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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2a - MinutesHastings Planning Commission March 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, March 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, Peters, and Teiken Planning Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Community Development Director John Hinzman 2. Approval of Minutes – February 27, 2023 Regular Meeting Chair Messina asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Minutes approved as presented. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Ordinance Amendment – Amend City Code Chapter 155 – Solar Energy Systems Director Hinzman provided an overview of the request to amend City Code Chapter 155 which would establish requirements for solar energy systems. Hinzman indicated current the City does not have regulations pertaining to installation of solar systems. Staff has fielded requests for solar farms and believes regulations are necessary. Chair Messina opened the public hearing at: 7:08 PM Chair Messina closed the public hearing at: 7:08 PM and invited Commissioners to ask questions or offer comments. Commissioners asked how we would regulate systems under six (6) square feet. Hinzman indicated panels connected to the same charging source would be considered one, if they are not connected to the same source they would be separate. Commissioners asked to add language that would specify six (6) feet per lot to better clarify when a permit would be required. Commission discussion on placement of units asking if additional language can be added to a wall-mounted unit. Commissioners discussed the ability to add language regarding owner responsibility and existing solar panels within the City. Hinzman indicated existing solar panels would be grandfathered in unless major system changes are anticipated. Commissioners discussed solar gardens and reviewed the proposed changes. Commissioner Halberg motioned to approve the proposed ordinance amendment request as presented, seconded by Commissioner Teiken. Ayes: Commissioners Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, Peters, and Teiken. Nays: None Absent: None 4. Ordinance Amendment – Amend City Code Chapter 155 – Escrows and Fees Director Hinzman provided a summary of the request to amend City Code Chapter 155 regarding Escrows and Fees. Escrows are established for certain land use applications in which the total cost for review vary greatly from application to application. Escrows include both Preliminary Plats and Site Plans. The purpose of an escrow is to require the applicant to reimburse the City for staff review and consultant costs related to review of the application. Any funds remaining at the end of a project are reimbursed back to the applicant. Chair Messina opened the public hearing at: 7:39 PM Chair Messina closed the public hearing at: 7:39 PM and invited Commissioners to ask questions or offer comments. Commissioners discussed the similarity to adjusting escrows for a mortgage. Hinzman indicated the reasoning for the amendment so the purpose of the section is clear. Commissioner Teiken motioned to approve the proposed ordinance amendments for Chapters 155 and 154 as presented, seconded by Commissioner LeBrun. Ayes: Commissioners Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, Peters, and Teiken. Nays: None Absent: None OTHER ACTIONS 5. Ordinance Amendment – Amend City Code Chapter 154 – Escrows and Fees See discussion, motions, and vote above. Hinzman shared next steps on the ordinance amendments. 6. Other Business Hinzman provided a summary of recent City Council actions and future items for the Planning Commission’s review. 7. Adjourn Commissioner LeBrun motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 PM. Seconded by Commissioner McGrath. Vote: Ayes 6; Nays: 0. Motion approved as presented. Next Meeting – April 10, 2023 Respectively submitted: Emily King Deputy City Clerk