HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMinutes-20071022City of Hastings
Planning Commission Minutes – October 22, 2007 Page 1 of 3
Hastings Planning Commission
October 22, 2007
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Chair Truax called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1.Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Hiedeman, McInnis, Peine, Schmitt, Stevens, Truax, Zeyen
Staff Present: Associate Planner Fortney
Associate Planner Kari Barker
2.Approval of Minutes
– October 8, 2007
Motion by McInnis to approve the October 8, 2007, meeting minutes. Seconded by
Stevens; motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearings
3.Carolyn Horsch –
Rezoning #2007-45 – R-2 – Medium Density Residence to C-3 –
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Community Regional Commerce – West Side of Vermillion Street South of 25 Street.
Associate Planner Barker gave a staff report.
Chair Truax opened the public hearing at 7:03.
Carolyn Horsch, property owner, spoke to the issue. She stated that her purpose for
requesting the rezone was to sell the property to get her trust in order. Ms. Horsch also stated
that she felt the property would sell better if it was rezoned to commercial.
Chair Truax asked Ms. Horsch if she had received advice from a realtor that rezoning the
property would be better. Ms. Horsch stated she had not. She stated that the property was a
piece leftover from property across Highway 61. Ms. Horsch stated she did not want to leave
a mess for her children to deal with.
Commissioner Schmitt stated he could see beyond the first four reasons staff was
recommending denial. However, he stated his greatest concern was the fifth condition
regarding commercial property next to a residential property. He asked if the City has plans
for a master redevelopment of the area.
Associate Planner Barker stated that the City did not have plans for a master redevelopment
though it was zoned as Commercial in the Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the City
would prefer the property to come forward as part of a larger rezone.
City of Hastings
Planning Commission Minutes – October 22, 2007 Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Schmitt stated that if the property will eventually come in as commercial as it
is guided by the Comprehensive Plan as such, he is no longer opposed to the rezone.
Commissioner Schmitt made a motion to recommend approval.
Planning Associate Fortney advised Chair Truax to close the public hearing.
Chair Truax invited members of the audience to speak to the issue.
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Dan Mattimiro, owner of 114 W. 25 Street, spoke to the issue. He requested that the
property not be rezoned to commercial. Mr. Mattimiro stated that during a tour of the
corridor held last year, it was positively noted that the zoning was consistent along that
section of Vermillion Street. As such, a rezone at this time would make the zoning
inconsistent. Mr. Mattimiro stated his desire to maintain the integrity of the land as-is.
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Jacob Hiniker, owner of 105 25 Street West, spoke to the issue. Mr. Hiniker informed the
Planning Commission that he purchased the home three and a half years ago. His backyard
backs up to the property proposed to be rezoned. Mr. Hiniker stated that the neighborhood
has a lot of kids and his own kids play in the vacant lot. Mr. Hiniker also stated that he does
not want the property rezoned commercial now, but perhaps in the future. He also informed
the Planning Commission that he maintains the lawn by mowing it and keeping it clean.
Chair Truax asked Mr. Hiniker if his driveway was on the back of the property proposed to
be rezoned. Mr. Hiniker confirmed it was.
Chair Truax closed the public hearing at 7:14.
Chair Truax stated putting an access on Highway 61 was unsafe and ridiculous.
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Stevens asked if there was a 2 to the motion. Chair Truax stated there was not.
Commissioner McInnis stated that perhaps the applicant for the rezone and Mr. Hiniker could
collaborate together and discuss a purchase agreement for the property. Commissioner
McInnis stated he was going to agree with staff’s recommendation to deny the rezone based
on access limitation and that the property could not be sold as commercial.
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Chair Truax asked for a 2 to the Commissioner’s Schmitt’s earlier motion. Hearing none,
Chair Truax stated that the motion died.
Action by Planning Commission:
Motion by McInnis to deny the rezone request for Carolyn Horsch based on staff’s
recommendation. Seconded by Zeyen.
Upon vote taken, Ayes 6, Nays 1. Motion carried. The rezone request was denied.
City of Hastings
Planning Commission Minutes – October 22, 2007 Page 3 of 3
4.Variance –
Variance #2007-47 – Addition to a Non-Conforming Garage – 1439 Erickson
Drive.
Associate Planner Barker gave a staff report.
Chair Truax opened the public hearing at 7:18. No members of the public spoke.
Chair Truax closed the public hearing at 7:18.
Action by Planning Commission:
Motion by Stevens to approve the Variance to add to a non-conforming garage to Jim and
Candy Weller. Seconded by Hiedeman.
5.
Associate Planner Barker updated the Commission on Council activities and upcoming items.
6. Adjournment
Zeyen motioned, seconded by Hiedeman. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Kari Barker
Associate Planner