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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-2017 WSMeeting of: Date of Meeting: Time of Meeting: Location of Meeting: Purpose of Meeting: NOTICE OF WORK SESSION Columbia Heights City Council Monday December 4, 2017 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting) City Hall- Conference Room No. 1 Worksession 1. Compressive Plan update from Mark Koegler 2. Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws — Proposed Changes 3. Public Safety Staffing Study 4. Review of minor revisions to proposed 2018 expense budget 5. Explanation of how the Area -Wide Fiscal Disparities Subsidy effects changes in local property taxes Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for disabled persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact the City Clerk at 763 - 706 -3611 or kbruno @columbiaheightsmn.gov, to make arrangements. Mayor n., COLUMBIA Donna Schmitt C� Councilmembers H E 1 G 1� TS Robert A. Williams John Murzyn, Jr. City of Columbia Heights Connie8uesgens Nick Novitsky 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 -3878 (763) 706 -3600 City Manager Visit our website at: www.columbiaheightsmn.gov Walter R. Fehst Meeting of: Date of Meeting: Time of Meeting: Location of Meeting: Purpose of Meeting: NOTICE OF WORK SESSION Columbia Heights City Council Monday December 4, 2017 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting) City Hall- Conference Room No. 1 Worksession 1. Compressive Plan update from Mark Koegler 2. Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws — Proposed Changes 3. Public Safety Staffing Study 4. Review of minor revisions to proposed 2018 expense budget 5. Explanation of how the Area -Wide Fiscal Disparities Subsidy effects changes in local property taxes Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for disabled persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact the City Clerk at 763 - 706 -3611 or kbruno @columbiaheightsmn.gov, to make arrangements. CN COLUMBIA 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update HEIGHTS City Council Work Session ©B Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. December 4, 2017 INTRODUCTION At the December 4th work session meeting of the City Council, we like to take some time to accomplish two things: 1) provide the Council with an overview of the Comprehensive Planning process and progress to date and 2) solicit input on land use and redevelopment alternatives being considered along three of Columbia Heights' primary roadway corridors. The roadway corridors include Central Avenue, University Avenue and 401h Avenue. Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Preparation of the Comprehensive Plan is being guided by the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee which is comprised of 15 people from the Columbia Heights community. The Committee includes representatives from the City Council, Park and Recreation Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission (Adam Schill). To date, the committee has met on three occasions to review materials and provide input and direction. Planning Process and Schedule Two items are included in this packet to provide background on the planning process and overall schedule. The first is the Columbia Heights Comprehensive Plan —Task Schedule which generally delineates the various tasks and identifies those that are complete and those that are in process. The schedule also includes a listing of major project meetings. The second attachment is the Columbia Heights Comprehensive Plan — Meetings and Activities Schedule. It includes a listing of all past and anticipated meetings related to the Comp Plan update. The full agenda is shown for all past meetings and for future meetings, the anticipated discussion topics are identified. This meeting list will be continually updated as meetings occur and to reflect any schedule changes that are required. Community Outreach The Comprehensive Plan helps direct the path of growth and change in Columbia Heights over the next one to two decades. Accordingly, it is important that the document includes the ideas and interests of local residents and businesspersons, consistent with regional requirements and policies established by the Columbia Heights City Council. The plan needs to be consistent with the requirements of the Metropolitan Council who establishes population, housing and employment projections as well as goals for affordable housing. The City Council's recently created vision statement also provides a framework for the plan. In order to encourage stakeholder involvement in the planning process, a number of approaches have been used. Initially, Social Pinpoint, an online tool was used to gather general input from the community. It provided insight into what residents like about the City and what they would like to see changed. Likes included: • Parks • Library • Heights Theater /DQ • HyVee • Neighborhoods • Local businesses Items identified that need change included: • Mobility— streets, sidewalks, trails, pedestrian crossings, etc. • Parks • Safety • Trash • Businesses and commercial areas Outreach efforts have also included attendance at a number of community events. The attached summary prepared by Jodi Griffin summarizes responses from these sessions. On September 19th, an open house was held at the Columbia Heights Library. The focus of the open house was to obtain feedback on concepts being considered for major roadway corridors. Input received at the open house is incorporated into the following discussion about the corridor concepts. Land Use - Corridor Concepts One of the key elements of the land use section of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan will be recommendations related to the improvement of the major roadway corridors