06-15-21 PCM
MINUTES
HUTCHINSON PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
5:30 p.m.
1.CALL TO ORDER 5:30P.M.
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The June 15, 2021 Planning Commission meeting was called to order byChairman
Lofdahl at 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 May 18, 2021.
Motion by CommissionerGarberg to approve May 18, 2021 meeting minutes.
Second by Commissioner Wirt. Motion approved.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A SKETCH PLAN AND REZONE A PROPERTY
FROM C-3 TO MXD LOCATED AT 126 & 135 FRANKLIN ST NW.
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission and gave a brief overview
of the project. Mr. Jochum then covered the staff report.
Commissioner Wirt asked what the maximum height in that area is. Mr. Jochum
responded with 35 ft, with options to look at variances to make the project happen.
Will have to work with the DNR since it is located within the shoreland
district/floodplain. In order to make something like this work in the area, the
project goes more vertical.
Commissioner Wirt noted these drawing are very preliminary but asked if there
was a way to have some citizen input on design. Jochum responded that during the
site planprocess, the community can come and voice opinions. He also remarked
that this project will look like it belongs in Hutchinson and will be well done.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
June 15, 2021
Page 2
Commissioner Lofdahl asked if this would be the only MXD use development, but
Mr. Jochum responded the property with the Highfield Apartments by Kwik trip
is MXD use. He also commented that MXD use is really popular among cities.
Commissioner Lofdahl was wondering if this was considered spot zoning. Mr.
Jochum noted that since this is included in our comprehensive plan, it is not
considered spot zoning.
Commissioner Hacker inquired about the Franklin house and how it is in the
floodplain and how this will get done. Mr. Jochum responded that with a little big
of fill, 6 inches or so, by the time the foundation goes in it is out of the floodplain.
There will be a survey and elevation to ensure it is out of the floodplain.
Greg Witt, 125 Glen St, owns 3 houses in the area being looked at for
redevelopment. He remarked that he agrees with the rezoning of the area. He noted
a couple of items: firstly, the initial appraisals done are now 2 years old and would
have to get redone. Secondly, these properties are in the floodplain. Thirdly,
between the second house next to the river and his house – there is a sanitary sewer
line running through the property. Mr. Jochum noted that engineering is aware of
that piece of the project, and are looking at ways to realign that.
Janice Rannow, 135 Glen St NW, manages apartments and noted that there are no
vacancies. She asked if the sketch plan that was presented was for both the clinic
site and the group home. Mr. Jochum responded that this is for both properties,
and depending on the FEMA grant it could encompass more of that area. Rannow
also asked if the FEMA grant does not go through if there will be some sort of
sight barrier, like a tree line, along their backyards. Mr. Jochum noted there will
be work done with the elevation and number of units, along with exploring other
opportunities if that grant doesn’t go through.
Greg Witt noted that if the FEMA grant goes through, their properties wouldn’t be
developed, it would be park ground. Mr. Jochum responded that the project would
need ponding and green space. Commissioner Lofdahl mentioned we are limited
to 25% lot coverage. Mr. Jochum noted without further stormwater treatment that
is true, but it is virtually impossible to do a project of this size at 25% impervious
coverage.
Motion by Commissioner Wirt, second by Commissioner Lofdahl close hearing at
5:51 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Hacker to approve. Second by Commissioner Sebesta.
Motion approved. Item will be on City Council consent agenda on 06/22/2021 &
7/13/2021.
B. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
FOR THE C-3 DOWNTOWN ZONING DISTRICT REGARDING
CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
June 15, 2021
Page 3
Dan Jochum, City Planner addressed the Commission and gave a brief overview
of the project. Mr. Jochum then covered the staff report.
Sebesta remarked that it is a good plan. Mr. Jochum responded that there could be
100 employees down there.
Commissioner Wirt mentioned there could be a tradeoff if we could find a use that
would either generate retail sales or community involvement and activity to draw
more people into that area than light manufacturing would. Mr. Jochum noted that
those users aren’t showing interest in that building. The property went to auction
and the people bidding on it are investors. There is more risk waiting for someone
to come along.
Commissioner Lofdahl noted that if it is light industrial there will be rules on
parking, and there is opportunity for more development on that lot.
Commissioner Hacker remarked that this is a great use, the market is not
supporting this type of property and that this will allow some alternative uses for
that property. Mr. Jochum noted that he has spoken to people that do retail leasing
and that the price they sold that building for someone would have bought it if they
wanted it.
Commissioner Garberg noted that guests of Hutchinson always remark how
beautiful and vibrant our town is, he doesn’t believe light manufacturing right on
main street on the river would fair well. Jochum responded that OHLY is currently
downtown and on the river. Commissioner Garberg said if it was off of main street
he wouldn’t have a problem with it. Mr. Jochum responded that the business
looking to go in there will have a very nice-looking building. The risk is a lot
higher to not do anything, the building would potentially just sit there since there
are no users in town.
Commissioner Wirt mentioned that our downtown is struggling with customers
and light manufacturing with a fixed number of employees don’t do a lot of
shopping. Mr. Jochum responded that retail in downtown Hutchinson, other than
boutique shopping, is a thing of the past.
Discussion continued on the location and potentialoutcomes of the property.
Commissioner Garberg asked if the City has ever thought about buying the
property. Mr. Jochum responded that the City has already extended its debt with
the new police station. The City doesn’t have the resources to buy each building
and redevelop it.
Commissioner Wirt would like to see a higher definition of what light industrial
really is and what potential uses could be. Mr. Jochum responded that as of right
now light manufacturing isn’t allowed with a conditional use permit. With a
conditional use permit, we can regulate so much more.
Minutes
Hutchinson Planning Commission
June 15, 2021
Page 4
Discussion on current market trends with big box stores and development
opportunities.
Motion by Commissioner Sebesta, second by Commissioner Wirt to close hearing
at 6:17 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Sebesta to approve, Second by CommissionerHacker.
Roll call vote was taken, Sebesta – Aye, Hacker – aye, Lofdahl – aye, Garberg –
nay, Wirt - nay. Motion carried 3 votes to 2. Item will be on City Council agenda
on 06/22/2021 for consideration of first reading of ordinance.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. NONE
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.
7. COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
A. UPCOMING MEETINGS
B. The month of May only saw one new house permit, expecting a short-term
slowdown with material prices rising.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Sebesta to adjourn the meeting, second by
Lofdahl. Meeting was adjournedat 6:20p.m.