HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [05] May 14Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority met in
regular session on Wednesday, May 14, 1997 at 8:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Kenneth Hiemenz. Board Members Kenneth Twit, Bruce
Gohman, Michael Deutz, Ross Rieke. Recording Secretary Judy Weyrens.
Approval Minutes: Gohman made a motion to approve the minute as presented;
seconded by Twit. The motion passed unanimously.
EDA Director Status: Hiemenz reported that Chad Carlson has accepted the position
of Economic Development Director with a starting wage of $ 27,726.40, annually.
Carlson will begin employment on June 10, 1997.
Office Space & Equipment: Board Members discussed office space available including
an office on Minnesota Street West and the City apartments. After discussion, the
Board established that Carlson will have his office in the former apartments in the City
Annex. The Board requested that Carlson prepare a list of equipment/supplies
needed along with costs. The equipment/supplies should be presented to the Board
Members at the June 11, 1997 meeting for discussion and possible purchase.
Tob Description: As the EDA Director is a new position, a job description needs to be
established. Hiemenz stated that he has information and will put together a sample
description for review and comment by both Carlson and Board Members. The major
emphasis for the June meeting will be to establish and adopt a job description.
EDA Budget: Weyrens presented the budget for 1997 and a review of the contents.
Hiemenz stated that any grant received through the EDA will include an administrative
cost that will support the budget.
Devel~ment Process: Hiemenz discussed the need for the EDA to be made aware of
special use and variance requests in the commercial and industrial areas. The EDA
Director should be working with the developers before it comes to the Planning
Commission. Weyrens stated that the Planning Commission has just approved a
Development Application Form to be used by all applicants of a variance or special use.
This form could be forwarded to the EDA Director for any comments or concerns.
Hiemenz stated that legislation requires that land use issues be resolved within 60 days
of making complete application. Therefore, once application is made there is not much
time for deliberation.
Hiemenz reported that the Planning Commission has two applications before them.
The first being Budget Propane. The Council asked the owners to waive the 60 day
requirement, which they did, in order for the full Council to be present. Board
Members present agreed that the EDA would not become involved in this matter at this
time.
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The second application is Ridgewood Storage, Al Stellmach. Stellmach is requesting a
special use permit and variance request to construct mini- storage units. The variance
being requested is a twenty foot variance on the rear yard setback. If this is approved
Stellmach would have a zero foot setback. Board Members agreed that setback
requirements should be maintained and precedence could be set by allowing such.
Therefore, Gohman made a motion to request the Planning Commission deny the
variance request of Al Stellxnach and require the property owner to meet the current
setback requirements. The motion was seconded by Deutz and passed unanimously.
Board Members requested to review the Development Application Form approved by
the Planning Commission. Additionally, Twit requested that a packet be prepared for
persons applying for a special use or variance. This packet should minimally include
the Ordinance and application form.
By Laws: The Board agreed to place this matter under old business and review when
the EDA Director is present.
Other Business: Hiemenz discussed the recent purchase of railroad right of way and
the ramifications of selling such.
Adjourn: Gohman made a motion to adjourn at 9:35 a.m. ;seconded by Twit.
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dy Weyrens
Recording Secretary, EDA
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