that pass through Columbia Heights. Specifically, the plan will examine University Avenue NE, Central Avenue NE and 401h Avenue NE. At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, we'd like to present conceptual ideas for changes in land use, pedestrian circulation, and aesthetics and to get feedback from the Commission. We will continue to refine the ideas and then eventually incorporate them into the Land Use chapter of the plan. The following is a review of each of these areas: Central Avenue —40'h Avenue Intersection This intersection is generally viewed as the "100% corner" in Columbia Heights. While the area includes a mix of suburban architecture, it also includes street front retail on the west side of Central Avenue invoking the feeling of a traditional downtown area. Two concepts were offered for this area representing differing mixes of uses and building placements. They included the following: Concept1 '- -1 ''- '- ` '�------� ------�� Concept 1 illustrates the development of a mixed-use commercial/residential building in the northeast quadrant of the intersection served bya new above grade parking ramp. Immediately north nfthe mixed-use building are two areas of mid-density, townhouse units. The transit center remains in its current location. A new open public plaza is shown in the southeast quadrant of the intersection, adjacent to the now vacant off ice tower. 9 Concept 2 ` -- -- — — ` - - - «..�•..�.�«....O..ot. "ryas L-' , l ra ap,'IVsf'Pstianr,_ 1 w,4,we �f /n1y- �lhit �� W✓H` � Pi i7 corm �nn� jj_ N Palcrc Concept 2 has two primary components; commercial retail and housing. This alternative reestablishes street facing retail on the east side of Central Avenue creating a line of continuous storefronts matching those on the west side of the street. Parking would be accommodated in a surface lot behind the retail building enhancing the pedestrian friendly nature of this block of retail uses. New multi - family housing with underground parking is located northeast of the retail uses. The transit center in this alternative could be integrated into the northern end of the retail center. Public Comments on the Central Avenue /40`h Avenue Area At the open house, public comments on these options were largely general in nature and not specific to the different mix of uses shown on the various concepts. Comments included: • Can the northeast building get a facelift? • Can the corner that faces 40`h be prettier? • The northeast building is an eyesore as you enter the City. • Good location for breweries or distilleries for theater goers. • Turn the old library into a youth center. 4 • Office tower — cute shops, wine bar and coffee on first floor— upper floors turned into apartments. • Southeast corner — create an outdoor green landscaped patio. • Add pedestrian support and green space near the library and DQ— create a viable, welcoming space along Central. • Business hotel in Concept A behind the parking structure. • Turn the office tower into a conference and training center. • Leverage existing ramps to avoid new surface parking. Reduce required parking in the code. What do we call this place? We also asked meeting participants to suggest names for the commercial node at Central Avenue and 40`h Avenue. The following responses were noted: Name Suggestions; • Boot Strap Corner • Central Square • Highland Central • Upper NE • 40th & Central • Heights Hub • Central Heights ( +1) • Columbia Heights Central (CHC) • Community Heights • Nordeast Heights • New Heights • Better Heights • Witanny (Polish word for "welcome ") Heights • Welcome Heights (could include multiple words /languages for "welcome ") Central Avenue — 49`h Avenue Intersection The southeast quadrant of Central Avenue and 49`h Avenue is currently the home of a Savers retail store. While there are no specific plans for any change or redevelopment of this site, it was identified as an area to explore given the dynamic nature of retailing these days. The current building is very suburban in its form with surface parking adjacent to Central Avenue with the building located on the east side of the site. The eastern touch down point of the above grade pedestrian crossing of Central Avenue is located on this property. The northern end of Central Avenue has uses that are more suburban in form than those located further to the south. Accordingly, the configuration of the current site is consistent with many of the surrounding properties and particularly, properties between this area and 1 -694. Concept 1 p r . 1 Rtlr'1eY ft—IP *tit 1 1 t r 7�k!%D/wsS i 1+. A+ This option places a series of retail and restaurant uses along Central Avenue with surface parking along the sides and rear of the buildings. Also shown is new housing in the form of mid - density townhomes on the eastern side of the site. M Concept 2 n i*1 ct4 Concept 2 explores an office use on the subject site. Admittedly, the office market is challenging but some potential could exist in the long -term. The configuration shown would be a one story structure abutting Central Avenue that would be served by surface parking. A retail use could be substituted for the office use in this concept. Public Comments on the Central Avenue /49`h Avenue Area At the open house, public comments on these options were largely general in nature and not specific to the different mix of uses shown on the various concepts. Comments included: • Like to see interesting shops and restaurants in addition to all of the new chain restaurants. • I prefer improvements that optimize utility - pedestrian options, green spaces and community centers. I would prioritize those over signage and monuments. • Would love to see a north /south bikeway off of Central. • Not every empty space needs to be filled with housing. We need more commercial and industrial jobs for our citizens. • Can MnDOT use signage to move some of the thru traffic off of Central to University which was designed as a highway? 