Planning Commission Minutes 11-02-2020MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, November 2nd, 2020 - 6:15 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: Sam Murdoff, Paul Konsor, and Andrew Tapper
Commissioners Absent: John Alstad and Alison Zimpfer
Council Liaison Present: Charlotte Gabler
Staff Present: Angela Schumann, Steve Grittman (NAC), Ron Hackenmueller,
and Scott Ruhland (Lakota Group)
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Sam Murdoff called the Regular Meeting of the Monticello Planning Commission
to order at 6:15 p.m.
B. Consideration of approving minutes
a. Regular Meeting Minutes — October 5th, 2020
PAUL KONSOR MOVED TO APPROVE THE REGULAR
MEETING MINUTES — OCTOBER, 5TH, 2020. SAM MURDOFF
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 3-0.
C. Citizen Comments
None.
D. Consideration of adding items to the agenda
N/A
E. Consideration to approve agenda
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS IT STANDS.
PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 3-0.
2. Public Hearings
A. Public Hearing — Consideration of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to
"Places to Live", Rezoning to Planned Unit Development, Development Stage
Planned Unit Development, and Preliminary and Final Plat for a 54 lot
detached single-family subdivision
Applicant: Shawn Weinand/LSW Investments, LLC
Steve Grittman reviewed the land use application request and provided the
location of the proposed residential development. He noted that it is a 20 acre
parcel that is located at the intersection at 85th Street North East and Edmonson
Avenue and adjacent to the Featherstone development. The proposed plan would
connect by streets with Featherstone with access only provided by interior streets.
Grittman provided a site plan and noted that the lots were proposed to be single
family residential, but would require a Planned Unit Development as it varies
from the standard Monticello Zoning Code. The report uses the T -N (Traditional
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 1 1 14
Neighborhood Residence) District as a baseline, but the report also references the
R-1 (Single Family Residence) District and R-2 (Single and Two -Family
Residence) District zoning standards to understand how this proposal fits in the
context of what our current zoning might require and also seeing how the
applicant is seeking PUD flexibility from base standards.
The median lot size is 10,600 square feet, which is smaller lots than the R-1, but
slightly larger than the T -N. The project is slightly denser than Featherstone, but
the City still considers the proposal to be low density. The proposal indicates a
range of lot sizes from 6,800 square feet to 30,000 square feet. It was noted that
the larger lots would be encumbered by drainage ponds.
Grittman noted the review requirement for PUD.
Grittman also noted that the proposal included a request for Comprehensive Plan
Amendment from "Urban Reserve" to "Places to Live". He stated that also on the
agenda was an item to consider adoption of an updated Comprehensive Plan. The
draft plan guides the land as "Mixed Neighborhood". A mixed neighborhood
would include single family as well as some mid to high density attached housing.
Grittman noted that the proposed plat and PUD would not be in conflict with the
proposed Comprehensive Plan. He also added that the PUD aspect is met in at
least one way by providing an alternative housing design not commonly seen in
the community.
Grittman provided a review of the staff report and Exhibit Z comments, including
those related to driveway design, parking availability and landscaping
recommendations. Staff recommended approval of the land use application.
Sam Murdoff asked if Featherstone is a PUD. Grittman confirmed and stated that
it was created that way primarily because the larger Featherstone project
anticipated a mix of housing and commercial development in the area. The R-1
standards are used for the current single-family Featherstone development and
none of the standards have been flexed. Murdoff was concerned about having the
development without any major road outlet. Grittman demonstrated access to the
site and noted that people could get to the collector system fairly quickly without
having to wind very far through the Featherstone neighborhood. Murdoff asked if
the Featherstone development was designed to handle additional traffic with a
development of this parcel. Grittman confirmed that the access points in
Featherstone were specifically designed to allow access to the proposed property
development. The designation for the proposed development parcel was not made
prior to the platting of Featherstone, but Grittman thought that it was generally an
expectation that this property would develop as residential, but the density was
not determined by the Comprehensive Plan or at the time of the Featherstone
project. Grittman thought that there would not be an undue burden on the
roadways on Featherstone. Murdoff asked for an estimate on projected vehicle
trips on the roadway. Grittman suggested less than a total of 400 trips including
the existing and that traffic would likely distribute evenly north and west. Angela
Schumann also noted that because 85th Street and Edmonson Avenue are
considered collector routes, the access spacing would be problematic to include
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 2 1 14
additional access to either collector road. It was noted that there has been some
discussion of a future roundabout at 85" Street and Edmonson Avenue and that
the proposed development would accommodate such improvement if desired.
