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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 [10] Oct 03Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday October 3, 1994 at the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Hub Klein. Commissioners Linda Sniezek, Marge Lesnick, Andy Brixius, Dan Nierengarten, Kurt Schneider. Council Liaison Ken Hiemenz. Secretary Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Donald "Bud" Reber, Merl Jerzak, Dale Victor, Jim Meyer, Steve Dehler, Mark Zimmer. College of St. Benedict - Public Hearing, Rezoning request: Chair Klein called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to consider re-zoning Lot 1, Block 1, Townsite of St. Joseph from the current single family, R-1 to Educational & Ecclesiastical, EE. The zoning change is requested to allow for the operation of a rental unit, allowing a higher occupancy level than allowed in an area zoned Single Family. Merl Jerzak spoke on behalf of the College of St. Benedict. He stated that the College has recently received the property and are in the process of determining the best use for the property. The College has a need for student housing for single parent families and traditional students. Under the current Ordinances, only three (3) students could occupy the house. If the property were re-zoned as EE a greater density would be allowed. Jerzak stated that the College is requesting the re-zoning because the property is contiguous to the College property. If the property were not re-zoned the College could use the home to house approximately three (3) single parent families. Lesnick felt that the property would be best served as housing for single parents. With the elderly apartments adjacent to the property owned by the College of St. Benedict, Lesnick questioned the appropriateness of a high density rental unit. Commissioners Schneider and Sniezek agreed with Lesnick and discussed the importance of preserving the integrity of the neighborhood. As planners, they must determine if changing the zoning would be in the best interest of the neighborhood. Jerzak stated that the College has a number of rental properties throughout the community and have a proven track record. To the best of his knowledge, the City has never had a problem with the off campus College owned housing. Sniezek questioned if hearing notices had been mailed to all the adjacent property as no one was present. Weyrens stated that the notices were prepared but she would check on the mailing date. Klein made a motion to table the hearing, until October 17, 1994, at which time verification of the mailing can be completed. The motion was seconded by Sniezek. Ayes: Klein, Sniezek, Brixius, Nierengarten, Schneider, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Abstain: Lesnick Motion Carried 6:0:1 The hearing was closed at 7:55 p.m. Dave Hollander - Lot Split: Dave Hollander appeared before the Commission to request approval to split the property he owns on Cedar Street East. Hollander stated that he is in the process of selling the former Hollander's Store and would like the flexibility of splitting the parcels. He stated the property is fairly large and if the property would be split each parcel would have a 100 foot frontage. Hiemenz stated that since the property is located in a general business district, lot size minimums do not apply. Schneider made a motion recommending the Council approve the lot split of Dave Hollander as requested. The motion was seconded by Brixius. Ayes: Klein, Sniezek, Brixius, Nierengarten, Schneider, Lesnick, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 7:0:0 Dale Victor - Sunset Manufacturinq: Dale Victor appeared before the Commission to discuss the possible expansion of Sunset Manufacturing. Victor stated that the company is growing at a steady space and he is in the process of researching expansion opportunities. Since the construction of the apartments, Victor feels the neighborhood is changing and questioned if the Commission viewed the neighborhood as one that would support industry. Victor expressed an interest in participation of Tax Increment Financing and also the possibility of moving Sunset to the Industrial Park. Victor stated that he is not asking for considerations at this meeting, but invited them all to tour the facility and think about the future of industry in st. Joseph. Jim Mever - Metro Plumbing & Heatinq: Jim Meyer of Life Style Builders appeared before the Commission on behalf of Metro Plumbing and Heating. Meyer stated that Metro PI umbing and Heating is requesting authorization to make application for a building permit to construct a cold storage facility. The facility would be used for fleet storage. After reviewing the Ordinances pertaining to Industrial zoning, it was determined that all the requirements were met. Sniezek made a motion authorizing Metro Plumbing and Heating to make application for a building permit. The motion was seconded by Nierengarten. Ayes: Klein, Sniezek, Brixius, Nierengarten, Schneider, Lesnick, Hiemenz. -- Nayes: None. Motion Carried 7:0:0 Mark Zimmer - Storaqe Buildinq: Mark Zimmer appeared before the Commission to request authorization to make application for a building permit for the La Playette. Mr. Zimmer stated that he would like to construct a cold storage building five feet by sixteen feet to store banquet equipment. After reviewing the Ordinances pertaining to General Business zoning, it was determined that all the requirements had been met. Lesnick made a motion authorizing Zimmer to make application for a building permit for the La Playette for a cold storage unit. The motion was seconded by Nierengarten. Ayes: Klein, Sniezek, Brixius, Nierengarten, Schneider, Lesnick, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 7:0:0 Tax Increment Financina: Dean otterson, stearns County HRA has not yet completed the information regarding the formation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. otterson is requesting the Commission establish a special meeting date to review the necessary documents. After discussion, the Commission established a special Planning Commission meeting for October 17, 1994. Ayes: Klein, Sniezek, Brixius, Nierengarten, Schneider, Lesnick, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 7:0:0 Adiourn: Lesnick made a motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. ; seconded by Hiemenz. Ayes: Klein, Sniezek, Brixius, Nierengarten, Schneider, Lesnick, Hiemenz. Nayes: None. Motion Carried 7:0:0 the Commission - -