HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [05] May 03
Official Minutes- Planning Commission May 3, 1999
I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in
regular session on Monday May 3, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall.
Plannine Commission Members: Present - Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners, Kathleen Kalinowski,
Jim Graeve, Gary Utsch, Cory Ehlert, Marge Lesnick and Kurt Schneider. Chad Carlson, Secretary.
Others Present: Michael Deutz
St. Joseph Mini Storaee - Special Use Permit:
Chairperson Klein called the public hearing to order on May 3, 1999. The purpose of the hearing is to
consider a special use permit to allow for the construction of a mini storage facility.
The property is zoned Industrial and S1. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.21 Subd. 2 states that all industrial
uses shall require a special use permit.
The property is legally described as follows: Lot Three (3), Block One (1), T.J. Addition.
The request for a Special Use Permit has been submitted by St. Joseph Mini Storage, Mike Deutz; P.O.
Box 634, S1. Joseph, MN 56374.
The hearing was duly published and held. Ai the hearing Mr. Deutz presented his plans for the
construction of a third mini storage facility on the property in question. As required by Ordinance, Mr.
Deutz has requested that a Special Use Permit be granted to construct the proposed facility.
I Carlson informed the Planning Commission that the proposed project meets aU the setback requirements,
and the project conforms to the requirements of a Special Use Permit and the Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning Commission discussed lighting, signage and security issues with the proposed and existing
facilities. Deutz stated that the same lighting used on the existing buildings will be used on the new
facility. There will be no additional signs on the premise and a security fence may be constructed in the
future if problems occur.
Kalinowski questioned the vacancy rate of the existing facilities. Deutz stated that the facilities on Joseph
Street were 90% full and the facilities on CSAH #75 are 80% full.
There being no further comments, Lesnick made a motion to adopt the following findings and recommend
approval of the Special Use Permit. The motion was seconded by Utsch.
Discussion: Ehlert questioned the elevation of the proposed storage facility. Deutz stated that the new
building win be at the same elevation as the existing buildings. Deutz further stated that the re-
construction of Joseph Street may change the elevation.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowskì, Lesnick, Schneider, Utsch, Ehlert and Graeve
Nays: None Motion Carried: 7:0:0
I
RESOLUTION OF FINDING
A request from Mike Deutz for a Special Use Permit came before the Planning Commission at a public I
hearing held on May 3, 1999. The purpose of the he~ring was to consider issuance of a Spedal Use
Permit. The Special Use Permit is being requested to allow for the construction of a mini storage facility
in the Industrial District.
The property is zoned Industrial and St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.21 Subd. 2 states that all industrial
uses shall require a special use permit.
The property is legally described as follows: Lot Three (3), Block One (1), TJ. Addition.
The request for a Special Use Permit has been submitted by St. Joseph Mini Storage, Mike Deutz; P.O.
Box 634, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
Notice of this matter was duly served and published.
In consideration of the information presented to the Planning Commission and its application to the
Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances of the City of St. Joseph, the Planning Commission makes the
following findings:
The proposed use is consistent with the standards for a Special Use Permit as stated in St. Joseph Code of
Ordinances 52.8 Subd. 4 (a-k).
Therefore, based on the above findings, the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to approve
the Special Use Permit as requested.
Hearing was closed at 7:25 P.M. I
Colle£e of St. Benedict - Approval of Building
Carlson presented a request from the College of St. Benedict to make application for a building permit for
remodeling of the East Apartments. According to St. Joseph Code of Ordinances Section 52.22, all
applications for a building permit in the Educational and Ecclesiastical District must be reviewed by the
Planning Commission.
Carlson stated the following construction will be completed:
1) remodel kitchens
2) remodel bathrooms and vanity fixtures
3) replace floor finishes and paint units
4) improve ventilation
5) remove baseboard heat and install fan coil units for heating this year and connect central
chilled water lines next summer for air conditioning.
6) replace electrical panels and upgrade smoke detector system
There being no further comments, Graeve made a motion to approve the plans presented by the College of
St. Benedict for the remodeling of the East Apartments and authorizing the College of St. Benedict to
make application for a building permit. The motion was seconded by Lesnick.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Schneider, Utsch, Ehlert and Graeve I
Nays: None Motion Carried: 7:0:0
Approval of Minutes:
Kalinowski made a motion to approve the March 1, 1999 minutes of the Planning Commission. The
I motion was seconded by Lesnick and passed unanimously by those present.
Ehlert made a motion to approve the March 8, 1999 minutes of the Planning Commission. The motion
was seconded by Lesnick and passed unanimously by those present.