Paul Konsor asked what is proposed for Block 3, Lot 19. Grittman noted that it is
a different house design than what is seen for most of the proposed development.
Grittman assumed a three -stall garage with a larger structure. Elevations were
shown to the commission. Konsor asked for clarification on the number of
proposed garage stalls per lot as there were discrepancies between the applicant's
submittal and the staff report. Grittman noted that it was not known from the
plans submitted and that the Exhibit Z conditions would require clarification.
Grittman noted that the issue for staff is that most of the driveways appear to be
narrow and appear to be drawn to the wrong side of the structure on the plat. Staff
presume that there are more two stall garages than the applicant was planning, but
clarification was needed. Murdoff wondered if this information was typically
required to be cleared up in advance of the meeting. If the Planning Commission
made a recommendation on the decisions for the application, the application
would not be further considered by the board, presuming the applicant can meet
the conditions assigned to the proposal. Grittman noted that it was not necessary
to have that information to move the plat forward, but that it would need to be
clarified as there is enough room to do it. Grittman explained that the final layout
for each unit design may change after approval of the Preliminary Plat, as often
times developers build as requested. Some property owners may have different
needs for garage stall spaces. However, Grittman noted that the standards would
need to be figured out in advance so that we are not creating utility or parking
along streets problems. Judgements can be made as development is constructed.
Sam Murdoff opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to speak first.
Grittman quickly added that one additional item was to be added to the
conditions, requiring that this approval is conditional upon approval of the
annexation.
Shawn Weinand, the applicant, asked staff to show all of the drawings of the
architecture. He noted that there are four different styles of homes. Weinand noted
that they tried to create a similar exterior so that it would create a neighborhood
feel, but also have flexibility so that there was different floorplans and variety of
buyers. Homes would range from a two to six bedroom home. Weinand explained
that what made this project unique was the architecture and that he wanted to have
a similar feeling as in Autumn Ridge Villas. He explained that they are trying to
create a single family home that is on a little smaller of a lot, with a bigger
driveway, and public streets. Weinand noted that it was unknown at this time
what lots would accommodate which size garage. He noted that a majority of two
stall garages would be located in the center due to the size of the lots. The
perimeter of the project would be primarily three stall garage. He noted that they
have found out through the Autumn Ridge project that people prefer a larger
garage. The houses range on main level from 1,500 square feet to 2,100 square
feet. The applicant requested a minimum finished square footage of 1,250 square
feet to allow flexibility by the buyers. The lots would run an estimated $45,000
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 3 114
more than Autumn Ridge. Weinand noted they are trying to develop a unique,
step-up housing and sell out within five years. Weinand noted that they are
making all changes or saw no issues with the concerns of staff. He noted that
ample driveway and public street parking would be provided. Weinand noted that
he would like to request that the minimum square footage of the garages be set at
440 square feet rather than 450 square feet due to dimensional issues. He expected
that very few of the garages would be less the 24 feet in width. He noted that the
development would more than compliment neighboring development. He added
that each house would be landscaped. An association would be formed, but would
not manage the lawn or snow removal of the driveway. Covenants would be set in
place to help keep a clean neighborhood. A mix of ages was envisioned for this
neighborhood. Weinand noted he had copies of the changes proposed by staff.
Weinand noted on proposed Lot 4, 5, and 6 Block 3 a drain pipe and easement
existed causing the shape of the lot to be as noted. He would work with his
development team on alternatives, but welcomed staff s recommendation.
Murdoff asked what zoning district the developer would like to utilize as a base
for the PUD flexibility. Weinand noted that he was seeking a PUD to create a
feeling of a controlled neighborhood with some continuity and some architectural
control.
Paul Konsor asked for clarification on any homeowner's association. Weinand
noted that there would be an association only to control the architecture and the
covenants, but generally not for maintenance. If a monument sign was
constructed, an association would be minimal to maintain. Weinand confirmed
there would be an official homeowner's association to control the covenants.
