HomeMy WebLinkAbout2 - MinutesHastings Planning Commission
November 9, 2020 - Regular Meeting Agenda
The Hastings Planning Commission of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular
meeting on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Meeting.
Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Johnson, Messina, Best, Romens, Halberg, Matzke, and
Siebenaler
Staff Present: Dan Wietecha, City Administrator; John Hinzman, Community Development
Director; City Planner Justin Fortney
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Halberg to approve the October 12, 2020 Planning Commission
meeting minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Best. Roll call vote: Ayes 7; Nays
0. Motion approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Headwaters and Mint Development - Preliminary Plat, Site Plan, and Variance #2020-
41 - Senior Housing - 1190 County Road 47.
Hinzman provided a summary of the staff report. He noted one comment was received via
email pertaining to use changes for the Vermillion Trail, and concern about traffic at County
Road 47 and Village Trail.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing at 7:18 pm.
Commissioners discussed past comments.
Chair Johnson closed the public hearing at 7:21 pm.
Commissioner Romens asked if the right-of-way was adequate along County Road 47 for
future use. Hinzman stated the County Plat Commission has reviewed and the plat
accommodates future need.
Chair Johnson asked if the County has any inclination of changes to County Road 47.
Hinzman stated the County is currently working on a roadway study to determine future
improvements.
Commissioner Siebenaler asked what the process is for coordinating the independent traffic
report and the County’s study. Were the traffic counts completed during the pandemic and
not representational of full effect. Hinzman stated the County’s study will be much larger in
its scope and reiterated steps of the study.
Commissioner Halberg motioned to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat as
presented, seconded by Commissioner Romens. Roll call vote: Ayes 7; Nays 0. Motion
approved. City Council will consider at the November 16th meeting.
Commissioner Siebenaler asked for clarification on the rationale for the increase in parking
above that listed in the ordinance.
Mike Hoagberg of Headwaters Development stated the proposed parking may be a little low
from his estimates. The numbers are based off the average number of spaces utilized in other
senior developments he operates. He believes the number requested is needed for operation
of the site.
Commissioner Messina motioned to recommend approval of the Site Plan as presented,
Commissioner Siebenaler asked when the traffic counts of the traffic study were conducted.
Mr. Hoagberg stated the original study was done early 2020, pre-COVID.
Commissioner Halberg stated his experience in managing senior housing facilities agrees
with the anticipated traffic flows and patterns from the traffic study
Commissioner Halberg seconded the motion.
Commissioner Siebenaler asked if the Shoreland Management Ordinance provisions are
applicable on this site. Hinzman stated the subject site is outside of the boundaries of the
Shoreland Management jurisdiction.
Roll call vote: Ayes 7; Nays 0. Motion approved. City Council will consider at the
November 16th meeting.
Commissioner Siebenaler asked why the ordinance provision is in place. Hinzman stated the
code is only applicable to senior assisted facilities and has only been applicable to a few
facilities. Having a gabled roof is consistent with roof styles in residential areas, which most
senior assisted facilities are located.
Commissioner Messina motioned to recommend approval of the Variance as presented,
seconded by Commissioner Matzke. Roll call vote: Ayes 7; Nays 0. Motion approved. City
Council will consider at the November 16th meeting.
4. St Phillips Church - Special use Permit #2020-49 - Columbarium - 1401 West 14th
Street.
Fortney provided a summary of the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing at 7:53 pm.
Greg Geier - Pastor of St. Phillips Church stated they have attempted to design an
architectural pleasing site that resembles a garden.
Chair Johnson asked about plans for future expansion. Pastor Geier stated that may be a
potential, but many years away.
Chair Johnson closed the public hearing at 7:58 pm.
Commissioner Siebenaler if the church is part of a larger entity. Pastor Geier stated it is an
independent congregation with no financial ties beyond the congregation. The church owns
the property.
Commissioner Siebenaler asked if the signed agreement would include an escrow so that
there is funds available to assist in moving future remains. Fortney stated an escrow has not
been considered, they are responsible for ensuring funds.
Commissioner Matzke asked if the site development plans will be reviewed by the
engineering department. He is concerned that part of a stormwater ponding area may be
filled and may negatively effect drainage. Pastor Geier stated the pond will not be filled.
Fortney stated this would not be a formal Site Plan review; it would not require a building
permit. The Planning Commission’s role is to determine whether the use is appropriate for
the site and not the site plan.
Gary McDougall of St Phillips Church stated the patio will be 400 s.f. patio pavers with
landscape. Runoff will be minimal.
Chair Johnson suggested that conformance with grading and drainage requirements be met
prior to construction.
Commissioner Messina reiterated that review is for the use, that the Commission is not
tasked with determining Site Plan approval.
Danna Elling Schultz of 1875 Highland Drive clarified the location of the columbarium site,
it is close to the building and should not have an effect on the drainage depression.
Commissioner Halberg motioned to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit as
presented, seconded by Commissioner Messina. Commissioner Best stated she will abstain
from voting to due to her membership in the church. Roll call vote: Ayes 6; Nays 0;
Abstentions 1 (Best). Motion approved. City Council will consider at the November 16th
meeting.
OTHER ACTIONS
5. Other Business
Hinzman updated the Commission on past Council actions and upcoming applications.
6. Adjourn
Commissioner Siebenaler motioned to adjourn at 8:17 p.m., seconded by Chair Johnson. Roll
Call: Ayes 7; Nays 0. Motion approved.
Next Meeting – November 23, 2020
Respectively Submitted:
John Hinzman
Planning Commission Secretary