HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [06] Jun 24
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St.
Joseph met in special session on June 24, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners S. Kathleen Kalinowski, Marge
Lesnick, Dan Nierengarten, Linda Sniezek. Council Liaison Cory Ehlert. Deputy Clerk
Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Mark Hiltner, Bill Elfering, Ellen Wahlstrom.
Mark Hiltner - Public Hearing, 10 foot front yard variance: Chair Klein called the
hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a ten (10) foot
variance request on the front yard setback, to allow the construction of a patio. St.
Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.16 subd 6 (a) states that front yard setbacks shall not be
less than 30 feet on all public right of ways.
The property is legally described as: Lot 1; Block 1 Hollow Park.
The request for variance has been submitted by Mark Hiltner, 309 Cypress Drive; St.
Joseph MN 56374. .[;.<1
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Mark Hiltner spoke on his own behalf. He stated that he is requesting a· tw) foot
variance to construct a patio/ deck 10' x 14'. Hiltner presented a drawing which
indicated the deck/patio would be 22 feet from the right-of-way. He stated that
without a variance a deck could not be built.
Bill Elfering stated that he lives within 350 feet of the proposed variance and does not
oppose the variance request.
Ehlert discussed the Council's concern if a prior variance had been issued to this
property. Ehlert stated that he reviewed the property and no variances have been
issued in the past. When the house was constructed the easements needed to be
confined and this may have caused some confusion.
There being no one present to object to the proposed variance, Kalinowski made a
motion to recommend the Council approve an eight (8) foot variance on the side yard
setback for the property located at Lot 1, Block 1 Hollow Park. The recommendations
are based on the following findings:
Findings: The proposed use is consistent with St. Toseph Code of Ordinances 52.7 subd
2(b-e).
The motion was seconded by Sniezek.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Sniezek, Nierengarten
Nays: None Abstain: Ehlert Motion Carried: 5:0:1
The hearing was closed at 7:10 p.m.
Comprehensive Plan: Weyrens presented the second draft of the Comprehensive Plan.
June 24, 1997 Page 1/3
The second draft includes all the changes suggested by the City Council. The
Commission agreed to continue the public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan on
Monday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. and at the July 17, 1997 City Council meeting.
Additionally, Kalinowski and Ehlert will present the revised draft to the St. Joseph
Chamber of Commerce on July 15. Commissioners requested that the public meeting
be placed on the Community Events sign and possibly a story in the St. Joseph
Newsleader. St. Joseph Township Planning Commission and Board should be notified
of the meeting and encouraged to attend.
Tatoo Ordinance: After reviewing the proposed Tatoo Ordinance, the Commission
requested the following changes: 1) A provision that Tatoo Businesses are allowed in
General Business Zone by Special Use Permit Only; 2) Add public facilities to the
section prohibiting Tatoo Businesses within 500 feet thereof;
Kalinowski made a motion to recommend the Council adopt and add to the St. Joseph
Code of Ordinances, the revised Tatoo Ordinance; seconded by Lesnick.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Sniezek, Nierengarten, Ehlert.
Nays: None. Motion Carried 6:0:0
Tower Ordinance: The Cable Commission requested the Planning Commission review
a proposed Ordinance regulating the location of telecommunication towers.
Kalinowski requested that since St. Joseph Township expressed concern at the recent
Comprehensive Plan joint meeting, the Planning Commission should request their
input. This Ordinance will have a greater impact on Township property. This matter
should then be placed on the Greater St. Joseph Committee agenda for July IS, 1997.
Land Use Moratorium: The Commission discussed the need to review the zoning
classifications of property that has recently been annexed to St. Joseph and the property
parallel to County Road 75, West of College Avenue. Klein stated that the property
North of Minnesota Street from 3rd Avenue NE to 91st Avenue is zoned R-3. This
property has been recently annexed and as property is annexed it carries the same
zoning classification as in the Township. Weyrens informed the Commission that in
imposing a moratorium the Commission needs to be specific as to what will be allowed
in the affected areas, how long the moratorium is to last, and the purpose for such. The
Commission also should establish a time frame for completing a study of the area.
After considerable discussion, Sniezek made a motion to recommend the City Council impose
a 60 day land use moratorium on the following properhJ: all property north of Minnesota Street
from 3rd Avenue NE to 9151 Avenue; all property north of CR75 and west of College Avenue
North to Millstream Park. During the moratorium period the Planning Commission will review
and prepare a future land use map to be included in the Comprehensive Plan, paying special
attention to the above described areas. This moratorium only will affect land use change.
Properh} owners will be allowed to complete home alterations and housing maintenance. The
motion was seconded by Kalinowski.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Sniezek, Nierengarten, Ehlert.
Nays: None. Motion Carried 6:0:0
June 24, 1997 Page 2/3
Parking on Front Lawns: The Commission discussed the aesthetics of cars parking on
front lawns and if the City has the right to regulate how property owners use their
property. Commissioners also discussed the impact of the winter parking restrictions
and if that is making some property owners use the front yard as a parking lot.
Weyrens will contact the City of St. Cloud to see if they have any Ordinances regulating
parking on front lawns.
Council/City Communication: Commissioners expressed some concern with regard to
communication between the City Council and Planning Commission. Commissioners
stated the importance of both bodies working together and if differences exist they
need to expressed and managed. In an effort to increase communication, the Planning
Commission is recommending a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City
Council. Those present agreed to establish July 22, 1997 as the meeting date.
Northland Addition: Ehlert reported that he Lesnick have met and reviewed the
information with regard to ingress! egress to Northland. They will be meeting with Ray
Brandenberger andT erry Schmid and will update the Commission as needed.
Adjourn: Nierengarten made a motion to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.; seconded by Lesnick.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Sniezek, Nierengarten, Ehlert.
Nays: None. Motion Carried 6:0:0
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J dy Weyrens
D puty Clerk
June 24, 1997 Page 3/3