Konsor also asked if the applicant would like to amend his application to include
an adjustment to the minimum garage square footage. Weinand noted that he
didn't see that condition until today and as part of the PUD he requested that it be
changed to 440 square feet. Konsor noted a concern with the clashing of step-up
housing with a smaller garage square footage. Weinand noted that he actually had
400 square feet on the plans he submitted.
Murdoff asked for clarification on lot sizes for the proposed development. Tapper
noted that the numbers would shift because of the shifting of outlots, but that the
median lot size would not change much. Tapper asked if most of the large lots
included the drainage ponds. Grittman confirmed. Weinand asked staff if the
zoning they were comparing it to was 7,500 square feet for lot size. Grittman
confirmed it was 7,500 square feet in the T -N and there are only a couple below
that number.
Tapper asked for a neighborhood that was comparable to a T -N District. Grittman
noted the entry portion of Carlisle Village from Country Road are similar to the
T -N size. Sunset Ponds also has T -N similar properties.
Charlotte Gabler asked about park dedication. Schumann explained that the
overall park dedication recommendation would come from the Parks, Arts, and
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Recreation Commission on November 10. She noted that staff look at the half
mile spacing requirement for parks and noted the proximity to a linear park found
at Featherstone. In addition, staff comments regarding the sidewalks was to
ensure good connections especially to the Featherstone development and that
park. Finally as part of the park dedication requirement, the applicant is proposing
two, ten foot bituminous pathways along Edmonson Avenue and 85th Street.
Gabler asked for clarification on park design envisioned in Featherstone.
Schumann noted that a tot lot/playground has already been constructed. She noted
that an amenity that is often requested is natural pathways and they would be
incorporated into the park while also incorporating stormwater ponds and views
in this area.
Murdoff asked if the developer looked at a different plat configuration. Weinand
noted that the design proposed was the most efficient, best flow, and use of
property. Tapper noted that curved streets also serves as a traffic calming
measure. Weinand also added that they were working with two existing streets
and had to follow drainage of streets. The contour of the two surrounding
neighborhoods also needed to be followed. Sewer and water were also stubbed in
from those streets.
Murdoff asked the applicant for more information on the finishable square
footage of space exceptions they were proposing. Weinand noted that that
finishable square footage of space for the two or three stall garages were very
similar. The base square footage is 1,650 square feet, but they want flexibility on
this request. The 3 or 4 level split, is about 1,540 square feet with potential for an
additional 600 to 1,000 square feet to finish off. If a finished basement was added
to the two or three stall garages, it was estimated that 3,200 to 3,600 square feet of
finished square feet. On the 2 story with tuck under garage, it was estimated at
2,200 square feet with expansion of an office or loft area that could go up to 2,500
square feet. There would be plenty of expansion room if desired. He also
explained that these homes provided steep roof pitches. Weinand noted the
importance of bringing step-up housing to the community and the importance of
having higher lot and home prices in the community. Schumann clarified the T -N
and R-1 district standards for finished and finishable square footage. She asked if
Murdoff was looking for how many lots would meet or exceed the finishable
square footage of 2,000 square feet or better. Weinand noted that if they have a
crawl space, they might have something that is not finishable of more than 1,250,
but that would be rare. He was asking for flexibility in the PUD for this section of
the code to be flexible to the market demand. Schumann noted the importance of
looking at the grading plan and the building design standards on that grading plan
for look out or walk out homes. Weinand encouraged the Planning Commission to
see how Autumn Ridge Villas is developing.
Neil Mccarty, 4462 87th Street NE, noted concerns of the proposed new
development especially as it relates to increased traffic in the Featherstone
subdivision and why additional access points couldn't directly serve the proposed
neighborhood. Mccarty also had questions regarding enforcement of covenants.
Murdoff responded that the proposed development would have an association that
would enforce covenants. Ron Hackenmueller noted that there is the zoning
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 5 114
ordinance that is enforced by the City and the covenants are enforced by the
developer. Angela Schumann noted that Edmonson Avenue on the east portion of
this development is a County right of way and that they have control on access
management. She added that there are access spacing guidelines in place for both
85t' and Edmonson. Schumann noted spacing would be difficult and subject to
review by the City Engineer, who did not comment on an access issues in their
comment letter. Grittman noted that the typical County road spacing is a quarter
mile, but sometime is down to an 1/8 of a mile (660 feet). The distance between
85th and 87th Street is 1,100 feet, but that you could not have an access that would
maintain a road at 660 feet from both streets.
