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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 [04] Apr 04 April 4, 1994 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, Apr i1 4, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners S. Kathleen Kalinowski, Linda Sniezek, Marge Lesnick, Andy Brixius, Kurt Schneider, Dan Nierengarten. Council Liaison Ken Hiemenz. Secretary of the Commission Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Mayor Donald "Bud" Reber, Pat Montagne, Winnie Montagne, Judy Pierskalla, Howard Pierskalla, Nick Kellen, Jessie Kellen, Sue Curtis, Michael Murphy, Brian Anderson, Mary Niedenfuer, Steve Niedenfuer, Stanley Larson, Oda Larson, Janet Nadeau, Mary Krafnick, Kathy Scheil, Leanne Walsh, Michele Lindell, Elizabeth Doyle. John Smith, Jim Smith, Ted Schmid, Paul Pilarski, Art Novak. Public Hearing ~ Stearns County HRA: Chair Klein called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a request for a special use permit. This permit would allow for the operation of an R-2 use in an area zoned R-3. Additionally, the hearing will consider a 20' variance request on the rear yard setback. St. Joseph Code of Ordinances 52.18 subd 7(c) requires the rear yard of any R-3 residence to be 40 feet in depth. The special use request and variance is being requested to construct six (6) two (2) unit duplexes. The property is legally described as follows: Lots 1,2,3,4,5,6 Block 1 Cedar Village II Lots 1,2,3,4 Block 2 Cedar Village III The request for special use has been submitted by the Stearns County HRA, 619 Mall Germain, Suite 212, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Wilt Berger, architect for HRA, spoke on their behalf. Mr. Berger stated that HRA is proposing to construct six (6) duplexes on 10th Avenue SE. The units would function as rental units, and are classified as affordable housing. In order for the buildings to comply wi th the St. Joseph Code of Ordinances, a 20' variance is being sought on the rear yard setback. They are also requesting a special use permi t, since duplexes do not fit within the R-3 zoning requirements. Mr. Berger stated that the proposal would provide for less density than is allowed in an R-3 area. The buildings have been designed to match the characteristics of the neighborhood. Those present expressed the following concerns: * Would the HRA sell the units for ownership, since greater care seems to be taken of property when the resident has a vested interest. * Is twelve ( 12) parking spaces enough parking for the units, and what happens if there isn't adequate parking? St. Joseph has winter parking restrictions, and where will the overflow parking go? Page ~ April 4, 1994 * Who is being targeted to live in the units? * What is the layout for the building including size of units, dimensions of parking spaces, outdoor recreational facilities? Additionally, is the property large enough to accommodate the proposed construction? * The Southeast end of St. Joseph is already saturated with affordable housing, is it appropriate to create additional density of this type of housing? Also, what does this kind of development do to the characteristic of the neighborhood? * Those present expressed discomfort with their perception of the residents that typically occupy this type of unit. This includes a disregard for private property and an influx of undesirable behavior. * The proposed ingress/egress to the development is on a private entrance, and questions arose as to the appropriateness of this. * With additional families in the area, they will need some place for the children to play, is a park being planned or is it part of the development? * Is landscaping or fencing part of the proposal? Due to the concerns of the neighborhood, and Mr. Berger being unprepared to respond to the concerns, Chair Klein tabled the hearing at 8: 15 p.m. until May 2, 1994. However, if HRA is willing to pay the expenses for a special meeting of the Planning Commission, the hearing will be tabled at that time. All residents within 350' of the proposed development will receive a notice of the continuation of the hearing. Northland Phase ~ Ted Schmid appeared before the Planning Commission requesting preliminary plat approval of Northland Plat I I I (see attachment A). The plans include development in three phases. The development includes a seven (7) acre park. Commissioner Lesnick questioned if the proposed parkland is located in wetlands, and if so, would be appropriate for parkland. Mr. Schmid responded that he has received results of soil testing and it clarifies that the property in question is not wetland. This information will be forwarded to the City Engineer for his review and determination. Lesnick discussed her dissatisfaction with the relocation of the park. Mr. Rothfork had originally donated property in the middle of the proposed development, which the City had accepted. She felt that if the park is being re-Iocated, the Park Board should have the opportunity to review the proposal. Nierengarten made a motion recommending Council approval of Northland Plat I I I as presented. The motion was seconded by Brixius. Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Nierengarten, Sniezek, Brixius, Schneider, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0 Page 2 April 4, 1994 Meeting Grounds ~ Jim Smi th: Jim and John Smith, owners of the Meeting Grounds, appeared before the Planning Commission to discuss a request to place tables in front of their establishment, and to attach a retractable awning. Mr. Smith presented a drawing which illustrated six (6) tables in the sidewalk area. The tables would be located in a space approximately 6.5 feet in width, allowing ample sidewalk for pedestrians. Commissioners discussed the need to check on the liability of the City and the need for the restaurant owners to keep the area clean from all debris. Kurt Schneider suggested that the Smiths consider placing the tables on the outward edge of the sidewalks, since people typically walk along the buildings. Mr. Smith stated that at this time they did not have a preference as to which edge of the sidewalk the tables would be placed. Mr. Smi th is also seeking approval to place a retractable awning on the front of the building. The awning would be drawn upward every night, only being suspended during sunlight hours. Additionally, Mr. Smith discussed the need to provide a handicap loading and unloading zone near his establishment. After considerable discussion, Hiemenz made a motion recommending Council approval of the following: 1. The use of 6.5 feet of the sidewalk in front of his establishment for outdoor tables. 2. The addition of a retractable awning. 3. Placement of a handicap loading and unloading zoning sign directly in front of the Meeting Grounds. The motion was seconded by Lesnick. Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Nierengarten, Sniezek, Brixius, Schneider, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0 Paul Pilarski ~ Mr. Pilarski appeared before the Commission to discuss the location of his garage and the options for re-building. His property is located on the corner of Minnesota Street East and Third Avenue SE. The St. Joseph Code of Ordinances requires that all accessorty buildings be 50 feet from the right-of-way. His existing garage is within the 50 feet, and he would like to destory that building and construct a new one in the same location. Commissions explained that since more than 50% of the building would be destroyed, Mr. Pilarski would have to apply for a variance to construct the new garage. Commission Members agreed to schedule a variance hearing for May 2, 1994, if the property owner so chooses. Art Novak ~ Lot Split: Art Novak appeared before the Commission requesting a lot split on behalf of David Hollander. Mr. Novak discussed that he has recently purchased property from Mr. Hollander to construct the office building on East Cedar Street. At the time of Page 3 April 4, 1994 filing the transaction with the Recorder I s Office, it was noticed that the property was not subdivided. Therefore, Mr. Novak needs the approval of the City. As all the requirements of the St. Joseph Code of Ordinances are being met, Kalinowski made a motion to approve the lot split as requested by David Hollander. The motion was seconded by Sniezek. (See appendix B for legal description) Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Nierengarten, Sniezek, Brixius, Schneider, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0 OLD BUSINESS Planning Commission Enabling Ordinance ~ Commissioner Kalinowski stated that she has rewritten the proposed Ordinance encompassing all the changes as recommended by the City Attorney. The changes were briefly discussed by the Commission. The Commission agreed to table this matter for review until the next meeting. Snow Removal Ordinance: Tabled. Nudity Ordinance: Tabled. Garage Sale: Tom Borresch, owner of the property in question will be sent a certified letter requesting his appearance at the next Planning Commission meeting. Linnemann Inn: The Council will be discussing this matter at the April 7, 1994 City Council Meeting. Approval of Minutes: Lesnick made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 7 , 1994 Planning Commission meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Brixius. Ayes: Klein, Kal inowski, Lesnick, Nierengarten, Sniezek, Brixius, Schneider, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0 Conference Report: Commissioners Lesnick and Brixius stated that they attended a seminar on the Basics of Planning on March 26, 1994. The meeting was very informative and they discussed approving developments and comprehensive plans. Council Liaison Report: Hiemenz stated that he recently attended the Stearns County Planning Hearing. Adjourn: Nierengarten made a motion to adjourn at 10:05 p.m. ; seconded by Schneider. Ayes: Klein, Kalinowski, Lesnick, Nierengarten, Sniezek, Brixius, Schneider, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 8:0:0 ~dy W'p/vfbÚ dy Weyrens Secretary of the Commission Page 4