HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [11] Nov 01
Official Minutes - Planning Commission
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on
Monday, November I, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
I Members Present: Commissioners S. Kathleen Kalinowski, Gary Utsch, Kurt Schneider, Jim Graeve and Cory
Ehlert. Planning Commission Secretary Chad A. Carlson.
Members Absent: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioner Marge Lesnick
Others Present: Greg Reinhart, Bruce Gohman, Judy Weyrens, Ellen Wahlstrom, Angeline Dufner, Jim Meyer,
Gary Schleicher, Joann Schneider.
First State Bank of St. Joseph - SÌI~n Variance Request Public Hearin2:
Acting Chair Kalinowski opened the hearing at 7:00 P.M. and stated the purpose of the hearing is to consider
issuance of a Variance. The Variance is being requested by W. Gohman Construction to allow for the construction
of a business sign for the First State Bank of St. Joseph.
St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.14 subd. 12. Business Signs states: Business or industrial signs may be erected,
attached or painted on to a structure, and maintained in conjunction with a commercial or industrial use provided:
a) That the area on one side of all such signs erected on one street frontage of anyone premise, shan not
exceed fifty (50) square feet.
Greg Reinhart, President of First State Bank of St. Joseph, presented the plans to construct a 133.8 square foot
business sign for the bank facility, including drawings of the sign and proposed location. Reinhart stated that many
sign options were evaluated with the contractor and Scenic Signs regarding the size and location of the sign. Bank
officials choose the design with the smallest dimension to coordinate with the size of the building. Reinhart
presented scientific data supporting the need for the Variance to the Sign Ordinance.
I Utsch questioned if the sign will include other businesses located in the bank facility. Reinhart stated the sign will
only include First State Bank of St. Joseph and a message center.
Kalinowski clarified the Ordinance stating that the businesses located in the building could have a sign attached to
the building and all businesses would have to be included on the proposed detached sign. Kalinowski questioned the
purpose of the message center. Reinhart stated that the message center would include information such as the time,
temperature, and other bank messages. The letter characters on the message center win be 18 inches in height.
Utsch questioned if the location of the sign met all the setbacks of the lot. Reinhart identified the location of the
sign on the site plan and stated that the sign is within the setbacks of the lot.
Kalinowski clarified for the Planning Commission that the hearing involves First State Bank of St. Joseph requesting
83.8 square feet over the allowable 50 square feet as stated in the Ordinance. Ehlert stated that all of the new signs
along CSAH #75 have requested a Variance to the Sign Ordinance and the Planning Commission should consider
re-evaluating the standards.
Utsch questioned if the sign would decrease the visibility of the lot immediately to the east of the facility. A large
sign could impact a business locating to this site. Reinhart stated that the height of the sign is the same height as the
Casey's General Stores sign. The bank's sign should have no impact to any business locating to the east.
Schneider stated that the Sign Ordinance precludes a business fÌ'om marketing their business on CSAH #75.
Schneider further stated that he is not opposed to the Variance request due to the fact other businesses along CSAH
#75 have signs that exceed the Sign Ordinance requirements.
Utsch moved to recommend that the City Council approve the 83.8 square foot variance to construct a sign
I for the First State Bank of St. Joseph with the following Resolution of Finding; Seconded by Schneider and
passed unanimously by those present.
November 1,1999 Minutes
Resolution of Finding
The request of First State Bank of S1. Joseph for a Variance to the sign Ordinance came before the Planning
Commission at a public heming held on Monday, November 1, 1999 at 7:00 P.M. in the St. Joseph City Hall. The I
purpose of the meeting is to consider a Business Sign Variance for First State Bank ofSt. Joseph. First State Bank
of S1. Joseph is requesting:
St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.14 subd. 12. Business Signs. Business or industrial signs may be erected ,
attached or painted on to a structures, and maintained in conjunction with a commercial or industrial use provided:
a) That the area on one side of all such signs erected on one street frontage of anyone premises, shall not
exceed fifty (50) square feet.
The property is legally described as: All that part of Lot One (1), Block Two (2) of Roske Addition, lying Westerly
of the following described line: Beginning at the Southwest corner of Lot 1, Block 2, Roske Addition; thence North
89029' 58" East 421.64 feet to the point of beginning of the line to be described; thence North 000 04' 23" East to
the North line of Lot 1, Block 2, Roske Addition and said line there terminating, aCCûrding to the plat and survey
thereof, now on file and of record in the office of Stearns County Recorder.
The requests for Variance has been submitted by the W. Gohman Construction, 30618 County Road #133,81.
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 ofSt. Joseph, the Planning Commission makes the following findings:
The proposed variance is consistent with the standards for a Variance as stated in S1. Joseph Code of
Ordinances 52.8 (a-e).
Therefore, based on the above findings, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendation: I
Approve the 83Jì square foot Variance to the maximum square footage allowable for business signs as stated
in Sf. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.14 Subd. 12 for the First State Bank of Sf. Joseph:
Kalinowski closed the hearing at 7:25 P.M.
