CITY OF SAINT PETER

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES July 11 , 2007

SAINT PETER COMMUNITY CENTER GOVERNOR’S ROOM

 

 

Member John Kvamme called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members Kvamme, Kermit Swanson, Justin Simpson, and Ken Douglas were present. 

 

City staff present:  Director of Community Development Russ Wille, Public Works Director Lewis Giesking, and Administrative Secretary Cindy Moulton.

 

Agenda

 

A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Swanson to approve the agenda as presented.  All members voting aye, the motion carried.

 

Minutes

 

A motion was made by Swanson, seconded by Douglas to approve the minutes of May 2, 2007.  All members voting aye, the minutes were approved as presented.

 

Registered Land Survey #61 – Washington Terrace /Approval

 

Wille stated that Mick Stephens purchased Lot 5, Block 3 in Washington Terrace Subdivision.  Wille said that Stephens constructed a home at that location and it was determined after the home was built that the house was partially located upon the southern most portion of Lot 4, Block 3. 

 

Wille stated that Stephens requested that a Registered Land Survey be prepared to amend the lot lines for lots 3 – 5, Block 3, at his expense.  Wille also stated that if the Registered Land Survey is approved, Stephens has agreed to purchase Tract B, RLS #61 and once a certificate of occupancy is obtained for the new construction on that lot, Stephens has agreed to purchase Tract A, RLS #61.  Wille said that if an alternative buyer is found for Tract A, the sale to a third party can be accomplished at anytime before Stephens exercises the required purchase obligation.

 

A motion was made Swanson, seconded by Douglas to introduce Resolution No. 2007 - 03, entitled, “Resolution Approving Waiver Of Subdivision For Lots 3-5, Block 3, Washington Terrace Subdivision, City Of Saint Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota And Accepting Registered Land Survey No. 61”.  All members voting aye, the Resolution was passed and adopted.

 

Reports

 

Wille reported that the next Planning and Zoning meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 7:00 with a workshop being held prior to the meeting at 5:30.

 

Simpson stated he would be unable to attend the August 7, 2007 meeting.

 

Adjournment

 

A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Swanson to adjourn.  All members voting aye, the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

 

 

 

CITY OF SAINT PETER

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES May 2 , 2007

SAINT PETER COMMUNITY CENTER GOVERNOR’S ROOM

 

 

Chairperson Mark Bjelland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members Bjelland, Kermit Swanson, John Kvamme, Justin Simpson, Mary Ann Harty, and Ken Douglas were present. 

 

City staff present:  Director of Community Development Russ Wille, Public Works Director Lewis Giesking, Jeff Domras of Bolton & Menk and Administrative Secretary Cindy Moulton.

 

Agenda

 

A motion was made by Kvamme, seconded by Simpson to approve the agenda as presented.  All members voting aye, the motion carried.

 

Minutes

 

A motion was made by Harty, seconded by Swanson to approve the minutes of February 6, 2007.  All members voting aye, the minutes were approved as presented.

 

Registered Land Survey Approval

 

Wille stated that Richard Black has applied for a waiver from the regulations of the subdivision ordinance to record Registered Land Survey No. 60. 

 

Wille said that Black would like to divide Lot 2, Block 1, Pine Pointe Subdivision #3 into two separate lots.  Wille indicated that the lot was originally platted to accommodate the construction of a 4 unit townhouse.  He said that all of the single family lots have been sold in the subdivision and there continues to be a demand for lots upon which single family homes may be constructed within Pine Pointe.

 

Wille recommended that the Registered Land Survey No. 60 be approved subject to the placement of a six foot drainage easement on either side of the lot line between Tract A and Tract B. 

 

Simpson asked if the residents of Pine Pointe were aware of Black’s intentions.  Wille stated that neighbors did not have to be notified.

 

Kvamme asked if the potential single family lots would be surrounded by town homes.  Wille indicated that they would not.

