HomeMy WebLinkAbout[06a] Scenic Special use
STATE OF MINNESOTA CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
COUNTY OF STEARNS SPECIAL USE PROCEEDINGS
FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISON
In the matter of:
Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge Properties, LLC
Special Use Permit to allow for Events Center
On February 3, 2014, the St. Joseph Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to
consider the application of Randy Schmitz for special use to allow recreation services such as theaters,
bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The matter was duly published and notice was provided
to property owners within 350 feet of the above referenced property. Needing additional information,
the Planning Commission tabled action on the Special Use Request
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: E ¾ SE 4 SW 4 Lying N of County Road 133.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 31101 County Road 133
ZONING CLASSIFICATION: B2, Highway Business
ORDINANCE REFERENCES:
1. St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.32 Subd. 1 states the Highway 75 Business District is
intended to control the use and development of land an improvements by creating a mi
land use district near and adjacent to the County State Aid High
St. Joseph.
2.St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 4(j) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments an
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementione
3.St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.07 Subd. 3 identifies the process for securing a special use
permits and the standards for granting the same.
a.&..
b.&..
c.&..
d.&..
e.Identifies standards for granting a special use permit and includ
detrimental to or endanger public health, safety, morals, comfor
welfare of the neighborhood; will be harmonious to the neighborhood; will not
change the characteristics of the neighborhood, will be adequate
facilities and services; will not create excessive additional co
involve activities that involve excessive noise, production of traffic, fumes, glare or
odors; will not create traffic congestion; will have adequate fa
parking; will not result in the loss or damage of historic prope
4.St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.07 subd. 3
a......
b.&..
c.&..
d.&..
e.&..
f.&..
g.&..
h.provides the Planning Commission and City Council the authority
when issuing a special use permit in order to protect the best i
surrounding area or of the City as a whole and identifies examples of conditions
which include: traffic management for ingress and egress to the -street
parking; refuse and service areas; fencing and landscaping; sign
requirements; general compatibility conditions.
The Planning Commission accepted the following testimony:
1. Steve Gohman expressed concern that as an adjacent land owner wi
concerned about trespass. Through discussion it was determined
is fenced thereby reducing the trespass issue.
Upon the hearing being closed, the Planning Commission deliberat
1.Understanding of the type of events center and that it would be
high end events. All events would include catered food and alco
2.Management of alcohol on the site, requesting additional information f
3.Management of the site in relation to traffic and impacts to CR
4.Assurance of life safety measures and fire protection
5.The special use would not grant development rights until the building code issues have been
resolved.
6.Requested additional information on overall sight management.
In an effort to gather additional information, the Planning Comm
hearing to the March 3, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, at which the following information was
presented for deliberation:
1.Insurance The property owner should provide the City annually with a certi
insurance, providing proof of insurance as an events center or g
2.Alcohol The Rolling Ridge Conference Center will not include an on/off s
The facility is used for private parties only, not open to the p
served on the premise, it must be provided by a vendor with a cut MN Caterers license.
The property owner is responsible for providing the City with a MN License for
each event. Additionally,
a.Alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas
b.Alcohol cannot be taken beyond the east pillars leading to the parking lot. The property
owner will mark the area with a sign indicating no liquor beyon
c.The property owner should further delineate the point where alco
property by adding plantings to each side of the pillars leadingo the parking lot.
3.Noise Outdoor music is allowed and shall be governed by St. Joseph Code of Ordinances
102, Noise.
4.Seasonal Business The current special use permit allows special event venues from
through October 31 annually.
5.Parking All parking must be in designated areas and parking on CR 133 is prohi
6.Guest Suite The proposed convention center includes a guest suite to be util
Bride and Groom or CEO reserving the facility.
a.The suite can only be occupied for one night
b.The suite will serve as a bread and breakfast with no cooking perm
Food must be catered.
c.The rental inspector shall annually inspect the unit to assure l
satisfied. Typical rental inspection fees shall apply.
