PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 9, 2018

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1 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 9, 2018 The Fergus Falls Planning Commission met on July 9, 2018 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. Members present were: ( indicates those present). Jeff Stanislawski Al Kremeier Craig Gantner Ned Eerdmans Ruth Rosengren Wayne Hurley Laurel Kilde City staff in attendance included, Amy Baldwin, Community & Economic Development Director, Andrew Bremseth, City Administrator, Jason Schuetzle, City Building Official, and Jill Hanson who took minutes for the meeting. Also present were Michael Dunning, Deborah Zachmann, Tim Hamilton, Jack & Sharon Lacey, Lois Windom, Darrel Nelson, Bryan Belcome, John Moen, Laurie Mullen, Mark & Brenda Christoperson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the June 11, 2018 meeting were reviewed and Chairman Jeff Stanislawski entertained a motion to approve the minutes. It was so moved by Wayne Hurley and seconded by Laurel Kilde. Passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A HOME OCCUPATION WOODWORKING/FURNITURE BUSINESS IN AN R-1 ZONE BY CONIDTIONAL USE PERMIT LOCATED AT 315 NORTH CONCORD STREET. REQUESTED BY MICHAEL DUNNING Chairman Stanislawski asked City staff to explain the request. Jason Schuetzle explained that a request was received from Michael Dunning for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow a woodworking, custom furniture business in his home s detached garage, located at 315 N Concord Street, which is an R-1 Zone. Businesses are allowed in residential neighborhoods with fair conditions. Jason explained that a home owner can have a business in their home where they take materials and produce something of their own to sell out of their home. They, however, cannot sell products that they did not make in their home. Jason explained a map of the area the where the business would be located as the petitioner would like to use the detached garage for a woodworking, custom furniture business. Let it be noted that a requirement for a home occupation business is that only 1/3 of the habitable space of the home is the maximum allowed space for the business. Also, the petitioner would only be able to have a two (2) foot square sign on his property per the signage codes. Jason stated that the City has received complaints from the neighbors in regard to this CUP for woodworking business at 315 North Concord Street, and listed some fair conditions that could be applied to the CUP: Limitation of hours for business related activities Designation of off street parking area Lighting not to shine directly on neighbor s property No blocking of alley by delivery trucks or customers Page 1 of 5

2 It was noted that only fair conditions should be applied to the CUP, and additional conditions could be added after the public hearing. Public Hearing to Consider a Request by Michael Dunning for a Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Woodworking Business in an R-1 zone was opened to the Public at 5:35 PM. Mike Dunning, 315 North Concord, explained that he started doing woodworking three years with the idea of just making items for sales at craft fairs. Mr. Dunning stated that he is employed at a full time job and the woodworking is just a hobby for him. He stated that he tries to be respectful of the neighbors. Commissioner Hurley asked some questions about the tools that are being used to build the furniture and Mr. Dunning explained the types of tools he was using. There was also some discussion about the alley being blocked sometimes. Mr. Dunning replied that he tries to keep the alley clear, but friends have parked there on occasion. Commissioner Kremeier stated that he felt the City needs to help individuals start up new businesses to help the community grow. There was some discussion. Mike Dunning mentioned how he had advertised his furniture with signs on his property and ran into some problems because he did not have a permit for the signs. He had been unaware that he needed a permit for the signs. Mr. Dunning stated that he was also advertising on the Fergus Falls Swap & Shop website, and he has had some garage sales where he has sold his furniture. Deborah Zachmann, 1411 South Mill Street, had some questions about the sign policy and there was some discussion. Mark Christoperson, 3208 East Fir Avenue, stated that he felt Mr. Dunning should be able operate his business on his property. Laurie Mullen, 1121 North Union Avenue, stated that she felt that the Planning Commission should support Mr. Dunning s business. Commissioner Kremeier stated that he felt that we need to change some of the City policies. Lois Windom, 1414 South Martin Avenue, stated that she supported Mr. Dunning. She felt property owners should be able to put signs on their property. Mike Dunning stated that he believes we should have permits for signs in resident areas and he would apply for the sign permit. Commissioner Hurley asked about the amount of space in the detached garage that is used for the woodworking business. Mr. Dunning replied that it is a 24 x 20 garage and it is used for personal storage of vehicles and his woodworking. Chairman Stanislawski closed the Public Hearing to the Public at 5:54 PM, and bought the meeting back to the Planning Commission for discussion. There was some discussion about limiting hours of operation from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Page 2 of 5

