HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 - MinutesHastings Planning Commission
November 27, 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, November 27, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hastings City Council
Chambers.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, and
Teiken
Planning Commissioners Absent: Peters
Staff Present:
Community Development Director John Hinzman
City Planner Justin Fortney
2. Approval of Minutes – November 13, 2023 - Regular Meeting
Chair Messina asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes.
Commissioner Teiken corrected the vote of item #3 regarding the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment request.
Minutes were approved with the corrected vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. City of Hastings – Ordinance Amendment #2022-10 – MRCCA
Planner Fortney provided an overview of the request to hold a public hearing and
review the proposed amendments related to the Mississippi River Corridor Critical
Area (MRCCA) ordinance and make recommendations to City Council. Fortney
reviewed the four proposed amendments and provided background information of
the corridor sharing the purpose is to maintain the natural and scenic character
and minimize negative impacts. These amendments will work together with
Zoning, Floodplain, and Shoreland Management ordinances.
Chair Messina opened the public hearing at: 7:17 p.m.
Ms. Colleen O’Conner Toberman, Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) extended
gratitude to City staff and provided additional recommendations to adopt additional
language to the City’s Variance and Conditional Use Permit findings. She indicated
adding the specific language has helped others in the decision-making process.
Chair Messina closed the public hearing at: 7:19 p.m.
Commissioners asked for clarification on the language in materials provided and
timeline for notification. Fortney indicated the language referenced is part of our
City Code regarding Commissions and that notification is provided upon
determination of the public hearing date. Commission discussion on changes by
FMR, high grass and weeds and the conditional use permit process. Fortney
clarified the language contains the variance process and other required findings
and the suggested additions by FMR. Hinzman provided additional clarification.
Commissioners posed questions on the number of affected properties. Fortney
indicated approximately 170 properties are affected. Hinzman shared these
changes are in addition to the Flood Plain and Shoreland Ordinance that are
presently in place. Commission discussion on the language correlation between
the ordinances to ensure no conflicts arise. Fortney indicated the language would
ideally be combined. He indicated staff would analyze and review requests with
each ordinance one at a time. Hinzman indicated that the City Council will consider
1st reading on December 4th and 2nd reading and final adoption of the ordinance on
December 18th.
Commissioner Teiken motioned to approve the Ordinance Amendment request
including all four as presented, seconded by Commissioner Halberg.
Ayes: Commissioners Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, and Teiken.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Peters
OTHER ACTIONS
4. Continued: City of Hastings – Ordinance Amendment #2023-45 – Cannabis and
Hemp
Director Hinzman provided a summary of the request to amend City Code Chapter
155.07(J) – Zoning Ordinance – Performance Standards – Cannabis Businesses.
Hinzman shared the history of this request including Public Safety Committee
discussion. The Planning Commission requested to table the item at the
November 13, 2023 meeting until additional clarification was provided. Hinzman
indicated the City Council will consider 1st reading on December 4th and 2nd
reading and final adoption of the ordinance on December 18th.
Commission discussion on the language aligning with state statute. Hinzman
confirmed, adding the language in the zoning and licensing chapters provides a
precautionary approach.
Commissioner Teiken motioned to approve the Ordinance Amendment request,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath.
Ayes: Commissioners Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, and Teiken.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Peters
5. Other Business
Hinzman provided a summary of recent City Council actions and future items for
the Planning Commission’s review.
6. Adjourn
Commissioner Teiken motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 PM. Seconded by
Commissioner McGrath. Vote: Ayes 5; Nays: 0. Motion approved as presented.
Next Meeting – December 11, 2023
Respectively submitted:
Emily King
Deputy City Clerk