06-15-20 Planning Commission MinutesOTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO CITY HALL
June 15, 2020
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Chair Offerman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Chair Alan Offerman; Commissioners: Charles Foster, Jim Kolles; Present via
teleconference: Vern Heidner, David Thompson, Aaron Stritesky, Pam Black and
Absent: Commissioners: Richard Nichols; Present: City Council: CM Tom Darkenwald,
Mayor Jessica Stockamp and CM Tina Goede. City Staff: City Planner Daniel Licht and
City Deputy Clerk Bethany Benting.
1. Announcements:
Commissioners are participating via teleconference in accordance with Minnesota
Statute 13D.015.
2. Consider the following minutes:
2.1 Planning Commission May 04, 2020.
Commissioner Foster motioned to approve the minutes as written. Seconded
by Commissioner Kolles. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Foster, Heidner,
Thompson, Stritesky, Black and Kolles. Those opposed; None. Motion
carried. 7-0
3. Public Hearing Items:
3.1 Block 1, Martin Farms 3rd Addition. (continued from December 2, 2019
A. PUD -CUP amendment regarding wetland buffer.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
No applicant was present.
Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 7:09 PM.
Ed Vanvleet, 7173 Mackenzie Ave NE, asked for clarification that he can maintain his
yard as it exists. City Planner Licht said yes. Mr. Vanvleet also asked about the
wetland buffer signs that will be put up in the yards. City Planner Licht explained that if
approved, the City would record the amendment with a copy sent to property owners
and City staff would determine sign placement.
Duane Smallwood, 7177 Mackenzie Ave NE, asked if wetland markers would be placed.
City Planner Licht said yes. Mr. Smallwood also asked why these 7 lot are the only ones
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Page 2
that are affected. City Planner Licht explained the requirement for wetlands and
wetland buffers.
Howard Eisinger, 7181 Mackenzie Ave NE, asked about the signs being put up. City
Planner Licht explained that it's a small sign located on each property line. Mr. Eisinger
suggested doing it by sightlines. City Planner Licht stated that would be another option
City staff will review.
Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 PM.
Commissioner Heidner asked if there is anything to prevent this situation in the future.
City Planner Licht responded that since 2010 the City has required wetlands and
wetland buffers to be platted in outlots deed to the City.
Commissioner Foster wanted clarification on the options for Planning Commission
actions. City Planner Licht reviewed the options the Planning Commission may
consider.
Chair Offerman asked if there are any other lots in Otsego with the same issues. City
Planner Licht explained there are some in Martin Farms and other plats approved before
2010. Chair Offerman said he just wants to make sure we can avoid this from
happening again.
Commissioner Heidner asked for clarification on the options for Planning Commission
actions. City Planner Licht reviewed the options the Planning Commission may
consider.
Commissioner Heidner motioned to recommend City Council Approval of a
PUD -CUP amendment modifying the wetland buffer for Martin Farms 3rd
Addition Lots 1-7, Block 1 to allow turf grass, vegetative plantings, gardens,
and chain link fences that do not obstruct stormwater; other structures or
impervious surfaces would be prohibited. Seconded by Commissioner Black.
Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Foster, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, Black
and Kolles. Those opposed; None. Motion carried. 7-0
3.2 Hunter Hills:
A Zoning Map amendment rezoning from Al District to R5 District.
B Environmental Assessment Worksheet. (EAW)
C PUD -CUP and preliminary plat of 59 single family lots.
D Vacation of existing public right-of-way.
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City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Applicant Dale Willenbring and Project Engineer Marty Campion were present via
teleconference and agreed to the staff report.
Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 7:39 PM.
Randy Carstensen, 11364 80th Street, voiced his concerns about the development in
general and specifically about stormwater issues that may impact his house.
Barb Holmberg, 11537 80th street, asked what would happen to the houses that have
access to 80th street now. City Planner Licht explained the proposal for 80th Street.
Mrs. Holmberg asked when the development would start? City Planner Licht said the
construction would likely start this year. Mrs. Holmberg said the proposed closing of
80th street would not be good. Mrs. Holmberg also asked about the ability for existing
homes to connect to sewer and water utilities. City Planner Licht explained how utilities
would be extended for the development.
