02-01-21 Planning Commission MinutesOTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO CITY HALL
February 1, 2021
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, David Thompson, Vern
Heidner, Aaron Stritesky, Jim Kolles, Richard Nichols* and Pam Black*; Absent: None;
Present: City Council: CM Tom Darkenwald*, Mayor Jessica Stockamp*, CM Tina
Goede*. City Staff: City Planner Daniel Licht and Deputy Clerk Bethany Benting.
(*present via teleconference)
1. Announcements:
City Planner Licht stated that some Commissioners are participating via teleconference
in accordance with Minnesota Statute 13D.015. Those indicated with a (*) attended via
video conference.
City Planner Licht noted that all eight Commissioners were present and only 7 will be
voting.
2. Consider the following minutes:
2.1 Planning Commission January 4, 2021.
Commissioner Thompson motioned to approve the minutes as amended.
Seconded by Commissioner Black. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Kolles,
Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, Black, Nichols. Those opposed; None. Motion
carried. 7-0
3. Plannina Items:
3.1 City of Otsego:
A. Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance to allow parking of semi-tractor/trailers
upon residential properties within certain Zoning Districts and related
provisions.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Commissioner Thompson wanted clarification about the height limit for semi tractors
and trailers. City Planner Licht clarified. Commissioner Thompson also wanted more
information about where a resident would need to park the tractor -trailer. City Planner
Licht explained the proposed ordinance.
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 1, 2021
Page 2
Commissioners discussed more options regarding lot area, lot width and setbacks, but
came to conclusion that bigger lots would need to be considered in order to keep
residents happy if they passed this ordinance. Chair Offerman and Commissioner
Stritesky both said they would feel better if the ordinance restricted the parking to the
side or the rear of the lot.
Commissioner Heidner commented that he bought his lot in 1990 from a person with a
semi -truck. He said the neighbors told him it was a noise problem they dealt with every
day including when the owner worked on trucks day and night. Commissioner Heidner
said he doesn't know how you can write an ordinance to accommodate to all. He said
the problem is when you make an ordinance you have to figure out all the possible
consequences. The Zoning Ordinance is to protect everybody's property.
Commissioner Thompson stated he is leaning towards leaving things the way they are.
Commissioner Heidner brought up discussion on the different size classes of trucks and
trailers. City Planner Licht explained.
Chair Offerman asked about citing the emissions rules versus specifying a model year.
City Planner Licht explained all information resources said the emissions regulations
apply to all 2014 or newer trucks, which would make the ordinance easier to
administer.
Commissioner Thompson had questions about the changes to accessory building rules
and the number of structures allowed. City Planner Licht explained the existing
exemptions for structures less than 200 square feet. Commissioner Thompson also
asked if the accessory buildings could have more than one floor. City Planner Licht said
yes.
Chair Offerman suggested before moving any further with the accessory building
discussion that the Commissioners should make a decision about the tractor -trailer
parking. Chair Offerman stated there are about 2 dozen that are in violation of this
code but just haven't been complained about. He knows it is hard to accommodate to
everyone.
Chair Offerman said he is leaning towards requiring a 3 to 5 -acre lot for this kind of
ordinance. Commissioner Stritesky agreed.
Chair Offerman allowed comments from the public at 7:31 PM.
Randy Hermann, 14282 91St ST NE, said he is in favor of the accessory building
changes, stating he would rather have one building rather than two.
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 1, 2021
Page 3
Commissioner Heidner explained that 20 to 25 years ago there were problems with
garages being much larger than the houses, but he would be open to changing it now.
Commissioner Stritesky made a motion for approval on section 1-4.
Seconded by Commissioner Heidner. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Kolles,
Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky, Black, Nichols. Those opposed; None. Motion
carried. 7-0
Commissioner Kolles has concerns about allowing a semi -tractor and trailer. He said he
drives truck and explained a loaded trailer is about 70 to 80 thousand pounds and the
damage that this can cause to pavement. Commissioner Kolles said he doesn't have a
problem with allowing a semi -tractor, but not a trailer with it.
Commissioner Stritesky said the City Engineers do not recommend allowing semi -tractor
trailers on these streets and has a problem with going against what the experts say.
Commissioner Heidner explained most streets in these areas do not have curb and
gutter which brings additional support for heavy loads.
Commissioner Stritesky asked if farms or recreational vehicles would be affected if no
change is made to the Zoning Ordinance. City Planner Licht stated those uses would
not be affected.
Commissioner Nichols asked about the status of properties that had been cited for
violations before. City Planner Licht explained the City would not do anything unless
there is a new complaint and would then start the enforcement process over.
Commissioner Thompson motioned to recommend the City Council not
amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow for parking of semi -tractor -trailers
within residential districts based on a finding that the request is inconsistent
with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan and intent of the Zoning
Ordinance in considering the recommendation the City Engineer regarding
the potential negative impact to City streets. Seconded by Commissioner
Stritesky. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, Kolles, Heidner, Thompson,
Stritesky, Black, Nichols. Those opposed; None. Motion carried. 7-0
Next meeting for City Council is February 8, 2021.
4. Update on City Council actions.
CM Darkenwald updated the Planning Commission on recent City Council actions.
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 1, 2021
Page 4
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
Kolles. Roll Call: Those for; Offerman, KOIIes, Heidner, Thompson, Stritesky,
Black, Nichols. Those opposed; None. Motion carried. 7-0
Adjournedat 7. 5 PM.
Alan Offer an . Chair
ATTEST: 0. B4
Bethany BeM it g, Deputy tkrk