Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - 03/07/2023MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: Paul Konsor, Andrew Tapper, Eric Hagen, Melissa Robeck
Commissioners Absent: Teri Lehner
Council Liaison Present: Charlotte Gabler
Staff Present: Angela Schumann, Steve Grittman (NAC), Hayden Stensgard, and
Ron Hackenmueller
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Planning Commission Chair Paul Konsor called the regular meeting to order at
6:04 p.m.
B. Consideration of approving minutes
a. Joint Workshop Meeting Minutes —February 7, 2023
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 712023 JOINT
WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
b. Regular Meeting Minutes —February 7, 2023
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 7, 2023
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
C. Citizen Comments
None
D. Consideration of adding items to the agenda
None
E. Consideration to approve agenda
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 7, 2023 REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
2. Public Hearings
A. Consideration of an Amendment to the Monticello Zoning Ordinance Related
to Retail Rental Uses Including, but not Limited to Definition, Zoning Districts
and Standards
Applicant: Michelle Rice
City Planner Steve Grittman provided an overview of the agenda item to the
Planning Commission and the public. This item was brought forth after an inquiry
from General Rental Center, an existing business in Monticello looking to expand
operations into a new facility. It was found that retail uses specific to rental
service was not included in the Zoning Code language. The requested text
amendment would add language to include a rental aspect to the "retail
commercial uses (other)" definition within the Monticello Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Konsor asked if there are any additional, unforeseen items that would be
allowed to be rented out with the proposed ordinance. Mr. Grittman clarified
that the items currently allowed to be sold at a retail establishment by ordinance
are the limitations to what can be rented.
Councilmember Charlotte Gabler asked if Planned Unit Developments would be
affected by this proposed ordinance. Mr. Grittman noted that it would depend
on the language given to the specific Planned Unit Developments. If the PUD
language included provision for "retail commercial uses (other)" or the base
zoning district of the PUD allows "retail commercial uses (other)", it would then
be permitted in the PUD.
Councilmember Gabler asked if auto sales establishments within the city would
be affected by the proposed ordinance. Mr. Grittman clarified that the auto sales
establishments are classified as a separate use, and would not be affected by the
proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Gabler asked if staff and Planning Commissioners discussed
amendments related to retail uses in 2022. Community Development Director
Angela Schumann clarified that staff and Planning Commissioners did review
potential amendments in 2022, and subsequently approved an ordinance
amendment related to retail. The rental aspect of retail uses was not
acknowledged at that time, nor at the time of adoption of the new code in 2011.
Mr. Konsor opened the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
Mr. Konsor closed the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
PAUL KONSOR MOVED, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-07
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. X FOR AMENDMENT TO THE
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO RETAIL RENTAL USES, SECTION
153.012, DEFINITIONS, BASED ON THE FINDINGS IN SAID RESOLUTION. ANDREW
TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
Ms. Schumann noted the item was anticipated to be included in the City Council
consent agenda at their regular meeting on March 271h, 2023.
B. Consideration of an Amendment to the Monticello Lakes Planned Unit
Development District affecting parking, accessory buildings, lot coverage, and
related site impacts.
Applicant: Monticello Lakes, LLC.
Mr. Grittman provided an overview of the agenda item to the Planning
Commission and the public. Originally approved by the City Council in December
of 2021, the amendment request was specifically related to the removal of the
approved resident parking garages on site. The amendment also addressed a
change in the configuration of the clubhouse on site as well. An updated
landscape plan was also included in the proposed changes, due to the added
greenspace on site following garage removal.
Mr. Konsor opened the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
Mr. Konsor closed the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-08
RECOMMENDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE MONTICELLO LAKES PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, AMENDING THE APPROVED PLANS FOR SAID PUD,
BASED ON THE FINDINGS IN SAID RESOLUTION AND WITH CONDITIONS AS
LISTED IN EXHIBIT Z OF THE STAFF REPORT OF MARCH 7, 2023. PAUL KONSOR
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
Ms. Schumann noted the item was anticipated to be included in the City Council
consent agenda at their regular meeting on March 131", 2023.
C. Consideration of an Amendment to the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan
(Comprehensive Plan), Chapter 3, "Land Use, Growth and Orderly Annexation",
Lq-guiding certain parcels from their existing Industrial designations to
alternative Industrial, Employment, and Commercial categories, and amending_
the text of the Plan to add flexibility for implementation of the Plan's goals and
land use obiectives.
Applicant: City of Monticello
Mr. Grittman provided an overview of the agenda item to the Planning
Commission and the public. This item arose from a discussion related to item 2D
of the current agenda, where the subject site does not meet the current land use
guidance and zoning for the applicant's proposed use. It was then understood
that the properties east of Edmonson Avenue, north of Chelsea Road and south
of Interstate 94, as well as properties in the vicinity along the eastern side of
Fallon Avenue NE, had Comprehensive Plan land use designations that did not
match the companion zoning districts respective to each property. The request
was directly related to correcting what staff believed to have been an error
during the drafting of the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan. The amendments
requested are to re -guide the land use designation for the properties listed
within the staff report from General Industrial, to Light Industrial Park or
Regional Commercial, depending on the sites' current zoning district.
