04.18.23 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
5:30 p.m.
1.CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
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The April 18, 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, Mike Stifter,
City Public Works Director, John Paulson, City Environmental Specialist, Marc Sebora,
City Attorney,Andrea Schwartz, City of Hutchinson Planning and Building
Specialist.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED March 21, 2023.
It was noted that the March minutes were dated February at the heading. This has
already been changed.
Motion by Commissioner Faheyto approve March 21, 2023 meeting minutes.
Second by Commissioner Wirt. Motion approved.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
A. CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DRIVING
RANGE AND BATTING CAGE PRIVATE CLUB IN AN R-2 ZONING
DISTRICT LOCATED AT 940 NORTH HIGH DR NW.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission and gave a brief overview
of the project. Mr. Jochum then covered the staff report.
Commissioner Fahey asked about hours of operation and if the batting cages
would have any artificial lighting?Mr. Wurdell (applicant) answered that there
will not be any artificial lighting and they are good with the hours recommended
from the Planning Staff.
Commissioner Wirtquestioned thatsince this area is zoned R-2 will there be
another hearing if the rest of the area is developed? Mr. Jochum answered that if
any further development occurs another hearing will happen.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
April 18, 2023
Page 2
Commissioner Garberg finds it odd that the City would allow mini biffs. Mr.
Jochum noted that there are biffs in other places (ball fields, fair grounds).
Gwen Smady?, 873 Greensview Ct NW, asked who would be responsible for any
damage to homes from golf balls. It was noted that this is very unlikely to happen.
Sandy Tracy, 829 Greensview Ct NW, asked if there will there be a visual or sound
barrier between the residential homes and the club? Commissioner Lofdahl noted
that the City has a noise ordinance that runs from 7am-9pm. If the noise does
become an issue the Hutchinson Police Department can be called. Mrs. Tracy is
also concerned about the wildlife in the area.
Commissioner Garberg asked about the distance fromthe driving range to the
houses. Mr. Jochum noted it is over 1000 ft. (330 yds). This is a long distance
and very unlikely that balls will be hit this far.
Sandy Tracy asked if the remaining property will continue to be mowed.
Gus Wurdell (applicant), came forward to answer all questions. Mr. Wurdell is
willing to put up at 10 ft fence if desired to help with a barrier to protect homes.
Mowing will continue, they spent last year to get a handle on the area. More
trimming and weed control will continue and thy hope to keep the area looking
nice. Mr. Wurdell noted there is a broken drain tilethat will be fixed. There are
no actual “wet lands” in this area and ponds are all man made. If there is an issue
with the noise the City will address it.
Motion by Commissioner Wirt, second by Commissioner Janssen close hearing at
6:03 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Faheyto approve the Conditional Use Permit with 3
staff recommendations. Second by Commissioner Hacker. Mr. Garberg is voting
against the item based on noise, mini biffs and general overall. Item will be on
City Council consent agenda on 04/25/2023.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. NONE
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. NONE
7. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
A. UPCOMING MEETINGS – we do not have any applications for next month at this
time. We are looking at having workshop at the May meeting.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
April 18, 2023
Page 3
Motion was made by Commissioner Garberg to adjourn the meeting, second by
Commissioner Wirt.Meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.