09-16-19 Planning Commission MinutesOTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
September 16, 2019
7:00 PM
Call to Order:
Commissioner Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Commissioners: Dave Thompson, Aaron Stritesky, Vern Heidner, and Charles
Foster; Absent: Chair Pam Black; Commissioner: Jim Kolles, Alan Offerman, and Richard
Nichols; City Council: CM Tom Darkenwald; City Staff: City Planner Daniel Licht and
Administrative Assistant Kelly Thelen.
1. Announcements:
No announcements. Commissioner Thompson welcomed Charles Foster as new
alternate Commissioner for his first meeting.
2. Consider the Following Minutes
2.1 July 15, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Heidner motioned to approve as written. Seconded by
Commissioner Stritesky. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Public Hearing Item:
3.1 Reibling:
A. Zoning Map Amendment Rezoning from A-1 District to A-2 District.
B. Conditional Use Permit to Allow for Subdivision of one lot less than
20 acres in area for a Single Family Dwelling.
City Planner Licht gave the planning report.
Ron Touchette, representing applicants Ronald and Ronda Reibling, was present and
agreed with report. Mr. Touchette said he is willing to answer questions.
Commissioner Thompson opened the Public Hearing at 7:06 PM.
Thain Spar, 6868 Wean Avenue, said questioned the location of the right-of-way
easement as existing street is off -set from the section line. City Planner Licht explained
that existing roadway is established by prescriptive easement off -set from the section
line but City staff will request easement to be dedicated be 30 feet west of the section
line for future realignment of the roadway.
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16 September 2019
Page 2
Commissioner Thompson asked if there is a turnaround at the end of ODean Avenue.
City Planner Licht replied that there is not a full cul-de-sac, but that the City had worked
with the west side property owner and DNR to provide an adequate turn around.
Commissioner Thompson brought the discussion back to the Commissioners at 7:09 PM.
Commissioner Heidner noted that the City stormwater drain pipe through bottom of lot
is identified as an unrecorded drainage and utility easement. Mr. Touchette said the
easement has been recorded.
Commissioner Thompson returned to the public for comment at 7:10 PM.
No comments were made.
Commissioner Thompson closed the Public Hearing at 7:10 PM and back to
Commissioners.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to approve a Zoning Map amendment
rezoning the subject site from A-1 District to A-2 District based on a finding
that the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Seconded by
Commissioner Foster. All in favor. Motion carried.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to approve a conditional use permit
allowing administrative subdivision of a lot with an area less than 20 acres
within the A-2 District, subject to the following seven conditions. Seconded
by Commissioner Heidner. All in favor. Motion carried.
3.2 Lil Explorers:
A. PUD Development Stage Plan for a Daycare Nursery.
B. Preliminary and Final Plat for 1 Lot.
C. Vacation of Existing Drainage and Utility Easements.
City Planner Licht gave the planning report.
Jennifer Schultz, of Lil Explorers, was present at the applicant and agreed with the
comments by City staff.
Commissioner Thompson asked about the west side fenced in area and how far the
fence from curb. City Planner Licht replied 11 feet total. Commissioner Heidner
questioned if there is parking on Parson. City Planner Licht responded yes.
Commissioner Thompson asked about the kind of fence. City Planner Licht indicated
that the plans illustrate a metal rod fence that looks to be 4 to 6 feet in height.
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16 September 2019
Page 3
Commissioner Thompson opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM.
No comments made.
Commissioner Thompson brought the discussion back to the Commissioners at 7:21 PM.
Commissioner Thompson said he is concerned for the safety of the outdoor play area.
Commissioner Heidner agreed. Ms. Schultz stated that the fence is 5 feet in height with
locked gates and that there is staff outside at all times with children in the play area.
and locked gates. Commissioner Heidner stated he would like to require the fence to be
a minimum of 5 feet in height.
Commissioner Thompson asked about snow storage along Parson Avenue. City Planner
Licht replied sidewalks are cleared by property owners and they can push snow to
storm pond if need to. Commissioner Heidner said the City does not have to remove
from street to sidewalk. Commissioner Thompson added the snow could wreck the
fence if it was like last season. Commissioner Foster was concerned about the
landscaping in between the fence and sidewalk. City Planner Licht said the fence is
setback 5 feet from the sidewalk.
Commissioner Thompson returned to the public for comment at 7:25 PM.
No comments were made.
Commissioner Thompson brought the discussion back to the Commissioners at 7:25 PM.
Commissioner Thompson asked if the parking spaces were 9 feet wide. City Planner
Licht replied yes.
Commissioner Foster questioned if the parking lot is adequate for parking, driving in
and out, and dropping off children. City Planner Licht answered the parking
requirements are based on engineering studies that evaluate parking demand for drop
offs and staff. Based on these studies and the applicant's similar facilities, both City
staff and the applicant find the proposed parking to be adequate.
Commissioner Thompson closed the Public Hearing at 7:28 PM.
Commissioner Heidner stated the proposed daycare use is a good fit for Otsego.
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16 September 2019
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Commissioner Heidner motioned to recommend approval of a
preliminary/final plat for Great River Centre of Otsego Sixth Addition and
PUD Development Stage Plan for Lot 1, Block 1, subject to the following 10
conditions, with the addition made to 3 by 5 ft minimum fence. Seconded by
Commissioner Stritesky. All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Update on City Council actions.
CM Darkenwald gave an update to the Commissioners on City Council actions.
5. Update on future Planning Commission Agenda items.
City Planner Licht gave an update on pending items for the next Planning Commission
meeting.
6. Adjourn.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Heidner. All in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
Dave Thompson, Com issioner
ATTEST: bmit'-
Kelly Thele , Administrative Assistant