Eric Hagen asked why the parcel at 108 Thomas Circle was not being considered
to be re -guided as Regional Commercial. Mr. Grittman clarified that the reason
this property was proposed to change designation from General Industrial to
Light Industrial Park was due the current zoning district of the property is 1-1,
Light Industrial District, which is reflective of the Light Industrial Park
designation.
Andrew Tapper did not agree with some of the parcels listed to be re -guided, as
he felt certain parcels reflected the General Industrial designation more so than
the proposed Light Industrial Park designation.
Mr. Grittman noted that the intent of Light Industrial Park zoning designation is
in part to act as a buffer between General Industrial and Regional Commercial
designations. Though the existing uses on those properties may not reflect the
designation, it is anticipated that as uses change, those properties would become
more conforming with their respective designations and the transitional area in
which they are located.
Ms. Schumann added that the properties in question had been historically zoned
1-11 Light Industrial, and the land use designations are established as a guide for
future uses on a given site.
Councilmember Gabler asked what the guidance of the location for the new
Wiha Tools facility is anticipated to be. Ms. Schumann clarified that the existing
zoning district for the site is Industrial Business Campus (IBC), and the property's
land use designation in the Comprehensive Plan is Employment Campus.
Councilmember Gabler noted that it is reasonable to re -guide the properties but
questioned whether the Employment Campus designation would be more fitting
than the proposed Light Industrial Park designation. Ms. Schumann had clarified
that the reason staff proposed re -guidance to Light Industrial Park was directly
related to the current zoning districts of the properties. The 1-1, Light Industrial
zoning district directly correlates to Light Industrial Park designation within the
Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Gabler asked where General Industrial is currently designated
within the City. Ms. Schumann noted that the Oakwood Industrial Park is still a
designated area for General Industrial, and there are pages within Chapter 3 of
the Comprehensive Plan that break down land use designations by acreage. One
reason for the limitation of General Industrial guidance within the 2040 Plan is
the city's focus on job and tax base creation, which occurs more often at a higher
rate or density in Light Industrial Park and Employment Campus designations.
Councilmember Gabler asked whether if it is necessary to continue including the
General Industrial designation in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Schumann
explained it is important to continue including General Industrial as a
designation, due to the need for a designated location for business that fit the
standards established by the designation in the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Tapper reiterated that he did not necessarily see the need to re -guide certain
parcels away from General Industrial if the current uses on site reflect that
designation.
Mr. Grittman noted that the main differences between light and heavy industrial
users has to do with external impacts of the use on a given site.
Ms. Schumann also noted that land use guidance is the broad land use plan, but
the existing zoning of a property is what controls the property in terms of uses
and standards. The parcels in question to be re -guided to Light Industrial Park are
already zoned the corresponding 1-1, Light Industrial.
Mr. Konsor noted a page within Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Plan that uses
Polaris as an example of a General Industrial use. Ms. Schumann noted that it is
more likely that use is Light Industrial in nature, although it would also be
allowed in General Industrial areas.
Mr. Hagen noted that even though Polaris is an example of General Industrial,
the guidance of the land could be different, due to the Comprehensive Plan
acting as a future plan for property within the City.
Mr. Tapper raised the question of why there is separate guidance for Light
Industrial Park and General Industrial, and why those two are not bunched in to
one designation.
Mr. Hagen noted the broadness of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, with guidance
like Places to Work,. Places to Shop, and Places to Live, then narrowing down of
classification to what they are now provides a more established future plan for
the City. The more detailed designation also provides potential businesses to
easily understand where within the City their business would fit in with the long-
term Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Konsor asked if all the parcels included in the discussion are currently zoned
1-1, Light Industrial. Ms. Schumann clarified that parcels proposed to be re -
guided to Light Industrial Park are currently zoned 1-1, Light Industrial. The
parcels proposed to be re -guided to Regional Commercial are currently zoned B-
4, Regional Business District.
Ms. Schumann also noted that the detailed designations compared to
designations in prior Comprehensive Plan is to address the fact that they also
serve a purpose to promotes other sections and goals of the Comprehensive
Plan.
Mr. Konsor opened the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
Mr. Grittman reiterated that the amendments proposed include the changes to
the Land Use Designation map in within Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Plan as
well as a change the text within Chapter 3 to broaden the inclusivity of the Light
Industrial Park designation to include both 1-1, Light Industrial, and IBC districts.
Mr. Tapper asked if there is already a designation in the Comprehensive Plan that
reflects the IBC zoning district already. Mr. Grittman clarified that the
Employment Campus designation currently reflects the IBC zoning, but the
intention of the text amendment proposed would be to include the IBC under
the Light Industrial Park designation.
Mr. Konsor closed the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
Mr. Konsor noted that he was indifferent on the decision at hand.
Councilmember Gabler asked if there was ever a discussion of a
business/industrial flex designation in the Comprehensive Plan, or if there is one
already established. Ms. Schumann clarified that the flexibility within the current
designations was discussed at the time of the Comprehensive Plan drafting, and
that the intention was to include both commercial and industrial uses within the
Employment Campus designation, but not to include those same commercial
uses within any of the Industrial designations.
