HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.14.22November 14, 2022
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met
On Monday, November 14th, 2022 at 6:00 PM. in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioners Mike. Osterman, Keith Louwagie, Bob Loso,
Anne Jarrell, Carmie Mick, Adam Scepaniak
Absent: Gina Dullinger;
Staff Present: Nate Keller, Community Development Director
Approval of the Agenda:'Loso made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by
Scepaniak and passed unanimously by those present.
Others in attendance: Mayor Rick Schultz
Schultz addressed the Commission and congratulated Scepaniak on his recent election win as a City
Council Member and noted to the Commission there are term updates and new appointees that will take
place in 2023.
Approval of the Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of October 10th, 2022; the
motion was seconded by Scepaniak and passed unanimously, by those present.
New Business:
a. Public Hearing — Ordinance Amendment Request — Gyms/Indoor Athletic Facilities in 1-1 District
Keller informed the Commission` that an ordinance amendment request has been made to allow
Gyms/Athletic Facilities within 1-1 Light Industrial District. Staff has Worked with the applicant on this
request and directed applicant to apply for a Zoning Ordinance amendment based on discussion of
proposed use. Staff believes the amendment will be a good fit in the short- and long term. It is common to
see the proposed use within Industrial Zoned property. Keller noted our comprehensive plan has a goal
that focuses on reviewing land use and zoning standards to make sure they are relevant, and this helps fit
that need by creating flexibility for new opportunities like this in our Industrial area.
Mick opened the public hearing at 6:07 PM.
Amy Rodine, 1305 Mockingbird Loop, Sartell, MN 56377, spoke regarding her request. Amy and her
husband currently have a gym in Waite Park, MN that has been in business for 15 years. They would like
to relocate the business to St. Joseph.
Mick closed the public hearing at 6:08 PM, as no one else wished to speak.
Loso motioned to approve proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment #2022-TBD; seconded by
Louwagie and passed unanimously.
Old Business:
a. Cannabis and Zoning
Keller summed up the discussion had at the October loth PC meeting. Previously the Commission
recommended allowing the sale of cannabinoid products in the B-1 and B-2 district. A buffer was
recommended at 500' from other establishments and a 1,000' radius from schools and public parks.
Keller shared a change in revised drafted language tied to the licensing and sale of THC products, the
elimination of "youth -oriented facility" and different buffer references in the document. Staff is looking for
direction from the Commission on buffer zones, whether retail establishments that sell cannabinoid
products along with other products be treated differently than a business who focuses solely on the sale
of cannabinoid products and zoning regulations.
The Commission discussed the previously talked about buffer zones and would like to consider removing
the buffer completely or reduce previously recommended buffer zones so more businesses could
November 14, 2022
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potentially be in the downtown commercial district. The Commission discussed having a buffer zone tied
to a business that solely sells cannabinoid products (like a dispensary) vs. a business that sells products
other than cannabinoids. Currently the City would not allow a dispensary as it is not listed as an allowable
use in the zoning ordinance. If the City chooses to forgo adopting license regulations businesses would
follow state law with regards to selling cannabinoid products. Administration plans on adopting licensing
regulations similar to our alcohol and tobacco licensing.
A couple of options the commission has are to not adopt zoning regulations and waif until a business
comes forward with a dispensary request or insert a dispensary use and create buffers and zoning
regulations proactively. Staff will look at other potential buffers or lesser distances for a dispensary use.
The Commission came to a consensus on having businesses who sell cannabinoid products (in addition
to other products) go through the licensing and regulation process and leaving the zoning piece for future
discussions. Staying silent on a dispensary use within the Zoning code means the use is not allowed and
applicants would need to put forth a zoning amendment request.
Other Business:
a. 2023 Planning Commission Schedule
There are no changes on the proposed time and day of month the Planning Commission meeting will be
held. All meetings will occur on the 2"d Monday of the month at 6 PM.
Louwagie made a'motion to approve 2023 Planning Commission Schedule; seconded by
Scepaniak and passed unanimously.
Adjourn: Louwagie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39 PM; seconded by Loso and
passed unanimously.
Minutes approved by:
Nate Keller
Community Development Director