7.Recreational Bonfires any recreational bonfire must be located in a designated area
approved by the Fire Chief. During use proper fire safety measu
a hose and water.
8.Inspection The City reserves the right to inspect the property at any time.
9.Signage All signage must be in accordance to St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.11.
10.Development Rights The special use permit does not become valid until all building
issues have been resolved and the building is in conformance.
DECISION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the Finding of Fact, the St. Joseph Planning Commission recommends the St. Joseph
City Council issue a Special Use Permit based on the following conclusions:
1. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 4(j) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments an
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementione
2. The Special Use Permit is contingent upon meeting the requirements set forth in
deliberation items 1-10.
Based on the foregoing Finding of Fact of the St. Joseph PlanninSpecial
Use to allow recreation services such as theatres, bowling establishlodges at 31101
County Road 133 is hereby granted to Randy Schmitz with the conditions as stated above.
Adopted this day of , 2014.
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
Rick Schultz, Mayor
Judy Weyrens, Administrator
X 11,
My OF ST. JOSEPH Planning Commission Agenda Item 5
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA ITEM:
SUBMITTED BY:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
March 3, 2014
Public Hearing, Special Use and Variance
31101 County Rd 133
Events Center /Relief on Parking requirements
Administration
PREVIOUS PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing
on February 3, 2014 for the proposed special use and variance to allow an events center at 31101
County Road 133. The matter was tabled so that staff could provide additional information at the
regular meeting in March.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Since the last Planning Commission meeting staff has met and reviewed
the application for the events center, addressing the concerns of the Planning Commission. The issues
for the special use included:
Alcohol — management: The Police Chief has reviewed the site and has requested some
additional plantings near the parking lot columns to delineate where alcohol cannot pass.
CR 133 — The County Engineer was contacted regarding and traffic or road impacts. The County
Engineer that one of the provision of the special use permit is to prohibit parking on CR 133.
Guest Suite — The property owner was requesting a guest suite for the bridge /groom or CEO
booking event could stay overnight. This has been reviewed by the Building Official and would be
permitted with appropriate inspection and life safety measures.
Development Rights — issuance of the special use permit is valid upon completion of all building
code requirements.
Applicable Ordinances —the sight must be managed in accordance with all applicable
Ordinances to include noise, bone fire, and signage.
The second matter before the Planning Commission is a variance on the parking. In discussing the
matter with the City Attorney is not uncommon when a special use is granted that certain variances are
required and are typical. The request for variance from the parking is unique to this situation in that:
a. The property owner is requesting a special use permit to offer a venue in a rural rustic
setting, a historic barn site. In this particular case, paved parking would not be characteristic
b. The proposed use is season, May to October, and is not used every day; rather special event
parking.
c. The property owner has 22 paved parking spaces on site and will be providing 148 parking
spaces in an alfalfa field that will either include a parking attendant or valet parking.
d. Additional parking on granite based material is also available.
ATTACHMENTS: Request for Council Action
Draft Findings, Special Use
Draft Findings, Variance
Hearing Notice
Application Material
REQUESTED PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Finalize findings of fact, forwarding a recommendation
to the City Council
STATE OF MINNESOTA CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
COUNTY OF STEARNS
In the matter of:
Randy Schmitz, Rolling Ridge Properties, LLC
Special Use Permit to allow for Events Center
SPECIAL USE PROCEEDINGS
FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISON
On February 3, 2014, the St. Joseph Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to
consider the application of Randy Schmitz for special use to allow recreation services such as theaters,
bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The matter was duly published and notice was provided
to property owners within 350 feet of the above referenced property. Needing additional information,
the Planning Commission tabled action on the Special Use Request to Mach 3, 2014.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: E % SE 4 SW 4 Lying N of County Road 133.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 31101 County Road 133
ZONING CLASSIFICATION: B2, Highway Business
ORDINANCE REFERENCES:
1. St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.32 Subd. 1 states the Highway 75 Business District is
intended to control the use and development of land an improvements by creating a mixed
land use district near and adjacent to the County State Aid Highway 75 corridor in the City of
St. Joseph.
2. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 4(i) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementioned.
3. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 4(i) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreation services such as theatres, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementioned.
4. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.07 Subd. 3 identifies the process for securing a special use
permits and the standards for granting the same.
a. .....
b. .....
c. .....
d. .....
e. Identifies standards for granting a special use permit and include: will not be
detrimental to or endanger public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general
welfare of the neighborhood; will be harmonious to the neighborhood; will not
change the characteristics of the neighborhood, will be adequately served by
facilities and services; will not create excessive additional costs for services; will not
involve activities that involve excessive noise, production of traffic, fumes, glare or
odors; will not create traffic congestion; will have adequate facilities for off street
parking; will not result in the loss or damage of historic property.
5. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.07 Subd. 3
a. .....
b.
C.
d. .....
e. .....
f. .....
g. .....
h. provides the Planning Commission and City Council the authority to place conditions
when issuing a special use permit in order to protect the best interests of the
surrounding area or of the City as a whole and identifies examples of conditions
which include: traffic management for ingress and egress to the property; off - street
parking; refuse and service areas; fencing and landscaping; signage; open space
requirements; general compatibility conditions.
The Planning Commission accepted the following testimony:
1. Steve Gohman expressed concern that as an adjacent land owner with cattle he was
concerned about trespass. Through discussion it was determined that the property line
is fenced thereby reducing the trespass issue.
Upon the hearing being closed, the Planning Commission deliberated the following:
1. Understanding of the type of events center and that it would be predominately weddings or
high end events. All events would include catered food and alcohol
2. Management of alcohol on the site, requesting additional information from the Police Chief
3. Management of the site in relation to traffic and impacts to CR 133
4. Assurance of life safety measures and fire protection
5. The special use would not grant development rights until the building code issues have been
resolved.
6. Requested additional information on overall sight management.
In an effort to gather additional information, the Planning Commission tabled action on the public
hearing to the March 3, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, at which the following information was
presented for deliberation:
1. Insurance —The property owner should provide the City annually with a certificate of
insurance, providing proof of insurance as an events center or gathering space.
2. Alcohol — The Rolling Ridge Conference Center will not include an on /off sale liquor license.
The facility is used for private parties only, not open to the public. Therefore, if alcohol is
served on the premise, it must be provided by a vendor with a current MN Caterers license.
The property owner is responsible for providing the City with a copy of the MN License for
each event. Additionally,
a. Alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas
b. Alcohol cannot be taken beyond the east pillars leading to the parking lot. The property
owner will mark the area with a sign indicating no "liquor beyond this point ".
c. The property owner should further delineate the point where alcohol cannot leave the
property by adding plantings to each side of the pillars leading to the parking lot.
3. Noise — Outdoor music is allowed and shall be governed by St. Joseph Code of Ordinances
102, Noise.
4. Seasonal Business — The current special use permit allows special event venues from May 1
through October 31 annually.
5. Parking — All parking must be in designated areas and parking on CR 133 is prohibited.
6. Guest Suite —The proposed convention center includes a guest suite to be utilized by the
Bride and Groom or CEO reserving the facility.
a. The suite can only be occupied for one night
b. The suite will serve as a bread and breakfast with no cooking permitted in the suite.
Food must be catered.
c. The rental inspector shall annually inspect the unit to assure life safety measures are
satisfied. Typical rental inspection fees shall apply.
7. Recreational Bonfires — any recreational bonfire must be located in a designated area
approved by the Fire Chief. During use proper fire safety measures must be in place, such as
a hose and water.
