09-21-2004 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, September 21,2004
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dean Kirchoff at 5:35 p.m. with
the following members present: Brandon Fraser, Jim Haugen, Lynn Otteson,
Mike Flaata, Robert Hantge and Chairman Kirchoff. Absent: Farid
Currimbhoy Also present: Julie Wischnack, AICP, Planning Director, Marc
Sebora, City Attorney, John Rodeberg, Director of Public Works and Bonnie
Baumetz, Planning Coordinator
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) Consideration of Minutes dated August 17, 2004
Mr. Haugen moved to approve the minutes of August 17, 2004 as
submitted. Seconded by Mr. Flaata. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY
STEVEN BROWN TO REPLACE EXISTING NON-CONFORMNG
GARAGE WITH A 26'X28' GARAGE 3 FEET FROM THE PROPERTY
LINE LOCATED AT 616 BROWN ST. SW THE GARAGE WILL ALSO
COVER 26% OF THE REAR YARD
Chairman Kirchoff opened the hearing at 5:37 p.m. with the reading of
publication #7254 as published in the Hutchinson Leader on September
9, 2004.
Ms Wischnack explained the code when replacing an existing non-
conforming garage. She stated the proposed garage is to be located
near the same area of the existing garage. She commented on the
request and the height requirement for accessory building not to exceed
16 feet. The existing garage is deteriorating. She commented on the
following staff recommendations:
1. Agreement to the drainage plan must be received, in writing.
2. The building must have gutters installed to direct drainage
away from adjoining property lines or be connected into the tile
line.
3. Verify height of the garage. (Has been completed)
4. No livable space is allowed in the garage.
Minutes
Planning Commission - September 21, 2004
Page 2
5. Relocation or removal of utility lines will be at owner's
expense.
6. Provide a detailed elevation plan of the garage.
7. Firewalls are required on structures constructed 3' from the
property line.
Discussion followed on the requirement for firewalls on the west side of
the building only.
Mr. Rodeberg commented on staff concerns with the drainage in the area.
He explained the existing catch basin was probably put in by the City
several years ago. He stated there have been various additions to this lot
over the years and drainage problems are causing wash out of the alley.
He explained he doesn't want to penalize the property owner however
drainage is an issue. One option is to pave a swale in the alley.
Mr. Haugen asked to define livable space. Does it mean habitable.
Ms. Wischnack explained apartments are not allowed in the accessory
building.
Discussion followed on the extent of rear lot coverage and the cost for the
property owner to put in a catch basin.
Mr. Hantge commented on his concerns with the drain tile requirement.
He stated it could become a hardship for property owners to put in
drainage tile. He likes the idea of paving the alley.
Mr. Rodeberg commented on the City paving alleys. He stated small tile
lines are not a good or lasting solution. He explained paving costs
approximately $70-$80 per foot and a swale would be less costly. One
option would be for the property owner to pay for the materials and the
City would provide the labor. Ms. Wischnack commented on other
drainage issues in the City because of lot coverage. Mr. Flaata stated
this alley does not seem to have a lot of drainage problem.
Mr. Rodeberg stated the City could privatize alleys.
Discussion followed on paving and tiling systems.
Mr. Fraser asked if recommendation number 1 is exactly what the staff
wants.
Steven Brown, 616 Brown, commented on the lot coverage and the fact
the existing drainage will not change from what it is now. He stated he
will be improving the property and it seems like an extra tax to make him
pay for the paving of the alley. He commented adding a catch basin to
the alley is not desirable for the neighbors living near them. He again
explained he is not changing the lot coverage greatly from the present
coverage.
Minutes
Planning Commission - September 21, 2004
Page 3
Ms. Otteson asked Mr. Brown's time frame.
Mr. Brown stated he would like to begin this Fall and complete by
December.
Ms. Wischnack stated the drainage issue should be resolved before City
Council action. Mr. Rodeberg explained staff is trying to provide an
equitable solution and would agree with the Planning Commission
directing staff to come up with a solution before City Council.
Mr. Hantge made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Ms.
Otteson, the hearing closed at 6:05 p.m. Mr. Fraser made a motion to
recommend approval of the request with staff recommendations changing
number 1 to read: Staff and property owner will develop and agree to a
drainage plan agreement prior to City council action and omit number 3
which is completed. Seconded by Mr. Haugen. The motion carried
unanimously. Ms. Wischnack stated this item will be placed on the City
Council agenda at their meeting held September 28, 2004 in the Council
Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
4. NEW BUSINESS
a) CONSIDERATION OF FINAL PLAT TO BE KNOWN AS COMMUNITY
OF LAKERIDGE SUBMITTED BY CHUCK AND BRET ANDERSON
Ms. Wischnack updated the Commission on the platting process of condo
platting and explained you can not dedicate drainage and utility
easements on the CIC plat. The plat tonight is to dedicate drainage and
utility easements.
Mr. Fraser made a motion to recommend approval of the request.
Seconded by Ms. Otteson. The motion carried unanimously. Ms.
Wischnack stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent
agenda at their meeting held September 27, 2004 in the Council
Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Flaata asked about the storage of leaves at the HATS facility. Mr.
Rodeberg stated there will not be leaves stored there in the future. Ms.
Wischnack commented on possible options and sites.
6. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
a) PRESENTATION BY TOM KLOSS, INFORMATION SERVICES
DIRECTOR, OF THE NEW AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CAPABILITIES
Mr. Kloss updated the Planning Commissioners on the new aerial
photography of the city and showed them how the City staff will be able to
use the new technology in their decision making process.
Minutes
Planning Commission - September 21, 2004
Page 4
b) INFORMATION REGARDING ORDERLY ANNEXATION
Ms. Wischnack explained the process of orderly annexation and
introducing the possibility to the townships. She stated feedback is
important. This is an important issue to townships. Workshops would be
held with the township officials and residents to explain the importance for
long range planning.
c) UPDATE ON THE STRITESKY PROPERTY
Ms. Wischnack updated the Commissioners on the orderly annexation
with Hassan Valley Township to annex the Stritesky property now being
purchased by the Hutchinson EDA.
d) ANNUAL PLANNING CONFERENCE - Three Planning Commissioners
will be attending the conference along with Ms. Wischnack and Ms.
Baumetz.
e) Special meeting - A special meeting of the Planning Commission will be
held on Monday, September 27,2004, to consider a variance request.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.