Mccarty also suggested that the Commission have the most complete and any
revised information about the development prior to making any decisions.
Schumann noted the application's for which the public hearing was held and the
planning process. She mentioned that the City Council would review any
recommendation for approval of the discussed land use application. If approved
by City Council, the applicant would be required to file for Final Plat and Final
Stage Planned Unit Development which is also subject to approval of the City
Council.
Schumann noted that one additional comment letter was submitted from a
property owner in the Featherstone development. That letter was included in the
agenda packet. Schumann summarized concerns of density and property value.
Hearing no further comments, the public hearing was closed.
Murdoff echoed concerns and wanted clarification on driveway size, minimum
fmishable and finished square feet, and size of house on lot. Tapper responded
that the developer indicated he is not sure what the future holds and a buyer will
want. Tapper asked the developer if these homes would be built on speculation.
Weinand declined, but noted a certain amount of speculation is used. Murdoff
suggested minimum standards for lot size categories. Gabler explained that the
PUD would utilize the base zoning standards of the R-1 and T -N. Murdoff
indicated that he wasn't comfortable not knowing which zoning designation
standards to utilize for the development. Grittman explained that a PUD has to
stand on its own and that staff present comparable districts to understand what the
context is, but that we are not granting variances to the R-1 or T -N District. The
City would view this project as a standalone project with its own zoning district.
The Planning Commission role is to understand if the project does a better job of
meeting the City's development goals than a standard zoning district would.
Grittman noted that zoning districts can be useful comparatives and put projects
into context, but not the standard that is applied to a PUD. Grittman reiterated
staff's recommendation of approval and felt that it meets the development goals
set forth by the City. Konsor asked if there are still guidelines that would be
followed under the PUD, such as setbacks. Grittman confirmed there are
functional guidelines. Grittman further responded to the question of knowing
whether each lot would be up to the standard that the City is trying to achieve. We
are trying to identify what the minimum standard that we expect the applicant to
achieve and be comfortable with. It would be assumed that the market would also
Planning Commission Minutes —November 2nd, 2020 Page 6 114
play a role so that someone that pays more for a lot is going to put a larger home
on it. It was acknowledged by Grittman that this is not always the case. Schumann
added that the elevations that the applicant included are the standard. The
elevations including the types of materials, the amount of materials, orientation of
materials, the breakup of the facades, quality of the materials, and the number of
materials that provide visual interest are used as a guidebook.
Decision 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2020-029,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE GUIDED USE OF THE SUBJECT
PROPERTY FROM "URBAN RESERVE" TO "PLACES TO LIVE", BASED
ON THE FINDINGS IN SAID RESOLUTION AND SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS AS INCORPORATED IN EXHIBIT Z WITH THE ADDITION
OF THE CONTIGENCY OF ANNEXATION AND THE GARAGE SPACE TO
BE A MINIMUM OF 440 SQUARE FEET. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 2-1 WITH SAM MURDOFF VOTING IN
OPPOSITION.
Decision 2. Rezoning to PUD
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2020-030,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF REZONING THE SUBJECT PROPERTY
TO PUD, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, BASED ON THE
FINDINGS NOTED IN THE RESOLUTION. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 2-1 WITH SAM MURDOFF VOTING IN
OPPOSITION.
Decision 3. Preliminary Plat
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2020-031,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR
EDMONSON RIDGE, BASED ON THE FINDINGS NOTED IN THE
RESOLUTION AND SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AS INCORPORATED IN
EXHIBIT Z WITH THE ADDITION OF THE CONTIGENCY OF
ANNEXATION AND THE GARAGE SPACE TO BE A MINIMUM OF 440
SQUARE FEET. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 2-1 WITH SAM MURDOFF VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
Decision 4. Development Stage PUD
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2020-0325
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT STAGE PLANNED
UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR EDMONSON RIDGE, BASED ON THE
FINDINGS NOTED IN THE RESOLUTION AND SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS AS INCORPORATED IN EXHIBIT Z WITH THE ADDITION
OF THE CONTIGENCY OF ANNEXATION AND THE GARAGE SPACE TO
BE A MINIMUM OF 440 SQUARE FEET. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 7 114
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 2-1 WITH SAM MURDOFF VOTING IN
OPPOSITION.
