Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMinutes-20061023City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – October 23, 2006 Page 1 of 6 Hastings Planning Commission October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Chairman Twedt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1.Roll Call Commissioners Present: Peine, Truax, Twedt, Schmitt, McInnis, Hiedeman Commissioners Absent: Zeyen Staff Present: Planning Director John Hinzman, Associate Planner Kari Barker 2. Approve September 25, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Truax to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2006 Planning Commission meeting as presented, seconded by Commissioner Hiedeman. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. Public Hearings 3.Habitat for Humanity – Comprehensive Plan Amendment\Rezoning #2006-45 – North Frontage Road. Staff Report by Associate Planner Kari Barker. Chairman Twedt opened and closed the public hearing at 7:04 Chuck Siebenaler, representative of Robin’s Nest Day Care at 955 Pleasant Drive, came forward to speak. He stated that he purchased the property 18 months ago. Mr. Siebenaler emphasized he has no problems with the project. However, his concern is that there is no place for the kids who live in the homes to play. Mr. Stiebenaler stated that the kids often play on his equipment after hours and on the weekends. He stated that although he has no problem with the kids playing on his equipment, he believes the kids need either a park or playground equipment. Chairman Twedt questioned the threshold that triggers a park. Planning Director Hinzman stated there has not been a request for a playground. Due to the size, he further stated the request would most likely be cash in lieu of land. Siebenaler stated that although a four unit development will not trigger a park, the accumulation of homes over several years may trigger the need. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – October 23, 2006 Page 2 of 6 Planning Director Hinzman stated that the City works diligently to have parks located within one-half mile of homes. Chairman Twedt inquired if the plan has passed the NRRC. Planning Director Hinzman stated that it will go before the Board prior to final action by the City Council. McInnis informed Siebenaler of his appreciation for his comments. He further stated that his recommendation would be to waive the cash amount as this is a low-income project. McInnis also mentioned that staff should review past practices and follow the same action as these. Commissioner Peine inquired if there were any other awkward pieces of land in the area to dedicate to park purposes. If so, he suggested have a company volunteer to do a charity build of a playground. Planning Director Hinzman commented that he was unaware of any pieces of available land for such a purpose. Chairman Twedt asked for clarification on the fifth condition, which stated if significant progress is not made towards construction of the proposal within one year of City Council approval, the approval is null and void. Planning Director Hinzman clarified that this condition could be stricken as no building was to occur. Commissioner Schmitt asked if any outlots would be created with the project. Planning Director Hinzman confirmed there would not. Commissioner Truax inquired if these were single family homes and, if so, why the R-3 zoning was being requested. Planning Director Hinzman stated that the homes west to the site were zoned R-3. Thus, the R-3 zoning is for consistency. Further, the lots are smaller and would not meet the requirements of the R-1 or R-2 district. Commissioner Truax stated that there is not a lot of real estate for kids to play. Siebenaler inquired if there was a playground behind Target in the Pleasant Hills Development, another Dakota CDA housing area. This was confirmed by Commissioner Truax. Siebenaler again emphasized that he wanted a small playground for the kids as they need a place to play. Chair Twedt inquired what option the Planning Commissioners had in terms of recommendations to the NRRC. Planning Director Hinzman stated that the NRRC will look at the area and space available. He further commented that the NRRC typically takes the cash in lieu of land. Commissioner Schmitt stated that parks take money to run. He further mentioned that there is currently no surplus money for parks. Commissioner Schmitt also provided information that he does not remember the NRRC taking land over cash for any developments during his time on the City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – October 23, 2006 Page 3 of 6 Commission. He emphasized that taxes would need to go up to provide for more parks. Commissioner Schmitt explained that he does not think the land option is necessary with four lots. However, he stated that a better solution needs to be formulated. Commission Truax pondered if there was room on the water tower site. Siebenaler proposed a park on a location to the west of the property. Planning Director Hinzman stated that a Parks Comprehensive Plan would be formulated in 2007. This Plan would evaluate the needs of parks and facilities in the community. Schmitt motioned to approve the rezone from C-3 to R-3 without condition number 5 and the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The owner of a Habitat for Humanity House near the proposed homes spoke. The owner, Mieessaa Yaachis, stated that he has concerns about his current home. These concerns include noise and traffic from Highway 55. In addition, he stated his kids do not have a place to play as there are retaining walls in his backyard and a frontage road in his front yard. Commissioner McInnis questioned if there was room for a play set between Lots 1 and 2. He went on to state that the Forester should review placing a buffer or hedging on the boulevard on the frontage road. Planning Director Hinzman stated that comments regarding a park can be given to the NRRC. He further mentioned that there is not a lot of room for a park due to significant grade issues. Further, the new homes would be perpendicular to Highway 55 and along a private road. Chair Twedt stated that Habitat for Humanity has a choice. The first is to build four homes with no park. The second choice is to build three homes and one park. Chair