HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 [08] Aug 12Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission
for the City of St. Joseph met in special session on Monday, August
12, 1996 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners S. Kathleen
Kalinowski, Marge Lesnick, Linda Sniezek, Dan Nierengarten, Kurt
Schneider, Andy Brixius. Council Liaison Cory Ehlert. Secretary
of the Commission Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Troy Battig, Dick Battig, Jeff Trewin.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the building permit
application of All Star Pizza.
Troy Battig, owner of All Star Pizza, discussed the building plans
of All Star Pizza. He stated that he is in the process of
purchasing the former Williams Funeral Home to relocate his
business. At the request of the Planning Commission Battig
approached adjoining property owners trying to secure additional
parking for his business. None of the property owners indicated
they would provide parking in a written format. St. Joseph Code of
Ordinances requires one parking space per employee and one parking
space for each four (4) seating spaces. Battig presented a parking
plan where he can park four (4) cars off street and is asking for
relief of the remaining four (4) spaces.
Klein stated that he talked to the adjoining property owner who is
opposed to the Commission relieving any of the parking
requirements. He stated that his parking lot is currently being
used for the entire downtown area and feels the Planning Commission
needs to address the parking issue. While he is not opposed to
development, he is concerned with the appearance of the downtown
area and managed development. Klein requested that the Commission
walk over to the site to view the proposed parking area.
Upon viewing the site, the Commission returned to the City Hall and
continued discussing the proposal. Sniezek questioned Battig why
AlI Star Pizza was relocating. Battig stated that the opportunity
to purchase the building surfaced and the Minnesota Department of
Health would not approve the kitchen in the existing building.
Schneider discussed the parking problems of the entire downtown
area and whether requiring additional parking was a good decision.
The former funeral home has been sitting idle for quite sometime,
and the development of the building could enhance the downtown
area. The Commission needs to look at the existing Ordinance and
see if it needs to be revised. Additionally the Commission needs
to take into account the past decision regarding parking allowances
and if they are being consistent.
Battig stated the parking plan would provide for two (2) parking
stalls side by side beginning at the southwest corner of the
building and two additional spaces behind them at the northwest
corner of the building. The employees would be required to park in
the Southwest parking stalls.
Kalinowski and Lesnick questioned what percent of business is take
out, how often the overflow dining room would be used and if All
Star is open for lunch.
Battig stated that approximately 85 percent of the business is
take out. All Star is currently open at 11:00 a.m. and he is not
sure if they will continue during the school year. During the
lunch hour he does have a good dine in business, but felt during
the winter months customers would not walk to the restaurant. As
far as the overflow dining room, at this time is would only be used
for power weekends such as homecoming, pinestock, after bar hours
and special events. Hopefully the business will grow enough to use
both sides.
Sniezek questioned if the parking plan could be approved for the
one dining room only, requiring the property owners to re-appear at
the time when .the second dining room is used on a full time basis.
Weyrens stated that the Commission at this time is approving the
authorization to make application for a building permit and she is
uncertain whether the Planning Commission would have any control
measures once the building permit is issued.
After considerable discussion, Sniezek made a motion recommending
Council authorization allowing All Star Pizza to make application
for a building permit. Approval is based on the following
contingencies:
1. The parking lot area will paved and striped meeting the
parking lot standards.
2. A permanent barrier will be placed on the western edge of
the property line (adjacent to the bank parking lot)
3. If the parking area becomes a problem due to encroachment
on the adjoining property the Planning Commission may
require a fence be installed along the property line
adjacent to the bank parking lot.
The motion was seconded by Kalinowski
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Sniezek, Nierengarten,
Ehlert, Schneider, Brixius
Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0
Adiourn: Lesnick made a motion to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. ; seconded by
Nierengarten.
Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Sniezek, Nierengarten,
Ehlert, Schneider, Brixius
Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0
~yrens
e retary of the Commission