HomeMy WebLinkAbout#2 Minutes - 10-09-2023 DraftHastings Planning Commission
October 9, 2023 - Regular Meeting Agenda
Hastings City Hall - Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
The Planning Commission of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular
meeting on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hastings City Council
Chambers.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Messina, Halberg, McGrath, Peters, and
Teiken
Planning Commissioners Absent: LeBrun
Staff Present:
City Planner Justin Fortney
2. Approval of Minutes – September 25, 2023 - Regular Meeting
Chair Messina asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes.
Minutes approved as presented.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. McKinstry Essention LLC – Variance #2023-37 – Front Yard Setback – 1590 Hwy
55
Planner Fortney provided a summary of the request for a variance to the requirement
that ground-mounted accessory solar arrays may not be in the front yards of principal
structures, as provided in the City Code. The applicants propose to install an
estimated 595kW ground mounted solar array in the open low-lying area on the SE
corner of the site. The applicant believes the site is a good location and that others on
site are not feasible. Fortney provided additional details for the proposed request also
sharing notice was given to property owners within 350-feet of the property and have
not received any comments. Fortney indicated granting the variance is recommended
based on the information from the review provided.
Commission discussion on the proposed fence and additional fencing regulations.
Commissioners asked if approving this request could lead to additional variance
requests in the future from residents. Planner Fortney indicated the request would not
apply to a residential property, sharing staff differentiated the request due to the
property specifications within the request. Commissioners asked if current vegetation
would stay and continue to be maintained. Applicants indicated that the vegetation
would remain and would continue to be cared for.
Commissioner Tieken motioned to approve the Variance request as presented,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath.
Ayes: Commissioners Halberg, McGrath, Peters, and Teiken.
Nays: None
Abstain: Commissioner Messina
Absent: Commissioner LeBrun
OTHER ACTIONS
4. Other Business
Fortney provided a summary of recent City Council actions and future items for the
Planning Commission’s review.
5. Adjourn
Commissioner Halberg motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 PM. Seconded by
Commissioner Peters. Vote: Ayes 5; Nays: 0. Motion approved as presented.
Next Meeting – October 23, 2023
Respectively submitted:
Emily King
Deputy City Clerk