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Planning Commission Minutes 08-10-1983 . MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION August 10, 1983 - 7:30 P.M. Members Present: Jim Ridgeway, Joyce Dowling, Richard Carlson, Don Cochran, Ed Schaffer. Staff Members Present: Gary Anderson and Rick Wolfsteller. The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:38 P.M. by Chairman Jim Ridgeway. 2. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Don Cochran, seconded by Joyce Dowling to approve the July 5, 1983 minutes. 3. Public Hearing - W. J._Murphy - Front Yard Setback Variance. . Mr. W.J. Murphy, representing the Arneric-Inn, presented his proposal for an addition onto his present building. Mr. Murphy is requesting a front yard variance of 12 feet to build the proposed addition to the building to'within 18 feet of the front property line. Mr. Murphy indicated that he had reduced the number of rooms from 38 to 36 and that possibly he could get by with a 10 foot variance setback, which would leave us with a 20 foot front yard setback. Anderson submitted to the Planning Commission for their review a letter from Reinert Homes, Inc., the property owners for Hillside Phase I, in which they stated their opposition to the approval of the front yard variance request. They stated that the new proposed addition to the existing building would cause a hindrance to the visibility at the intersection of Cedar Street and Lauring Lane. Also, with the number of children that play in the area, the reduced visibility would be a hazard to the children. Mr. Murphy's building is going to be set in 10 feet from the present building to the west, which would help the visibility to the south. Commission members, taking into consideration the visibility question, answered that there being only two buildings on that block with the 10 foot encroachment into the front yard setback not being a detriment to the other affected property, a motion was made by IDon Cochran, seconded by Joyce Dowling to approve the variance request for a 10 foot front yard setback. The motion was carried unanimously. . - 1 - . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 8/9/83 4. Public Hearing - Conditional Use Request - Sign Relocation - Blocher outdoor~dvertising. Mr. Lee Ibberson, plant manager for Blocher OUtdoor Advertising, was present and presented his proposal for the relocation of a single pole outdoor advertising sign on Lot 11, of Thomas In- dustrial Park. Mr. Ibberson indicated that Blocher outdoor Advertising is currently in the process of purchasing the property and stated that the highest and best use for the property is not the outdoor advertising signs itself, but that the best proposed use is for the development of the property for industrial purposes. Mr. Ibberson indicated that Blocher OUtdoor Advertising's position is to develop the property and not to hang on to the property for its sign purposes. The owner indicated the high cost of the purchase of the land and therefore, it would not be practical to hold onto the parcel for just the location of the advertising sign. The intent of the original ordinance that was adopted was to eliminate all signs on the freeway, and this request is not only a relocation of a sign but is basically constituting a new sign request. Mr. Larry Carter,of MacCarlund Plaza, was also present and indicated to the Planning Commission members that they welB in the negotiating stages of selling this property to Blocher outdoor Advertising for the purpose of having his two signs located here but with the stipulation that the property is to be developed at some point in time. The Planning commission members,recognized the fact that it is a proposed variance for a new sign which is against the ordinance,and also aCknowledg ed the fact that Blocher out- door Advertising is purchasing the property for erection of these signs. A motion was made by Richard Carlson, second- ed by Don Cochran to deny the request for an additional out- door advertising sign. The motion was carried unanimously. 5. Public Hearing - VaFiance Requst - Number of Parking Spaces Required - St. Henry's Catholic Church. Mr. Larry Muehlbauer and Fran Fair, representing St. Henry's catholic Church parking Lot committee, presented information to the Planning Commission for development of a parking lot. The plan indicated the layout of the parking lot with curb and gutter and hard surface parking and the number of parking spaces which would meet and exceed the current requirements for parking which the committee indicated. Due to the feasibility of the project and this being a complete separate project from the proposed addition to the catholic Church, the Parking Lot Committee would like more time to develop the parking lot. The gist of the comments from the Planning Com- mission is that they would like to see a plan for the parking lot that would be acceptable with the City Staff, Planning Commission and City Council. Planning Commission members also stated that they would not like to see the plan stretched out for a long period of time and asked for the feasibility - 2 - . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 8/9/83 of a five year plan. Many members responded that a five year plan would be very feasible and an earlier completion of the project would be quite likely. A motion was then made by Don Cochran, seconded by Richard Carlson to approve the variance for parking requirements for a maximum of five years. The parking require- ments being hard surfacing of the lot, curb and gutter and the number of parking spaces being installed, but with one condition attached to the motion that the church committee after three years set up a meeting with Planning Commission Members for an overall review of the completion of the project. The motion was carried unanimously. 6. Public Hearing -_variance Request - Proposed New Health Club - James Powers. James Powers presented his new proposal for the parking lot of his new proposed health club. Mr. Powers has come up with ap- proximately 187 parking spaces as compared with 215 being required and 25% being allocated for compact parking and Mr. Powers indicated that he would meet the 215 spaces that are required. Mr. Powers also indicated that he would be within 10 feet of the front property line and that he would also want to be within 10 feet instead of the 12 feet that was published in the public hearing and would require an 18 foot variance. Commission members, noting the change in the original public hearing that was presented to them, and not having time to review some of the proposed changes along with the City staff, decided to have a special meeting on August 22, 1983, 6:45 P.M. to review Mr. Powers new proposal. This motion was made by Don Cochran and seconded by Joyce Dowling and carried unanimously. 7. Public Hearing - Sideyard Variance Request - proposed Detached Garage - Jeff Rowan. Mrs. Jeff Rowan was present to request a variance to allow re- placement of an existing garage within three feet of the side- yard setback. Anderson noted that this was an older section of town and the placement of the garages in the areas are around 3 feet of the sideyard lot line, and the City ordinances were adopted after the garages were built, therefore, the garages are currently in violation of the ordinance. Mrs. Rowan indicated to Planning Commission members the reasoning for the replacement of the existing garage is that the garage is too small and they would like a bigger one to store their two snowmobiles and boat which currently are kept outside. She would like to place these under cover away from the public view. - 3 - . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 8/9/83 The Planning Commission, taking into consideration the above state- ments, decided to grant the sideyard variance request. A motion was made by Joyce Dowling, seconded by Richard Carlson and carried unanimously. 8. Public Hearing - Proposed Amendment Request to the Ordinance to Allow Flea Markets in a B-3 Zone. Jim Ridgeway read the staff proposed ordinance amendment to allow flea markets in a B-3 zone. On the completion of the proposed staff recommendation and suggested list to allow a flea market, Mr. Ridgeway opened the floor to the public for more input from the audience. Mr. Robert McDonald, Monticello Mall partner/part owner of Monticello Mall, commented on flea markets not suited for the Monticello area, especially the overflow parking lot at the Dairy Queen. There are no sanitary facilities available at this location and also the litter that would result from the flea market. Mr. Arthur Dorn Mall tenant, claimed his reason for opposition to the flea market was that it was a detriment to the existing business's who pay their fair share of taxes in the area. He also discussed some of the problems with the flea market that already are existing. Discussion then centered around the background of a transient merchant permit and the conditions of a transient merchant permit. Judy Osowski, of Osowki's Flea Market, was present and stated that his flea market attracts people from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, the Dakota's, Iowa and Wisconsin. These people who come to his flea market take on lodging here in Monticello, buy their gas and also their food. Mrs. Osowski indicated that approxi..,. mately 90% of his business is from out of the Monticello area. He stated that the flea market is also attracting business to the business in the ~Bll, and that the tenants out at the flea market do pay their taxes, not the property or real estate taxes that are paid by the businessmen themselves, but do pay other types of taxes. A motion was made by Ed Schaffer, seconded by Richard Carlson to deny the flea market request in a B-3 zone. This motion was carried unanimously. 9. Continuance of a Required Parking Space Request - Brad Larson. Mr. Brad Larson, representing Metcalf and Larson, Attorneys at Law, presented his request for a variance on the number of parking spaces required on his proposed new addition. Mr. Larson presented his drawing indicating the proposed parking lot which would be in connection with the purchasing of the additional residential property directly north of the present building and the relocation of the existing City owned alley or street, in this case, to service the existing Post Office parking lot. Mr. Larson indicated to the Planning Commission members - 4 - . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 8/9/83 that the overall design of the parking lot would be in compliance with the Monticello parking ordinances except with five foot green area that is required around the perimeter of the parking lot. Mr. Larson indicated that they would like a two foot variance on the north side of the parking lot and the northwest portion of the parking lot. Mr. Larson indicated that with the proposed parking lot, a total number of 23 parking spaces would be provided, but the total number required is 28 spaces. Mr. Rick Wolfsteller indicated to Mr. Larson that the total number required would be 3l spaces because we still have to con- sider the 3 spaces that must be provided plus 1 per 200 square feet of gross floor area. Rick also indicated to Mr. Larson that the total number of compact spaces to be provided can only be 25% of the required amount. The Planning Commission members took into consideration the following: the overall layout and review of the project, the conformity of that building within that end of town, and widening of the narrow access to the Post Office parking lot. Don Cochran made a motion, seconded by Joyce Dowling to grant the variance on the north and south sides required for green area around the perimeter of the parking lot from five feet to three feet and also to grant the vari- ance for the required amount of parking spaces from 3l to 23 parking spaces. This motion was carried unanimously. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ITEMS At this time, member Ed Schaffer departed from the meeting at lO:08 P.M. 1. Conditional Use Request - Monticello Assembly of God Church. The Church was under the impression that the City of Monticello would be interested in purchasing their old church property for a Senior citizen's Center. The City has indicated to them that they are not interested in purchasing the property. Also, the proposed tenant to relocate to that building who requested a conditional use request has purchased other property, and therefore, this request was withdrawn altogether. 2. proposed Amendment Request to the Ordinance to Allow as a Conditional Use a Major Auto Repair in a B-3 Zone. Anderson introduced Jay Morrell, partner in a corporation which currently owns the property next to and including the Maus Tire Building. This not being a public hearing, Mr. Morrell only briefly presented his proposal for a pro- spective body shop relocation on this site, and pOssibly - 5 - . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 8/9/83 it could_be DeBoer Auto Body Shop now located on Hwy 25. Water and sewer would be extended to this property at the owner's expense. The developer is currently aware of the possible conditions that may be attached to the proposed conditional use request. Mr. Morrell indicated that he would be present at the next regularly scheduled meeting in september to present his final plan for approval or denial of this conditional use for a major auto repair in a B-3 Zone. 4. proposed Conditional Use Request to Allow Two Rental Buildin9s in a ~~3 Zone. Anderson received a call on Tuesday afternoon to have this item dropped from the agenda, however, Anderson had another informational item in its place to pass onto the Planning Commission members and that being that the Pumpkin. Patch Day Care Center has purchased a building for relocation for its existing facilities. Mr. Lindberg would be in at the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting to request a variance on the hard surfaced parking requirements. The property he is currently being up dated andwill also have to meet building code requirements as to State Fire Marshall reports. The special Planning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 22, 1983, at 6:45 P.M. The next regularly scheduled meeting for the Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled for september 13, 1983, at 7:30 P.M. At 10:48, a motion was by Richard Carlson, seconded by Don Cochran and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor except Ed Schaffer who was not present at this time. ~q ~4<.H:j1 Gary Anderson zoning Administrator - 6 -