Mr. Carstensen also stated that it was said that 80th street would not be expanded and
he does not like any of these options being discussed.
Judy Vetsch Trust, 8490 Labeaux Ave, asked about timing for extension of 85th Street
to CSAH 19. City Planner Licht explained there is no set timeframe, but the roadway
needs to be planned. City Planner Licht further said the recommended condition is that
the developer will have to negotiate with them to acquire the property as well as pay
for the street construction.
Joel Kolles, 8925 Mason Ave, stated his concerns for the record about the proposed
development negatively effecting stormwater issues for Otsego Creek.
Shawn Kabrick, 11421 80th Street NE, asked when building would start? City Planner
Licht explained the proposed phasing of the project. Mr. Kabrick asked about
replacement of his driveway and a sidewalk. City Planner Licht reviewed the proposed
option for 80th Street including the developer constructing a driveway to access Mr.
Kabrick's house and a City maintained trail.
Tom Berning, 1184 80th Street, expressed his concerns about the proposed
development effecting access to/from his farm. Mr. Berning also asked about
construction of future 85th Street across his property. City Planner Licht said that the
current proposal is that the City would be responsible for construction of 85th Street
across Mr. Berning's property. Mr. Berning said he is concerned about the requirement
for manure spreading being setback 300 feet from residential dwellings. Commissioner
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Thompson asked if each plat has the 300 feet set back, and talked about it being
reciprocal. City Planner Licht explained the setback rules applicable to feedlots for
housing animals as well as manure spreading.
Mrs. Holmberg asked if they will be notified again? City Planner Licht explained that the
purpose of the public hearing to gather input but that there would not be further public
hearings if the project is approved by the City Council.
Mr. Karbrick asked about street lights on 80th Street. City Planner Licht said the City
Code would require a street light to be installed at intersections.
Mrs. Holmberg again stated that she is opposed to the plan for 80th Street.
Mrs. Vetsch asked if was the only public hearing and that the Planning Commission
recommendation would then be given to City Council. City Planner Licht replied yes this
is the only public hearing but that the final decision is made by the City Council, which
can add or modify conditions.
Greg Hubbard, 1143 79th lane, wanted clarification on location of the segment of 80th
Street that would be vacated.
Brian Beaudry, 11161 80th street, expressed is concerns about access to and from his
farm if 80th Street is revised as proposed and stated he is opposed.
Mr. Berrning asked for clarification on the number of houses to be built in the
development. City Planner Licht responded that there is potential for a total of 590
homes.
Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 8:33 PM.
Commissioner Foster asked how many property owners are on 19 and Maciver. City
Planner Licht replied about a dozen. There are more east of Lander Avenue than there
are west of Lander Avenue.
Chair Offerman stated that streets provide connectivity and 80th Street is already an
existing street that if closed off reduces a connectivity. City Planner Licht explained the
recommendation and that an alternative is to widen and improve 80th street.
Commissioner Kolles said he would like to leave 80th Street as a through street and
expand it especially with the current farms that need the access.
Commissioner Black said she would like to see 80th Street be a kept as through street.
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Commissioner Heidner thinks there should be language that the developer needs pay
for all of the costs to fix 80th Street. City Planner Licht stated that the recommendation
is that the developer make the improvement to 80th Street outside of the plat to include
resurfacing the existing road as a condition of approval.
Commissioner Thompson wants to know the proposed width of the proposed streets.
City Planner Licht said streets would be 28 feet wide. Commissioner Thompson noted
that he's not sure if that will be wide enough for farm equipment.
Chair Offerman asked if they would have to revise the preliminary plat to keep 80th
Street as a through street. City Planner Licht said there are different alternative designs
to keep 80th Street in place that would have to worked through with the developer.
Commissioner Foster asked how much farm equipment is being moved. Commissioner
Kolles explains it depends on the season for planting and harvesting.
Commissioner Stritesky commented that he 80th Street should be left as a through
street.
Commissioner Heidner asked about the 300 feet setback for manure spreading and if
that can be made reciprocal for the plat. City Planner Licht explained the scope of the
current preliminary plat application and how that could be considered for future phases.