Ms. Schumann added that if the Planning Commission was ever interested in
looking at the Comprehensive Plan further, they have the authority to direct staff
to prepare information on it and bring continue this discussion at a workshop
meeting in the future.
Mr. Tapper noted he understood the intention of he proposed amendments to
the Comprehensive Plan following the discussion. Mr. Tapper was interested in
the idea of bringing the discussion had to a subsequent workshop meeting to
further discuss.
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-09,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LAND USE MAP AND CATEGORIES REGUIDING CERTAIN PROPERTIES FROM
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL TO LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PARK, AND AMENDING THE TEXT OF
THE PLAN TO ADD FLEXIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN'S GOALS
AND LAND USE OBJECTIVES, BASED ON THE FINDINGS IN SAID RESOLUTION.
PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-10
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LAND USE MAP AND CATEGORIES REGUIDING CERTAIN PROPERTIES FROM
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL TO REGIONAL COMMERCIAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE PLAN'S GOALS AND LAND USE OBJECTIVES, BASED ON THE FINDINGS IN SAID
RESOLUTION. PAUL KONSOR SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
Ms. Schumann mentioned this item would go forth to the City Council for final
decision on March 27, 2023, and the City Council will be informed of the
discussion on the item at the Planning Commission meeting.
D. Consideration of an Amendment to the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan
(Comprehensive Plan), Chapter 3, "Land Use, Growth and Orderly Annexation"
as related to Future Land Use Designations and Map; Consideration of Rezoning
108 Thomas Circle from 1-1, Light Industrial District to Industrial Business
Campus (IBC) District.
Applicant: Darrin Juve
Mr. Grittman provided an overview of the agenda item to the Planning
Commission and the public. The applicant sought rezoning of the parcel to
accommodate the operation of a head start facility at 108 Thomas Circle. With
the current zoning of the property being 1-1, Light Industrial, it limits the ability of
a childcare use to a conditional use that must be accessory to a principal
industrial use at the same location. The rezoning to IBC would allow them to
operate in compliance, as a childcare facility use is permitted as a principal use in
the IBC district. The concurrent request would be to amend the Comprehensive
Plan so that the land use designation of the parcel would correspond with the
proposed rezoning.
Ms. Schumann noted that the prior item did not re -guide 108 Thomas Circle, so
that it is necessary for the Planning Commission to act on the Comprehensive
Plan amendment specific to this parcel. Staff also provided information related
to the state of child care within Wright County to the Planning Commissioners for
reference. This information has since been added to the agenda on the City of
Monticello's website.
Mr. Konsor opened the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
Dean Williamson, of Frauenshuh Inc., on behalf of the applicant, addressed the
Planning Commission and the public, noting they were in attendance if any
questions arose.
Councilmember Gabler asked for clarification on how the group seeking to
occupy the building would be considered a childcare facility under the Zoning
Ordinance language, rather than a school. Mr. Grittman clarified that the
Monticello Zoning Ordinance defines schools as K-12 programs, under the
current language of the code, preschools and other head start programs are
defined as childcare facilities.
Mr. Konsor closed the public hearing portion of the agenda item.
Ms. Schumann noted that the decision for amending the Comprehensive Plan
related to this agenda item does not include what designation to re -guide this
parcel to. Staff recommended a re -guidance to Light Industrial Park. With the
prior item being recommended for approval, it would then correspond with the
rezoning request to IBC.
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-11
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE MONTICELLO 2040
VISION + PLAN (COMPREHENSIVE PLAN), CHAPTER 3, "LAND USE, GROWTH AND
ORDERLY ANNEXATION" AS RELATED TO THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
AND MAP, BASED ON THE FINDINGS IN SAID RESOLUTION. PAUL KONSOR
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
PAUL KONSOR MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC-2023-12
RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. X, REZONING 108 THOMAS
CIRCLE FROM 1-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS
CAMPUS (IBC), BASED ON FINDINGS IN SAID RESOLUTION. ANDREW TAPPER
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0.
Ms. Schumann mentioned this item would move forward to the City Council for
final decision on March 27, 2023.
Before the Planning Commission proceeded to the regular agenda to discuss
whether the Comprehensive Plan item on the agenda should be further
discussed at a workshop meeting in the future. The consensus was to plan for a
workshop in the future.
3. Begular Agenda
A. Consideration of Communitv Development Director's Report
Ms. Schumann provided an overview of the agenda item to the Planning
Commission and the public.
Chief Building Official/Zoning Administrator Ron Hackenmueller addressed the
Planning Commission regarding a personnel change within the Building
Department. Building Inspector Bob Ferguson steeped into a new position as
Building Official/Fire Inspector to assist with the restarting of the fire inspection
program. The Building Department is also adding a third building inspector to the
department following the personnel change noted.
4. Added Items
None
S. Adiournment
MELISSA ROBECK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTICELLO
PLANNING COMMISSION. ANDREW TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:50 P.M.
Recorded By: Hayden Stensgard
V,
Date Approved: April 4, 2023
ATTEST:
Angela Schu
J#
ommunity Development Director