EXHIBIT Z
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to "Places to Live", Rezoning to PUD,
Development Stage PUD, and Preliminary Plat for Edmonson Ridge
Legal Description (lengthy):
The South 933 feet of the East 933 feet of the Northwest Quarter both measured at right
angles thereof Section 23, Township 121, Range 25, Wright County, Minnesota
1. The approval of the Preliminary Plat and Development Stage PUD is subject to approval
of the requested Annexation, rezoning and applicable Comprehensive Plan amendment,
and the annexation is processed by the Office of Administrative Hearings per the MOAA.
2. A sidewalk is built along 86th Street NE connecting to the proposed sidewalk connection
from Edmonson Way.
3. The private trail in the middle of Block 3 will be removed.
4. Applicant will provide drawings identifying driveway widths and designs that correspond
to house styles and elevations.
5. Applicant shall provide unit floor plans to verify final sizes of attached garages and living
space as part of the Final Stage PUD review.
6. The connecting trails to the external collector roads will be platted to 30' in width. The
applicant may choose to plat just one such outlot in the southeast corner of the plat to
provide convenient pedestrian access to the regional pathway system.
7. The infiltration basins will be deeded to the City as a drainage and utility easement with
conservation easement signs installed.
8. The infiltration basins shall have access for maintenance consistent with the
recommendations of the City Engineer.
9. The development is subject to the requirements of the City Engineer, per the letter dated
October 21, 2020.
10. Landscape treatments are added to delineate the private and public boundaries along the
infiltration basin areas.
11. Landscape treatments are added at the perimeter of the platted area adjacent to the rear
yards and collector roadways to create a buffer and increase rear yard privacy for
residents.
12. The applicant enters into a development agreement as a condition of Final Plat and Final
PUD approval.
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 8 114
13. The minimum garage size for all units shall be set at 440 square feet.
14. Compliance with the comments of other staff and Planning Commission.
B. Consideration of an Interim Use Permit for Monticello Public Works for
Public Warehousing, Temporary
Applicant: City of Monticello
Steve Grittman explained the request for Interim Use Permit by the City of
Monticello. He reminded the Commission that the Zoning Ordinance was recently
amended to add public temporary storage as a secondary use of property and was
allowed with an Interim Use Permit in the B-3, I-1, or I-2 districts. This would
allow the City of Monticello Public Works to have a location for temporary
storage until they can accommodate storage space through new construction or
otherwise. The proposal is for storage to occur at the Custom Canopy site along
Edmonson Avenue, zoned B-3 (Highway Business). Grittman highlighted the
building that is being considered to being used for the storage. The City would
use the building for seasonal equipment storage, but could be utilized for other
storage uses. They anticipate a relatively low volume of traffic coming and going
from this site and would comply with the terms of the permit/ordinance.
Following the completion of the IUP, the property would return to its typical B-3
uses.
Staff recommended approval of the application with conditions identified in
Exhibit Z. Grittman noted at the previous Planning Commission meeting there
was concerns of the types of storage especially hazardous materials and if it
would raise concerns for surrounding properties. Staff specifically added Item 3
of Exhibit Z to address those concerns. Grittman noted that some of the materials
may be classified as hazardous materials by the PCA, but there are storage
handling requirements for that material.
Sam Murdoff opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, the public
hearing was closed.
PAUL KONSOR MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2020-0335
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR
PUBLIC WAREHOUSING, TEMPORARY, IN THE WESTERN -MOST
BUILDING AT 1305 EDMONSON AVE. NE, FOR A PERIOD NOT TO
EXCEED 5 YEARS, OR WHEN THE LEASE FOR SUCH STORAGE
TERMINATES, WHICHEVER IS SOONER. ANDREW TAPPER SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 3-0.
EXHIBIT Z
Interim Use Permit for Public Warehousing, Temporary
1305 Edmonson Ave. NE
PID 155500142401
1. The term of the Interim Use Permit shall be five years from the date of City Council
approval, or upon termination of the City's lease for the property, whichever is sooner.
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 9 114
2. The Interim Use Permit grants no additional rights to use the property for leased
warehousing/storage beyond the applicable zoning regulations for the property.