8. Inspection —The City reserves the right to inspect the property at anytime.
9. Signage — All signage must be in accordance to St. Joseph Code of Ordinance 52.11.
10. Development Rights —The special use permit does not become valid until all building code
issues have been resolved and the building is in conformance.
DECISION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the Finding of Fact, the St. Joseph Planning Commission recommended approval of the
Special Use Permit based on the following conclusions:
1.
2.
3.
Based on the foregoing Finding of Fact and Decision and Conclusion of the St. Joseph Planning
Commission, the request for Special Use to allow a non -owner occupied rental at 31101 County Road
133 is hereby granted to Randy Schmitz with the following contingencies:
1.
2.
3.
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February 3, 2014
13
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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, February 3, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the St. Joseph City hall opening with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Members Present: Chair Ross Rieke, Commissioners Gina Dullinger, Matt Killam, Daryl Shaefer, Brad
Cobb, City Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Tom Klein, Jerry Gohmann, Gerry Gohmann, Steve Gohmann
Killam made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by
Approval of the Agenda:
Schultz seconded. Motion carried unanimously by those present.
Approval of the Minutes: Rieke stated that he has not had the time to review the minutes from the prior
meetings. Dullinger stated that she doesn’t have all the pages. The approval of the minutes will be carried
over to the next meeting in order for the Commission to receive all pages of the minutes.
Public Hearing, Special Use/Variance: Rieke called the hearing to order to which Weyrens stated that the
purpose of the meeting is to consider a Special Use Permit and Variance Request to allow the operation
of an events center at 31101 County Road 133, St. Joseph MN. The variance is being requested to
relieve strict enforcement of the parking lot regulations.
St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. 4(j) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementioned.
St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.10 Subd. 5 identifies the requirements for parking lots to
include hard surface material and curbing. The property owner is requesting relief from the
design standards.
The property for which Special Use and Variance is being sought is located at 31101 County Road 133,
a.k.a. Scenic Specialties, legally described as E ¾ SE 4 SW 4 Lying N of County Road 133. The request
has been submitted by Rolling Ridge Properties LLC, 9670 Deerwood Rd NE, Rice MN 56367.
Randy Schmitz spoke on his own behalf, owner of Scenic Specialties. Schmitz stated that he is proposing
to convert the existing century barn into an events center hosting primarily weddings and some
occasional corporate events. The facility would operate between May and October of each year with the
long range plan of operating a year round facility. Schmitz stated that the events would be high end
events and not include concerts or drinking types of events.
Weyrens stated that she added in the agenda links to other places that have the same events in barns. It
is a place to hold private events for a fee. Schaefer asked what the ideas would be for parking. Schmitz
stated that there are two areas that they would like to keep unpaved in order to stick with the overall look
of the event center. Weyrens stated that the proposed events center would be a unique opportunity for
the City of St. Joseph as there are no others like it nearby.
Cobb stated that the plans look very nice but is concerned with what types of fire protection that may be
out there as well as the amount of lighting. Schmitz stated that will be included in the building permit
process. He added that the current light posts in the entrance will be replaced with LED lights which will
be 2-3 times brighter.
th
Steve Gohmann, 8881 315 St spoke in regard to impact to adjoining property. Gohmann stated he lives
directly north of the event center. His main concern is that the grass area boarders their pasture area
where there are numerous cattle roaming. Gohmann is worried that people attending the events may
cross over onto their property. Gohman stated that the property line is currently fenced with barbed wire,
but is concerned about people’s curiosity when attending events. Rieke stated that since the property is
fenced the matter should be resolved. He encouraged Schmitz to discuss the concerns with Gohman
and if need add some signage or change the fencing.
February 3, 2014
23
Page of
As no one else was wising to speak, Rieke closed the public hearing at 6:45 PM.
Weyrens clarified that the actions before the Planning Commission are two separate actions. The first
matter is the issuance of a special use permit to allow an events center. The B2 Highway Business
Ordinance requires issuance of a special use permit for recreational operations and the proposed use is
similar in nature. The issuance of a special use permit allows the City to identify the specific use and
attach reasonable regulations.
