Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009.01.22 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION January 22, 2009 Call to Order Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: Burmeister, Kleissler, Rosenquist, Schumann ABSENT: McRoberts, Moore ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant Approval of Minutes of January 8, 2009 Rosenquist made motion, Kleissler seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of January 8, 2009 as presented. All Ayes Motion carried. 2008 Annual Building Report Community Development Assistant, Dennis Fields, presented building department facts for 2008 to the Planning Commission. There was some discussion regarding the permit and building numbers due to the storm event on May 25, 2008. Staff highlighted some of the numbers that may have been affected in response to the event. 2009 Goal Setting Session Schumann asked the members of the Planning Commission for their input on goals that they would like to set for 2009. Rosenquist thought that the northern gateway should be of concern to the Commission because he thinks that planning needs to be done before development happens in that area. Schumann commented that they might want to think about a transit station located in the northern part of the city on Hwy 61. Bryan mentioned that there is already a station on Forest Lake's comprehensive plan for a bus stop at the Government Center. Later this year, Washington County will be discussing locations in Hugo for a future transit station. Planning Commission Minutes — January 22, 2009 Page 2 Burmeister agreed that the northern gateway was an important issue. He asked if staff was keeping track of unfinished developments to ensure they are completed as expected. Bryan stated that he spends a good amount of time dealing with developers and setting timelines for completion. Rosenquist asked if there was any reason to discuss appointment of the code enforcement committee because Tom Weidt was now on the Council. Bryan added that it is now being referred to as the ordinance review committee and we could talk about appointment as the committee is needed for the next issue. Bryan went through the past goals for 2008 with the Planning Commission. Kleissler thought that the industrial and commercial guidelines were still of importance. Schumann added that he would like to review the proportion of single family homes verses multi -family to make sure they are approving an appropriate amount for each. He also noted that he would like to see the blighted properties in the downtown area be kept track of, and the ordinances be organized/updated after Met Council's approval of the Comprehensive Plan. Rosenquist stated that he would like to see the design guidelines be set before new development pressure becomes stronger. Schumann stated that by being too restrictive in design guidelines could hinder development but he would like to see some of loop holes in the ordinances filled in. Burmeister asked if the code was updated to include fire protection in building additions. Bryan answered that fire and building codes are updated every year and are regulated through the state building code. Rosenquist asked about the percentage of affordable housing. Bryan stated that the City's comprehensive plan addresses affordable housing. He thought that 800 or so units were set as a goal by 2030. He added that in some cities give incentives for affordable housing. For example, developers could get an increase in density if they were to make a percentage of affordable housing. Schumann asked if the City was still a part of the Livable Communities Program. Bryan answered that yes the City is still a part of that program, and has applied for and received grant money from the program. Planning Commission Minutes — January 22, 2009 Page 3 Rosenquist asked if there was a way that variances could be regulated and passed at a staff level. Bryan stated that this was brought up in the past by the council and could be brought back to further discuss the process. Burmeister made a motion, Kleissler seconded, to bring forth the list of goals to the City Council. 2009 Planning Commission Goals are: • Finish the northern gateway • Code enforcement subcommittee o Discuss Variance Procedures • Implementation of the downtown plan • Finish Rural Planning • Commercial and Industrial design guidelines • Track ratio of SF:MF lots • Track blighted properties in downtown • Zoning Ordinance Updates o Bus Tour Adiournment Burmeister motioned, Rosenquist seconded, to adjourn. All Ayes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Dennis Fields, Secretary Planning Commission