Farmers Market - Discussion of Location:
Angeline Dufuer, representing the Steering Committee of the Farmers Market, presented a summary detailing the
establishment of the Farmers Market, history with the City Council, approved location on City property and the
proposed new location. The Farmers Market was scheduled to start this fall but was delayed until next year. The
Steering Committee also determined that the site located at the corner of Minnesota Street and 4th Avenue was not
suitable for the operation. Dunfer further explained that the proposed site at Millstream Park provided better
opportunities for visibility, space and traffic volumes. The Steering Committee has suggested operating the Farmers
Market one-day a week, preferably on Friday.
Utsch questioned the hours of operation and if stands or the shelter would be used to sell goods. Dufuer stated that
the Farmers Market would operate on half-days to start and the growers would provide their own sale stands.
Kalinowski questioned what area of the park would be used. Dufuer stated that the growers would utilize the west
end of the park near the horseshoe pits. Dunfer introduced Jim Meyer as a member of the Steering Committee.
Meyer clarified that the shelter would not be used to sell product lll11ess the weather dictated the sale of produce
indoors.
Schneider stated his concern that the issue hasn't been presented to the Park Board prior to coming to the Planning
Commission or City Council. Schneider further stated that there may be some impact to other activities that I
currently take place at the park.
November 1, 1999 Minutes
Meyer stated that most of the activities that take place in Millstream Park would not be adversely impacted. The
Campground and softball complexes have separate entrances, along with the soccer fields. Meyer stated he
contacted the City Office and determined that the shelter and park area is rarely used during the week, including
Friday. The Fanners Market must have visibility the first year of operation and the Millstream Park site is key to its
I success. Dunfer stated that Steering Committee wasn't aware that the Park Board needed to be involved.
Schneider questioned if a time of operation has been determined. Meyer stated that a specific starting and ending
time has not been determined.
Schneider questioned if the Steering Committee had alternative sites if the Millstream area did not work. Dufuer
stated that the original site on Minnesota Street and 4th Avenue would be the alternative, but not desired by the
growers.
Schneider suggested that the Steering Committee considers the site east of the new bank building and he expressed
his concern with approving a business operation in a park or on public property. Meyer stated that the Steering
Committee did review this site and determined it not to be feasible due to the lack of access, congestion at the
intersection and the CSAH #75 crossing will be closed next summer. Carlson clarified that there is access to the
property ITom County Road #133.
Utsch suggested that the Steering Committee approach the Krebsbach property owners to use the vacant property
east of the Super 8 Motel. Dufuer stated that the use of private property would require the growers to carry liability
insurance. The growers have expressed their concern with carrying liability insurance and the Steering Committee
does not have the funds to cover the cost.
Kalinowski requested that EWert provide some insight for the Planning Commission regarding how the Park Board
may address this issue. Ehlert stated that in his opinion the Park Board would favor such an operation at Millstream
Park and that the Park Board doesn't have the authority to govern whom uses the parks in the community. Ehlert
suggested that this issue be presented at the next Park Board meeting on November 24th to keep them in the loop.
I Dufuer stated that a growers meeting has been scheduled for November 23rd and all the site arrangements need to be
firm by November 22nd. Twenty-four growers are expected to attend the meeting and a decision to proceed with the
project will be made that night.
Utsch questioned if the Planning Commission would need to hear a request for a Special Use Permit for the project.
Carlson stated that he would be contacting the City Attorney to get an opinion. Carlson anticipated that some kind
of permit would be needed. Carlson further stated that if a Special Use Permit is needed, a public hearing and a fee
would be required.
Ehlert stated that the P-ark Board needs to promote the parks and such a use would get people into the area. The
Farmers Market could reserve Millstream Park each Friday when they are in operation and conflicts would not occur
with the users of the park. Meyer again stated that City Staff informed him that the Millstream Park is only busy on
weekends and not during the week.
Utsch stated that the City should be giving the City residents first chance at using the park facilities and not a
business operation. Wahlstrom stated that it is her opinion that a majority of the park users are not ITom the St.
Joseph community.
Graeve stated that the first year is crucial in establishing the market and the operation could be moved to a different
location at a later date. Graeve further stated that the market would create a fair like atmosphere in the Community.
Graeve expressed his opinion that the Millstream Park is under-utilized at this point and the market can and needs to
work at this location. Kalinowski suggested that Millstream Park could be used for the first year and re-evaluated at
the end of the year. The Park Board would need to approve the terms of the agreement.
G raeve made a motion to approve the use of Millstream Park for the operation of a Farmers Market, with
input provided by the Park Board. Seconded by Ehlert
I
November I, 1999 Minutes
Discussion:
Schneider stated that the Planning Commission is missing a step. The Planning Commission cannot
approve the use of Millstream Park without first consulting with the Park Board There has not been
enough information provided to make a decision.
Ehlert stated that a decision needs to be made since the Park Board doesn't meet prior to the growers I
meeting on November 23rd Ehlert suggested that the Park Board members attend the City Council
meeting on November 18'h and have the Steering Committee presem their proposal that night. Ehlert
further stated that the Park Board would support the operation of afarmers market in Millstream Park
Meyer stated that Dufner and he would prepare informational packets for the Park Board and City
Council. The packets would be mailed prior to the meeting and discussed with both boards present. The
request will be made limiting the use of Millstream Parkfor one year.
