04-17-2018 PCM MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday,April 17, 2018
5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 P.M.
The April 17, 2018 Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Commissioner
Hantge at 5:34 p.m. Members in bold were present Chair Fahey, Vice Chair Wick,
Commissioner Garberg, Commissioner Wirt, Commissioner Lofdahl, Commissioner
Hantge and Commissioner Forcier. Also present were Dan Jochum, City Planner,Kent
Exner, City Engineer, John Olson, City Public Works,John Paulson, City Environmental
Specialist,Marc Sebora,City Attorney and Andrea Schwartz,City of Hutchinson Permit
Technician
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED MARCH 20, 2018.
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl, Second by Commissioner Forcier. Motion
approved.
Motion to Approve—Motion to Reject
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO AMEND THE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND VACATION OF EASEMENTS
FOR SOUTHFORK RIDGE THIRD ADDITION.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission.
Mr. Jochum reviewed the application as outlined in the Commission's packets.
This is a change in the front setbacks from 25 feet to 20 feet on 11 lots and to
reduce interior lot lines on 12 lots to zero foot setback and vacate the easements
between the lot lines to allow for twin homes. This development was platted back
in the early 2000's and had a previous amendments in 2005 and 2007. The current
developer would like to have single family "cottage" homes on the north side of
the development and twin homes on the south side of the development.
Staff is recommending approval of the CUP. The changes are not very different
to the original plan and the lots have been sitting vacant for some time and it will
be good to see them used.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
April 17, 2018
Page 2
Commissioner Hantge asked the average depth on lots? The answer was 120 ft.
Commissioner Hantge asked how deep are the proposed homes in relation to
needing the reduced setback? Mr. Jochum commented that this would be more of
a shorter driveway and not necessarily a larger home, this would help with cost.
Commissioner Wirt asked if drainage is currently tied into city storm sewer. Mr.
Jochum answered yes. It will be part of the conditions that all drainage will be
tied into the City.
Josh Baklund 429 Grant Ave— concerned that lots are too small. Built in this
neighborhood for nice homes. How did this development get away with smaller
lot sizes for the zoning? Mr. Jochum noted this is a PUD (Planned Unit
Development). This was set up by a developer back in 2000 and approved by the
City at that time. Not many changes have been made from the original
development. We are not changing lot sizes only the setbacks on the lots. Mr.
Baklund may be coming back to the Zoning Department to look at the original
PUD.
Vitalis Ikem 1348 Southfork Dr SE- Opposed to this change in the PUD thinking
he will experience a loss in his current home price.
Mr. Jochum reiterated that this application is not to change anything with the lot
lines or lot sizes; we are only changing some of the setbacks to allow for twin
homes on some of the lots vs. cottage homes and to keep all the lots uniform as
some of the lots already have a 20 foot front setback.
Jerry Buck 401 Grant Ave SE— would rather see these lots re-platted at larger
single family homes and not twin homes. There were some neighbors that were
not notified, not sure why.
Tom ? - 1347 South Fork—did not get a notice,just wanted to let the City know.
Only heard by word of mouth.
Mike Hauan— 408 Grant Ave SE— concerned about the 20 foot setback and the
impact it would have on the sidewalk. Mr. Jochum explained that this setback is
from the property line and not the curb.
It was noted that the lots are not changing,just changing the easements.
Gus Wurdell 20455 2481' Cir Hutchinson —Homes planned to be built along the
north side of the road are almost a replica of the homes already in the
neighborhood. Homes along the south side are mostly twin homes. These are nice
homes to be built and are not planning to de-value any homes. Most of these
homes will be walk-outs. The setback he is asking for is mostly to help with the
impervious surface and not so much cost. This development was chosen due to
the homes that were already there and they want to keep the area nice. By having
twin homes there will be less driveways as well.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
April 17, 2018
Page 3
Nikki Baklund 421 Grant Ave SE—spoke of concern of what the development will
turn into.
There was discussion on the type of homes will be built.
Ron Paggen— 1389 Southfork Dr SE— concerned about property values, and
someone to oversee the requirements for the neighborhood if there are any. It has
been stated that the association (if there was one)has been defunct.
