HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [08] Aug 08August 8, 2005
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular
session on Monday, August 8, 2005 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Gary Utsch. Commissioners: S. Kathleen Kalinowski, Marge Lesnick, Jim
Graeve, Bob Loso, Mike Deutz, AI Rassier. City Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Jerry Hettwer, Joseph Leach, Mark Lenz, Brian Shields
Approve Agenda: Lesnick made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Kalinowski and
passed unanimously.
Minutes: Lesnick made a motion to approve the minutes of May 2, 2005 with grammatical errors
corrected per Kalinowski; seconded by Rassier and passed unanimously.
Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of May 16, 2005; seconded by Lesnick and passed
unanimously.
Kalinowski made a motion to approve the minutes of June 6, 2005; seconded by Rassier and
passed unanimously.
Lesnick made a motion to approve the minutes of July 5, 2005; seconded by Kalinowski and
passed unanimously.
Interim Use Permits -Annual Review: When the Planning Commission issues Interim Use Permits for
Owner Occupied Rental Units, a contingency is included that requires an annual review of the permit. As
part of the review, the Police Department was asked to provide any police reports concerning the subject
properties. Weyrens stated that there were no police reports for the previous license period. The following
is a list of Interim Use Permits for consideration:
Year
Type of Interium Use Address Owner Issued
Owner Occupied Rental 209 East MN Street Kathryn Kalkman 2003
Owner Occupied Rental 101 - 5th Avenue NW Mike Bader 2003
Owner Occupied Rental 32 - 1~t Avenue SE Brandon Kappes 2003
Owner Occupied Rental 763 College Ave S Jim Odegard 2004
Owner Occupied Rental 321 Cypress Drive Brian Shields 2004
Weyrens reported that Brandon Kappes has not completed the rental license process for 2004 and
discussing the matter with him, he has indicated that he will not be requesting a rental license. Therefore,
Weyrens recommended the Commission discontinue the Interim Use Permit for Kappes.
Graeve made a motion to discontinue the Interim Use Permit for Brandon Kappes. The motion was
seconded by Kalinowski and passed unanimously.
Rassier made a motion to continue the Interim Use Permits for Kalkman, Bader, Odegard and
Shields as recommended. The motion was seconded by Lesnick and passed unanimously.
Bliss Direct Media -Development Plan: Weyrens reported that Bliss Media has submitted a site plan for
the construction of a 17,034 square foot production facility. The plans have been submitted to City Staff
for review. The EDA has reviewed the site plan for covenant compliance and based on the revised plans,
the EDA is recommending approval.
August 8, 2005
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Joe Leach, owner of Bliss Marketing approached the Commission to answer questions. Kalinowski
questioned how he came up with the name Bliss Marketing. Leach stated that it was an inspirational
name that came to him when deciding to start his own business.
The Planning Commission reviewed the recommendations of the City Building Official, Ron Wasmond.
Wasmond recommended the Council approve the site plan contingent upon submittal of the following:
1. Foundation details
2. Install decorative wainscoting material on the West and North sides of the building.
3. Provide a lock box before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
4. Provide sign details.
5. Provide lighting details
6. Provide complete building, plumbing, heating and civil plans for review and approval for building
permit issuance.
7. Provide a complete statement concerning the specific nature of the use of the property in
compliance with Ordinance Section 52.33 Subd. 9(d)
8. Provide the requested documents to the City Engineer.
Mark Lenz, MLA Architects approached the Commission. He stated that he has no questions on
Wasmund's recommendations; however they were showing wainscoting only on the North, South, and
East sides of the building. This would cover 30% of the building. The West side of the building is going to
be where future expansion would take place. Lenz also stated that the existing tree line would be
maintained until future expansion and trees will be added along CR 133. According to Lenz, they failed
to show the foundation on the site plan, but he assured the commissioners that there will be a foundation
rather than a slab. Lenz did question the necessity of the need for concrete curbs. He stated that he is
researching this to find the Ordinance that requires them. According to Weyrens it is part of the Parking
Lot Standards. Rassier clarified that the loading dock area will consist of class 2 materials whereas the
parking lot area will be bituminous surface.
Lenz also stated that they are aware of the City Engineer comments as well. They have passed them on
to their civil engineer and he will follow up on them. The Engineering comments are as follows:
1. Pond shall meet adopted city standards. Provide riprap at outlet to pond. Provide erosion control
blanket on pond slopes. NPDES Storm Water Permit is required for construction sites greater
than 1 acre.
2. See attached detail for driveway apron.
3. Contact City of St. Joseph Public Works prior to connection to water or sewer.
Utsch questioned the landscaping around the building. After much discussion about the trees and
landscaping, they advised the Commissioners that they plan to plant trees behind the loading dock. The
Commissioners also requested that they add some trees to the North side of the building from the back of
the building to the edge of the tree line. They agreed to do so and based on the discussions, the trees will
be spaced similarly to those being planted along CR133.
Graeve asked Leach to give a brief description of what the company does and what they will bring to the
community. Leach stated that they are a direct mail production facility. They coordinate the printing and
then they do the mailing and production internally. They currently have 11 employees. He stated that he
lowest paying job pays $9.00/hour with many positions paying in the middle teens. According to Leach,
they anticipate 3 new employees in the next 60 days. He also stated that they do not use any chemicals
in their business, rather they operate using laser printers.
Utsch questioned Leach as to their plans for the future of Outlot A. Leach stated that they are unsure at
this point; however they may sell it or use that area for future expansion. Deutz stated that he would like
to see minutes from the previous EDA meeting in regards to Bliss Media. He also stated that he would
like the plans to show exactly where the tar will end and the class 2 will begin.
August 8, 2005
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Rassier made a motion to recommend the Council authorize the Mayor and Administrator to
execute a Development Agreement between the City of St. Joseph and Secured Earnings and
Warranty LLC to construct a 17,034 square foot production facility contingent upon the following:
1. Fulfilling the requirements of the Building Official
2. Fulfilling the requirements of the City Engineer
3. Add trees along the North side of the building spacing the trees 35' apart.
4. Submitting a plan showing where the bituminous will end.
The motion was seconded by Kalinowski and passed unanimously.
Minnesota Home Improvements: The Planning Commission received information regarding a Special
Use Permit issued to Minnesota Home Improvement. The Special Use Permit was issued in 2003 and
allowed for the sale of trailers. The Permit was issued contingent that the parking area be paved and the
property meet the Ordinance requirements of the B-2 Zoning District. Ordinance compliance did not
occur, therefore, a notice of termination was sent to the property owner.
Adjourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Lesnick and passed unanimously.
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