05-18-2010 PCMMINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
1.CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Lofdahl at 5:30 p.m. with the following members
present: Chris Kovacic, Christie Rock, Jim Fahey, Chad Czmowski, Dean Kirchoff , Dave Johnston
and Chairman Lofdahl. Absent: None Also present: Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Kent Exner,
City Engineer, Marc Sebora, City Attorney and Bonnie Baumetz, Planning Coordinator
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a) Consideration of Minutes dated April 20, 2010
Mr. Kovacic moved to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Johnston.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously with the change in the minutes noting Vice
Chairman Kovicic opened the public hearings in Chairman Lofdahl’s absence.
4.PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) VARIANCE TO ALLOW REDUCTION IN PARKING STALL LENGTH AND SITE PLAN REVIEW
REQUESTED BY JOE FREDRICK, BUFFALO WILD WINGS, TO DEVELOP A BUFFALO
WILD WINGS GRILL AND BAR TO BE LOCATED IN LOT 1, BLOCK 1, HUTCHINSON MALL
PLAT 3.
Chairman Lofdahl opened the hearing at 5:31 p.m. with the reading of publication #7811 as
published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 6, 2010.
Mr. Plotz commented on the site plan review. He noted that a one stop shop for Buffalo Wild
th
Wings was held on April 29. The projected start construction date is the middle of June this
year with an opening date of October, 2010. It was determined at the one stop shop that the
parking stall length requirement will not be met and the applicant requested a variance to
reduce parking stall length from 20 feet to 18 feet. He reported the applicant notes the unique
circumstance of the lot as “With the existing roads on the north and east sides of lot and the
easement on the southwest corner, they are unable to move the building to accommodated 20
foot parking stall length.” The undue hardship stated as “The diagonal shape of the easement
restricts use of the property. This area is unique because of existing street and easement.”
Mr. Plotz explained that the proposed improvements appear to meet zoning ordinance
requirements. Staff recommends approval of the site plan subject to the following findings and
recommended conditions:
1. The standards for granting a variance have been met, including the finding of undue
hardship and uniqueness. The characteristics of the property were not created by the
applicant and the proposed parking configuration would not alter the character of the
locality and undue hardship of the shape of the easement restricts use of the property.
2. The proposed building and site improvements would comply with the standards of the C-4
district and the zoning ordinance, subject to the conditions stated.
3. Site must be to 6” of grade for electrical and natural gas installation.
Minutes
Planning Commission – May 18, 2010
Page 2
4. Address City Engineer’s comments on the May 10, 2010, memo. Protection of the fire
hydrant.
5. All signage shall meet ordinance requirements. Sign permits are required prior to
installation of the signage.
6. A SAC/WAC fee which will be determined by the number of fixture units and based on use
and size per sq. ft. and a parkland contribution fee of $1,247.00 will be due at the time of
building permit.
7. Exterior lighting must be indirect and shall not cause glare to adjacent properties.
8. Exterior refuse collection area must be fully screened.
Discussion followed on item number 4 of the Engineer’s memo regarding traffic control. The
consensus of the Commissioners is the item should also state “subject to approval of the City
Engineer”.
Mr. Fahey made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr. Kovacic, the hearing closed at
5:42 p.m. Mr. Kovacic made a motion to recommend approval of the request with staff
recommendations and modification to #4 of the Engineer’s memo. Seconded by Mr. Fahey, the
motion carried unanimously. Chairman Lofdahl stated this item will be placed on the City
Council consent agenda at their meeting held May 25, 2010 in the Council Chambers at 5:30
p.m.
b) PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF “SITZ SUBDIVISION” TO PLAT THE SHERWOOD
STREET S.E. RIGHT OF WAY ALONG THE EASTERLY EDGE OF THE PROPERTY
LOCATED EAST OF MENARDS.
Chairman Lofdahl opened the hearing at 5:43 p.m. with the reading of publication #7811 as
published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 6, 2010.
Mr. Plotz explained the location of the property and the configuration of the street. He
commented on the request to plat a 36.8 acre property owned by Hazel Sitz. He explained the
annexation was approved by City Council on April 27, 2010. The Ordinance of annexation was
be mailed to the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings for their approval May 19, 2010.
