HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04] Minutes, June 10thJune 10, 2019
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met in a
regular session on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the Pledge
of Allegiance.
Planning Commission Members Present: Chair Gina Dullinger, Commissioners, Matt Johnson, Steve
Olson, Mike Ross, Brian Theisen, Community Development Director Therese Haffner
Members Absent: Chad Hausmann, Daryl Schaefer
Others Present: City Administrator Judy Weyrens
Approval of the Agenda: Dullinger made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded
by Johnson and passed unanimously by those present.
Approval of the Minutes: Johnson made a motion to approve the minutes of April 8, 2019. The
motion was seconded by Ross and passed unanimously by those present.
Comprehensive Plan Compliance: Community Development Director Haffner stated that MN State
Statute requires the Planning Commission to review land transactions in relationship to their conformity
with the City Comprehensive Plan. The City of St. Joseph owns a parcel located on the southeast corner
of CSAH 75 and CR 133 as a result of right of way needed for 12th Avenue Southeast. Haffner said the
excess property was guided for corridor commercial according to the Comprehensive Plan and zoned B-2
Highway 75 Business District and includes a range of retail, entertainment, office and service commercial
developments. Haffner presented the resolution finding disposal of the property was in compliance with
the Comprehensive Plan.
Dullinger referenced the mobility and transportation section of the Comprehensive Plan, Goal 1: Improve
Transportation Framework, Strategy 1.6 Limit direct access to major thoroughfares in order to maintain
safe and efficient roadway operations. Dullinger stated that access was a part of the Comprehensive Plan
not just the land use plan. Dullinger shared concerns with access. Olson commented that the property
was not large and that he could not imagine anything large could go there. There was further discussion
regarding access off of CSAH 75. Haffner clarified that Stearns County was the road authority and they
have approved allowing the access off of CR 133.
Olson made a motion adopting Resolution 2019-001 Finding the Disposal of Real Property in
Compliance with Comprehensive Plan, Lot 1, Block 2, SRM Addition. The motion was seconded by
Ross.
Aye: Johnson, Olson, Ross, Theisen Motion Passed: 4:1
Nay: Dullinger
Rental Requirements Discussion: Community Development Director Haffner presented an overview on
the existing rental requirements in St. Joseph, along with the surrounding communities. Haffner requested
input and direction. Dullinger shared that there was a benefit to allow rentals in residential districts. Olson
commented on overcrowding and maintenance issues that could occur. Dullinger suggested looking at
ways to combat negative aspects through enforcement. Dullinger questioned the rental vacancy rates.
Haffner shared that she could bring that information back at a future meeting. There was discussion on
management requirements. Dullinger recommended being consistent with permit requirements for all
residential and would like to see more flexibility. Theisen commented on crime -free housing. Haffner
provided an overview on how the area cities govern crime free housing. There was discussion on next
steps. Haffner indicated that Planning Commission could continue to study or they could recommend the
City Council approve a subcommittee to evaluate.
June 10, 2019
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Dullinger made a motion recommending forming a subcommittee to evaluate further. The motion
was seconded by Olson and passed unanimously by those present.
Council Liaison Report: Theisen reported that an affordable housing project was presented to council and
that the council approved three locations for outdoor AEDs.
Adjourn: Olson moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 PM. The motion was seconded by Dullinger
and passed unanimously by those present.
Therese Haffner
Community Development Director