 

A motion was made Douglas, seconded by Harty to introduce Resolution No. 2007 - 02, entitled, “Resolution Approving Waiver Of Subdivision For Lot 2, Block 1, Pine Pointe Subdivision #3, City Of Saint Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota And Accepting Registered Land Survey No. 60”.  All members voting aye, the Resolution was passed and adopted.

 

Reports

 

Wille reported that the City Council will schedule a public hearing regarding the Zoning Ordinance in the next month.  He stated the City Administrator’s office is reformatting the document which has taken longer than anticipated.

 

Wille stated that additional meetings have been scheduled with a developer seeking to develop a location for a Big Box retail store.

 

Wille said he is unaware of any new subdivisions in the works at this time.

 

Wille stated the next Planning & Zoning meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2007.

 

A motion was made by Harty, seconded by Douglas to adjourn.  All members voting aye, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

CITY OF SAINT PETER

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007

SAINT PETER COMMUNITY CENTER GOVERNOR’S ROOM

 

 

Members John Kvamme, Justin Simpson, Mary Ann Harty, and Ken Douglas were present.

Members Sheryl Smith and Mark Bjelland were absent. 

City staff present was Director of Community Development Russ Wille.

Visitor present was Rick Tuomala.

 

Member Kvamme called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

 

Agenda

 

A motion was made by Simpson, seconded by Douglas to approve the agenda as presented.  All members voting aye, the motion carried.

 

Minutes

 

A motion was made by Harty, seconded by Douglas to approve the minutes of January 2, 2007 with the following amendment, change “recessed at 7:40 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.”.  All members voting aye, the minutes were approved as amended.

 

New Business – none

 

Adoption of Revised Zoning Ordinance

 

Wille explained the corrections made to the new zoning map.  He stated the Industrial Districts were identified correctly and that the Educational/Institutional District (EID) was included on the map.  He stated that Arbor View, which is owned by GAC, will not be included in the EID.  Wille said he will meet with Ken Westphal and Warren Wunderlich of Gustavus Adolphus College to insure the EID is mapped out correctly.

 

Wille stated that when the revised ordinance is passed by the City Council and printed in the newspaper it will be in effect.  He said that the existing ordinance will be enforced until such time.

 

Kvamme explained that once the Planning and Zoning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council, the Council will discuss the revised zoning ordinance at a workshop, and then determine if the ordinance should be included on a city council agenda in order that formal action can be taken.

 

Wille said that he will suggest to City Administrator Todd Prafke that a public hearing be held at the City Council meeting in which formal action will be taken on the revised zoning ordinance.

 

Rick Toumala, 908 Menk Drive, thanked Wille for adjusting the lot coverage in the C-4 Highway Commercial district.  He also suggested that islands be included in parking lots to separate the driving isle from the parking area for safety reasons.  Toumala also expressed his concern for those businesses wanting to expand and having to follow the stipulations included in the revised ordinance because of the cost factor.

 

Harty asked if a business wanted to expand, wouldn’t it be in their best interest to have the building look the same as the existing structure.  Wille said that having to meet the stipulations may entice the building owner to update the existing structure to match the addition.

 

A motion was made by Harty, seconded by Simpson, to introduce Resolution No. 2007-01 entitled, “A Resolution Recommending That The City Council Repeal Saint Peter City Code, Chapter 11 “Land Use Regulation (Zoning), And Alternatively Adopt A Revised Ordinance As Prepared By The Saint Peter Planning And Zoning Commission”.  With all members voting aye, the Resolution was passed and adopted. 

 

Adjournment 

 

The next meeting will take place on March 6, 2007 at 7:00.  Kvamme requested that discussion on “traditional neighborhoods” be included on the March agenda.

 

A motion was made by Simpson, seconded by Harty to adjourn.  With all members voting aye, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

 

 

 

CITY OF SAINT PETER

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 2, 2007

SAINT PETER COMMUNITY CENTER GOVERNOR’S ROOM

 

 

Member Kvamme called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members Kvamme, Justin Simpson, Mary Ann Harty, and Ken Douglas were present. 