Other Business:
Carlson presented information regarding the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinances. After speaking
with area developers and businesses, the following items were of common concern during the
discussions:
1) Should "Recreational Vehicle Sales and Service" be a permitted use within the Highway #75
Business District? After discussion, the Planning Commission recommended that
"Recreational Vehicle Sales and Service" be placed under a Sþecial Use Permit.
Graeve stated that the Planning Commission should consider making every use within the
Highway #75 Business District a Special Use Permit.
Kalinowski stated that the Planning Commission needs to create specific standards for
Special Uses that are uniform in every instance as not to discriminate. Carlson stated that
he'll research other communities regarding this issue and present information to the Planning
Commission at the next meeting.
2) Should "hooded lighting" in the Highway #75 Business District be mandatory? Carlson
stated that it is against the law to leave a United States Flag up overnight without spotlights
I and hooded light would prohibit this activity. After discussion, the Planning Commission
stated that hooded fighting shouldn't be eliminated for one specific occurrence. The Planning
Commission chose to leave the requirement for hooded lighting.
3) Should "wood siding" be an acceptable exterior use in the Highway #75 Business District?
After discussion, the Planning Commission chose to leave "wood siding" as a prohibited
exterior material for construction. The Planning Commission clarified that a log structure is
not the same in nature as wood siding.
4) Should "underground sprinkling" be mandatory for all green space within a development?
After considerable discussion involving cost, maintenance, and reasonability, the Planning
Commission chose to eliminate mandatory underground sprinkling systems. However, the
Planning Commission will strongly recommend the use of underground sprinkling, within
reason, for every development that occurs within the Highway #75 Business District.
5) Should "foundation planting consisting of 50% of the building's dimension" be considered
mandatory in the Highway #75 Business District? After discussion, the Planning
Commission requested that Carlson define uniform standards for landscaping for all
commercial development and eliminate the "foundation planting" requirement from the
Ordinance.
Highway #75 Business District Bonndary Lines
I Carlson presented a draft of the Highway #75 Business District boundary lines. After discussion
regarding the boundary lines, Graeve made a motion to recommended the proposed district be presented
to the City Council as presented by Carlson. The motion was seconded by Utsch.
Discussion: Carlson stated that a public hearing is needed to adopt the proposed changes to the Zoning
Ordinances. Carlson further stated that the proposed amendment to the Zoning Map may be completed at
the same time provided proper notification is given to the property owners. I
Klein questioned if the current uses along Highway #75 would be grandfathered under the new
Ordinance. Carlson stated that changing from General Business to Highway #75 Business will not make
uses along CSAH#75 non-conforming, but rather enhance development standards for new construction,
re-construction or remodeling of existing facilities.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Schneider, Utsch, Ehlert and Graeve
Nays: None Motion Carried: 7:0:0
Other Business:
The Planning Commission requested that the City Council consider hearing recommendations made by
the Planning Commission and requiring City Council action within the same week of a City Council
meeting. Specifically, the recommendations that are simple in nature and don't require public
notification prior to the City Council meeting.
Ehlert and Carlson will approach the City Council to request that they consider acting on Planning
Commission recommendations at the City Council meeting that occurs within the same week.
Graeve requested that Carlson or Ehlert approach the City Council and request a copy of the emergency
service manual for the mobile home park be placed in City Offices. Graeve further stated that the City
Council should assure that the emergency plan provides adequate shelter for the mobile home park
residents. Kalinowski stated that Councilor Loso has a copy of the manual at his residence and a copy
should be in the City Offices in case an emergency occurs and Councilor Loso is not available.
Graeve requested that Carlson contact the Krebsbachs and the City to determine if the vacant lot and I
street space in front of the lot could be used as parking for community residents.
Klein stated that the 90 minute parking in front of Sunset Manufacturing is not being enforced well
enough. Klein requested that Carlson approach the Police Chief to see if the problem can be solved.
Schneider stated that an article in the St. Cloud Times regarding sidewalks would be an excellent resource
for the Planning Commission and will provide copies at the next meeting.
Carlson updated the Planning Commission on the Bike and Pedestrian Comprehensive Development Plan.
Ehlert stated the City Council approved $20 per meeting for the Planning Commissioners. Ehlert further
stated that the pay will be retroactive to January 1, 1999.
Graeve informed the Planning Commission of the I sl Annual Fruhlingsfest on May 15th, 1999 starting
with a parade at 1 :45 P.M. Graeve stated the purpose of the festival is to honor the College ofS1.
Benedict's Basketball Team.
Adjourn:
The Planning Commission meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:45pm.
~~ I
Chad A. Carlson
Planning Commission Secretary