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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [02] Feb 03 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission met in regular session on Monday, February 3, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners S. Kathleen Kalinowski, Linda Sniezek, Dan Nierengarten, Kurt Schneider. Commission Secretary Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Paul Sullivan, Russell Wright Re-Zoning Discussion: Chair Klein called the meeting to order and stated the Planning Commission is conducting an information meeting to discuss the possible re-zoning of the following property: Lots 4-6 and Lots 10-12 all Original Townsite of St. Joseph (quarter block located northwest of 2nd Avenue NW and Minnesota Street West). The property is currently zoned R-3 Multiple Family and consideration is being given to re-zone the property General Business. Sniezek questioned if the property owners in the discussion area would lose any rights as homeowners if the zoning classification were changed. Klein stated the only change to homeowners would be if fifty percent or more of their home was destroyed they would not be allowed to rebuild. Schneider questioned why the Commission is considering changing the zoning to General Business. He feels the City has enough General Business which needs to be managed and developed. It is his opinion that the site under consideration would be an ideal location for a senior apartment complex. Residents keep discussing the need to have senior housing that is within walking distance to church and the downtown area. If this property is re-zoned, the City is eliminating the option of building such housing. Also, some federal funding requires the housing be built within a specified range of a church and downtown area. Kalinowski concurred with Schneider and requested the record indicate that there was no one present to speak for or against the rezoning. Therefore, Kalinowski made a motion to leave the zoning of Lots 4-6 and Lots 10-12 Original Townsite as R-3 Multiple Family. Additionally, the issue can be revisited again if petitioned by a property owner. The motion was seconded by Sniezek. Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Sniezek, Nierengarten, Schneider Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 Paul Sullivan - Building Reauest: Paul Sullivan appeared before the Commission to discuss his preliminary plans to construct a building on the abutting property east of Subway Foods. His plans include construction of a building to house a video store, (Stardust Video) and a fast food Restaurant, (Mexpress). Sullivan stated that he currently owns video businesses in Sauk Centre and Long Prairie. Due to the limited space, Stardust Video will house mainly new release titles. Sullivan stated that in his other two video rental stores, 80 percent of his business is from new releases. The restaurant, Mexpress, is part of the Taco John Chain. Express stores are constructed where there is limited space, offering a limited menu. The construction plans include an open building where customers can walk freely between the video store and restaurant. The restaurant will have only three (3) tables with a heavy emphasis on the drive-thru business. Sullivan presented a preliminary plan which indicated twenty-three parking spaces. The drive-thru would be located on the east side of the lot, fifteen feet from the property line. At this time Sullivan is asking the Commission for input and if all the zoning regulations are covered. Schneider stated that without all the measurements and distances drawn on the site plan it is hard for the Commission to make a final determination if all the regulations are being adhered to. John Meyer, DM Building, indicated that the Commission will have an additional opportunity to review the plans when they make application for a building permit. The discussion at this time was to determine if any variances or special uses would be needed. As the property is zoned General Business, the Commission felt that at this time all the requirements are being fulfilled. Comprehensive Plan Update: We)TenS infonlled the Commission that Mayor Hiemellz has requested the Plam1Ìng Commission review and update the Comprehensive Plan and make a reconunendation to the City Council. In re,ie\\ing and updating the Plan, the Commission should incorporate the Star City Goals. If the Commission calIDot agree to all parts of the Plan, a reconunendation can be submitted accepting only portions of the Plan. Hiemenz feels that as the City continues to grow and develop the industrial park, it is imperitive that the City adopt a Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, Hiemenz would like to receive a reconunendation \Ùthin 60 days. The Commission agreed the Comprehensive Plan needs to be reviewed and adopted. As this issue \\ill require special attention, the Commission is requesting to conduct a special meeting of the Planning Commission on February 17, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. At this same meeting, time \\ill be set aside to review Ordinance revisions and amendments. Such Ordinances include Landscaping, (green space requirements), and the Nudity Ordinance. Russell Wright - Tattoo Business: Russell Wright appeared before the Commission to discuss regulations regarding a tattoo business. Wright indicated that he and ms wife are looking at establismng a tattoo business in St. Joseph. He is currently looking a two sites: 1) the former First State Bank building on Minnesota Street and 2) the fonner Little Louie's Pizza building on CR 75. The Conunission discussed the location of a church and school adjacent to both proposed sites and whether that is permissible. Wright also distributed a copy of the City of St. Cloud Ordinance on Tattooing. The Commission infonned Wright that they would have to review the current City Ordinance and whether or not tattooing is a permissible use in General Business. Additionally, they will discuss whether S1. Joseph needs to adopt a Tattooing Ordinance. Adiourn: Nierengarten made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.; seconded by Sl1Ìezek. Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Sniezek, Nierengarten, Schneider Nays: None. Motion Carried 5:0:0 ~cL&1 ,(27"ut-~ . We\Tens S retary of the Conunission