10-15-2013 PCMMINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Hutchinson City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Christie Hantge at 5:30 p.m. with the following
members present: Raymond Norton, Jim Fahey, Dave Johnston, Dean Kirchoff, John Lofdahl, Bill
Arndt and Chairman Hantge Absent: None Also present: Dan Jochum, Planning Director, Marc
Sebora, City Attorney and Bonnie Baumetz, Planning Coordinator
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a) Consideration of Minutes dated September 17, 2013.
Mr. Fahey moved to approve the consent agenda as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Kirchoff, the
consent agenda was approved unanimously
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONTINUATION OF SEPTEMBER DISCUSSION TO CONSIDER ADOPTING THE 2013
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Chairman Hantge reopened the hearing at 5:31 p.m.
Chairman Hantge noted Resolution 03-2013 distributed by Hutchinson Township concerning the
City of Hutchinson Comprehensive Plan. Attorney Sebora commented on the resolution by
Hutchinson Township noting the City of Hutchinson is not subject to the provisions in MN
Statute 462.3535. He pointed out to the Planning Commission that MN Statute 462.355
addresses the Community Based Planning concept. He noted the City Comprehensive Plan is
an alternative for community based planning. Atty. Sebora explained Hutchinson is not
interested in that type of plan. He stated the 30 day waiting period is not necessary because it
doesn't apply to the City. Planning Director Dan Jochum commented on MN Statute 462.355
and clarified the adoption of the comp plan. Discussion followed on the Joint Powers Agreement
between the City and Townships which is not the case for this Comprehensive Plan. Mr.
Jochum commented on the several opportunities for public to comment on the plan over the
past 2 years beginning with an open house. He stated the Townships were invited in 2012 to a
meeting to discuss the plan. The townships were notified to comment to the City Council and
Planning Commission. He noted there were numerous other meetings for the public to attend
and comment.
Diane Bobier, 20926 Skyview Circle, noted numerous typographical errors in the document. She
noted there is a majority of the City Imagine Hutchinson in the plan along with the Downtown
plan mentioned in the Comprehensive Plan. She commented on miss communication in the
plan and on the tourism mentioned in the plan. Mr. Lofdahl explained the discussion of the
comprehensive plan is as a guide for the City. He explained the vision of the Comprehensive
Plan can be modified. Chairman Hantge stated the plan is a guide designed to be flexible. Ms.
Bobier commented on the Community Improvement Program and how will the City be able to
fund the expenses. It was explained the CIP is adopted by the City Council. Mr. Jochum
Minutes
Planning Commission — October 15, 2013
Page 2
explained the Imagine Hutchinson document has been adopted by the City Council. He
explained this Comprehensive Plan is like the plans of most Cities. Mr. Lofdahl explained the
Planning Commissioners look at items that don't always follow the plan which is a visioning
plan. He noted the Planning Commission must follow ordinances. It was noted errors will be
corrected before the City Council adopts the plan.
Motion by Mr. Lofdahl to close the hearing, seconded by Mr. Kirchoff, the hearing closed at 5:48
p.m. Mr. Fahey commented on proceeding with Mr. Frasers concern with the change in density
of the land. Mr. Jochum stated there are no issues with changing the density to medium density.
Mr. Lofdahl commented on the comments from last month. Mr. Norton stated most comments
were exploratory. Mr. Jochum explained errors will be corrected and typos or formatting
mistakes will be edited all at once. Atty. Sebora stated the changes will be made prior to the City
Council meeting and the township resolution has no merit for discussion at the City Council
review. Mr. Fahey made a motion to approve with the exception to correct Mr. Fraser's
concerns to change a portion of the map from low density residential to medium density
residential and correct the errors. Chairman Hantge asked for further comments from the public.
Hearing none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Norton to approve. The motion carried
unanimously. This item will be placed on the City Council agenda at their meeting in November.
Mr. Jochum explained the consultants will correct the errors.
5. NEW BUSINESS
6. OLD BUSINESS
7. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5.56 p.m.