7 FPM ` C01'(1A'JP'/A r•,... g: F-t1rFf If�'h09Nk� R ' �'rr � • . _ _ _ _. ft n i*1 ct4 Concept 2 explores an office use on the subject site. Admittedly, the office market is challenging but some potential could exist in the long -term. The configuration shown would be a one story structure abutting Central Avenue that would be served by surface parking. A retail use could be substituted for the office use in this concept. Public Comments on the Central Avenue /49`h Avenue Area At the open house, public comments on these options were largely general in nature and not specific to the different mix of uses shown on the various concepts. Comments included: • Like to see interesting shops and restaurants in addition to all of the new chain restaurants. • I prefer improvements that optimize utility - pedestrian options, green spaces and community centers. I would prioritize those over signage and monuments. • Would love to see a north /south bikeway off of Central. • Not every empty space needs to be filled with housing. We need more commercial and industrial jobs for our citizens. • Can MnDOT use signage to move some of the thru traffic off of Central to University which was designed as a highway? 7 FPM ` C01'(1A'JP'/A r•,... g: F-t1rFf If�'h09Nk� w i � «f n i*1 ct4 Concept 2 explores an office use on the subject site. Admittedly, the office market is challenging but some potential could exist in the long -term. The configuration shown would be a one story structure abutting Central Avenue that would be served by surface parking. A retail use could be substituted for the office use in this concept. Public Comments on the Central Avenue /49`h Avenue Area At the open house, public comments on these options were largely general in nature and not specific to the different mix of uses shown on the various concepts. Comments included: • Like to see interesting shops and restaurants in addition to all of the new chain restaurants. • I prefer improvements that optimize utility - pedestrian options, green spaces and community centers. I would prioritize those over signage and monuments. • Would love to see a north /south bikeway off of Central. • Not every empty space needs to be filled with housing. We need more commercial and industrial jobs for our citizens. • Can MnDOT use signage to move some of the thru traffic off of Central to University which was designed as a highway? 7 Would love to see pollinator plantings along the boulevards. Get the State to turn Central Avenue into a County or City roadway — then do traffic calming and streetscaping to encourage shopping. Regarding Concept C— I like the parking in the back, away from Central Avenue creating a more welcoming streetscape. University Avenue — 37th Avenue to 401h Avenue This area is the only significant portion of land in Columbia Heights along University Avenue that has future redevelopment potential. The site lies on the west side of University, south of 401h Avenue. It is located immediately across University from the Huset Park development area which is a very successful residential development. Properties immediately along University include a mix of underutilized parcels on the north and aging, smaller industrial sites to the south. Three concepts were offered for this area representing a differing mixes of uses and building placements. They included the following: Cmwmeptl _ | { Wr,,'V' +—t ,- ~ ^ ' ~ /'V This option includes a mix of new retail (or office) in the southwest corner of the intersection, multi- family housing west of the retail site and then mid-density townhomes to the south. Tua degree, these uses would mirror those on the east side of University Avenue. l0i Concept r_ 1 5 r i I JU Concept 2 is an all- housing approach that looks at a smaller area of redevelopment. It includes two larger buildings on the north and townhomes to the south. 10 Concept 3 �..._• -,�z -�r,�:...t� :rte-_ f,. acs N ti f w —.cT 1rHYhr"`; � 7 ' -. d . P W. 1 The origins of Concept 3 came from a discussion at a Review Committee meeting. This concept explores business uses for the overall area and no residential uses. This was a direct response to comments that focused on the need for added jobs in Columbia Heights, partially to offset those that were lost on the east side of University Avenue as part of the Huset Park redevelopment. One of the early ideas presented at the Open House was to establish a design theme based on the shipping containers that are frequently seen travelling along University to the rail yard in Minneapolis to the south. This area could 11 be the home of a business park that would convert retired shipping containers into buildings. While that idea may not be mainstream in the Twin Cities, it has been done in other areas as shown in the photos below. Public Comments on the University Avenue /40`x' Avenue Area At the open house, public comments on these options were largely general in nature and not specific to the different mix of uses shown on the various concepts. Comments included: • Prefer to keep University residential to minimize traffic issues during rush hour. Add business development along Central Avenue instead. • Office including small businesses. • We need more jobs, not more housing density. • Lots of green to buffer commercial traffic noise. • Prefer owner occupied buildings. 