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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04] Approve Minutes November 14, 2016 Page 1 of 3 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Chair Rick Schultz, Commissioners, Steve Olson, Chad Hausmann, Matt Johnson, and Daryl Schaefer. Community Development Director Therese Haffner Members Absent: Gina Dullinger, Chad Johnson Others Present: City Administrator Judy Weyrens, Cory Ehlert, Joe Prostrollo, Brian Lopau Approval of the Agenda: Olson made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Hausmann and passed unanimously by those present. Approval of the Minutes: Hausmann made a motion to approve the minutes of October 10, 2016. The motion was seconded by Johnson and passed unanimously by those present. Public Hearing, Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Community Development Director Haffner stated the purpose of the hearing is to consider amending Ordinance 520, Zoning Ordinance, Section 520.04 Rules and Definitions, and Section 520.50 B-1: central Business District. The purpose of the proposed changes is to review and consider changes to add Bed and Breakfast as a permitted use within the B-1 Central Business District and to change the definition of a Bed and Breakfast to be non-owner occupied. The request for amendment has been submitted by Cory Ehlert. Joe Prostrollo approached the Commission and stated that he has been working with Cory Ehlert to convert the existing home located at 29 MN St W to a Bed and Breakfast. They met with City staff to discuss the concept and they were informed that the current zoning district, B1 General Business, does not identify Bed and Breakfast as a permitted use. Therefore, the first step they would need to complete is a request to amend the B1 General Business Zoning District. Prostrollo shared a presentation with the Planning Commission illustrating how the Bed and Bed and Breakfast could look and the benefits to the City. . Prostrollo stated he and Cory Ehlert have worked on the project for some time and believe it will benefit the community. The name of their bed and breakfast would be The Estates of St. Joseph. The name was chosen as the current rental house is known to college students as the estates. Prostrollo presented a concept plan of what the house will look like after $125,000 in renovations. Each suite will have its own bathroom and all rooms are handicapped accessible with the installation of a chairlift. The maximum length a person can stay is seven consecutive days. Prostrollo stated the estimated tax revenue for 2017 would be $6,580.00 and $13,180.00 for 2018. The goal is to have the bed and breakfast open by July 2017. Prostrollo added the targeted guests include the College of St. Benedict and St. Johns, Alumni of St. Bens and St. Johns, parents and students of the colleges, employment recruits for the college as well as those attending sporting events. Cory Ehlert approached the Commission to present a schematic and site plan of the bed and breakfast. Ehlert stated that the lot allows for ample parking. He stated that his request is to allow Bed and Breakfasts as a permitted use, rather than through issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. He stated it is his opinion that a Bed and Breakfast would complement the downtown and is needed in St. Joseph. Schultz opened the public hearing. Brian Lopau, 35 MN ST E spoke in support of the Ordinance Amendment: Lopau stated that he abuts the property referenced at this meeting and feels it is a better use than student rental. Lopau questioned whether there would be fencing on the easterly side of the property. Prostrollo stated there would be some type of fencing and additional conversations can be had regarding the type of fencing. As no one else present wished to speak, Schultz closed the public hearing. November 14, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Haffner stated the motions before the planning commission include whether to approve/deny the proposed amendments allowing a bed and breakfast as a permitted use in the B-1 as well as changing the definition to include non-owner occupied. An additional option would be to amend the ordinance to allow for the bed and breakfast as a Conditional Use in the B-1 and changing the definition to include non-owner occupied. Haffner added that a conditional use permit remains with the property Schaefer and Olson are in support of the use and amendment changes. Hausmann questioned whether staff recommends a conditional use versus a permitted use. Haffner stated that a conditional use would allow the commission to be able to review the project as well as having the ability to address any concerns as the project moves along. Weyrens added the conditional use would be consistent with what is required in the Residential Zoning Districts. Schultz questioned what implications changing the definition from an owner-occupied to a non-owner occupied for a bed and breakfast would be. Schultz is concerned with changing the definition and could change the definitions of other commercial businesses in the city. Hausmann questioned how the non-owner occupied facility would operate. Ehlert stated a resident would stay at the house on the nights that there are people occupying the house and a continental type breakfast would be served. In addition, they occupants would have information on dining opportunities within walking distance. Haffner stated that currently the city allows owner-occupied bed and breakfast facilities in the R1, R2 and R4 zoning districts. Hausmann suggested changing the definition to include keeping the requirements as owner occupied for R1, R2, and R4 districts and non-owner occupied for B1. Hausmann made a motion to recommend to the City Council approval to amend zoning ordinance 520 to allow a bed and breakfast as a Conditional Use in the B-1 Central Business District and to change the definition to include non-owner occupied in the B-1 Central Business District only. The motion was seconded by Olson; motion carried. Aye: Hausmann, Olson, Johnson, Schaefer Nay: Schultz Motion Carried: 4:1 Hausmann made a motion amending his previous motion to include the denial of the request to allow a Bed and Breakfast as a permitted use in the B-1 Central business District. The motion was seconded by Olson; motion carried. Aye: Hausmann, Olson, Johnson, Schaefer Nay: Schultz Motion Carried: 4:1 Comprehensive Plan: Haffner stated the City has received four (4) proposals for updating the Comprehensive Plan. The selection committee met and identified two firms to interview; WSB and CDG. Interviews will be conducted in December and a recommendation will be forward to the City Council. It is anticipated the Comprehensive Plan update process will begin in January. Council Liaison Report: Schultz reported on the following:  The community center group met with Murry Mack.  Schultz met with the CSB Senate to discuss current issues regarding alcohol consumption.  Met with CSB & Monastery to update on current development within the City.  CGMC transportation committee met to discuss legislative priorities and how lobbying efforts will change with Republicans having control of the Legislature.  APO is considering the addition of a staff member and the CSAH 75 pedestrian study was approved. rd  Schultz will be holding an open meeting at the Community Center on December 3 from 9-10am. November 14, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Adjourn: Hausmann made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 PM. The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. Therese Haffner Community Development Director