The second matter before the Planning Commission is a variance to relief the property owner from strict
enforcement of the parking lot requirements. Schmitz is proposing to utilize field space for parking and
has provided adequate parking spaces for the proposed use. Schmitz stated that he is still working on his
parking plan but is hoping to provide valet parking for the guests. The venue can support between 200 –
300 persons and based on 1 parking space for every four, he would need approximately 70 parking
spaces and then additional for staff.
Killam questioned Schmitz as to his timeline for opening. Schmitz stated that he has engaged an
architect to work through the building codes issues and hopes to secure a building permit in April and be
ready for operation in August/September
Rieke asked the Commission if there are any additional areas of concern that has not been addressed by
staff. He added that from a business mindset, he agrees that not having the lot paved will go with the
overall look of the venue and the business is an opportunity for the City.
Schulz stated that while he is supportive of the proposed use, he questions the requested variance and if
th
the City is being consistent in applying the requirements. Recently the City required a business on 8
Ave SE to pave the parking area and in the matter before the Commission, the request is for relief.
Weyrens stated that the proposed use is rural in nature and the parking on natural turf is part of the
th
overall theme of the center; whereas the property on 8 Avenue was a business and the parking lot was
to showcase their merchandise. Schaefer stated that he concurred that is was a more natural parking
area and stated that the property does already contain paved parking areas, so he is not relieved from all
paving. Dullinger questioned if there is a difference between special event parking as the parking lot will
only be used during special events. Schultz clarified that he is supportive of the proposed use, he is
looking for consistency in ordinance application. Schmitz stated that potentially down the road, they could
pave the parking lot, however that would not go with the character of the lot. The event center is looking
operate May – October.
Rieke asked if there were any conversations with the Police Chief regarding having an off-duty officer at
the events. Weyrens stated there was not. Staff is in the process of outlining all the issues and is
recommending the Planning Commission table action on the matter to the next regular Commission
meeting.
Cobb asked what the timeline would be. Weyrens stated that the item would be brought back to the
rdth
Planning Commission on March 3 and to the City Council on March 6.
Dullinger made a motion to table the public hearing for the special use and variance request
submitted by Randy Schmitz to March 3rd. The motion was seconded by Killam and passed
unanimously.
Ordinance 52.11 Signs: Weyrens stated that they had requested the EDA provide additional input than
what was given at the joint meeting on signage. They had some discussion on what they would like to see
in a B3 zone. Staff will be formulating some information to present to the Planning Commission on the
rd
March 3 meeting. On the B3 corridor the EDA would like it to be more of a greenway, something more
pleasing to the eye then having large signs. The minutes from the joint meeting will be ready and put with
the next agenda for approval.
A`� l CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
http : / /mn- stioseph.civicplus.com
City of St. Joseph
Public Hearing
Judy Weyrens
Administrator
Publish: January 24, 2104
Note: MN Statute requires mailed
notice to all property owners
within 350 feet of a variance,
special /interim use or rezoning.
is College Avenue North . PO Box b68 . Saint Joseph, Minnesota (6374
Phone 3zo.363.7zoi Fax 3io.3b3.0342.
The St. Joseph Planning Commission will be conducting a public hearing on Monday,
Administrator
February 3, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the St. Joseph City Hail, 25 College Avenue N to consider a
Judy Wcyrens
special use and variance to allow the operation of an events center at 31101 County Road
133, St. Joseph MN. The variance is being requested to relieve strict enforcement of the
parking lot regulations.
Mayor
Rick Schultz
St. Joseoh Code of Ordinances 52.32 Subd. Q) requires issuance of a special use permit for
recreations services such as theaters, bowling establishments and clubs and lodges. The
Councilors
proposed events center is similar in nature to the aforementioned.