40`h Avenue - CitV Hall Site The City is examining options for possible construction of a future City Hall. If that were to occur in another part of the community such as Central Avenue, the site of the existing building would become a candidate for redevelopment. Two options for the redevelopment of the site were explored. Regardless of which of these may occur (or other configuration of this site), improvements along 40`h Avenue will take place. The reconstruction of the 40`h Avenue roadway in the next few years can accommodate landscaping improvements along this corridor. Additionally, sidewalk improvements should greatly enhance both the safety and attractiveness of pedestrian movements long this roadway. The redevelopment of the City Hall site can also provide more physical and visual connections to Huset Park immediately to the south. Two concepts were offered for this area representing a differing mixes of uses and building placements. They included the following: 12 Conceptl i t Q. 4 ,, - rg This option explores retail and housing uses on the site. Retail would occur where the City Hall building sits today and a row of new townhomes could be built along Mill Street NE which could terminate in a new cul -de -sac. A plaza could create a stronger physical and visual connection to Huset Park. Concept 2 his fDNNHDM ObRV Ir . Concept 2 includes mixed -use buildings (housing over retail) along 40" Avenue and townhomes along Mill Street NE. Like the concept above, it provides a stronger connection to Huset Park. 13 Public Comments on the 401h Avenue Area At the open house, public comments on these options were largely general in nature and not specific to the different mix of uses shown on the various concepts. Comments included: • Like the plaza idea — need one somewhere. • This plan seems to cut off Mill Street. • Include a brewery /taproom. • Location for a performing arts center. • We need to maintain 2 way access to Murzyn Hall for events — weddings, etc. • Use parking on Jefferson for arts center. Install bumpouts around parking on 40th — calm traffic. • On 40th — more green. Like the art idea — let's have 40th a destination, not just a corridor to get to University. • Have space along the sidewalk on 40th for gatherings — community grounds are as appealing as driving areas. • More walking trails in Huset Park. • Develop an indoor recreation space —youth center — laser tag, arcade — something for kids during inclement weather. • Prefer the boulevard approach — bike lane vs. bus. • Protected cycle track along the south side — limit cross traffic. Two lanes only. Low traffic. Maintain mixed use —try for Grand Avenue in St. Paul. 14 Go .0 v H V Q h C1 Cd G R a .N d s d a 0 V N s Ch 3 0 V O c u a W � > LLI z v b v c ¢ v 6 O E G Ol O_ G O1 � W V E a a b c o � G b } 6 O � O V� ? N O C O O E OI c w W a E o v� a o _ w c v-C� E 3 O x W Z w W aC n E E w B® O Z � z a a w Z m ° a Z O @ V w c u° O 3 o, c a a O W w V C 4 4 U L n > M> C 4 ? 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W52 MEETING DATE DECEMBER 4, 2017 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER ITEM: Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws — Proposed Changes DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: BY /DATE: Joe Hogeboom/ 9 -13 -17 BY /DATE: CITY STRATEGY: #2: Economic Strength Additional Strategy? #6: Excellent Housing /Neighborhoods SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): #2 Conduct an Evaluation of City Services and Staffing Levels Additional Goal? BACKGROUND: The City's Planning and Zoning Commission operates under a set of Bylaws that was last amended on February 14t ", 2000. Based on changes that have occurred during the past seventeen years, staff proposes that several changes be made to the Bylaws. The changes are described below: Increase Commission membership from five (5) to seven (7) members. Due to hectic schedules and various life events, it is rare that all five Planning and Zoning Commissioners are able to attend every meeting. Typically, only three or four commissioners are able to attend any given meeting. Increasing the total membership to seven increases the chances for more members to attend meetings, and for a quorum to be achieved. In addition, increasing the membership total will help to bring more voices from the community onto the Commission. Many cities in the Metro Area already have Planning Commissions that have seven or more members. • Formally change the name of the commission to the "Planning Commission ". In most cities, the term 'Planning Commission' is used rather than 'Planning and Zoning Commission'. Developers are often confused with our commission's name, thinking that there may be both a Planning Commission and a Planning and Zoning Commission. Eliminating the word "zoning" from the title of the Commission will help to elevate confusion and make the name of the Commission on par with those in surrounding communities. Formally create a "Vice Chairperson" and a "Secretary /Treasurer" position. The current Bylaws only describe the role and duty of a "chairman ". We propose to change that title to "chairperson ", and also create a "vice chairperson" and "secretary /treasurer" position. In the event that the chairperson is unable to attend the meeting, creating two other officer positions would allow back -up leadership. Community Development staff would continue to act as Recording Secretary for Planning Commission meetings. The position of "secretary /treasurer" would simply serve as the "third in command" of the group, similar to how the EDA Secretary /Treasurer position currently functions on the EDA. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 Require that officers are elected annually. In the Bylaws, we think it would be good to offer an opportunity for various leaders to emerge and participate if the Commission were to hold annual elections of officers. This is the current practice of the EDA and other commissions in the City. • Change meeting start times from 7:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Staff has heard multiple requests to change the meeting start time to 6:00 pm, due to the often lengthy agenda items. Starting the meetings earlier would help in ending the meetings at a more reasonable time in the evening. • Create an attendance requirement. In order to ensure that meetings are effective, staff would like to implement a requirement that Commissioners attend at least 75% of meetings annually. Failure to attend at least 3/ of Planning Commission meetings on an annual basis could then result in a recommendation to remove a Commissioner of his or her duties. