03.21.23 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
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The March 21, 2023 Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman
Hacker at 5:30 p.m. Members in bold were present Chairman Lofdahl, Vice Chairman
Hacker, Commissioner Garberg, Commissioner Wirt, Commissioner Sebesta, and
Commissioner Janssen. Also present were Dan Jochum, City Planner, City Engineer,
John Olson, City Public Works, John Paulson, City Environmental Specialist, Marc
Sebora, City Attorney, Andrea Schwartz, City of Hutchinson Planning and Building
Specialist.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. OATH OF OFFICE Î Jim Fahey
4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
John Lofdahl was nominated by Jim Fahey for Chair.
Tim Hacker was nominated by John Lofdahl for Vice Chair.
Commissioner Fahey made a motion for nominations to cease and cast a unanimous ballot.
Motion approved.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED February 21, 2023.
Motion by Commissioner Hacker to approve February 21, 2023 meeting minutes.
Second by Commissioner Sebesta. Motion approved.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
A. CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN AND LOT SPLIT LOCATED AT 955
HWY 7 W.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission and gave a brief overview
of the project. Mr. Jochum then covered the staff report.
Andy Gabbert, RIC Consulting, gave a brief overview of the project (Family
Dollar/Dollar Tree combo store). Developer is currently working with DoT on the
entrance off of Hwy 7 to enlarge the opening a bit.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
March 21, 2023
Page 2
Commissioner Lofdahl asked if there was an easement for the driveway? There is
a current easement on the property.
Commissioner Lofdahl questioned the stormwater condition being listed in the
recommendations? This is listed in item 6.
Commissioner Fahey asked about property to the north, if there could be future
development. Mr. Jochum noted the elevation and grade to this part of the property
would not allow future development. Also, commercial access would only be
allowed off of Hwy 7 and not Texas Ave.
Commissioner Wirt asked about property of carpet store and where the split will
be located.
There was discussion about the stormwater. Mr. Gabbert noted he has the
information for this and will provide.
Commissioner Janssen asked about the retaining wall, is there concern about fire
trucks getting around the building. The Fire Chief noted the current layout meets
the fire code. There was some concern about snow and water issues. Mr. Gabbert
noted the developer is looking into an easement for grading on the lot to the north
to reduce the grade which would reduce the height of the retaining wall.
Commissioner Janssen also asked if this additional Dollar Tree will impact the
location on the south side of town. Mr. Gabbert said he is not really the person to
ask about this be he believes it will not. He knows this was something that was
looked at greatly.
Motion by Commissioner Fahey, second by Commissioner Lofdahl close hearing
at 5:56 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Janssen to approve the Conditional Use Permit with 8
staff recommendations. Second by Commissioner Garberg. Item will be on City
Council consent agenda on 03/28/2023.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. NONE
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. NONE
9. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
A. UPCOMING MEETINGS Î we do not have any applications for next month at this
time.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
March 21, 2023
Page 3
B. FUTURE PROJECTS - Apartment project downtown (EDA), National Retailers
possible to come, housing moving along, apartment on Michael Ct is starting.
C. Mr. Jochum noted about the 5 Below will be moving into the Marketplace building.
Not all new businesses will go through Planning Commission. We work on
permitted projects only (projects that require CUP, Variance, Site Plan, etc.). If a
project fits it does not require our approval.
D. Mr. Jochum would like to do a Growth Plan workshop in May with the Planning
Commission.
E. There was discussion regarding some of the developments and the financing.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Sebesta to adjourn the meeting, second by
Commissioner Fahey. Meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.