Motion by Commissioner Wick, second by Commissioner Wirt to close hearing at
6:26 p.m.
It was noted that if nothing is to change on this PUD, the lots will hold single
homes vs. twin homes. That is the only thing that will change.
It was also noted that the Planning Commission is advisory only.
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl to approve with 6 staff recommendations.
Second by Commissioner Wick. Motion approved. Item will be on City Council
consent agenda on 04/24/2018.
Motion to close hearing—Motion to approve with staff recommendations—Motion to reject
B. CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN
ELECTRONIC RECYCLING FACILITY, STORAGE FACILITY AND
OUTDOOR STORAGE, LOCATED AT 540 3RD AVE NW.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission.
Mr. Jochum reviewed the application as outlined in the Commission's packets.
Previously an industrial plating building and then used for warehouse storage.
First part is to use this building as a recycling facility. Second part is for outdoor
storage,planning staff would like to see screening for outdoor storage. Staff would
like to see screening at least 7 feet tall if not taller. The third part is for storage on
the property using "shipping containers". The size of these shipping containers
falls into building code and staff does not see this part as being feasible. This also
gets into the issues of Shoreland District and stormwater runoff This lot is already
over the 25%lot coverage (it was "grandfathered"in).
Staff does recommend approval on the request,with conditions, minus the storage
containers.
Commissioner Forcier asked if the Building Official or Fire Chief can do
inspections to make sure the owner is maintaining the storage properly? Mr.
Jochum replied that the Planning Commission can set this as a requirement, but
the Fire Dept. does do a walk through on commercial buildings.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
April 17, 2018
Page 4
Commissioner Wirt asked what makes the outdoor storage impermeable. Mr.
Jochum replied that the business would need the area graveled if it is storing
containers and that would make it impermeable as well.
Jeff Krueger — owner of Eco Tech, noted that the company is MPCA approved.
All storage and recycling is mainly electronics.
Corey Stearns - 320 3rd Ave (Stearnswood) — concerned about outdoor storage.
Commissioner Hantge noted that this was not approved by planning staff.
Commissioner Forcier asked if there would be a timeframe for storage shipping.
Mr. Jochum replied that there is nothing in ordinance. Need to use judgement.
City staff will work with the owner.
Motion by Commissioner Wick, second by Commissioner Forcier to close hearing
at 6:50 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Wirt to approve with 7 staff recommendations. Second
by Commissioner Wick. Motion approved. Item will be on City Council consent
agenda on 04/24/2018.
Motion to close hearing—Motion to approve with staff recommendations—Motion to reject
C. CONSIDER REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 90; RIGHT-OF-WAY
MANAGEMENT
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission.
Mr. Paulson reviewed the application as outlined in the Commission's packets.
Jay Littlejohn—attorney representing Verizon Wireless. Addressed that small cell
is more than just phones. Used for other sources like pace makers and c-pap
machines to relay information to doctors and sleep study centers. ROW area is for
"generally applicable" items to the public. Routine maintenance is also noted in
the state statute that a permit is not required. Any work on these devices is routine
maintenance (such as swapping out a card).
Motion by Commissioner Wick, second by Commissioner Forcier to close hearing
at 7:11 p.m.
Staff will make amendments and reseed to the group. This will be brought back
to planning commission next month for decision.
D. CONSIDER REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 154.119; TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
April 17, 2018
Page 5
John Paulson, addressed the Commission.
Mr. Paulson reviewed the difference between the two ordinances.
The 154.119 relates more to small cell on private property (vs. right-of-way)
Jay Littlejohn—attorney with Verizon Wireless requested for language change
Motion by Commissioner Lofdahl, second by Commissioner Forcier to close
hearing at 7:17 p.m.
No action will be taken at this time. This will be addressed at next month's meeting
5. NEW BUSINESS
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Retaining wall color will be changed to match the City retaining wall color.
7. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
A. Upcoming Meetings
Dan Jochum noted that we have 3 application for the May Planning Commission
meeting at this time.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Wick, Second by Commissioner Lofdahl to adjourn at
7:20 p.m.