3. The City/tenant shall at all times maintain stored materials and equipment in accordance
with all applicable zoning, building, and fire codes, including the provisions of the zoning
ordinance authorizing the Interim Use Permit.
4. Comments and recommendations of other staff.
C. Consideration of a Request for Adoption of the Monticello 2040
Comprehensive Plan
Applicant: City of Monticello
Angela Schumann introduced the item for recommendation of adoption of the
Monticello 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission is asked to
consider comments that were received prior to the public hearing including those
in the packet and those comments received during the meeting.
Schumann noted that the Comprehensive Plan is the City's long range plan and
the blueprint for how it will grow over the next twenty years. The need to update
the City's Comprehensive Plan was amplified by changes throughout the
community itself as well broader land use patterns occurring across the nation.
Changes in technology, commercial real estate, the impacts of the pandemic, how
we move goods and services, and how we transition from energy based economy
and tax base were considered when developing the draft plan. Schumann stressed
the amount of stakeholders that were engaged with the plan from the start.
Schumann introduced Scott Ruhland from the Lakota Group to provide
information on the planning process.
Scott Ruhland, the Lakota Group, introduced himself and noted that the plan
process has taken 15 months to develop the updated draft Comprehensive Plan.
He noted that the consultant and City have been able to stay on schedule even
with the pandemic. The consultants confirmed that they were able to gather a lot
of feedback from the community on the plan.
Ruhland noted that the project was broken into two phases: visioning and
comprehensive plan update. He noted that the consultants wanted to get a feel for
the community and to understand what direction the community wanted to go as
far as the improvement and development of Monticello over the next twenty
years. Community engagement was provided multiple days and in-person and
virtual/online opportunities.
Ruhland reviewed the approved vision statement, community value statements,
and preferred growth scenario with the Commission.
Ruhland highlighted extensive community engagement opportunities throughout
phase two: comprehensive plan update.
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 10 114
He explained the foundation of the plan is the land use chapter and provided the
big picture items that came out of the land use strategies and vision. Ruhland
noted that the three themes of the plan are community health, sustainability, and
sense of place.
Ruhland provided key highlights from each of the proposed draft chapters. Each
chapter will have goals, policies, and strategies to achieve the comprehensive plan
vision. These will all be included under an implementation chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Andrew Tapper noted that he also serves on the IEDC and they recently discussed
the completion of a new hotel and hospitality study. He asked where a hotel fits in
with the land use classifications. Ruhland noted that the Comprehensive Plan
designations are looked at from a high level and the zoning will allow specific
uses. The updated Comprehensive Plan give ideas of the types of uses that should
locate in the land use categories that have been developed. Ruhland noted for
hotels the Comprehensive Plan would be ideal in Regional Commercial,
Employment Campus, and Commercial Residential Flex. It was noted that once
adopted, the Zoning Ordinance would need to be cleaned up to make it consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan. Ruhland also pointed out in the implementation
chapter it includes the land use designations with the corresponding zoning
district.
Sam Murdoff opened up the public hearing.
Mike Schneider, 453 135th Avenue, Foley, explained that he was concerned with
property he owns that is between East Broadway and I-94, across from Meadow
Oak Drive. He noted that the colors of the land use designations were difficult to
tell without a large map. He felt that the designation for Employment Campus for
his property does not fit, and felt that a Community Residential Flex would be a
better fit. He noted the surrounding residential to the parcel and that the
Employment Campus seemed too industrial for the area. He noted that the City
has been concerned about residential along the interstate, but noted land along
Golf Course Road and near the interstate on the east side of town was designated
residential and felt it was a similar parcel to his own.
Discussion regarding that particular parcel occurred. Gabler asked if moving that
designation to the Commercial and Residential Flex was a better designation and
allowed for more discussion. Tapper also asked if determining a designation
would discourage people from developing it for a different use. Schumann noted
that staff would convey how the parcel was designated and it's intended use, but
that a comprehensive plan amendment could always be applied for. Staff agreed
that this parcel was difficult to identify a particular designation. Ruhland
understood the conflict with the land Schneider noted on the east parcel adjacent
to the interstate and being designated residential. Grittman noted concerns with
Schneider's parcel being residential and noted a change to the designation to the
Commercial and Residential Flex would be more difficult to deny a project that is
residential even if it's not a good fit for the parcel. He noted leaving the parcel as
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 11 1 14
Employment Campus gave the City more discretion on the development of that
parcel.
