HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [10] Oct 03October 3, 2005
Page 1 of 2
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular
session on Monday, October 3, 2005 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Gary Utsch. Commissioners: Marge Lesnick, Jim Graeve, AI Rassier, Sister
Kathleen Kalinowski, Mike Deutz, Bob Loso
Others Present: David Potter
Approve Agenda: Deutz made a motion to approve the agenda with the following
additions/deletions/changes:
^ Split the meeting into a Planning Commission meeting, followed by a Joint Planning
Commission/City Council meeting.
^ Add Sand Companies -set special hearing date
^ Add Midnight Haulers
^ Add Minutes -September 12, 2005
The motion was seconded by Kalinowski and passed unanimously.
Minutes: Lesnick made a motion to approve the minutes of September 12, 2005; seconded by
Rassier.
Ayes: Utsch, Kalinowski, Deutz, Lesnick, Rassier, Graeve
Nays: None Abstain: Loso Motion Carried 6:0:1
Rezoning Request, Leo Buettner: Weyrens reported that the Planning Commission considered the
request of Leo Buettner to initiate the hearing process to consider the rezoning of Lot 2 Block 3 Buettner
Business Park from the current Industrial to 62, Highway Business. The Planning Commission did not
have a written recommendation from the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority and referred the
matter to the EDA for a recommendation. Since the last Planning Commission meeting, property owner
representative Jerry Hettwer, appeared before the EDA and received a favorable recommendation
requesting the Planning Commission to initiate the rezoning request as stated above.
Weyrens presented the Planning Commission with the minutes of the EDA meeting whereby they
recommended Planning Commission approval. Weyrens clarified that the rezoning request is appropriate
as it is an extension of the current Highway 75 Zoning District.
Loso made a motion acknowledging that the Planning Commission will initiate the rezoning
request of Leo Buettner and authorized the scheduling of the public hearing to rezone Lot 2 Block
3 Buettner Business Park from the current Industrial to 62 Highway Business. The motion was
seconded by Rassier and passed.
Ayes: Loso, Rassier, Utsch, Kalinowski, Graeve, Lesnick
Nays: Deutz Motion Carried 6:1:0
Midnight Haulers: Weyrens stated that previously Midnight Haulers approached the Commissioners and
requested relief from some curbing on their property. The City does not have an opinion letter from the
City Engineer as she received the information earlier this day.
Loso made a motion to table this item until they receive a response from Tracy.
Utsch stated that there is no need to table this item as of yet because a decision cannot be made until
they either appeal the Ordinance Requirements or go through the variance process. According to Utsch,
they have had problems with their project since the beginning. The issue at hand is more than a simple
curb issue and as a result, they must request a variance. Wasmund, St. Joseph Building Official, was also
present at the meeting. He stated that they are seeking relief of the curbing around the access lanes as
well as the requirement of brick adornment on the front of the building. In addition there is an outstanding
issue of fire suppression, which is required by the Fire and Building Code.
October 3, 2005
Page 2 of 2
Utsch stated that they, as a Planning Commission, could either leave the plan as it was approved or allow
the property owner to request a variance. He also advised the Commissioners that they will need to be
very careful when considering the variance request as other projects in the area have been required to
fulfill this requirement. Rassier stated that the variance process should be followed through in a proper
manner. He advised Midnight Haulers to apply for a variance for the adornment at the same time as the
request for relief from curbing.
According to Deutz, the curbing was originally required to control runoff. However, this is a very unique
piece of property due to its size. The intent of the Ordinance requiring that 25% of the front of the building
be brick was to create a nicer looking building from the road. He stated that he does not see a reason to
require that when a fence will block the entire front of the building. Deutz questioned why Lemmer
Trucking has not fulfilled the exterior requirement for the building expansion approved by the Planning
Commission. This matter along with American Manufacturing will be referred to the Building Official for
compliance.
Weyrens advised the Commission that the earliest that they could schedule a public hearing is October
17, 2005 with the Council considering the matter at the October 20, 2005 City Council Meeting.
Sand Companies: Weyrens advised the Planning Commission that Sand Companies is requesting to
develop Sunrise Cottages, which is the Patio Home portion of the R3 area in Morningside Acres. The
Plan approved in July 2004 included five (5) one-level patio homes and four (4) two-level patio homes.
Since the public hearing the property has been sold to a different developer and they are requesting to
construct all two story townhomes. Since a special use permit was required for the R3 portion a new
public hearing must be conducted amending the Special Use permit issued in July 2004. This hearing will
be scheduled for October 17, 2005 as well.
Ad~iourn: Deutz made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Lesnick and passed unanimously.
c~ ~2-~~
Weyr ns
d inistrator