3 Laurel Kilde moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit requested by Michael Dunning to operate a Woodworking Business in an R-1 zone in his home, subject to the fair conditions of hours of operation mentioned. It was seconded by Al Kremeier. Pass unanimously. Chairman Stanislawski stated that the PC will be recommending this CUP request in an R-1 zone, and it will be going to the City Council meeting on July 16, 2018 at 5:30 PM for their consideration. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR RIDGEVIEW MEADOWS WHICH IS LOCATED SOUTH OF DAMIKE DRIVE & EAST OF SOUTH MARTIN STREET IN AN R-2 ZONE. REQUESTED BY NJD INVESTMENTS, LLC. Chairman Stanislawski asked City staff to explain the request. Amy Baldwin explained that NJD Investments, LLC has submitted a Preliminary Plat Application for Ridgeview Meadows located near Damika Drive and South Martin Street. The developer is platting 30 lots for 15 twin homes for housing on South Martin Street. Amy stated that the area is zoned R-2 and the Engineering Department has reviewed the preliminary plat map and did have a few recommendations that they would like to see done before the final plat is approved. Amy briefly explained the preliminary plat to the PC. Brian Belcome, Widseth Smith Nolting (representative of NJD), answered some questions about the plat and explained areas on the plat for drainage and an easement. Amy mentioned the developer had a purposed park on the plat, but that park has not been approved by the City. There was some discussion. Public Hearing to Consider a Request for a Preliminary Plat for Ridgeview Meadows opened to the Public at 6:04 PM. Laurie Mullen, 1121 North Union Avenue, had some questions about the lot size and what types of house would be built. Nate Pierson replied that the lot sizes met the City s minimum and he plans to build twin houses on the lots. Tim Hamilton, 712 Damika Drive, had some questions about the entrance to the Ridgeview Meadows and the quality of the homes that will be built across the street from him. Nate Pierson replied that the twin homes are a good quality home that they have built in other communities in the area. Mr. Hamilton had some concerns about twin homes being built by the single family homes in the area. It was noted that the area is zoned R-2 and allows both single and twin homes. Deborah Zachmann, 1411 South Mill Street, asked if there will be garages attached to the twin homes. Nate Pierson replied that each unit will have a garage. There was some discussion about the garages and the size of the lots. Lois Windom, 1414 South Martin Street, had some questions about if Martin Street will be vacated, and Jason Schuetzle explained the map to her in relation to where her home is located and the plans for the plat. Amy did some further explaining of the plat to the group and there was some discussion about the tax impact of the plat. Amy stated the impact of the plat would allow for new housing in Fergus Falls and property tax revenue. Page 3 of 5