Chair Offerman motioned to recommend that approval of a negative
declaration on the need to prepare and EIS for the Hunter Hills preliminary
plat and overall concept plan. Seconded by Commissioner Stritesky. Roll call:
Those for; Offerman, Foster, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, and Black. Those
opposed; Kolles. Motion carried. 6-1
Chair Offerman motioned to recommend approval of a Zoning Map
amendment rezoning the subject site to R-5 District based on a finding that
the criteria established by Section 11-3-2.F of the Zoning Ordinance are
satisfied. Seconded by Commissioner Foster. Roll call: Those for; Offerman,
Foster, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, and Black. Those opposed;
Kolles. Motion carried. 6-1
Chair Offerman motioned to recommend approval of a PUD -CUP and
Preliminary Plat for Hunter Hills subject to the conditions stated in the
planning report, amending the following:
5. 80th Street:
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a. The developer shall dedicate 40 feet of right-of-way for the north half of
80th Street.
b. Upon approval of a final plat including any of Lots 17-23, Block 4 (accessing
80th Street) or approval of a preliminary plat for any portion of the property
outside of the initial preliminary plat of 64 lots the developer shall improve
80th Street, subject to review and approval of the City Engineer, within and
abutting the boundaries of the plat as follows:
(1) Travel lanes (2) to be 12 feet wide.
(2) Shoulder to be 8 feet wide on the north side of 80th Street
(3) Shoulder to be 6 feet wide on the south side of 80th Street designated
no parking.
(4) Concrete curb and gutter.
(5) Trail 10 feet wide on the north side of 80th Street from Lander Avenue
to east plat line.
C. Upon approval of a preliminary plat for any portion of the property outside
of the initial preliminary plat of 64 lots, the developer shall provide for a
micro surface of 80th Street from Labeaux Avenue (CSAH 19) to the west
plat line and from the east plat line to MacIver Avenue, subject to review
and approval of the City Engineer.
Seconded by Commissioner Foster. Roll call: Those for; Offerman, Heidner,
Stritesky, and Black. Those opposed; Thompson, Kolles and Foster. Motion
carried. 4-3.
3.3 Otsego Industrial 7th Addition. (Cummings)
A. Zoning Map amendment.
B. Preliminary/Final Plat.
C. Vacation of existing right-of-way.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Applicant, Jack Matasosky, was present via teleconference and agreed to the staff
report.
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Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 9:07 PM.
Brad Klimek, 9511 65th Street NE, asked about the project boundaries? City Planner
Licht explained the proposed subdivision. Mr. Klimek asked about what types of
transportation would be used for the cement transfer station. City Planner Licht said
that development of the proposed lot will be addressed as the next item on the agenda.
Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 9:09 PM.
Chair Offerman brought the discussion to the Planning Commission members at 9:10
PM.
Commissioner Foster want to know how close operations other are to the Twin Cities.
Mr. Matasosky said that the closest facilities are in St. Joseph and Lakeville.
Commissioner Thompson motioned to recommend approval of a Zoning Map
amendment for Lot 1, Block 1 Otsego Industrial Park Seventh Addition based
on a finding that the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Seconded by Commissioner Black. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Foster,
Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, Black and Kolles. Those opposed;
None. Motion carried. 7-0
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to recommend approval of a
Preliminary/ Final Plat for Otsego Industrial Park Seventh Addition and
vacation of existing right-of-way, subject to the conditions as stated in the
planning report. Second by Commissioner Kolles. Roll Call: Those for;
Offerman, Foster, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, Black and Kolles. Those
opposed; None. Motion carried. 7-0
3.4 GCC of America:
A. Site and Building Plan Review.
B Conditional use permit for structure height greater than 48ft.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Applicant, Jack Matasosky, was present via teleconference and agreed to the staff
report.
Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 9:23 PM.
