Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

Meeting Agenda

Meeting Minutes

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF BALLWIN – 300 PARK DRIVE

May 7, 2007

The meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Michael Boland at 7:00 p.m.  Members in attendance were:

PRESENT                                             ABSENT 
Chairman Michael Boland 
Commissioner Pat Apel 
Commissioner Pat Buehrle 
Commissioner Sue Heath 
Commissioner Anna Hunter 
Commissioner Ron Kadane   
Commissioner Frank Karr 
Commissioner Jim Leahy 
Commissioner Michael Wind 
Alderman Jane Suozzi   
Mayor Walt Young 
Assistant City Administrator Tom Aiken 
City Engineer Gary Kramer
City Attorney Lou Lucchesi  

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Commissioner Kadane and seconded by Commissioner Wind to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2007 meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission as submitted.  The motion received unanimous approval from the members present.

Z 07-2 – Zoning Ordinance Change Petition – Final Site Development Plan
Kehrs Mill Place Subdivision – 413 Kehrs Mill Rd, Ballwin MO 63021 – Mr. Ronnie Hopper

Mr. Richard Halsey of Hall & Halsey Associates addressed the Commission on behalf of the petitioner, requesting approval of the final site development plan.  He briefly described the site and the development plan.  Mr. Halsey stated that the petitioner is in agreement with the findings of the petition review report.  He said that the only substantial change from the preliminary plan to the final plan is the sewer pipe connecting to the existing storm sewers.  It has been moved from the utility easements in the front yards to the street.  The petitioner feels that this will be least disruptive to the site.

Commissioner Kadane asked if Kehrs Mill Trail, where the construction will take place, is a private roadway.  Mr. Halsey said that it is a public right-of-way.  Mr. Halsey pointed out a note on the plans that referenced a railroad tie retaining wall that would be replaced.  He said that it is actually a segmental block concrete wall and would be replaced with the same.

Commissioner Kadane confirmed with City Engineer Gary Kramer that one lane of Kehrs Mill Trail would have to be kept open at all times during the construction.  Mr. Kramer said that it would, and that it is also a loop street, if people wanted to come from the other direction.

Chairman Boland asked about the landscaping plan.  Mr. Halsey said that the landscaping will be essentially the same as was shown on the preliminary plan.  Commissioner Wind asked if the large trees on the property will remain.  Mr. Halsey said that some will remain, and at least one street tree will be planted in front of each unit.  Planning Director Tom Aiken said that virtually all the trees in the center of the site will be lost, but some along Kehrs Mill will be retained.  Commissioner Wind asked about the shrubs near the swimming pool.  Mr. Halsey said they will be disturbed, but will be replaced.  He assured the Commission that the petitioner will work with the subdivision trustees.

Alderman Suozzi asked about sidewalks.  Planning Director Aiken said that the streets in the subdivision were originally private.  When the City took them over, the subdivision association petitioned the City not to install sidewalks, which was approved by the Board of Aldermen.  Alderman Suozzi confirmed with Mr. Aiken that there is no expectation of monies being put into a sidewalk fund because sidewalks are not required in the subdivision.

Chairman Boland opened the public hearing and asked if there were any proponents wishing to speak in favor of petition Z07-2.  There were none.  Chairman Boland then asked if there were any opponents wishing to speak against the petition.

   Mr. Roy Schlumpberger, 112 N. Holloway Road, addressed the commission on behalf of the Kehrs Mill Crossing subdivision trustee association, requesting the following of the petitioner:

         -  Finish any exposed concrete foundation walls.

         -  Divert downspouts into the storm sewer system.

         -  Replace the removed shrubs with something other than forsythia.

         -  Replace all retaining walls with like materials.

         -  Build the sewer line when the pool is not open for the summer.

         -  Provide access to driveways during construction.

         -  Provide temporary mailboxes during construction.

Mr. Hopper said that he would work with the trustees as much as possible on these points.  Mr. Schlumpberger said that Mr. Hopper has been very cooperative to work with.

There were no other opponents and Chairman Boland closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Kadane made a motion to recommend approval of Petition Z 07-2 to the Board of Aldermen, with the condition that the petitioner provide temporary mailboxes and divert the rear downspouts to the storm sewer system.  Commissioner Heath seconded the motion, which received unanimous approval from the Commission members present.

Review of Items Sent to the Board of Aldermen

An updated list was provided to all Commission members.  Planning Director Aiken noted that the Lafayette Church of Christ petition was withdrawn.  They have decided not to move forward with the project.

Chairman Boland asked for an update on the Timbers at Ries Bend subdivision.  Mr. Aiken said that a stop work order was placed on the project 3-4 weeks earlier when it was discovered that approximately 90 trees that had been marked to be retained had been removed.  Mr. Aiken said that one of the partners in the development, Matt Belcher, who was also the builder, decided not to buy the lots.  In order to market the land to other builders, the remaining partner, Trey Sawyer, decided to take out the trees internal to the site and do some grading.  Trees in the no-grade zone were kept.  Chairman Boland asked what the penalty is for violating this type of ordinance.  Mr. Aiken said that it would be the same as a violation notice sent to a resident.

Commissioner Wind commented that the owners of the Dancing Thru Life Studio at 109 Ballpark Drive have really improved the appearance of that site.  Commissioner Karr asked about the Chrysler West site.  Mr. Aiken said the Dean Team leased the site and the SUE was transferred to that business. 

Alderman Suozzi said the inventory went to Royal Gate Dodge.  Regarding the Holy Infant parking lot, Commissioner Kadane noted that Jerry Brendel, the original engineer on the project is with a new company, which is taking over the project.

Comprehensive Plan Committee Update

Commissioner Karr encouraged the members of the Planning & Zoning Commission to attend the meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Committee on May 21, 2007, on the final draft of the Plan.  Alderman Suozzi and Commissioners Heath and Hunter said they will be unable to attend this meeting.

Adjournment 

A motion was made by Commissioner Buerhle and seconded by Commissioner Apel to adjourn the meeting.  The motion received unanimous approval from the members present.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Michael Boland, Chairman
Planning & Zoning Commission