07-20-2004 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, July 20,2004
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dean Kirchoff at 5:30 p.m. with
the following members present: Brandon Fraser, Jim Haugen, Lynn Otteson,
Farid Currimbhoy, Robert Hantge and Chairman Kirchoff. Absent: Mike
Flaata Also present: Julie Wischnack, AICP, Planning Director, Marc Sebora,
City Attorney and John Rodeberg, Director of Public Works
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) Consideration of Minutes dated June 15, 2004
Mr. Haugen moved to approve the minutes of June 15, 2004 as
submitted. Seconded by Ms. Otteson. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) RECONSIDERATION OF A PRELIMINARY PLAT TO BE KNOWN AS
WELCOME TO OUR HOME SECOND ADDITION, VACATION OF
UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENTS, REZONING FROM R-1 TO R-4
AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT TO ALLOW FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A 2 STORY 50 UNIT CATERED LIVING
COMMUNITY FOR SENIORS LOCATED OFF CENTURY AVENUE.
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:32 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7207 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on June 3,
2004.
Ms. Wischnack discussed the revised site plan. Discussion of how new
access to the facility and a new parking lot would work with the site. Ms.
Wischnack stated that the new access would work well. It would provide
another entrance for emergency vehicles if they were ever needed. The
parking lot would need to provide 25 parking spaces to meet
requirements. A Commissioner questioned if this would be enough
parking. The Developer explained that the facility is going to have
assisted living services categorizing the facility as catered living instead of
independent living. The Developer stated that usually residents of an
assisted living facility do not drive very much and many do not drive at all
but the option to have space for their car if they chose to bring it with
them to the facility would be available. This parking area would be
parking spaces; no garage is included in this plan. Ms. Wischnack stated
the parking is appropriate for this development and that there is no
Minutes
Planning Commission - July 20, 2004
Page 2
requirement for enclosed garages. She also stated that there would be
room to develop more parking if needed.
There were 13 staff recommendations on the staff report. Ms. Wischnack
commented on the following staff recommendations:
#3. Provide a joint landscaping plan prior permit issuance. The plan
must also be approved by the City Forester and installed no later than
June 1, 2005.
#4. Additional drainage and utility easements should be dedicated
around the ponding area, along existing street area ( to capture sewer
and water lines).
#7. The parking lot must be paved no later than June 1,2005 (this will be
a late in year construction: therefore anticipation of weather constraints
should be considered).
#12. Garbage dumpsters must be enclosed.
There were questions about the purpose of the link between the buildings
among the Commissioners. The Developer stated that the intention is to
make it easier to provide services. The buildings would be linked through
an enclosed hallway. A Commissioner noted that currently the same
person owns the properties, but that may not be the case in the future.
The future of a community center located on the property is still an issue.
Ms. Wischnack stated that there will be access to both facilities for
emergency purposes; the fire hydrants must stay where they are but
there is still plenty of room for access.
Mr. Currimbhoy asked if there had been any community meetings. Ms.
Wischnack stated that there had been one last Tuesday and that it had
gone well. Many topics were covered and there were good discussions
between community members and the developers.
Mr. Haugen made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Hantge the hearing closed at 5:55 p.m. Mr. Fraser made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations.
Seconded by Mr. Haugen, the motion carried unanimously. Ms.
Wischnack stated this item would be placed on the City Council agenda
at their meeting on July 27,2004 at the Events Center at 5:30 p.m.
b) CONSIDERATION OF VARIANCE TO REDUCE FRONT YARD
SETBACK FROM 25 FEET TO 12 FEET TO REMOVE EXISTING
NONCONFORMING PORCH AND REPLACE WITH 16' X 24' ADDITION
LOCATED AT 544 PROSPECT ST. REQUESTED BY MARK RADKE,
PROPERTY OWNER
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:56 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7227 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on July 8, 2004.
Minutes
Planning Commission - July 20, 2004
Page 3
Ms. Wischnak reviewed the request for a variance that would reduce Mr.
Radke's front yard set back by 13 ft. The home was built in the 1940's
before there were zoning laws in place and the large boulevard creating a
hardship. This home is currently in line with other homes along the same
block. If approved this addition will protrude 6 ft beyond other homes.
Mr. Radke also stated that the entire home would be resided at the time
of construction.
Mr. Hantge asked if the rooflines would match others along the block. Mr.