Brad Klimek, 9511 65th ST NE, inquired about business operations hours for trucks to
drive on CSAH 37 as he believes it is very congested. Mr. Matasosky replied that access
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to CSAH 37 via Jensen Avenue. Mr. Karl Sullivan of GCC of America said the hours of
operations will be 5am-6pm and are typically seasonal. Mr. Klimek asked about the
volume of traffic. Mr. Sullivan said about 25-30 trucks a day that will mainly be using I-
94 exit. Mr. Klimek asked if there will be noise and air pollution. City Planner Licht
explained that the use is subject to noise and air quality regulations established by
MPCA. Mr. Klimek asked about wetland impacts and tree buffers. City Planner Licht
explained the proposed wetland impacts and the recommendation for trees to screen
the rail storage area.
Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 9:29 PM.
Commissioner Foster asked about potential impacts of the use for Albertville. City
Planner Licht said that Wright County has review jurisdiction for transportation impacts
related to the development through the plat application and can address down -system
issues.
Chair Offerman asked about the height of the proposed silos. City Planner Licht said
explained the proposed height relative to Water tower #2, which is on the north side of
I-94 and that the silos are setback 200 feet from I-94.
Commissioner Thompson motioned to recommend approval of site and
building plans and a conditional use permit for GCC of America, subject to the
conditions as stated in the planning report. Seconded by Commissioner
Foster. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Foster, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky,
Black and Kolles. Those opposed; None. Motion carried. 7-0
3.5 Harvest Run East:
A PUD -CUP amendment regarding side yard setbacks for lots zoned
R4 District.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Applicant, Tom Bakritges, was present via teleconference and agreed with the staff
report.
Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 9:40 PM.
Jeff Bush, 17009 59th Street NE, asked about the proposed setback from his property.
Mr. Bakritges explained the proposed setback.
John Cassidy, 16921 61St Street, has a 4 -car garage and paid extra and said e was also
told they would put 100 -foot lots adjacent to him. City Planner Licht said that Lots 8-9
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Page 9
will be required 100 feet wide, but lots 1-7 are approved at 75 feet wide. The 65 wide
houses still would be 10 feet on each side.
Jeff Krueger, 16736 59th Street, asked about stormwater drainage for the plat. City
Planner Licht said the grading plan is not being changed. Mr. Krueger asked how many
lots are proposed. Mr. Bakritges said the number of lots and lot sizes are not proposed
to be changed.
Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 9:53PM.
Commissioner Thompson is concerned if approved a precedent would be established
and he thinks a 10 -foot setback should be required.
Commissioner Heidner said he would have more concern about fire with the homes
being closer to one another.
Chair Offerman wanted clarification setbacks within the R-4 and R-5 Districts. City
Planner Licht explained. Chair Offerman asked how many houses with 4 stall garages
are sold. Mr. Bakritges said they have 4 plans for houses with the large garages and
want to offer them as an option.
Commissioner Stritesky thinks approving the request would set a precedent. Mr.
Bakritges said they did have the proposed setbacks noted on the preliminary plat. City
Planner Licht said that the preliminary plat did list 7 -foot side yard setbacks but the
recommendation presented to the Planning Commission and approved by the City
Council was for 10 foot side yard setbacks, which was overlooked by the developer and
City staff at the time.
John Cassidy asked if there are any other R-4 District plats with these setbacks? City
Planner Licht said there has been 1 approved as 10 feet and 5 feet.
Chair Offerman said he is concerned about establishing a precedent.
Commissioner Stritesky asked about the circumstance for the other R-4 District
development. City Planner Licht explained the approvals for Boulder Pass.
Commissioner Thompson said these issues must be considered before developing and
that bigger houses should be on bigger lots.
Commissioner Foster motioned to recommend the application be denied
based on a finding that the request is inconsistent with the Comprehensive
Plan and intent of the Zoning Ordinance. Seconded by Commissioner
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Thompson. Roll Call: Those for; Foster, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, Black
and Kolles. Those opposed; Offerman. Motion carried. 6-1
4. Update on City Council actions.
CM Darkenwald updated the Planning Commission on recent City Council actions.
5. Update on future Planning Commission Agenda items.
City Planner Licht updated the commissioners on possible future agenda items.
6. Adjourn.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Thompson. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Foster, Heidner, Thompson,
Stritesky, Black and Kolles. Those opposed; None. Motion carried. 7-0
Adjourne at 10:24 PM.
AI n Merman, Chair
ATTEST: o&) -Cg
Bethany B ing, Depu Clerk