Steve Flank
Bob Loso
St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.10 Subd. 5 identifies the requirements for parking lots to
Re= Symanieu
include hard surface material and curbing. The property owner is requesting relief from the
pale Vick
design standards.
The property for which Special Use and Variance is being sought is located at 31101 County
Road 133, a.k.a. Scenic Specialties, legally described as E % SE 4 SW 4 Lying N of County Road
133. The request has been submitted by Rolling Ridge Properties LLC, 9670 Deerwood Rd
NE, Rice MN 56367.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator
Publish: January 24, 2104
Note: MN Statute requires mailed
notice to all property owners
within 350 feet of a variance,
special /interim use or rezoning.
is College Avenue North . PO Box b68 . Saint Joseph, Minnesota (6374
Phone 3zo.363.7zoi Fax 3io.3b3.0342.
This page intentionally left blank
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT
City of St. Joseph
25 College Avenue N
PO Box 668
St. Joseph, MN 56374
Phone (320)363 -7201 or Fax (320)363 -0342
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) ss
COUNTY OF STEARNS )
Fee $
Paid
Date
NAME: Randy L. Schmitz PHONE: 320 -980 -3124
ADDRESS: 31101 County Road 133 St. Joseph EMAIL: randys@scenicspecialties.com
I/We, the undersigned, hereby make the following application to the City Council and Planning Commission of the City of St. Joseph,
Steams County, Minnesota. (Applicants have the responsibility of checking all applicable ordinances pertaining to their application
and complying with the ordinance requirements.)
1. Application is hereby made for a Special Use Permit to conduct the following:
i addition to our current uses we would like to use our property (including existing buildings and green spaces) to host outdoor
vents such as weddings, reunions and fund raisers that include outdoor music, food & liquor with hours that extend to midnight.
2. Legal description of land to be affected by application, including acreage or square footage of land involved, and street address, if any
(attach additional sheetifnecessary):
ID R 84.53350.0100 & a filed road R31.20617.005 Section 02 Township 124 Range 029 Legal Description:14.26AC
W4 Lying N of CO RD 133. 31101 County Road 133 (current home to Scenic Specialties). The entire site is comprised of
lately 14 acres. SEE ATTACHED AERIAL PHOTO
3. Presentzoning of the above described property is: B2 -_Highway 75 Business i
4. Name and address of the present owner of the above described property:
ig Ridge Properties LLC. 9670 Deerwood Road Rice MN 56367 !!
i
5. Is the proposed use compatible with the future and present land uses of the area? Please explain:
9 Yes n No
Is a non residential area and a greater portion of the adjoining property is agricultural and some is part of the orderly
oration area with proposed commercial use. Having a facility such as our proposed event center would further support the
tion of future businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops.
6. Will the proposed use depreciate the area in which it is proposed? Please explain:
n Yes LX] No
requested use will put to use a historical piece of property. The area is / was overgrown with buckthorn but will be highly
7. Can the proposed use be accomodated with existing City service without overburdening the system? Please explain:
V Yes n No
We intend on providing food and liquor services through a reputable business that is licensed and insured for operation in
Minnesota, Stearns County and St. Joseph.
8. Are local streets capable of handling traffic which is generated by the proposed use? Please explain:
pZ) Yes n No
are alongside a local county highway that was designed for significant traffic counts.
Attached to this application, and made a part thereof, are other material submission data requirements, as indicated.
pp g Randy L Schmitz
Applicant Signature: �°�°-�-°•°~~ — •°- ^�—"~^°�"` Date: Jan 20, 2014
Date: Jan 20, 2014
Property Owner Signature: Randy L. Schmitz
_w
Date application submitted: Date application completed:
Planning Commission Action: n Recommend Approval r Recommend Disapproval Date of Action:
City Council Action: n Approved n Disapproved Date of Action:
Date Applicant/Property owner notified of City Council Action:
The Future of:
Wedding & Event Center
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To whom it may concern:
We purchased our 14 acre property (which had been previously designated as Century Farm) 12
years ago and annexed it into the city. We had to annex into the city because the nature of our business
(retail) didn't allow for us to remain within the township. Our goal was/ is to keep, maintain and put to
use the buildings that already exist on the property that have historical significance. Since these
buildings are very "agricultural" in nature, we would like to further embrace this unique feature by
hosting events that use the outdoor spaces (the wooded hillside, fields and barns).
