10-21-2014 PCMMINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
Vice Chair Norton called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Members in bold were present
Chair Hantge, Commissioner Lofdahl, Commissioner Johnston, Commissioner
Kirchoff, Commissioner Norton, Commissioner Fahey, and Commissioner Arndt. Also
present were Dan Jochum, Director of Planning, Marc Sebora, City Administrator/City
Attorney, and Kyle Dimler, Planning and Building Specialist.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl, second by Commissioner Johnston to approve.
Approved unanimously.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF MENARD
THIRD ADDITION AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR 1450 MONTREAL
ST. SE, SUBMITTED BY VINCENT DRIESSEN, APPLICANT.
Commissioner Johnston read meeting rules for public hearing aloud.
Vice Chair Norton stated the agenda item for consideration by the Commission.
Mr. Dan Jochum, City Planner, addressed the Commission. Mr. Jochum
presented the Staff Report, included in Planning Commission packet, to the
Commission.
Mr. Jochum noted Lot 2, which is 1.03 acres, is reserved for future development.
Minimum size of lot for development in this zoning district is 1 acre.
Mr. Jochum noted his thanks to the developer for presenting a very complete set
of plans for staff review.
Mr. Jochum stated the proposed building meets all required setbacks and zoning
requirements. The building is anticipated to fit well in the area with regard to
aesthetics and use.
Mr. Jochum noted staff concerns with high amount of impervious surface due to
excess parking space provision. Staff recommends eliminating 6 parking spaces,
increasing green space on site. Staff recommends shortening parking spaces on
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Hutchinson Planning Commission
October 21, 2014
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north and south sides of parking lots from 20' deep to 18.5' deep, allowing
vehicle bumpers to overhang the parking area curbing and increasing green space
on site.
Staff noted a condition of the plat is to be that the remaining lot to the south will
only be permitted to have one street access for its site.
Mr. Jochum noted that the developer has provided vegetative screening for the
truck loading dock area that is expected to always have a truck in dock for
loading.
Mr. Jochum stated that the zoning ordinance requires 1 tree per 800 sq. ft. of
landscaped area of the site. The proposed tree species are acceptable to the City
Arborist; however the final landscape plan will be reviewed at the time of
building permit application.
Staff recommends requiring an approximately 2'- 3' high berm be constructed on
the east side of building, in the landscaped area, with two rows of trees to provide
additional screening for the trash compactor area.
Commissioner Norton asked if the Staff recommendations have been
communicated to the developer.
Mr. Jochum asked Commission to consider the limited amount of vegetation on
north side of the site. Proposal does meet the standard but staff would like to see
more balanced planting around site perimeter.
Commissioner Norton asked if site screening for the Maurice's development to
the north was required at a similar level.
Mr. Jochum noted the Maurice's development had a shared access with limited
green space.
Commissioner Johnston noted reducing height of parking lot curbing to a B-5 or
B-4 rather than a B-6 should be considered if approving Staff Recommendation to
reduce parking lot area requiring vehicles to overhang curb.
Commissioner Kirchoff asked to clarify if the drop off area shown on the plans is
a drive-through. Mr. Jochum stated that Staff does not believe this portion of the
building meets the intended use of the ordinance language requiring a C.U.P. for a
drive through.
Matt Poppel, representing General Contractor and applicant, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Poppel noted the developer is willing to comply with the stated
Staff Recommendations. Mr. Poppel noted the recommended modification of the
parking area will increase landscaped area and require 3 additional trees on the
site.
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Hutchinson Planning Commission
October 21, 2014
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Mr. Jochum again noted the final landscape plan will be reviewed for approval at
the time of building permit application.
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl/, seconded by Commissioner Kirchoff to close
the public hearing at 5:53pm.
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl, seconded by Commissioner Kirchoff to
approve the request with Staff recommendations of the addition of trees on the
north side of the site, reduction of 6 parking spaces, and the construction of a 2' —
3' berm on the east side of the building. The motion passed unanimously. This
item will be on 10/28/14 City Council consent agenda.
Motion to close hearing — Motion to approve with staff recommendations — Motion to reject
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
6. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
Mr. Jochum noted PB/Z is up to 20 single family dwelling permits. Staff will be
working on River Overlay District and other areas of zoning ordinance this winter. Staff
would like to work to include Interim Use Permits.
Mr. Sebora noted that City Council has been discussing modifications to Liquor
Licensing Ordinance. First reading of ordinance was read at last meeting.
Mr. Jochum noted the JPB has been working with an application for a CUP and Variance
for a dairy operation on the northern edge of the JPA. Variance moved setback from
1320' to 820' from a neighboring property. Noted the JPB is advisory to the County
Board.
Mr. Sebora stated the topic will come up in the future of how well the JPB serves the
interests of the City and whether the City should maintain involvement in the JPB. Mr.
Jochum explained the City's administrative involvement in the process and how it
appears to give some of the public the impression that the City is responsible for the
actions of the JPB. Mr. Sebora noted the
A. Upcoming Meetings
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl, seconded by Commissioner Kirchoff to adjourn the
meeting. Motion passed unanimously.