Twedt inquired if the Planning Commission could recommend three homes and one park to Habitat for Humanity. Planning Director Hinzman informed Planning Commissioners that the issue before them was a rezone and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The location of the park was more up to the discretion of the NRRC. Siebenaler inquired about the property to the north of the proposed site. Planning Director Hinzman stated that this property belongs to the CDA. Stiebenaler questioned the intent of the use of the land. Planning Director Hinzman stated he was unsure, but probably was not to be developed. Stiebenaler desired to know if Habitat could work with the CDA to create a park on this location. Planning Director Hinzman stated that the decision regarding the park did not to be made at the meeting. Further, the park was not a part of either the rezone or the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – October 23, 2006 Page 4 of 6 Siebenaler stated he has a problem with kids not having a place to play. Commissioner Truax inquired about having a covenant between homes to provide space for a playground. Chair Twedt stated that the meeting was not a forum for the discussion as the park issue would come later. Commissioner McInnis inquired if the Planning Commission would be misleading Habitat for Humanity with an approval. He proposed asking HFH if the rezone were to occur, if they would be in favor of working with the CDA or reducing homes to provide for a park. Commissioner Truax stated there appears to be enough room for a park above Lot 4. Commissioner Schmitt asked if the rezone and Comprehensive Plan Amendment met all the requirements of the City. Planning Director Hinzman confirmed all requirements were met. Commissioner Schmitt stated that were are already small lots on which there are currently homes. He stated that his belief is that it is fine usage of the lots. Further, Commissioner Schmitt stated that the lots though not ideal, were not awful. Commissioner Schmitt restated his motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Truax. Commissioner McInnis stated that he really wanted Habitat to have three lots and one park. He further mentioned that it was difficult to support the plan as it stands. Chair Twedt reminded Commissioners that they were voting on items 1 and 2 in the memo. There was nothing being voted on in regards to the number of lots. Commissioner McInnis mentioned that he wanted Habitat people to be fully involved. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Schmitt moved and Truax seconded to approve the rezone and Comprehensive Plan Amendmentwith the following recommendations: 1.Approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment by Metropolitan Council. 2.Conformance with the plans submitted with the Planning Commission staff report of October 23, 2006. 3.An escrow account must be established to ensure completion of outstanding site improvements, including landscaping prior to certificate of occupancy. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – October 23, 2006 Page 5 of 6 4.Submission of an electronic copy of all plan sets (TIF, PDF, or similar format) prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. OTHER ACTIONS th 4. Patrick Mancino – Original Hastings Design Standards Review #2006-51 – 502 West 7 Street. Planning Director John Hinzman presented the Staff Report. Commissioner Schmitt questioned how additional materials could be added to the list of approved materials. Planning Director Hinzman stated that there is a section within the Design Standards that allows for additional materials. Commissioner Truax inquired if staff had heard from Jackie Boler. Planning Director Hinzman stated that staff had not heard from her. Commissioner Truax requested that the color of the siding being clarified. Patrick Mancino, homeowner, stated that the siding would be a color called Antique White. Chairman Twedt inquired into the siding having asbestos. Rod Sorgaard, the project manager from RL Exteriors, stated that the back side of the home is vinyl. The front has shakes with asbestos in them. However, the level of asbestos is under guidelines that would require masks to be worn. However, the asbestos would need to be disposed of properly. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner McInnis moved and Hiedeman seconded to approve the residing and reroofing with the following recommendations: 1)Proposed siding and roofing improvements must be completed consistent with the plans presented to the Planning Commission. 2)Approval of a building permit. 3)Sunset Clause; if significant progress is not made towards construction of the proposal within one year of City Council approval, the approval is null and void. 4)A membrane roof must be used to prevent water intrusion. 5)Allow the applicant to use steel siding with a four-inch width. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. City of Hastings Planning Commission Minutes – October 23, 2006 Page 6 of 6 5. Melody Overmeyer – Original Hastings Design Standards Review #2006-52 – 817 Tyler Street. Planning Director John Hinzman presented the Staff Report. Planning Commission Action: Commissioner Schmitt motioned and Commissioner McInnis seconded to recommend to City Council to approve the window replacement with the following recommendations: 1)The windows shall be placed in the existing openings, existing openings may not be closed, or new openings created without city approval. 2)Approval of a building permit. 3)Approval is subject to a one year Sunset Clause; if significant progress is not made towards construction of the proposal within one year of City Council approval, the approval is null and void. Upon vote taken, Ayes: 6, Nays 0. Motion passed. Commissioners then discussed reviewing the design standards so that minor changes and changes that would not affect the appearance of the homes would not need to come before the Planning Commission. Schmitt moved and Truax seconded for the Planning Commission and City Council to further review the design standards. 6. Other Business Director Hinzman updated the Commission on previous Council activities. 7. Adjourn Commissioner Truax motioned and Commissioner Schmitt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Kari Barker, Associate Planner