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Home My WebLink About2009 [06] Jun 01June 1, 2009 Page 1 of 3 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Members Present: Chair Kathleen Kalinowski, Commissioners Ross Rieke, Mike McDonald, Mike Deutz, Brian Orcutt, John Meyer, Dale Wick and City Administrator Judy Weyrens Others Present: S. Paula Revier, S. Kara Hennes, S. Thomasette Approval of the Agenda: Deutz made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded Orcutt and passed unanimously. Minutes: Meyer made a motion to approve the minutes with minor corrections. The motion was seconded by Deutz and passed unanimously. Public Hearing, Preliminary Plat, CW LLC. St. Joseph Professional Plat: Weyrens advised the Commissioners that she received an email from the Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union stating that they are withdrawing their request. She stated that they could either open the Public Hearing and accept testimony or accept the withdrawal and deny the application. Deutz made a motion to accept the withdrawal and deny the application for the preliminary plat entitled St. Joseph Preliminary Plat. The motion was seconded by Rieke. Discussion: McDonald questioned why they withdrew their request. Weyrens stated that the development that was planned is no longer going to develop there. She added that the Credit Union feels that this is a good plat and they may resubmit later. The motion passed unanimously. Preliminary Plat -Benedict Plat: Kalinowski stepped down from her chair due to a conflict of interest. Weyrens stated that, after the last meeting, there were three outstanding issues: 1. Legal Counsel for the St. Joseph Parish had not reviewed the plat and stated that the Parish could neither support nor oppose the plat until they had time to review such. Since the Parish is a signing party to the plat, they would need to approve. According to Weyrens, the City has now received a letter of support from the Parish. 2. Bernie Schloemer questioned the hearing process, in particular the legal description used for the hearing notice. Weyrens spoke with the Attorney and clarified that the proper people were notified of the public hearing regarding the preliminary plat. 3. The Commission questioned the process for approval for the portion of the plat that lies in the Township. Weyrens added that Stearns County Environmental Services and the Joint Planning Board will meet to approve this plat. The final plat will be signed by both the City and the Township. S. Kara Hennes approached the Commissioners on behalf of the Monastery. She stated that when this process started, the goal was to transfer some land between the College and the Monastery because some of the college buildings are on Monastery property. To continue with the land transfer, they needed to plat the property. She added that many of their boundaries are shared with the Parish and those were brought in to the plat as well. It also includes a small portion of the Pfannenstein property near I-94 and the land purchased from Anita Walz. June 1, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Deutz asked the Commissioners for their comments. Vern Bartz, SEH, also addressed the Commissioners. He stated that the plat incorporates the entire College campus west of CR121. Meyer stated his concern with the number of outlots on the plat, as they are generally more definitive. He also added his concern with the number of variances that are going to be required. Bartz stated that they split the property into outlots as it will need to be split between the area in the City and that in the Township. When the process was started, he stated that they were under the impression that the property could be annexed into the City. With reference to the numerous outlots, Deutz questioned whether or not this has been laid out for development. Bartz re-stated that the purpose is to straighten out land lines and address gaps and overlaps. Although a portion of this could be developed as commercial in the future, right now there is no intent to develop. Wick stated that he had no questions; however, this plat is different as it is platted as outlots. He was curious about the variances required. Weyrens stated that the City doesn't allow buildings on outlots. She added that this is more administrative in nature as the current legal descriptions are a nightmare. Platting it as outlots is the best method to now allow development. Wick questioned whether the taxes will be different for outlots. Meyer stated that he sees a definite possibility for development. Bartz restated that this plat is not for development rather to clarify property lines. Sabart added that he has seen other plats with multiple outlots. The Parkway Business Center is one example. According to Sabart, it is not uncommon to designate the property as outlots if the property owner is not clear about the future use of the property. In previous discussions with staff, he stated that Lot 4 Block 1 is intended as a future advance to the College for a parking lot. He added that there may be a future development, but there are no definite plans. McDonald questioned the annexation of the entire property. Weyrens stated that there has been some dispute between the City and the Township. She added that the City can pursue this annexation request and then the entire Benedict Plat would be within the City. They have previously talked about the Orderly Annexation. The Township is not taking any initiative to approve this plat. Bartz stated that the fact that it is not being annexed has caused them problems as well. They do not care either way. The Joint Planning Board will meet to discuss the preliminary plat request. Deutz questioned the delineation of the wetlands. Bartz stated that they have the information on the plat and they will have the wetlands marked once the plat is approved. Weyrens reminded the Commissioners that the Public Hearing was opened and closed at the last meeting. Meyer made a motion to recommend Council approval of the Preliminary Plat entitled Benedict for administrative purposes, conveying no development rights. The motion was seconded by Deutz. Ayes: Deutz, Wick, McDonald, Rieke, Meyer, Orcutt Nays: None Abstain: Kalinowski Motion Carried 6:0:1 Special Meeting: Weyrens reminded the Commissioners that there is a joint meeting with the Township scheduled for June 8 at 7:00 PM to continue discussion of the Orderly Annexation Agreement. Weyrens suggested that the Commissioners meet to discuss the Coborns site plan on June 15 at 6:00 PM as the Council will be meeting at 7:00 to conduct the public hearing regarding the Tax Abatement. Deutz questioned whether the site plan approval for Coborns is premature at this time. Weyrens assured the Commissioners that their plan will not change based on the TIF. She added that the site plan and the TIF are two separate issues. Meyer questioned Sabart as to the required width of the City Streets in a development with a Coborns of this magnitude. Sabart replied 60-66'; however, he believes that this is already 80'. Industrial areas are generally 40-42'. According to Meyer, the road is underdeveloped. Sabart stated that he is unsure of this. June 1, 2009 Page 3 of 3 He added that Stearns County generally uses a metric plan and typically the streets are wider than planned. Update: Weyrens advised the Council that North Country Trailer Sales, 8'h Avenue NE, has until June 1 to be in compliance. An inspection will be scheduled for June 2. Weyrens updated the Commissioners that she will be meeting with the developer on Wednesday and this issue will be discussed on July 6. Ad~iourn: Meyer made a motion to adjourn at ;seconded by Deutz and passed unanimously. .. _. ~:~~ ~c%~r_S ~- Judy Weyrens Administrator