The plat will allow platting of the Sherwood Street S.E. right of way. At this time, there are no
plans for development of Outlot A. He reported the request to plat is for the purpose of
extending Sherwood Street S.E. to the north through the Sitz property. Staff recommends
approval of the plat with the following recommendations and findings:
1. The final plat shall be recorded at the McLeod County Recorder’s Office within 270 days of
approval
Discussion followed on the existing street right of way and the intent to vacate. Mr. Exner
explained the procedure to vacate the existing county right of way. He stated the driveway for
Lot 6, of the Breezy Meadows plat will be off the new Sherwood street.
Mr. Kirchoff made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Ms. Rock the hearing closed at
5:47 p.m. Mr. Kirchoff made a motion to recommend approval of the request with staff
recommendations. Seconded by Ms. Rock, the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Lofdahl
stated this item will be placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held May 25,
2010 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes
Planning Commission – May 18, 2010
Page 3
c) PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF “SOUTHWIND FOURTH ADDITION” TO CONTINUE
THE SHERWOOD STREET S.E. RIGHT OF WAY CONNECTION.
Chairman Lofdahl opened the hearing at 5;48 p.m. with the reading of publication #7811 as
published in the Hutchinson Leader on May 6, 2010.
Mr. Plotz stated the property to be platted is a portion of Outlot A, Southwind Second Addition.
The new plat would provide street right of way to connect Sherwood Street S.E. between the
Sitz Subdivision plat and the Southwind plat. The request to plat is for the purpose of providing
street right of way to connect Sherwood Street S.E. between the Sitz Subdivision plat and the
Southwind plat. Staff recommends approval of the plat with the following recommendation and
finding:
1. The final plat shall be recorded at the McLeod County Recorder’s Office within 270 days
of approval
Mr. Fahey made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Ms. Rock the hearing closed at
5:49 p.m. Mr. Johnston made a motion to recommend approval of the request with staff
recommendations. Seconded by Mr. Fahey, the motion carried unanimously. This item will be
placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting held May 25, 2010 in the Council
Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
5.NEW BUSINESS
a) SITE PLAN REVIEW REQUESTED BY LEAH BERLIN, KWIK TRIP INC., TO DEVELOP A
CONVENIENCE STORE WITH CAR WASH ON PROPERTY LOCATED ON LOT 1, BLOCK 1,
MONTREAL PLACE.
Mr. Plotz explained the location of the property and commented on the one stop shop that was
held with representatives of Kwik Trip Inc. on April 28, 2010. They indicated a start construction
date of Spring, 2011. The development is a convenience store/carwash with 3 grades of
gasoline. There was discussion on the on-site traffic flow and the construction of Montreal
Street. The City has completed their part of the Montreal Street construction. The property
owner is responsible for completion of the street.
The proposed improvements appear to meet zoning ordinance requirements. Staff recommends
approval of the site plan subject to the following findings and recommendations::
1. The proposed building and site improvements would comply with the standards of the C-2
district and the zoning ordinance sections for automotive service station standards and car
wash standards, subject to the conditions stated.
2. Site must be to 6” of grade for electrical and natural gas installation.
3. Address City Engineer’s comments on the May 10, 2010, memo along with the SWPPP
review checklist with comments from the City Environmentalist. (Attached)
4. All signage shall meet ordinance requirements. Sign ordinance language is being amended
to include moving message type signs. Sign permits are required prior to installation of the
signage.
5. A SAC/WAC fee which will be determined by the number of fixture units and based on use
and size per sq. ft. and a parkland contribution fee of $2236.00 will be due at the time of
building permit.
6. Exterior lighting must be indirect and shall not cause glare to adjacent properties.
7. Exterior refuse collection area must be fully screened.
Minutes
Planning Commission – May 18, 2010
Page 4
Mr. Czmowski made a motion to recommend approval of the site plan with staff
recommendations and findings. Seconded by Ms. Rock the motion carried unanimously and will
be placed on the City Council consent agenda at their meeting to be held May 25, 2010 at 5:30
p.m. in the Council Chambers.
6. OLD BUSINESS
NONE
7.COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
Mr. Plotz prefaced the need to change the shoreland ordinance. Atty. Sebora explained the
informational piece on changes to the ordinance. He commented on the procedure to amend the
ordinance with a 10 day waiting period to go the DNR for comment. The City Council will decide
on the revisions to the ordinance. Some of the changes would include: defining impervious surface,
defining what is to be use in determining the coverage of lots, variance requirements and building
height allowed in the shoreland district
Mr. Plotz introduced the new planner Dan Jochum. Mr. Jochum commented on his experience in
planning.
8.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. with a motion by Mr.
Czmowski, second by Mr. Kirchoff.
9.WORKSHOP ON VARIANCES BY JED BURKETT, LMC