 

Kvamme called for the election of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary for the Planning Commission.  A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Simpson to elect Mark Bjelland as Chairperson.  All members voting aye, the motion carried.    A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Simpson to elect Sheryl Smith as Vice Chairperson.  All members voting aye, the motion carried.

 

Chairperson Mark Bjelland arrived at 7:02 p.m. at which time he presided over the meeting.

 

Agenda

 

A motion was made by Kvamme, seconded by Harty to approve the agenda as presented.  All members voting aye, the motion carried.

 

Minutes

 

A motion was made by Kvamme, seconded by Harty to approve the minutes of December 5, 2006.  All members voting aye, the minutes were approved as presented.

 

Zoning Ordinance Revision

 

Wille stated the goals of the zoning ordinance are to:  1) adequately regulate land use  2) ease administration/enforcement  3)  comply with current practices/case law and to  4)  address non-conformities. 

 

Wille briefly summarized the revisions that were made to the zoning ordinance by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  He stated there are deficiencies in the current ordinance making it difficult to enforce and interpret.     

 

Chairperson Bjelland opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.

 

Joel Brinker, 520 North Third Street, stated that he was concerned with the restrictive nature put on business coming to town.  He said the “City of Saint Peter” has a bad reputation and St. Peter is not the “go to city”.  He said the electric, water, sewer and storm sewer rates are too high.

 

Brinker also said there is a conflict between Planning and Zoning; and Economic Development.

 

Brinker said the City needs to set the pace and start enforcing laws.  He stated that if the codes were enforced, it would eliminate some of the problems such as sale of outdated mobile homes.

 

Brinker expressed that the government should do things because they need to, not because they can.

 

Rick Tuomala, 908 Menk Drive, felt the gateway district was too narrow.  He also said that the east side of Old Minnesota Avenue would be the only side required to follow the guidelines.

 

Tuomala asked what the property owners were going to do if their lots were too small to development with the new regulations.  He stated that several businesses do not meet the proposed standards.  He said it would cause undue strain on businesses if they would need to bring their property into compliance.

 

Ken Dahlgren, 617 North Ninth, stated that Saint Peter has an unusual problem with Old Minnesota and Highway 169 splitting property.  Dahlgren encouraged the Planning and Zoning Commission to table the resolution recommending approval of the zoning ordinance.  He asked the Commission to walk the proposed gateway district to see how the standards would affect the lots and to come up with ideas as to what could be done with the property once the gateway zone is approved.

 

Dahlgren said that once the zoning ordinance is approved and the new setbacks enforced, he would lose 10,000 square feet of buildable land.  Dahlgren said he would expect the City to reimburse him for the cost of the lost land.  He said that the affected property owners could start a class action lawsuit.

 

Warren Wunderlich, 505 North Seventh Street, spoke on behalf of Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue.  Wunderlich said he agreed with the intent of the Educational District.  He did however feel the 100’ setback requirement was too restrictive.  Wille informed him that the entire campus was viewed as one lot.  Wille pointed out that there are a few buildings on campus that currently encroach on the 100’ setback but that they are grandfathered in.  He indicated that if the buildings are destroyed beyond 60%, they would not be able to be rebuilt.

 

Wunderlich questioned the 50’ maximum building height and felt it was way too restrictive.  He indicated that the steeple on Christ Chapel as well as the future football press box are higher than 50’.  Kvamme stated that the 50’ height restriction was made for life safety reasons.  Wunderlich asked if a variance would be required to construct structures over 50’.  Wunderlich suggested increasing the height restriction and in turn increase the setbacks.

 

Paul Yeske, Swine Vet Clinic, 1608 South Minnesota, stated that when they constructed their building it was conforming to the C-4 District.  He said if the gateway overlay is approved the building would be non-conforming.   Yeske felt the screening and setback requirements were too restrictive.  Wille stated that unless the building is enlarged, it can remain as it is.  He said if an addition should take place, the new portion of the building would have to meet the standards.  Yeske stated it would be very difficult to screen their loading dock area in the rear as they have access problems the way it is.