Carlson stated that a Special Use Permit may be required and a public hearing required The City
Attorney will be providing direction prior to the City Council meeting. Dufner stated that a Special Use
Permit and public hearing would create a financial hardship for the Steering Committee. Ehlert stated that
a public hearing would not be required since there are very few people that live within 350 feet of
Millstream Park, along with the fee for a Special Use Permit.
Motion Amendment:
Kalinowski made a motion to amend the previous motion stating the Planning Commission recommends to
the City Council approval for the Farmers Market to utilize Millstream Park for a period of one year from
the date of approval, contingent upon the Park Board receiving information from the Steering Committee
and approving the use of Mittstream Park.
Graeve seconded the motion to amend and the amended motion passed unanimously by those present.
Northland Addition - Corridor Study:
Carlson presented information prepared by Joe Bettendorf, City Engineer, regarding the proposed corridor options I
for the Northland Addition.
Utsch stated that the Planning Commission needs to assess the information provided by Bettendorf and prepare a
recommendation to the City Council. The City has an obligation to provide alternative road corridors for the
Northland Addition. Ehlert concurred and stated he would bring any recommendation forward to the City Council.
The City Council must plan and secure easements for future roadways in the community.
Schneider stated that Option # 1 appears to be the most acceptable alternative to alleviate the traffic congestion that
will occur on Gumtree Street. Schneider further stated that it is still difficult to see the ultimate effect on the
development without being able to review the development in its entirety.
Carlson detailed the procedures for approving plats as stated in the Ordinance. The Planning Commission has
approved the preliminary plat for the Northland Addition and has approved all the phases of the development.
Utsch suggested that since the railroad has donated their right of way to Stearns County, could the City pursue
extending Fir Street to the west and conne.ct to County Road #27 Ehlert clarified that the railroad donated the
property only west to County Road #2. The City would have to purchase right of way to extend Fir Street to County
Road #2.
Utsch suggested that extending Fir Street to County Road #2 needs to be considered as an alternative. Ehlert
concurred and stated that the City Council may embrace this alternative rather then crossing the tracks to Birch
Street.
Utsch made a motion to recommend that the City Council review Option #1 as an alternative road corridor
and take the necessary steps to secure the right of way for Option #1: Seconded by Schneider. The motion
passed unanimously by all present. I
November 1, 1999 Minutes
Other Business:
Kalinowski stated that the problem with the NortWand Addition is that information is being lost as phases of the
development are presented to the Planning Commission. Phases of this development have occurred over a period of
years.
I Weyrens suggested that the Planning Commission requires a final plat of the entire development be submitted within
one year of the preliminary plat as stated in the Ordinance and eliminate the phasing of the developments. Ehlert
stated that a final plat of the Northland Addition would have identified problem areas in the beginning of the
development.
Schneider stated that Planning Commission should recommend that the City Engineer review the option of
extending Fir Street to County Road #2. Carlson stated that the Planning Commission doesn't have spending
authority and should recommend the option to the City Council for action.
Utsch made a motion to recommend that the City Council review the option of extending Fir Street to County
Road #2 as an alternative road corridor for the Northland Addition: Seconded by Schneider. The motion
passed unanimously by all present.
Gary Schleicher, Northland resident, questioned if Gumtree Street was heading east to County Road #133? Carlson
stated that the preliminary plat has Gumtree Street connecting with 7111 Avenue.
Carlson presented the Planning Commission with the updated Zoning Ordinance Book. Carlson noted the efforts of
Weyrens in completing the Zoning Ordinance Book. Kalinowski thanked Weyrens for all her assistance with the
Zoning Ordinance Book.
Approval of Minutes - October 4. 1999:
Ehlert moved to approve the October 4,1999 minutes of the Planning Commission with the following change
on Page #4, 11th paragraph: "Elhert further stated that the industrial park project and Nortbtand Drive were
included in the same bonding package and the City Council "e9uhl" "did" not delay the bond issue";
Seconded by Utsch.
I The motion passed unanimously by all present.
Commissioner Announcements:
Ehlert questioned when the APO would get involved with City Council regarding the alternative road corridors for
the Northland Addition. Carlson stated that the APO reviews all plats submitted to the Planning Commission. The
APO has offered to assist the Planning Commission with analyzing the proposed alternatives by using computer
modeling.
Kalinowski requested that Carlson approach the APO with the suggested alternatives for the Northland Addition.
Carlson announced that he would be attending an annexation seminar on November 10, 1999.
Graeve suggested that Planning Commission should meet with Councilor Twit to discuss his proposal to start a
moratorium on any new rental units in the City of St. Joseph. Graeve stated that all the old housing stack suitable
for first time homebuyers are being purchased for rental units. Affordable housing is being lost. EWert stated that
the Planning Commission needs to review the Ordinance and present options to the City Council. Carlson stated he
would research the situation.
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
ß/Æ
Chad A. Carlson
Planning Commission Secretary
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November 1, 1999 Minutes