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HomeMy WebLinkAbout#2- Minutes City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – March 23, 2009 Page 1 of 3 Hastings Planning Commission March 23, 2009 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Planning Director Hinzman announced that the Chair and Vice-Chair were both absent and that an acting chair needed to be elected. Motion by Commissioner Vaughan to nominate Peine as acting chair of the Planning Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Bullington. Upon vote taken, Ayes 4, Nays 0. Motion carried. Chair Peine called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Roll Call 1. Commissioners Present: Bullington, Peine, Stevens, Vaughan Commission Absent: McInnis, Schmitt, Zeyen Staff Present: Planning Director Hinzman, Associate Planner Barker Approval of Minutes 2. –January 26, 2009 Motion by Commissioner Stevens to approve the January 26, 2009, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Bullington. Upon vote taken, Ayes 4, Nays 0. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS OTHER ACTIONS Site Plan 3. – Minnesota Veteran’s Home - #2009-05 - 1200 East 18th Street. Associate Planner Barker provided the staff report. Chip Cox of the Minnesota Veteran’s Home, stated that the building will be built in the next few months. He explained that the building will provide a supportive living environment for veterans and long term supportive housing transition. Cox explained that affordability is an issue that causes veterans to fail when they reintegrate into society. He also stated that residents will receive some on-site assistance and can also purchase additional services. Cox explained that this will be permanent housing and residents can stay indefinitely. Commissioner Peine inquired if there was anything similar to this project in the state. Cox responded that it may actually be the first in the nation. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – March 23, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Bullington asked if the building was needed to meet the needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Cox stated that the average age of veterans today is 57 years old and that this building would currently primary be used for Vietnam era veterans. However, in five years there will be a need for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and this building will assist those needs. Commissioner Vaughan inquired if this was the first LEED certified state building. Cox confirmed it was and was at a silver level. Further, they are still working to make it greener. Commissioner Stevens asked if the apartments included refrigerators and cooking appliances. Cox stated that there are full kitchens provided, though the residents can access the main building for cooking meals. Stevens commented that it looks like a great building and that it is good to provide the services. Jeri Zuber, architect, stated that this project is a joint venture between the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Financing Agency. He stated that it was the first public/private venture in Minnesota. In addition, Zuber explained that the rooms were all designed as one-bedrooms, but that some could be converted to two bedrooms and efficiencies to accommodate families. Zuber further explained that veteran’s will have first preference and then the rest of the population. Commissioner Peine inquired why the building was broken up into sections. Zuber explained that the buildings followed the contour of the site. In addition, he stated that the large spaces in-between the buildings are for gathering areas. Commissioner Peine complemented the design, stating that it did not have an institutional feel. Commission Vaughan asked if there were plans to connect the buildings in the future. Zuber stated that the buildings are not connected, but are accessible and walkable. Commissioner Peine questioned if any federal stimulus money was in the project. Zuber stated that there was none, but it was deemed a shovel ready project by the Governor about a month ago. The project is expected to go out for bids April 1. Motion by Commissioner Vaughan made a motion to recommend the Site Plan for the Minnesota Veteran’s Home with the four staff recommendations. Seconded by Commissioner Bullington. Upon vote taken, Ayes 4, Nays 0. Motion carried. Other Business 4. Planning Director Hinzman updated the Commission on past City Council actions and upcoming items. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – March 23, 2009 Page 3 of 3 Commissioner Peine inquired into permit levels. Planning Director Hinzman stated they were down as expected, but the Veteran’s home project would raise levels. Commissioner Vaughan asked about ordinances on temporary business, specifically the chain saw carving business across from Domino’s. Planning Director Hinzman stated that these businesses do require a license and that he would check into the length of time the businesses are allowed. Commissioner Stevens questioned the environmental impact of the bridge styles. Planning Director Hinzman stated that the bridge types will be reviewed for impact on the environment. Commission Peine asked if there was still time for public review. Planning Director Hinzman said there was still time, but it was limited. Adjournment 5. Motion by Stevens to adjourn the March 23, 2009 Planning Commission meeting. Seconded by Vaughan. Upon vote taken, Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Kari Barker Associate Planner