11-16-2010 PCMMINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
1.CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Lofdahl at 5:40 p.m. with the following members
present: Christie Rock, Chad Czmowski, Dave Johnston and Chairman Lofdahl. Absent: Chris
Kovacic, Jim Fahey and Dean Kirchoff Also present: Dan Jochum, Planning Director, 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 October 19, 2010.
Mr. Czmowski moved to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Seconded by Mr.
Johnston. The consent agenda was approved unanimously
4.PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 154.118 ADDING
LANGUAGE TO THE FENCE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING FENCE SETBACKS FROM
TRAILS
Chairman Lofdahl opened the hearing at 5:43 p.m. with the reading of publication #7846 as
published in the Hutchinson Leader on November 4, 2010.
Mr. Jochum explained the purpose of this amendment is to add language to the fence ordinance
that would basically create a two foot setback from the trail to fences, walls, and other similar
structures that are not located in a right of way The reason for amending the ordinance is to
minimize any potential safety issues that may be caused by having a fence too close to a trail.
Mr. Exner explained the width of trails and trail easements. Discussion followed regarding
existing fences near trails in the City.
Ms. Rock made a motion to close the hearing. Seconded by Mr. Johnston, the hearing closed at
5:50 p.m. Mr. Czmowski made a motion to recommend approval of the request with staff
recommendations. Seconded by Ms. Rock, the motion carried 3 ayes to 1 nay. Mr. Johnston
stated he is opposed to allowing trails in the drainage and utility easement areas. Mr. Exner
explained the developer constructed the trail as per the subdivision agreement. He stated the
City did not build the trail. Mr. Jochum explained the issue is not about allowing trails in drainage
and utility easements but rather what the setback to the trail should be. Chairman Lofdahl
stated this item will be placed on the City Council regular agenda at their meeting held
November 23, 2010 in the Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.
5.NEW BUSINESS
None
6.OLD BUSINESS
Minutes
Planning Commission – November 16, 2010
Page 2
7.COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
a) Mr. Jochum commented on a letter from the League of MN Cities regarding a land use incentive
for communities that have a quorum of City Council members, the Planning Commission
Chairman and one Planning Commission member and the Planning Director participate in an
on-line training. Chairman Lofdahl and Planning Commissioner Dave Johnston stated they
would participate.
8.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.