01-19-16 Planning Commission MinutesOTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
JANUARY 19, 2016
7:00 PM
Call to Order:
Chair Black called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Chair Pam Black; Commissioners: David Thompson, Steve Schuck, Roger
Mord, Richard Nichols, Aaron Stritesky and Jim Kolles.
City Council: CM Vern Heidner. Staff: Daniel Licht, City Planner; and Sandy
Lindenfelser, Administrative Assistant.
1. Announcements:
No announcements
2. Consider the following minutes:
2.1 January 4, 2016 Planning Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to approve as written. Seconded by
Commissioner Schuck. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Public Hearing Items:
3.1 P & F Properties
A. Conditional Use Permit and Planned Unit Development Stage Plan for
development of a 54,400 foot manufacturing use.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report. City staff recommends approval
subject to the conditions outlined in the planning report.
Applicant Dan Pawlak of P & F Machine was present and agreed with the staff report as
presented.
Chair Black opened the Public Hearing at 7:11 PM.
Commissioner Schuck asked if impervious is for the proposed building or as shown or
for the proposed building with the planned expansion area. City Planner Licht said yes,
that the impervious surface is for the proposed building and does not include the
expansion. Commissioner Schuck asked how moving the south driveway is going to
work with the drainage area. City Planner Licht said it would be possible to reconfigure
the pond if necessary. Commissioner Thompson asked what the advantage is going
with the recommended 24 feet width on the driveway. City Planner Licht said that as a
part of the ordinance, each lane is 12 feet wide allowing for two way traffic; City
Planner Licht also notes that semi -tractor trailers would be using the south driveway.
Chair Black closed the Public Hearing at 7:15 PM.
Commissioner Thompson motioned to approve a PUD Development State
Plan and Conditional Use Permit for P & F Machine on Lot 1, Block 1 Great
River Centre of Otsego 4t" Addition subject to the 12 stipulations listed in the
proposed development. Seconded by Commissioner Stritesky All in favor.
Motion approved.
3.2 Amendments to Chapter 20 of the City Code (Zoning Ordinance).
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Chair Black opened the Public Hearing at 7:28 PM.
Jerome Bauer, 6685 O'Dean Avenue NE, Otsego read the dictionary definition to decks,
patios, gazebos and what there was for play equipment. He said that the exemption to
the ordinance is too broad and believes that all structures should have limitations.
Anything over 200 square feet or one story in height should require a building permit.
City Planner Licht agrees with Mr. Bauer's comments and recommended revised
language for Section 20-18-2.B.3 of the draft amendment.
Keith Knutson, 6630 O'Dean Avenue NE, Otsego stated he had a conditional use permit
for approval of a pole building with a gable roof and a windmill as part of his plans for a
hobby farm. This project has not been completed Mr. Knutson said, due to his
neighbor interfering. An 8 x 10 shelter was purchased to be placed on the tornado
shelter platform but the city attorney now says this cannot be done since 2 years have
now gone by and the permit for this project is now void. Mr. Knutson asked if he was
allowed to put a gazebo on the tornado shelter platform. City Planner Licht said this
would be allowed although no screening in the gazebo under the existing or proposed
Zoning Ordinance provisions and the conditions of the CUP governing his property.
Chair Black recommended Mr. Knutson to work with City staff to resolve these issues.
Commissioner Thompson asked about including the 200 square foot reference for
accessory buildings in the zoning ordinance. City Planner Licht said the 200 square feet
is based on being consistent with the requirements of a building code for when a permit
is required and should be included.
Commissioner Mord asked if the waste and recycling containers for single family
residences be stored within the setback if not stored inside. City Planner Licht said they
are to be stored in a side or rear yard and meet setback requirements. They are not
required to have a fence around them. Commissioner Mord noted that with seven foot
side yard setbacks, most trash containers would encroach into the required yard.
Mr. Bauer requested that the height and size of a structure be addressed and how
many exemptions a person is allowed on a property.
Chair Black closed the Public Hearing at 8:07 PM.
Commissioner Mord asked if there is a map that gets reconfigured. City Planner Licht
said the Zoning Map is not required to be updated based on the changes being
proposed.
Commissioner Thompson motioned to approve the proposed Zoning
Ordinance amendments in the form presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Stritesky. All in favor. Motion approved.
4. Update on City Council actions.
CM Heidner gave an update to the Commissioners on City Council actions.
Training for all commission members is recommended regarding publically making
comments outside or prior to any meetings. Make your decision based on the planning
report and not outside information that you obtain individually. If the packet is not
clear and you have questions prior to the meeting, contact City Planner Licht.
CM Heidner discussed LMNC training sessions for the Planning Commission. The
consensus of the Planning Commission was to schedule a work session for an upcoming
meeting date to all view the Webinar together and have City Planner Licht present for
questions.
5. Update on future Planning Commission Agenda items.
City Planner Licht said the next meeting will be February 1, 2016
City Planner Licht also noted that the City Council has appointed Commissioner Mord to
a 4 year term.
6. Adjourn.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to adjourn at 8:22 PM. Seconded by
Commissioner Schuck. All in favor. Motion carried.
Pam Black, Chair
ATTEST:
Tami Loff, City Clerk
Written by: Sandy Lindenfelser, Administrative Assistant