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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004.07.22 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 22, 2004 Call to Order Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. PRESENT: Bailly, Hoffbeck, Kleissler, McRoberts, Rosenquist, Schumann ABSENT: Malaski ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director (CDD) Michele Lindau, Secretary Minutes of July 8, 2004 Bailly made motion, Hoffbeck seconded, to approve the minutes of July 8, 2004 as amended. All Ayes. Motion carried. Palecek CUP to Use Accessory Building for Home Occupation The Commission held a public hearing to consider the application of John & Marie Palecek, 12506 Irish Avenue North, for a conditional use permit to operate a home occupation out of a 1,350 square foot accessory building on their property. The applicant recently obtained approval of a variance to allow the pole building to be constructed with materials that do not match the main structure. The property is 5 acres in size and is located in the Rural Residential zoning district. The applicant operates a business known as Smilies Sewer Service and would like to use the building for the storage of portable toilets and vehicles used in the business. Commissioner McRoberts talked about how home occupations were defined and asked the applicant what the increase in traffic would be. The applicant, John Palecek, explained that the renting of portable toilets was only approximately 10% of the business. The majority of the business was pumping septic tanks. Chair Schumann opened the public hearing. There were no comments and Schumann - 1 - Planning Commission Minutes — July 22, 2004 closed the public hearing. The Commission discussed with the applicant the possibility of expanding his business. The applicant explained that he currently had 15 porta-potties that he leased mostly on a weekend basis. On average, he made trips to and from his house twice a day. He had no employees and no intentions to expand the portable toilet portion of the business. The Commission felt there should be a limit to the number of items stored in the accessory building. Because of the size of the building, the applicant would be able to store 77-84 of the porta-potties within the building and members of the Commission were concerned that if the business should increase, so would the traffic. The applicant explained that he could haul six at a time. McRoberts made motion, Bailly seconded, to recommend approval of the conditional use permit with a limit to the storage of 30 portable toilets. All Ayes. Motion carried. Sarah Londerville for Site Plan for Manomin Resawn Timbers The Commission considered the application of Sarah Londerville, 25381 West Comfort Lake Drive, Forest Lake, for site plan approval to allow an exterior storage area and other improvements to property located at 15152 Freeland Avenue North (Peloquin Industrial Park). The CDD explained that the applicant is proposing to operate a business known as Manomin Resawn Timbers in the existing building. The applicant is proposing to install new fencing, pavement, and drainage swale. The area for exterior storage will be defined by the installation of a new fence along the west property line, and the exterior storage area will not exceed the size of the building. The area that will be used for storage will be paved, and the remaining areas of the site will be seeded. A drainage swale is indicated near the west property line. The CDD noted that they would need watershed approval from the City which had recently become the LGU. The applicant, Sarah Londerville, explained that the company does milled flooring and some paneling from old timbers. The timbers are mostly obtained from old factories in the northwest regions. They would be moving their business from their current location in Forest Lake. Chair Schumann pointed out that the property was located close to residential development and asked if there would be noise generated by the businesses. Londerville explained that they had a large electric mill, molders, and planers that would -2- Planning Commission Minutes — July 22, 2004 all be contained inside the building. She explained that the dust was blown out of the building by a machine that was contained inside the building which could be heard from within the building. Londerville provided pictures of what the building currently looked like and a picture of what their proposed changes would be to the entrance and showroom. The exterior would be cleaned up, seeded, and landscaped to look attractive. They sell directly to customers but mainly deal with builders and architects. Londerville said there were six people currently employed to run the equipment, six office personnel, and several off site installers. The sawdust generated by the business is given to horse farmers for arenas. The Commission questioned if the wood was treated and Londerville replied that after it is installed, the wood is sanded and sealed. McRoberts made motion, Bailly seconded, to recommend approval of the site plan for Manomin Resawn Timbers. All Ayes. Motion carried. Planning Commission By Laws The Commission considered a revised copy of the Planning Commission Bylaws. McRoberts made motion, Rosenquist seconded, to accept the Planning Commission's procedures and policies as their operating methodology. All Ayes. Motion carried. Miscellaneous CAR STEREOS Chair Schumann noted that there were several updates that needed to be made to the ordinance and suggested the City consider an ordinance regarding car stereos. The CDD noted that an ordinance regulating car stereos would be hard to enforce and suggested seeking the Washington County Sheriff's Department's opinion. Schumann made motion to consider an ordinance regulating car stereos. Rosenquist made a friendly amendment to consider amendments to the entire nuisance ordinance. Schumann amended his motion, Kleissler seconded, to consider the entire nuisance ordinance, and to specifically include regulations on car stereos. All Ayes. Motion carried. -3- Planning Commission Minutes — July 22, 2004 INVISIBLE FENCING Commission Bailly suggested a provision be included in the fence ordinance regarding invisible fencing for dogs. Commissioner Rosenquist suggested an article be printed in the local newspaper or City newsletter to inform residents that they were not permitted to install these fences within the road right-of-way or easements. POOL REGULATIONS Commissioner Bailly questioned what the regulations were regarding the large above ground swimming pools that are being located on many residential lots within the City. Chair Schumann said he believed those types of pools required a ladder with a gate. Commissioner Rosenquist suggested the City check the state building codes to see if there were any regulations on those types of pools. SIGN ORDINANCE Commissioner Rosenquist pointed out the urgency to update the sign ordinance. The CDD agreed that the ordinance needed a complete overhaul and noted that it impacted many businesses. It was agreed that it should be started with the downtown plan as part of their design guidelines. Adiournment Rosenquist made motion, Kleissler seconded, to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Michele Lindau, Secretary Planning Commission -4-