4 There were some questions about the appearance of the homes, and if they would be spec homes or custom designed homes. Nate Pierson stated that they would be spec homes and further explained what the appearance of the homes would look like. Amy Baldwin stated that this is just a preliminary plat and the final plat could have some examples of the twin homes what Nate Pierson is planning to build. Chairman Stanislawski closed the Public Hearing to the Public at 6:17 PM, and bought the meeting back to the Planning Commission for discussion. There was none. Ruth Rosengren moved to approve the preliminary plat for Ridgeview Meadows located near Damika Drive and South Martin Street as presented. It was seconded by Wayne Hurley. Passed unanimously. Chairman Stanislawski stated that the PC will be recommending this preliminary plat request in an R-2 zone, and it will be going to the City Council meeting on July 16, 2018 at 5:30 PM for their consideration. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR WINTERSUN WHICH IS LOCATED AT AMY COURT IN AN R-4 ZONE. THE REQUEST WILL VACATE AMY COURT & REPLAT 5 LOTS ALONG ASPEN. REQUESTED BY FRONTIER VENTURES LLC. Chairman Stanislawski asked City staff to explain the request. Amy Baldwin explained that Frontier Ventures, LLC (Leigh Barry) has submitted a Preliminary Plat Application for Wintersun, which will include the vacation of Amy Court in order to develop a cul-de-sac that will connect to Ottertail Drive. The developer is proposing to replat the area and build five single family home in this R-4 zone located south of the Aspen townhomes. Amy stated that Frontier Ventures LLC is requesting to vacate Amy Court and replat Lots 1-6 on Block 11 and Lots 1-4 on Block 12 of Aspen Townhomes Addition located north of Ottertail Drive and West of South Tower Road. Amy mentioned that there has been a request for some variance setbacks with this plat also, because the new proposed lots will not meet the 60 x 120 feet standard, but the lots will exceed the standard 7200 square foot requirement. These requests will go before the Board of Zoning later tonight. Public Hearing to Consider a Request for a Preliminary Plat for Wintersun Meadows opened to the Public at 6:20 PM. Laurie Mullen, 1121 North Union Avenue, had some questions about the plat and the setbacks of the lots. There was some discussion. Chairman Stanislawski closed the Public Hearing to the Public at 6:21 PM, and bought the meeting back to the Planning Commission for discussion. There was some. Wayne Hurley moved to approve the preliminary plat for Wintersun located at Amy Court as presented. It was seconded by Craig Gartner. Passed unanimously. Chairman Stanislawski stated that the PC will be recommending this preliminary plat request in an R-4 zone, and it will be going to the City Council meeting on July 16, 2018 at 5:30 PM for their consideration. Page 4 of 5

5 APPOINTMENT OF PC MEMBER TO HOUSING TASK FORCE Amy explained the purpose of the new Housing Task Force to the PC members, and how they plan to meet twice a month. The first meeting will be July 17 th at 7:30 AM. Amy stated that she was looking for a representative from the PC to serve on the Housing Task Force. Motion and second were made by Al Kremeier and Wayne Hurley to nominate Laurie Kilde to serve as the Planning Commission representative to the Housing Task Force. Passed unanimously. NEW APPLICATIONS Amy informed the PC that we have not received any new applications, but we might see the final plats for Meadow Ridgeview and Wintersun coming back to the PC in the near future. Amy mentioned that the RTC preliminary plat is not ready to be presented to the PC yet and explained some of the delays. OLD BUSINESS Chairman Stanislawski asked if there was old business. There was some discussion about a plat for an apartment along the River. Andrew Bremseth stated that there are outstanding issues with the property and a full certificate of occupancy still has not been issued. There was some discussion about the TIF for the property. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Stanislawski asked if there was new business. There was some discussion about helping with the development of new businesses and how the Council has given the Mayor the direction to form a new 501(c)3 that will be made up of business groups from the community. There was some discussion about City Ordinances and housing types that are not presently allowed in the City. Andrew Bremseth mentioned that the City has hired a new City Planner who will guide the process of rewriting the zoning ordinance. The PC discussed the idea of planning for future development from Sunmart to the Mall. Laurel Kilde made a motion to move forward with the land use planning for the area from Sunmart to the Mall. Craig Gantner seconded the motion. Passed unanimously. COUNCIL UPDATES Chairman Stanislawski asked if there was any Council updates and there were none. LATE BUSINESS Chairman Stanislawski asked if there was late business and there was none. The next meeting will be July 23, 2018 at 5:30 PM. Chairman Stanislawski entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was moved by Wayne Hurley and seconded by Laurel Kilde. Passed unanimously at 6:58 PM. Andrew Bremseth City Administrator Page 5 of 5