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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [10] Oct 05Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, October 5, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners S. Kathleen Kalinowski, Linda Sniezek, Marge Lesnick, Jim Graeve. Council Liaison Cory Ehlert. Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Len Wiener, Mike Deutz, Ellen Wahlstrom. Len Wiener, Discussion on Indoor Recreation: Len Wiener appeared before the Commission to discuss a proposal to open an indoor mini golf course in the former bank building located on Minnesota Street West. The proposal includes a facility with nine (9) holes and possibly a small retail section. Both levels of the building would be utilized for the golf course. In reviewing the applicable Ordinances, the Commission determined that a recreational facility is a permitted use in the General Business District. However, a parking plan must be submitted and approved by both the Planning Commission and City Council. Wiener stated that he owns a parcel of property on College Avenue North that he would be willing to utilize for parking, but anticipates that most of his traffic will be walk in. It is his hope to attract the younger children along with the college students. The Commission discussed the proximity of the additional lot owned by Wiener to his West Minnesota Street location and found it to be located in excess of 300 feet. Wiener questioned how many parking spaces would be required for his proposed use and if a variance on the parking requirement is a possible. Weyrens stated that she will investigate the matter and contact Wiener. The Commission urged Wiener to move forward with his plans and submit a parking plan at the next meeting. Mike Deutz, Proposed Parkin Plan: Mike Deutz appeared before the Planning Commission to discuss his development proposal for 33 Minnesota Street West. He stated that he has been unsuccessful at securing additional off street parking for his development. Deutz stated that he had a tentative arrangement a property owner lease parking space, but after the property owner received a letter from the City outlining the requirements, he was reluctant to formalize the agreement. In Deutz's opinion he was required to meet conditions that have not been required of other property owners and the requirements changed after the last Planning Commission meeting. Deutz further stated that the City needs to look at the potential tax revenue. The property previously provided tax revenue in excess of $ 4,500 compared to the current value of less than $ 300 after demolition of an existing structure. Allowing a new building would substantially increase tax revenues. He also stated that it is his opinion that a parking formula does not belong in the downtown area. The City should be encouraging the development of downtown rather than stop progress. Lesnick stated that she has been paying special attention to the traffic at Papa Guiseppe's and she has never seen more than two or three tables full at any given time. It is her opinion that the traffic for the Pizzeria is mainly delivery or pickup. Therefore, in her opinion Deutz would have sufficient parking if he provided parking for the rental portion of his development. Sniezek stated that she believes the City should be promoting the development of downtown and cannot be so rigid with parking requirements. The Ordinance grants the Planning Commission and City Council the authority to determine the amount of parking required without using the strict parking guidelines. She stated that at one time the Bank and Meat Market both operated on Minnesota Street and there was not a parking problem. Sniezek is uncertain as to whether or not there is a parking problem downtown. October 5, 1998 Page 1 of 3 Klein stated that it was the intent of the Ordinance to require all new businesses to provide the required parking when developing in the downtown area. Any existing buildings would be grandfathered in and would not be required to provide additional parking. Klein also stated that implementing a two hour limitation on parking in the downtown area might help resolve the parking problems. Grave stated that he is in favor of waving parking requirements for all development in the downtown area. He concurred that the City should be encouraging the development of the downtown area. Ehlert stated that he would not be in favor of waiving all requirements, rather he would request to look at each development proposal on its own merit. There is some development that would require parking and Ehlert would not want to give blanket approval. Lesnick made a motion to request the City Council accept the parking plan of Mike Deutz for the proposed development of 33 Minnesota Street West. The parking plan provides six (6) parking spaces for the development on the site. This motion further clarifies that the six (6) parking spaces provided are to be used, marked and designated for the rental portion of the development. The Planning Commission has required the property owner to research alternative parking and he has exhausted all possibilities. It is the opinion of the Planning Commission that the development will be an asset to the downtown area. The recommendation is based on the following findings: 1. The proposed development will provide an increased tax base to the community 2. Precedence will not be set by approval as the property owner researched alternative parking and could not find any. Further, the development will not generate an abundant need for off street parking. 3. The proposed development will aid in the revitalization of the downtown area. The motion was seconded by Sniezek and passed unanimously by those present. Ellen Wahlstrom -Discussion on Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Ellen Wahlstrom appeared before the Commission to further discuss the need to assure that certain environmental areas are protected. She stated that she has received a copy of the Ordinance passed by the City of St. Cloud and is requesting the Planning Commission verify that the Comprehensive Plan and Ordinance for St. Joseph provide sufficient protection. Wahlstrom also stated the Planning Commission should be involved with the future planning of the expansion of 12`'' Avenue SE. She stated that it was her understanding that 12~' Avenue SE would be adjacent to Klinefelter Park and a buffer of wildlife and trees could be destroyed in the construction process. She also stated that the road is scheduled to be a minor arterial road and she is certain that residents in the Pond View Ridge area are unaware of the proposed road. Klein clarified that 12~' Avenue has been realigned and single family dwellings will abut Klinefelter Park. Wahlstrom encouraged the Planning Commission to invite the APO, County Engineer or City Engineer to an upcoming Planning Commission meeting to discuss future roadways. Weyrens stated that the Chamber has scheduled a representative from APO as the speaker for the next Chamber meeting on October 20, 1998 and the Planning Commission is welcome to attend. Wahlstrom questioned the Planning Commission if they would consider adding the following to the Wetlands Ordinance: This Ordinance creates a process through which the City can comply with the Comprehensive Plan 's pledge to support orderly growth and development while protecting environmentally sensitive resources within the City of St. Joseph. October 5, 1998 Page 2 of 3 Kalinowski stated it is her opinion that the Ordinances need to be consistent and currently no other Ordinance has such a statement. If the Commission adds a statement to the Wetland Ordinance they need to consider revising other Ordinances. Kalinowski further stated that broad statements already included in the Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances state the same content. Sniezek and Lesnick concurred with Kalinowski. After considerable discussion, the Commission concurred not to amend the proposed Wetland Ordinance and allow the Council the opportunity to discuss the inclusion of additional statements. Minutes: Lesnick made a motion to approve the minutes of September 8, 1998 with corrections. The motion was seconded by Graeve and passed unanimously by those present. Lesnick made a motion to approve the minutes of September 11, 1998 as presented; seconded by Ehlert and passed unanimously by those present. November Meetin Date: Weyrens stated that due to the State General Election the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for November 2, 1998 needs to be rescheduled. The Commission scheduled the next meeting of the Planning Commission for November 9, 1998. Adjourn: Lesnick made a motion to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.; seconded by Sniezek and passed unanimously by those present. Judy Weyrens Deputy Clerk October 5, 1998 Page 3 of 3