Planning Commission Minutes 03-06-2018MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 - 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: Brad Fyle, Sam Murdotf, Marc Simpson, John Alstad, Katie
Peterson
Council Liaison Present: Charlotte Gabler
Staff Present: Angela Schumann, Steve Grittman (NAC), John Rued
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Brad Fyle called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6 p.m.
B. Consideration of approving minutes
a. Regular Meeting Minutes — February 6th, 2018
MARC SIMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE REGULAR
MEETING MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 6TH, 2018. KATIE
PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
C. Citizen Comments
None.
D. Consideration of adding items to the agenda
None.
2. Public Hearings
A. Public Hearing — Consideration of a request to amend the Monticello Zoning
Ordinance Chanter 2, Section 4 Specific Review Procedures &
Requirements, Chapter 4, Section 11 Building Materials, and Chapter 5,
Section 3 Accessory Use Standards
Applicant: City of Monticello
Steve Grittman explained three separate proposed amendments to the Monticello
Zoning Ordinance.
The first proposed amendment was to add a calendar deadline to begin
construction for Planned Unit Development (PUD). An applicant would have six
months from the submission of a Development Stage PUD from concept review.
Grittman noted that concept stage is not required. When proceeding from
Development Stage to Final Stage, there would be sixty days to submit. A formal
request for extension by the applicant may be granted for an additional six
months.
The second proposed amendment was regarding roofing materials. Grittman
explained that requests for metal roofing have been received by the City. Grittman
stated that roofs are not addressed exclusively in the ordinance. He proposed that
roofing materials in residential districts including shingles made of asphalt,
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fiberglass, wood, stone, or architectural metal (including steel and copper). Steel
would only be allowed when designed to resemble traditional architectural
roofing materials.
Metal in business districts was proposed to allow metal roofing materials if it
resembles traditional commercial architecture or is designed to complement
architectural design of the building.
A special aspect for the Central Community District was also proposed for
roofing materials be consistent with the Small Area Study amendments.
The final amendment was to allow columbarium structures as an accessory use in
cemeteries only. A fifty foot setback was proposed as well as an exception to the
requirement for distance from I-94. Grittman explained that most cemeteries are
located in residential districts and would not be allowed to exceed the height
requirements for accessory buildings in the district. Masonry materials for
exterior surfaces was proposed.
Brad Fyle asked for clarification if all residential districts would abide by the
proposed roofing materials standard. Grittman confirmed.
Discussion regarding standing -seam roofing was discussed.
Fyle commented that the setback for columbariums should be from the right-of-
ways. Grittman explained that often times these structures are located in
residential districts and next to residential properties.
Sam Murdoff asked why it would be considered an accessory use. Grittman stated
that it would not allow a property owner to only place a columbarium on their
property. Murdoff preferred having a columbarium as a permitted use only in the
cemetery. Grittman proposed an alternative to amending the definitions of
cemetery to include columbariums and to add standards.
Brad Fyle opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, the public hearing
was closed.
Decision 1— PUD Timing Ordinance Amendment
SAM MURDOFF MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2018-005,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT ESTABLISHING TIMEFRAMES FOR PUD STAGE
APPLICATIONS. JOHN ALSTAD SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 5-0.
Decision 2 — Roofing Materials Ordinance Amendment
MARC SIMPSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2018-006,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT ESTABLISHING MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS FOR
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ROOFING ON RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. JOHN
ALSTAD SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
Steve Grittman asked Simpson if it was the intent of the motion to include
standing -seam roofing. Simpson confirmed.
Decision 3 — Columbarium Ordinance Amendment
KATIE PETERSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. PC -2018-007,
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR COLUMBARIUM
STRUCTURES IN CEMETERIES. JOHN ALSTAD SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
3. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration of a Report on Purchase Agreement for 103 Dine Street for
Consistency with the City of Monticello Comprehensive Plan
Angela Schumann stated that the Planning Commission is asked to consider
consistency with the Comprehensive Plan for three parcels located at 103 Pine
Street. Schumann stated that the property is being acquired by the EDA to
facilitate and support efforts for redevelopment and revitalization in accordance of
the Small Area Study plan.
Sam Murdoff asked if the EDA had plans for the building. Schumann stated that
if the EDA moved forward with the acquisition, they would market the site and
partner with a developer to move forward with a project that is similar to the
Small Area Study. Schumann stated that would likely include mixed use that
would utilize the river as an asset.
SAM MURDOFF MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION PC -2018-008 FINDING
THAT THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN LAND AT 103 PINE
STREET BY THE CITY OF MONTICELLO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY OF MONTICELLO
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR "DOWNTOWN" USES. MARC SIMPSON
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
B. Consideration of a Report on Purchase Agreement for 112 West River Street
for Consistency with the City of Monticello Comprehensive Plan
Angela Schumann explained that similar to the previous item, the Planning
Commission is asked to consider consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. The
goal with the parcel is to market the property for a mixed use product that utilizes
the river.
Marc Simpson asked if the developer would utilize the lots owned by the EDA to
create a development. Schumann confirmed.
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Katie Peterson asked if the City would be open to giving up the public parking
located on the west portion of the block. Schumann explained that the Small Area
Study notes development on the north side of the block with interior and
underground parking. Schumann added that a developer may have constraints
with the schematic located in the Small Area Study plan and that the City would
be open to the developer's ideas on configuration. The City Council would have
to decide on how to utilize the public parking lot.
