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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [04] Apr 07 April 7, 2014 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, April 7, 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 Schaefer, Brad Cobb, Council Liaison Rick Schultz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Tom Klein, Mark Williams, Bruce Tessen Approval of the Agenda: Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Cobb. Motion carried unanimously by those present. Approval of the Minutes: Schultz made a motion to approve the minutes for March 3, 2014.The motion was seconded by Schaefer and passed unanimously by those present. Ordinance Interpretation, Mark Williams, Granite City Real Estate:Williams approached the Planning Commission to discuss the permitted uses in a B2 Zoning District. He stated that he is representing the property owner of 414—8th Ave SE who has an opportunity to lease their property to Gateway Church. As the property is zoned B2, he reviewed the permitted uses and special uses to see if a church is listed as permitted. He discovered that church is not listed in either permitted uses or special uses and is requesting clarification from the Planning Commission. Rieke asked Weyrens to provide some background and clarification as to what needs to be done. Weyrens stated that a special use permit can be provided by the applicant, but the property owner would also have to sign off on the permit application. Weyrens added that a memo from the City Attorney was included in the packet that includes ordinance interpretation for the Planning Commission. Rieke stated that after reading the information provided, he feels it would be a good use of the property. However, how would the Commission handle future requests that are either identical or similar going forward. Rieke suggests moving forward with a Public Hearing. Cobb asked if a new building would be constructed on site. Williams stated that the existing building meets the church's needs. In the future, expansion may be necessary depending on growth of the congregation. Cobb stated that the property has been on the Commission's radar as far as who would eventually be occupying the site. Cobb asked how big the congregation is and when the gathering times are. Pastor Bruce Tessen stated that they typically have approximately 50 people with gatherings held on Saturdays at 6:00PM and Sundays at 10AM. Tessen stated that he hopes to grow the congregation and there may be a need to add additional room. Cobb added that his main concern would be the traffic coming in and out and how the neighbors would feel about that. He would like to have an opportunity for the public to speak on the topic prior to any approvals being made. Dullinger stated that because the church is not a permitted use in the B2, then it would be considered a special use. Schultz added that he supports the use in the B2 area, but would like to give the public the chance to speak. Rieke is suspect about not having them go through the special use permit process. The Planning Commission does have the final say on whether to approve the use of the property. Cobb reiterated about the amount of dust that will accrue from the traffic. Weyrens asked how much of the parking is paved. Tessen responded that the paved lot would hold about 50 vehicles. Schaefer and Killam agreed that they would be in favor of approving the use of the property in the B2 zoning district. Rieke asked what the thoughts on signage would be. The ordinance limits the signage to 50 sq. ft per side. Tessen stated that at this time they do not have enough money to afford signs. They would utilize the sign they are currently using until funds become available. April 7, 2014 Page 2 of 2 Dullinger made a motion approving churches as permitted uses in the B2 Zoning District. The motion was seconded by Schaefer and passed unanimously by those present. Discussion: Rieke stated that if a church were to be okay in a B2 district, then it should be listed in the Ordinance. Weyrens stated that if approved, the Planning Commission is saying that churches would be a permitted use in the B2 zoning district going forward. Council Liaison Report Schultz stated that the Council Liaison report will be included in the joint session with the City Council immediately following this meeting. Rieke stated that all those who would like to attend the joint meeting may proceed to the conference room. Adiourn: Rieke adjourned the meeting at 6:30 PM. 4 / ., Weyrens • inistrator