Radke explained that there would be dormers placed on each side of the
home. Ms. Otteson then asked if there have been any complaints. Ms.
Wischnak stated that there were no complaints.
A split decision among staff resulted in the majority of staff voting to
approve the request due to the hardship of the home. Staff
recommended approval for this request with the following
recommendations:
1. Relocation of electric and natural gas services (or other utilities)
2. Verify location of the water curb stop. The building must not be
placed over the curb stop.
3. The house must not protrude farther than the presented plan
(dated June 28th, 2002)
Ms. Otteson made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Currimbhoy the hearing closed at 6:05 p.m. Mr. Fraser made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations.
Seconded by Ms. Otteson, the motion carried unanimously. Ms.
Wischnack stated this item will be placed on the City Council agenda at
their meeting held, July 27,2004 in the Events Center at 5:30 p.m.
c) CONSIDERATION OF A LOT SPLIT AND VARIANCE LOCATED AT
105-4TH AVE NW REQUESTED BY LEANN AND LOREN ANDERSON,
PROPERTY OWNERS
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 6:05 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7228 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on July 8, 2004.
This is an unusual situation where two single-family residential homes
were built on the same lot. Staff discussed the access management and
the future use of the area. In the comprehensive plan, the future for this
area is listed as commercial. Staff would recommend approving the lot
split and variance due to the hardship of having two structures occupying
the same lot with the following recommendations:
1. That if there was reconstruction of any garage or change of
driveway location that shared access, from Highway 7, should be
Minutes
Planning Commission - July 20, 2004
Page 4
considered. If there is a possibility, a road access from Glen
Street may also be feasible.
2. The variance that would be issued for this property would only
involve the lot side, width, and depth. The variance does not
include future additions or expansions to garage areas.
3. The property is within the State Highway 7 project. Notification
concerning the project should be provided to any potential buyers
of the property.
Mr. Hantge made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr.
Haugen the hearing closed at 6: 11 p.m. Mr. Haugen made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations.
Seconded by Mr. Hantge, the motion carried unanimously. Ms.
Wischnack stated this item would be placed on the City Council agenda
at their meeting held July 27,2004 in the Events Center at 5:30 p.m.
4. NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Wischnak asked the Board for a timeline for the final plat on the new
sewer line going in on 12th Avenue. The Board decided to hold a special
meeting on August 3rd, 2004 at 5:30 in the Council Chambers at City Center.
This meeting's purpose is to review a final plat for the new sewer line to go in
on 12th Avenue and if it is ready, to review the final plat for the Oaks.
5. OLD BUSINESS
None
6. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
a) Ms. Wischnack stated that the Police Garage is not all done but it is
looking good and that it lines up nicely with the other homes.
b) There was a Habitat for Humanity update stating that there is grading to
take place for one of their homes to be built.
c) Farr Development will be taking a group to Maple Grove to look at Senior
Housing on Monday May 26th, 2004.
d) Jefferson Street pavement is looking good and Southwind has their
permits.
e) There will be a Highway 7 Coalition meeting on July 28th at City Center
regarding roundabouts in the Mayer area. John Rodeberg noted that
safety is a concern, which is why the Coalition is looking at possible
solutions that would keep safety as priority but would also keep traffic
moving. Robert Hantge is concerned that the through traffic that would
have to slow down for a traffic signal or roundabout on Highway 7, he
thought it may cause more harm than good.
Minutes
Planning Commission - July 20, 2004
Page 5
f) There will be a second meeting with Hassan Valley on Friday July 23rd
about the City of Hutchinson's annexation. The meeting will mainly
discuss compost issues that may result from the annexation.
g) Mr. Hantge asked about Creekside and the cleanup. Ms. Wischnack
believes that they are making progress but there is still more cleanup to
be done. Ms. Wischnack also noted that they will not be using the site for
storage any longer.
h) Mr. Hantge stated that he would like an attendance list of staff at the staff
meeting. Also, a tally of who and how they voted in cases of a split vote
on an issue. Discussion followed regarding the split decision votes by
staff and the request to know who and why when there are descending
votes. Ms. Wischnack explained the attendance of staff the opinions
collected from staff before writing the report. She stated we could do a
tally system if that is the wishes of the planning commission.
Mr. Hantge moved to get more detailed information of staff
recommendations presented. List who was there and which way they
voted. Seconded by Brandon Fraser. The motion carried unanimously.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.