Charlotte Gabler asked for more information about demolition of buildings on the
block. Schumann stated that the City could decide to establish a redevelopment
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for the block to help with the costs of
redeveloping the site, however once demolition occurs, there is a three year clock
that begins to make improvements. The City likes to reserve the option for a
redevelopment TIF District as long as possible for when a developer would like to
redevelop the lot.
SAM MURDOFF MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION PC -2018-009 FINDING
THAT THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN LAND AT 112 WEST
RIVER STREET BY THE CITY OF MONTICELLO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY OF
MONTICELLO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR "DOWNTOWN" USES.
JOHN ALSTAD SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
C. Consideration of an Update and Reference on Floodplain Ordinance
Brad Fyle asked if a floodplain ordinance needed to be approved. Angela
Schumann confirmed.
Schumann explained that Monticello contains a variety of overlay districts:
floodplain, shoreland, and Mississippi River Wild & Scenic districts that apply to
the river and waterbodies in the community.
Schumann stated that the current ordinance is dated and that it is required to
update the ordinance as well as adopt the Flood Hazard Determination Maps.
Updating these documents helps to maintain inclusion in flood insurance
program.
Background information regarding the reason for updating the ordinance was
provided. A draft ordinance was provided for review by the Planning
Commission. It was noted that a public hearing would be held in May, 2018 to
update the floodplain ordinance and that the DNR would be notified of the review
period. Staff used the DNR's model floodplain ordinance to develop a draft
ordinance.
An overview of the ordinance, key terms, and ordinance regulations were
provided. Schumann also discussed additions and revisions to the current
floodplain ordinance.
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At the previous Planning Commission meeting, Brad Fyle asked about non -
conformities. Schumann explained that the floodplain ordinance has specific
language on how non -conformities are regulated.
Schumann stated that for the majority of Monticello properties, the extent of
floodplain areas decreased, but there were about twenty to thirty properties where
the floodplain was increasing somewhere on those properties.
Fyle asked how portions and specific properties (e.g. River Terrace) would be
affected by the new ordinance. Schumann suggested that staff could provide
overview maps of the changes generally.
Charlotte Gabler noticed a portion of the ordinance discussing fencing. She asked
if the fencing section of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance would also need to be
amended to match the floodplain ordinance. Schumann stated the importance of
looking if there were any overlay districts where the property would exist and the
ordinance with the most restrictions would apply. Gabler asked if the property
didn't agree with the provisions, if they could apply for a variance. Schumann
stated that staff would work with property owners to find a solution that works. If
no solution is available, the zoning ordinance outlines alternative approaches.
Gabler asked if the townships also need to update their floodplain ordinances and
follow regulations. Steve Grittman stated the County Planning and Zoning
Department would handle this area.
Fyle was concerned with adopting a floodplain ordinance since the DNR already
has one in place. Katy Thompson, WSB & Associates explained that the national
flood insurance program is administered by local government units. The DNR and
the State of Minnesota have adopted more stringent standards, which is the reason
the DNR is involved. Thompson stated that the City of Monticello could decide
not to adopt a flood insurance ordinance, but those residents who have flood
insurance protection would be dropped. The City would also be ineligible for
federal grant dollars.
Fyle explained a situation in Fargo, North Dakota where the City bought
properties that had repetitive loss. Thompson explained that the City of Fargo
used Block grants from FEMA.
Gabler asked about the Groveland area and if that was included as floodplain or
any special district. Schumann stated that it was not in floodplain or shoreland,
but is included in wetlands.
Gabler asked if public land (e.g. Battle Rapids Park) would experience flooding if
it would be effected or if grant dollars could be received to fix the park.
Schumann stated that the City has a number of parks that are impacted by the
ordinance. If structures are constructed in floodplains or flood fringe, the City
would need to abide by the ordinance similar to property owners.
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Gabler asked about Sherburne County's floodplain ordinance. Thompson believed
that they adopted their flood insurance rate maps in 2012 and also adopted the
model DNR ordinance.
Schumann summarized that staff would provide mapping resources, clean up the
proposed zoning ordinance, include the optional language as a recommendation,
and take time with WSB to look into the mobile home park questions.
D. Consideration of the Community Development Directors Report
Angela Schumann provided the Community Development Directors report. She
stated the model zoning ordinance update for the Central Community District has
been drafted. A meeting with the downtown Zoning Committee group is being
held on Thursday, March 22nd at 7 a.m. The 2017 Strategic Plan was also included
in the packet. The City Council reaffirmed the six main goals of the plan and it
will serve as a plan for the Planning Commission's workplan.
Schumann encouraged the Planning Commission to attend a meeting with the
City Council on Monday, March 12th at 5:30 p.m.to discuss utility infrastructure
on the south side of Monticello.
A special meeting is being rescheduled for the training session on planning basics.
An email would be sent out with possible dates of special meeting for the training.
A May community tour is being planned. A questionnaire is being developed by
staff to answer questions the Planning Commission may have on the tour.
Lastly, Schumann noted that the agendas and minutes from other City boards is
available on the City's website as a resource.
4. Added Itenns
None.
5. Adjournment
SAM MURDOFF MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 7:43 P.M.
MARC SIMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 5-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: April 3`d, 2018
Attest:
Angela Sc"�n, Cd�nmunity Development Director
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