I would like to renovate the barn (both levels) and use it for high end weddings and events. In
the future I would like to add a smaller two story building to the North East corner that would have
bathrooms on both levels, a small kitchen (for catering), an additional entrance / exit, access into the
silo, an observatory on the silo top. My intent is to rent the space for a fee and to work with a group of
exclusive vendors for the accompanying services such as valet, food, liquor, music, etc. In addition the
site can be used for photography exclusively for those who rent the facility. I would like to the
incorporate other elements of the farm site such as the other buildings, the pond, the woods etc. to
host tents, outdoor weddings and yard games (horse shoes, bean bags, playground) for attendees of
these events. I would like to keep my current retail and landscape operation at this location.
Initially the event portion of our business will occur on weekends during warm months. As the
business further establishes it is possible the nature of the business could extend to year round use -
however those events would likely be indoors. Most events will occur on Friday and Saturdays during
daylight hours until midnight. We would like to be able to have amplified music present during these
events up to or as close to midnight as possible. Our main goal is to be able to host weddings- we do
not intend on hosting outdoor rock concerts or street dance like events with huge crowds. Most
weddings last longer into the evening than what the current noise ordinance allows (9:30 PM I believe).
The food and beverage services will be provided by an exclusive (only one) reputable local business that
has and maintains the food and liquor licenses required by local and state authorities. We will not allow
private food or beverage (no BYOB). We already have in place an insurance policy, written contract with
a vendor and facility rental contracts that explain these rules in detail. We would also like to replace a
portion of the existing Scenic Specialties pylon sign (keep as a pylon) and replace it with an LED sign to
advertise for all businesses on the premise as opposed to installing multiple signs for the multiple
businesses. This sign would only advertise business that occurs on the property and to announce who
the names of the happy couple.
Regards,
Randy L. Schmitz
Rolling Ridge Properties LLC
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MEMO
City of St. Joseph, PO Box 668, St. Joseph MN 56374
Date: January 17, 2014
To: Randy Schmitz
Scenic Specialties
From: Judy Weyrens
RE: Ridgewood Conference Center
Zoning Classification B2 Highway Business
The operation of a convention /special event center would require issuance of a special use permit under
the provision contained in 52.32 Sub 4 0). Enclosed is an application for consideration of a special use
permit. The narrative for the special use should be detailed and contain the following:
• Layout of the property and where events will be held
• Hours of the center
• Identify outdoor activities such as music and hours for outside activities
• Food and alcohol, how will that be managed
• Signage
It is important to be as detailed as possible to provide the Planning Commission and City Council with a
full picture of activities.
During a recent discussion, we also discussed parking. To create parking areas without impervious
surfacing will require a variance, therefore the application for consideration has been included. Again
be specific as to practical difficulties that will result by strict Ordinance compliance.
As a separate issue, I know that you are working through MN Building Code issues. Since these are two
very separate process, the City can consider and approve the variance and special use and authorize the
application for a building permit. The issuance of the building permit is based on code compliance and
meeting all State required fire and safety matters.
The fee for the variance and special use is $ 400.00 each; however the City will reduce the fee to a total
of $ 400.00 as only one hearing Is being conducted. Since the fee is based on the cost of publication and
notification it is not refundable in the event the matter is denied or the building code issues cannot be
resolved.
I look forward to working with you to see this project come to fruition. Please let me know if you need
further assistance or if I can be of help in anyway.
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