from Heights Manor and had a petition signed by 1OO residents in support of the
bank. He showed a map of the homes he contacted marking off the people who were
in favor and those opposed. He added he doesn't feel the traffic will be a
great problem and added the site plan is a good one and the bank will be an
asset to the neighborhood.
Councilman Heintz doesn't agree with the traffic plan and believes this is in
fact a full service bank and not a detached facility. Mr. Walner of the First
Bank System, stated that loans will not be handled there nor will it have safety
deposit boxes. It will not have the same activity the parent bank has.
Councilman Heintz added that he wants no traffic directed north onto McKinley.
Mr. Dahlgren stated that he would be glad to work with the Council to direct
the departing traffic on McKinley left only to 37th Ave.
Discussion continued on the traffic problem and how many cars can be stacked
in the drive in teller lanes. Councilman Hentges stated that an office building
or two apartments would bring in many more tax dollars than the bank will. He
feels it is his responsibility to serve the entire community by making the best
use of the property and not just to aid the immediate neighbors. Mr. Dahlgren
answered that with the office building would come higher density and other pro-
blems. He feels one of the advantages of the proposed site plan is the fact
that there is green space around the bank.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to accept the petition in support of
the bank and place it on file.
Roll Call: All Ayes
February 11, 1980
Page 2
John Starcevic, 3850 Stinson Blvd., stated that the proposed bank will be an asset
to the neighborhood and he supports it.
Robert Barnick, 2301 40th Ave., asked if there was a guarantee that the building
would take place as presented. The Mayor answered that there is no guarantee but
because of the amount of investment the bank people have put in, he believes they
are serious about their proposal.
Dr. Williams, Silver Lake Clinic, stated that he had to post a bond when he
proposed his building and asked why the bank didn't post one to insure that they
would build as proposed. The Mayor answered that many of the circumstances are
different. Dr. Williams added his clinic doesn't oppose the bank.
Ron Abrahamson, 2117 393 Ave., asked how essential the access on McKinley was
because of the number of children who use the park on that street. Mr. Dahlgren
answered that if the Traffic Commission wants the entrance on McKinley taken out,
he could live with it. This would deter traffic from McKinley.
Councilman Norberg stated that the traffic problem is soluble and the bani< seems
to be very cooperative in this matter and he believes the bank use is very compli-
mentary to the area. Councilman Heintz stated he is in favor of proposed ordinance
gl1 because it gives the Council control over the use of the property.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that at one time he voiced his intention to abstain from
voting because of a possible conflict of interest, he has found that there is none
and he does intend to vote on this matter.
Councilman Norberg stated he doesn't favor 911 because this ordinance would also
allow branch banks in the other six or seven Limited Business districts in the City.
He would rather rezone to affect only that one property.
ORDINANCE 91l
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY
CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO PERMITTED PRINCIPAL IJSES
WITHIN A LIMITED BUSINESS DISTRICT
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1:
Section 9.111(1)(i) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed
June 21, 1977, which is currently reserved, is herein amended to read
as follows, to-wit:
"9.111(l)(i) Detached branch banking facilities"
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty
(30) days after its passage.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Hentges
Councilman Norberg stated he would have preferred a conditional use for the
property to allow the Council better control.
February ll, 1980
Page 3
Roll Call: All Ayes
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to adjourn the special meeting at
8:47 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Council Secretary
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor