ITEM 2.1ITEM 2_'1
OTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
May 2, 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, Aaron Stritesky, Steve
Schuck, Roger Mord, Richard Nichols, and Alan Offerman. Absent: Commissioner Jim
Kolles. City Council: Vern Heidner. Staff: Daniel Licht, City Planner and Connie
Schwecke, Administrative Assistant.
1. Announcements:
No Announcements.
2. Consider the following minutes:
2.1 April 18, 2016 Planning Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Nichols motioned to approve as written. Seconded by
Commissioner Schuck. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Public Hearing item:
3.1 Wright -Hennepin Co-op Electric:
A. Conditional Use Permit allowing development of an electricity distribution
substation.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Wayne Bauernschmitt, Wright -Hennepin Electric Cooperative, 6800 Electric Dive,
Rockford, who is the applicant, stated it was a great and adequate substation site for
the future growth of the City.
Chair Black opened the Public Hearing at 7:06 PM.
Bill Sausser, 14650 60 St, Otsego, who owns forty acres to the east of the site, stated
concerns of trying to sell some lots with the building of a large substation next to him.
Commissioner Schuck questioned if the list of conditions were the same as the previous
application. City Planner Licht said yes.
Commissioner Nichols asked who owned the substation on CSAH 39. Mr. Bauernschmitt
stated that the CSAH 39 substation was jointly owned with Great River Energy as
primary source, owning property and Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) having
circuits. Commissioner Nichols asked if the size of the proposed substation, on the
application, was larger or smaller than the CSAH 39 substation. Mr. Bauernschmitt
stated that it was significantly smaller. City Planner Licht agreed and stated that there
was residential housing on all sides of the CSAH 39 substation's property.
Commissioner Schuck commented that his property is five hundred feet from the
substation on CSAH 39 and stated it is not noticeable.
Chair Black closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 PM.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to recommend to the City Council
approval of a CUP for an electric substation within an A-1 District
subject to the six conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Schuck. All in
favor. Motion carried.
4. Non Public Hearing item:
4.1 Discussion on side yard setbacks on corner lots:
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Commissioner Nichols asked for a simplified wording of the Zoning Ordinance to allow
for better understanding. City Planner Licht that City staff can review this and provide
alternative language.
Commissioner Mord questioned if other cities handle these setback issues the same as
Otsego. City Planner Licht stated yes.
Council Member Heidner stated that the property owner for one of these issues had
significant problems with adding a building because of setbacks and easements.
City Planner Licht stated if Commissioners were agreeable, staff would proceed with
amendments of the Zoning Ordinance. The Commissioners agreed.
5. Update on City Council actions.
CM Heidner gave an update to the Commissioners on City Council actions.
6 Update on future Planning Commission Agenda items.
City Planner Licht updated the Commissioners.
7. Adjourn.
Commissioner Schuck motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Thompson. All in favor. Motion carried. Adjourned at 7:33 PM.
F)
Pam Black, Chair
ATTEST:
Tami Loff, City Clerk
Written by: Connie Schwecke, Administrative Assistant