05-18-21 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday,May 18, 2021
5:30 p.m.
1.CALL TO ORDER 5:30P.M.
The April 20, 2021 Planning Commission meeting was a virtual meeting called to order by
ChairmanLofdahlat 5:30 p.m. Members in bold were present Chairman Lofdahl, Vice
Chairman Hacker, Commissioner Garberg, Commissioner Wirt, Commissioner
Sebesta, Commissioner Hantge, and Commissioner Janssen. 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, Tom Gifferson,
Police Chief, Andrea Schwartz, City of Hutchinson Permit Technician and Madison
Newcomb City of Hutchinson Planning and Building Assistant.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES DATED April 20, 2021.
Motion by Commissioner Hantge.Second by Commissioner Lofdahl. Motion
approved.
Motion to Approve – Motion to Reject
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT FOR SOUTHFORK RIDGE FOURTH
ADDITION.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission and gave a brief overview
of the project. Mr. Jochum then covered the staff report.
Commissioner Wirt questioned about the on-street parkingthat was brought up at
the prior Planning Commission meeting. It was noted that staff reviewed this and
parking will be allowed on the interior side of the street.
Motion by Commissioner Hantge,second by Commissioner Wirt to close hearing
at 5:35 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Wirtto approve with 3 staff recommendations, adding
in a condition for on street parking on the interior side of the road. Second by
Commissioner Hacker. Motion approved. Item will be on City Council consent
agenda on 05/25/2021.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
May 18, 2021
Page 2
Motion to close hearing – Motion to approve with staff recommendations – Motion to reject
B. CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
REMODEL/RENOVATE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 100
GLEN ST SW.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission and gave a brief overview
of the project. Mr. Jochum then covered the staff report.
Marc Sebora went over the Land Use Agreement and the Franchise Agreement
that the School has on the Park Land with the Commissioners. Mr. Sebora also
explained what a franchise agreement is.
Daron VanderHeiden (ISD 423 Superintendent) addressed the Commissioners.
He noted that the hard surface bus loop will also serve as a play area for the kids
(basketball/4 square), and for delivery truck to drop off items. When the project
is complete there will be 23,960 sq ft of additional green space created from the
demolition and bituminous removal.
Brian Mohr (director of grounds control and transportation of the Hutchinson
Public Schools) addressed the Commissioners and explained the outline of the
“School Property”.
Commissioner Hantge asked why the busing will change. Mr. VanderHeiden
explained that it is easier to watch and control the kids. There will be 6 to 7 buses
picking up kids where they will go to Tiger Elementary and pick up their “go
home” bus. Commissioner Hantge also asked if there is there any concern with
the delivery trucks being in the play area. Mr. VanderHeiden answered that this
is monitored closely and has been for years.
Commissioner Garberg asked about the tree removal. There are 3 trees that need
to be removed in order to stay within the franchise agreement.
Mr. Jochum reviewed the Conditional Use Permit standards and the conclusions
that were determined by Staff.
Commissioner Hantge asked if we are not changing the use why the need of the
Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Jochum explained that it is because of changein the
operation. There was discussion on the change.
Commissioner Hantge asked what happens if the land goes back to Park Land.
Mr. Sebora explained that the agreement states that when the land us no longer
used by the School they need to pass a resolution to pass the land back to the City.
The School is still planning to use the land and is not ready to give it back yet.
Sandy McCormick, 120 Grove St SW, gave history on the original park land and
explained her issues with the driveway and parking area. She would like to
continue busing on Grove St. She also does not want any change to the Park area.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
May 18, 2021
Page 3
It was explained that there is already paved area in this location currently and some
of it will be removed. A smaller area will be updated but the impervious area will
be smaller and the Park are is moving in the right condition.
Lucy Clouse, 36 Grove St – is concerned with the parking lot that is being
proposed. She would like to keep the busing on Grove St SW.
Steve Cook, 720 Juul Rd – explained that the franchise agreement started in 2004
with issued from a discussion in 2003 about ultimately returning the land back to
park land. Mr. Cook does feel there is a good faith effort to meet the franchise
agreement and he is in favor of the renovation.
Lucy Clouse noted that this is the second largest park system in the US and she
would like to see it protected. Steve Cook noted that this information is false.
Dan Mahon (attorney of Mrs. McCormick) questioned the original vacation
agreement that if any part of the building was torn down it would revert to park
land. They just want to make sure the law is being followed.
It was noted that the agreement was for the land area and not the building. When
the School is no longer using the land,the School will pass a resolution to give the
land back to the City.
It was noted that a letter was sent to the Commissioners from a neighbor. The
Commissioners all received this letter.
Commissioner Garberg questioned about the hard surface in the area between the
school and Grove St. SW. Mr. Mohr pointed out the area of bituminous that will
be removed.
Motion by Commissioner Garberg, second by Commissioner Sebesta to close
hearing at 6:49 p.m.
Commissioner Wirt noted that the Planning Commission is not here to act under
legal advice as to who owns the property, only the advisement of planning/zoning.
Motion by Commissioner Garbergto approve with 9 staff recommendations.
Second by Commissioner Sebesta. Motion approved. Item will be on City
Council consent agenda on 05/25/2021.
Motion to close hearing – Motion to approve with staff recommendations – Motion to reject
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. NONE
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
May 18, 2021
Page 4
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. It was noted that the pad has been laid at the future Allis Chalmers Club.
7. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
A. UPCOMING MEETINGS –sounds like we will have two applications for next
month.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Hantgeto adjourn the meeting, second by
Sebesta. Meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.