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff would like to bring an ordinance before the City Council in January so that these changes take effect in February, 2018. Staff seeks input and direction from the Council regarding these proposed changes. ATTACHMENT: 1. Current Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws (3 pages) PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION The Commission follows and maintains a Zoning and Development Ordinance and a Comprehensive City Plan for the physical development of the City. The plan includes housing, transportation, land use, surface water management, open space and other elements relating to the physical development of the City. The Commission reviews, investigates, and makes recommendations to the City Council on various issues such as site plans, conditional use permits, variances, lot splits and re- zoning. The PIanning and Zoning Commission consists df five members appointed by the City Council. The five appointed members serve four year terms, staggered so the terms of one member shall expire each year. The Chairperson serves a one year term. The City Engineer, City Planner /Zoning Administrator, Building Official, and City Attorney shall serve as ex- officio members of the Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. ORDINANCE NO. 1407 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Chapter 3, Article III, Section 6, Subsection 3.306(1), which currently reads as follows, to wit: 3.306(l) A Planning and Zoning Commission is hereby established which shall consist of five members to be organized as follows: (a) Four members shall be appointed by the Council and maybe removed by a four -fifths vote of the Council. One member shall be designated by the Council from among its membership, who shall serve at the will of the Council. The City Engineer, Zoning Administrator, Building Official and City Attorney shall serve as ex- officio members of the Commission. (b) The four appointed members shall serve for a term of four years to be staggered so that the term of one member shall expire each year. The Council member shall serve for the term of his elective office. Every appointed member shall take an oath that he will faithfully discharge the duties of office. (c) The Commission shall elect a Chairman from among its membership. The Secretary need not be designated from the Commission membership. . . is hereby amended to read as follows: 3.306(l) A Planning and Zoning Commission is hereby established which shall consist of five members to be organized as follows: (a) The members shall be appointed by the Council and may be removed by a four -fifths vote of the Council. The City Engineer, Zoning Administrator, Building Official and City Attorney shall serve as ex- officio members of the Commission. (b) The appointed members shall serve for a term of four years to be staggered so that the term of one member shall expire each year. Every member shall take an oath that he /she will faithfully discharge the duties of office. I N (c) The Commission shall elect a Chairperson from among its membership. The Secretary need not be designated from the Commission membership. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: January 24, 2000 February 14, 2000 February 14, 2000 Offered by: Wyckoff Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: All ayes atricia Muscovitz, Deputy City glerk C) Gary L. P terson, Mayor C,� COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM NO. WS4 MEETING DATE DECEMBER 4, 2017 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER ITEM: REVIEW OF MINOR REVISIONS TO PROPOSED 2018 EXPENSE BUDGET DEPARTMENT: Finance CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: BY /DATE: Joseph Kloiber /November 30, 2017 BY /DATE: CITY STRATEGY: #2: Economic Strength Additional Strategy? #3: Affordability SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): N/A Additional Goal? N/A BACKGROUND: The annual budget preparation schedule requires using many estimates that are prepared six to nine months before the Council adopts the annual budget each December. Commonly, a handful of these estimates are revised prior to adoption of the budget, to better reflect actual or expected activity. For 2018, the following revisions from the amounts initially proposed by the City Manager have been identified: Increase Fund Dept (Decrease) Explanation 101 General 42100 Police (10,000) Adjust to actual 2018 costs of County Public Safety Data System (PSDS) 101 General 42200 Fire 10,000 Adjust to actual 2018 costs of County Public Safety Data System (PSDS) 101 General 45129 Murzyn Hall 36,000 Carryover parking lot repair budgeted in 2017, that will be performed in 2018 201 Planning 42400 Protective 10,000 Add temporary PT intern for increased building activity, & Inspections Inspections with costs equal to the related increase in permit revenue 602 Sanitary Sewer 49480 Disposal (29,000) Adjust to actual 2018 costs of Met Council sewage treatment STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the above revisions to the 2018 budget proposed by City Manager be incorporated into budget resolution 2017 -130, which will be presented at the public hearing December 11, 2017, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): N/A ATTACHMENT(S): None CouncilLetter Res2017 84_2018Proposed8udget &Levy.docx