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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-22 Planning Commission MinutesCity of Cottage Grove Planning Commission August 22, 2016 A meeting of the Planning Commission was held at Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on Monday, August 22, 2016, in the Council Cham- bers and telecast on Local Government Cable Channel 16. Call to Order Chair Brittain called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Ken Brittain, Justin Fox, Kimberly Graff, Derek Rasmussen, Jim Rostad, Roger Zopfi Members Absent: Sam Awad, Adam Graf, Jake Haagsman Staff Present: John McCool, Senior Planner John M. Burbank Senior Planner Dave Thiede, City Councilmember Approval of Agenda Fox made a motion to approve the agenda. Rostad seconded. The motion was approved unanimously (6 -to -0 vote). Open Forum Brittain asked if anyone wished to address the Planning Commission on any non -agenda item. No one addressed the Commission. Chair's Explanation of the Public Hearing Process Brittain explained the purpose of the Planning Commission, which serves in an advisory capac- ity to the City Council, and that the City Council makes all final decisions. In addition, he ex- plained the process of conducting a public hearing and requested that any person wishing to speak should go to the microphone and state their full name and address for the public record. Public Hearings and Applications 6.1 Breweries — Case TA2016-039A The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a zoning text amendment to establish reasona- ble performance standards for breweries, brew pubs, tap rooms, wineries, microdistiller- ies, and cocktail rooms, and to allow the new uses in certain appropriate zoning districts. Planning Commission Minutes August 22, 2016 Page 2 of 4 Burbank summarized the staff report and recommended approval. Graff asked if any suburbs have denied this type of ordinance or do most support the state statute. Burbank responded that the focus was on those cities that have adopted it, so he is not aware of any. Rasmussen asked for clarification on the survey numbers. Burbank stated that the City's Economic Development staff put together the survey so he does not have a clear explana- tion for the numbers. Fox noted that the survey question was probably multiple choice and not meant to add up to 100 percent. Rasmussen explained that some of the uses in the sur- vey had less than 50 percent support. Rostad asked if only less than 50 percent of people wanted breweries, how did 81 percent want all of the above. Brittain noted that over 800 people said all of the above, which should leave a little over 200 people who didn't check that but may have supported some of the options or the respondents could have also se- lected all of the above plus other options. He stated that the survey does show an overall positive feeling from the community towards those uses. Brittain opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing. Zopfi asked if farm wineries have to grow the grapes or can they set up a farm winery by bringing in the grapes. Burbank responded that he believes it is for producing on the property but he will verify that prior to the City Council meeting. Rostad made a motion to approve the zoning text amendment allowing breweries, brew pubs, tap rooms, wineries, microdistilleries, and cocktail rooms. Graff seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6 -to -0 vote). 6.2 Mobile Food Units — Case TA2016-0398 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a zoning text amendment to establish reasona- ble performance standards for mobile food units, and to allow the new use in certain appropriate zoning districts. Burbank summarized the staff report and recommended approval. Brittain opened the public hearing. Wayne Johnson, 7862 62nd Street South, asked if having a food truck in front of brewery would bypass regulations regarding food and alcohol. Burbank stated that it is an option that has been established in other communities that have tap rooms and tasting centers. Ac- cording to the City's Deputy City Clerk, food operations are not required with liquor licenses. Brittain asked if there would be restrictions on the number of days in a year that those busi- nesses could have a food truck. Burbank stated that if the truck had a temporary license, they would be restricted to 10 days per year; if they have an annual license, there are no re- strictions in the ordinance. Graff asked if it would be reasonable to put a limitation on the number of days any specific brewery could have a food truck in a year. Burbank stated that the Commission could add any criteria they felt was necessary. He noted that this ordinance Planning Commission Minutes August 22, 2016 Page 3 of 4 is an enabling ordinance versus a restrictive ordinance that needs to be monitored. The pro- posed ordinance does provide options for review of the licensing if there are issues. No one spoke. Brittain closed the public hearing. Rasmussen believes it is important to have the food trucks at tap rooms, which often sell only beer without food options. He noted the hours of operation are limited to 11:00 p.m. and some of the tap rooms could be open later than that, so the trucks should be able to be there through closing. Burbank stated that the hours were crafted by the City Attorney and prior to Council he can verify if those specific hours are related to the statute or if they could be modified to match the hours of operation of the establishments. Brittain stated that it would interesting to know what the kitchen hours are at restaurants that serve alcohol. Rostad expressed concern that the City could selectively choose which food trucks are al- lowed in city parks based on the following language: "a mobile food unit may only operate in a city park or on other city property with prior written approval by the City; additional permits may be required for such operation." Burbank responded the other permits may have to do with renting the park and getting their food truck license, and this language is in there to cover all the bases. Rostad asked if, for example, a soccer group is having a big event at a park and somebody wants to bring his truck there, what determines whether they can or not and are there any standards. He thinks the language is too vague. Burbank responded there could be parking or traffic issues. Rostad also expressed concern about food trucks taking business away from the athletic associations who do fundraising through concession sales. Burbank stated that could be clarified before it goes to Council. Rasmussen requested adding requirements that the business name and vehicle number be clearly posted on the mobile food units and that vendors be responsible for cleaning up litter in the area of the trucks and to provide a trash can for public use. Burbank stated that those suggestions could be added as an amendment to the recommendation. Brittain agreed. Fox made a motion to approve the zoning text amendment. Rostad seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6 -to -0 vote). Graff made a motion to amend the recommendation to add requirements for trash containers and to clearly post the business name and vehicle number on mobile food units. Fox seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6 -to -0 vote). Approval of Planning Commission Minutes of July 25, 2016 Graff made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2016, Planning Commission meeting. Zopfi seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6 -to -0 vote). Reports Planning Commission Minutes August 22, 2016 Page 4 of 4 8.1 Recap of August City Council Meetings Thiede summarized the agendas from the August 2016 City Council meetings. Zopfi asked about Ruby Tuesday. Thiede stated that while the management of Ruby Tues- day informed the City that they were doing well, it is the prerogative of the business to close the restaurant. He stated that there has been interest in purchasing the building and he does not believe that spot will be vacant for long. Rostad asked if the City opted out of the temporary health care dwellings. Thiede responded yes, which most municipalities have done. 8.2 Response to Planning Commission Inquiries Solar — Xcel Energy Follow-up McCool summarized the memorandum updating the Planning Commission on the status of the approved solar energy systems. 8.3 Planning Commission Requests None Adjournment Graff made a motion to adjourn. Fox seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. (6 -to -0 vote).