HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04] October 10th Minutes October 10, 2016
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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, October 10, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Members Present: Chair Rick Schultz, Commissioners, Gina Dullinger, Steve Olson, and Daryl Schaefer.
Community Development Director Therese Haffner
Members Absent: Chad Johnson, Matt Johnson, Chad Hausmann,
Others Present: City Administrator Judy Weyrens, Cory Ehlert, Joe Prostrollo
Approval of the Agenda: Olson made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by
Schultz and passed unanimously by those present.
Approval of the Minutes: Olson made a motion to approve the minutes of August 8, 2016. The
motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present.
Bed & Breakfast Discussion: Haffner shared that Cory Ehlert and Joe Prostrollo met with staff to discuss
operating a Bed and Breakfast at the property located at 29 East Minnesota Street. An interim use permit
was first issued in 2010 to allow for a rental and was extended and will expire in August 2017. The
property is located in the City's B-1 Central Business District, downtown district and a Bed and Breakfast
is not identified as a permitted use within this district. An owner occupied Bed and Breakfast is allowed in
the R-1 Single Family Residential District through the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. Since Ehlert
wanted to pursue further, staff suggested he share with the Planning Commission to have an informal
discussion. Staff conducted preliminary research on other communities, including Duluth, Cold Spring,
Stillwater, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud. Cold Spring allows an owner occupied Bed and Breakfast in their
downtown district, while the other communities do not. Haffner shared pictures that were included in the
staff report showing the historic homes located in Cold Spring's downtown.
Ehlert provided the Commission with some background information on the property and home that he
purchased in 2010. He stated that prior to his purchase, the property had been used as a rental unit and
since it was vacant for over one year, the grandfather status as a rental unit was forfeited. After it was
purchased, he completed some improvements including remodeling the kitchen. Ehlert discussed how
allowing a Bed and Breakfast would be a good fit with the B-1 District and compliment downtown
businesses, such as food and drink and the location to church, college and businesses. Prostrollo shared
that they would remodel the home, have a New Orleans style look with a front porch area. They would
have three suites for six guests, maybe eight with a sofa sleeper in one of the suites. Prostrollo said they
would create parking in the back.
Schaefer said this was interesting and would rather it be a bed and breakfast than a rental. Schultz
questioned what would be on the main level. Prostrollo said they would have a dining room, den, and gift
shop. Schultz questioned about accessibility. Prostrollo said it would be accessible and they would put in
a lift to get to the second floor. Dullinger said she would like to read the B-1 District Ordinance more
closely. Schultz questioned about the definition an Inn versus a Bed and Breakfast and questioned staff
to look at that more closely. Schultz said it would be nice to see what it would look like and recommended
sharing that. There was discussion on the next steps and process. Haffner said a formal request would
need to be made and would require a public hearing. There was discussion on allowing as a permitted
use or conditional use. Haffner suggested if the direction was to allow to do it as a conditional use to have
more oversight. Schultz suggested Ehlert discuss with neighbors and have a neighborhood meeting.
Comprehensive Plan: Haffner reported that the City Council approved the Request for Proposals for a
new Comprehensive Plan and proposals would be accepted until October 24th. A selection committee will
review proposals and choose the top three to five to present and interview. The selection committee will
be one member of the City Council, Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, City
Administrator Judy Weyrens and Community Development Director Therese Haffner. Schultz questioned
for a volunteer from the Planning Commission to serve. Olson volunteered.
October 10, 2016
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Council Liaison Report: Schultz reported on the following:
• Last week there were many activities and events that happened in St. Joseph. Schultz thanked
the Police Department for their work with these events.
• The community center group is going to meet in early November with an Architect to move
forward with plans for the Community Center.
• Schultz held a town hall meeting where discussions were held on the current growth in the City.
The growth will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. Fortitude Senior Housing and
Country Manor are well into the construction process and City Hall is on track for February 1St
move in date.
Dullinger questioned where the discussions on Metro Bus left off. Schultz stated that the final plan has yet
to be received by the City. City staff will follow up on the status.
Haffner stated an application for review was submitted by O'Reilly's Auto Parts. The plats have already
been approved, so review will be conducted administratively.
Admiourn: As all agenda items were completed, Schultz adjourned the meeting at 7:15 PM.
Therese Haffner
Community Development Director