Schneider indicated that he has owned the land for 15 years and that the economy
continues to change. He noted that the flex district would allow some flexibility
and felt that having it designated as employment campus would further dissuade
people in developing the parcel. He understood the ability to later apply for a
Comprehensive Plan update, but noted that the time to make changes would be
prior to adoption of the plan rather than amending the new plan. Through the
Commercial Residential Flex, it was noted that a Planned Unit Development
would be required and allow the City more discretion.
PAUL KONSOR MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE
ADOPTION OF THE MONTICELLO 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN,
BASED ON FINDINGS IN RESOLUTION PC -2020-034, SUBJECT TO
THOSE COMMENTS OR REVISIONS AS STATED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION. SAM MURDOFF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 3-0.
3. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration of a request for a Simple Subdivision and Administrative Lot
Combination in a R-1 (Single Family Residence) District to enable a lot line
adjustment for public stormwater improvements
Applicant: City of Monticello
Steve Grittman provided an overview of the item and provided the location of the
land use request. Grittman indicated that the proposal is to shift the subdivision
line just east of the church's parking lot so that the (expandable) stormwater pond
and lift station could be on a single parcel. Grittman provided the recommended
proposed adjustment. Grittman noted that the site meets the conditions in the code
and that an exception to the platting requirement exists that would accommodate
the simple subdivision and lot combination. It is also consistent with the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
The purpose of the subdivision is to improve City utility and stormwater
management in that region. Staff recommended approval with conditions as
displayed in Exhibit Z.
Sam Murdoff asked why the City is having to improve stormwater management in
that area. Charlotte Gabler indicated that the pond was incorrectly built from
twenty plus years ago. She indicated that a trail easement would also be gained
along that area along County Road 39. Murdoff asked if part of the issue due to
the development of the senior housing project. Gabler indicated that this is
something that has been in the works for the past 1.5 years and that calculations
were wrong. Flooding issues predated the development of the senior housing
facility. Murdoff thought that part of the senior housing design was that it could
pump water to that stormwater pond. Grittman noted that the senior housing
project has to retain its own stormwater, but eventually it would go that direction.
There is no increase in that pond from the senior housing project. Angela
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 12 114
Schumann added that stormwater management is individual to each developed
site.
Murdoff raised concerns with why the City would want to change the lot line and
ownership to include the existing stormwater pond. Grittman noted that the area is
in the City's easement and that the pond is the City's. Rather than expanding the
easement, it makes more sense that the City has fee title to its facilities. Schumann
added that it is a policy decision that has recently been made that in many cases
rather than just drainage and utility easements, developers are asked to put
regional ponds in outlots so that they become the property of the City, as the City
has to maintain the overall regional stormwater system.
Paul Konsor asked if the current owners have to sell or convey the land to the
City. Grittman noted that the property owners are co -applicants and that they
would convey that part of the parcel to the City.
PAUL KONSOR MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2020-351
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE SIMPLE SUBDIVISION AND LOT
COMBINATION FOR THE SUBJECT PARCELS, CONTINGENT ON THE
REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED IN EXHIBIT Z. ANDREW TAPPER
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 3-0.
EXHIBIT Z
Simple Subdivision and Lot Combination
300 Riverview Drive
PIDs155500182202 and 155500182201
1. Conveyance of Parcel B to the City upon approval and recording of the
Subdivision.
2. Concurrent recording of Lot Combination and incorporated easements as
proposed.
3. Comments and recommendations of other Staff.
B. Consideration of the Community Development Director's Report
Angela Schumann added more information about stormwater management. She
noted that the City is part of a group paying close attention to County owned,
Ditch 33. She explained that the ditch manages County stormwater, but impacts
the development potential in the city, especially on the east side of town. She
encouraged the Commission to watch the discussions happening at the County,
Township, and City level regarding Ditch 33.
Schumann provided the Community Development Director's Report as included
in the packet.
4. Added Items
None.
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 13 114
5. Adjournment
SAM MURDOFF MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:34 P.M. ANDREW
TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 3-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: December 1 st, 2020
le -
Attest:
Angela Schu#f 4i4, (Jommunity Development Director
Planning Commission Minutes — November 2nd, 2020 Page 14 114