 

Kip Lager, President of Lagers, 910 Old Minnesota Avenue, was concerned with losing parking both on his sales lot and on street parking.  Lager asked if he would be allowed to build a sales trailer on the east car lot.  Wille stated that if a principle use is constructed, the new ordinance would need to be followed.  Lager said that he did not like the idea of screening his property with bushes.  He said the bushes collect all types of debris as well as screen his retail space.

 

Lager asked if his current loading area needed to be screened.  Wille said that if a building expansion occurred the new loading area would need to be screened.

 

Lager asked if variances would be granted for undue hardships.  Wille stated that property owners can apply for a variance to the Board of Zoning Adjustments.

 

Leroy Giesler, 1502 South Minnesota Avenue, said he was concerned with the location of his home being only 23’ from Highway 169.  He stated that he and his wife each run a small business from their home and said they would be non-conforming with the gateway overlay.  He asked if it would be possible to change the zoning.  He also asked how the sidewalk master plan affects his property.  Wille suggested that Giesler setup an appointment to meet with him.

 

Steve Weber, 101 Brown Street, said he was concerned with the parking setbacks.  He also stated that the property owners on the east side of Old Minnesota Avenue would be the only ones required to follow the new ordinance.  Weber felt that with the new restrictions, it would limit potential buyers.  He said the new ordinance was “over kill”.

 

Ken Westphal, 507 Capitol Drive, representing Gustavus Adolphus College, requested a new map diagramming the educational district.

 

Wille explained the process associated with repealing and adopting the Zoning Ordinance.  He said once the Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing, the City Council is not responsible to hold another public hearing.  He did however say that the City Council regularly allows citizens to speak on issues that are on the agenda. 

 

Bob Geldner asked if the Commission was going to take into consideration what was said at this meeting before making a decision.

 

Dahlgren again suggested that city staff, the Planning Commission, and City Engineer view the property before making a decision.  He suggested that the City look at constructing a frontage road.

 

Windy Block, 1019 Old Minnesota Avenue, asked if the gateway overlay is what Saint Peter really needs.  He asked when and where Highway 169 was going to be relocated.  Wille said there was no timeline given on the bypass.

 

Bjelland closed the public hearing at 8:39 p.m.

 

New Business     

 

A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Simpson to take a short recess.  All members voting aye, the meeting recessed at 8:40 p.m.

 

The meeting resumed at 8:56 p.m.

 

Douglas felt that the gateway overlay was taking away property owners rights.

 

Bjelland summarized the property owners concerns which included 1) unfair that the west side of Old Minnesota Avenue does not have to comply with the gateway overlay  2) the building and parking lot setbacks are too large.

 

Simpson stated he was uncomfortable voting on the resolution at this time.  He said the Commission should have contacted property owners located in the gateway district during the planning process.

 

Kvamme stated the City Council reviewed the proposed zoning ordinance at a workshop.  He suggested the Commission pass the resolution on the contingency the City Council review the concerns at another workshop before the Council takes formal action.

 

A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Kvamme, to introduce, “A Resolution Recommending That The City Council Repeal Saint Peter City Code, Chapter 11 “Land Use Regulation (Zoning), And Alternatively Adopt A Revised Ordinance As Prepared By The Saint Peter Planning And Zoning Commission” with the contingency that the City Council hold a workshop to review the property owners concerns, prior to formal City Council action.  Members Bjelland and Kvamme voting aye, Members Douglas, Simpson, and Harty voting nay, the resolution failed. 

 

Wille stated that a workshop will be held prior to the regular Planning and Zoning meeting, on February 6, 2007 at 5:30 to address the property owner’s concerns.  Wille stated that the Zoning Ordinance will be reintroduced at which time formal action can be taken by the Planning Commission.

 

A motion was made by Douglas, seconded by Simpson to adjourn.  All members voting aye, the meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.