HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 01.12.23
Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of Thursday, January 12, 2023
Chair Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
PRESENT: Andress, Arcand, Derr, Granger, Kelly, Kleissler, Petty
ABSENT: Lessard
STAFF: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Joe Hinzman, Administrative Intern
Oath of Office
Planning Commissioners Michael Kelly and Michael Granger recited the Oath of Office.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of December 8, 2022
Commissioner Petty made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Derr, to approve the minutes for the
Planning Commission meeting of December 8, 2022.
Ayes: Andress, Derr, Granger, Kelly, Kleissler, Petty.
Abstain: Arcand.
Motion carried.
Public Hearing: Ordinance Amendments – Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
Requirements
Staff provided background on the 2020 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit
requirements. Two sections were added to the General Permit that requires the passage of two
ordinances. The first section requires permit holders to regulate the proper removal and dispo sal of
pet waste on permittee owned land. To address this, staff proposed the adoption of Ordinance 2023-
520 related to the proper removal and disposal of animal waste. This ordinance amends sections 10-1,
10-38 and 10-39 of the City Code and requires pet owners to immediately remove their pet’s waste on
public and private property not owned by the owner. Additionally, the ordinance lays out proper
methods of disposal and classifies violations as petty misdemeanors. The second section requires
permit holders to regulate salt storage at commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. To address
this, staff proposed the adoption of Ordinance 2023 -521 related to proper salt storage at commercial,
industrial, and institutional facilities. This ordinance amends section 90-182 of the City Code and
requires deicing materials to be stored indoors when possible, or be properly covered if stored
outdoors. Additionally, the facility must be in close proximity to where the deicing materials are being
used, be located on an impervious surface, and not be located in salt vulnerable areas. Best practices
must be implemented to reduce exposure when transferring salt or other deicing materials. Staff
January 12, 2023 PC Minutes
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stated that the proposed ordinance would put them in compliance with se ctions 18.5 and 18.6 of the
City Code. Additionally, staff hopes these ordinances would help maintain healthy ecosystems and
waterways, improve sanitation and reduce runoff pollution. Staff recommends the Commission
approves the mentioned City Code amendments and that a public hearing is held.
Commissioner Petty asked what ‘permittee owned land area’ means. Hinzman explained that
permittee owned land area refers to public property, as the City is the permit holder. Commissioner
Petty asked if the dog waste ordinance would apply to private property. Hinzman stated that the
ordinance would apply to private property not owned by the pet owner. Juba stated that the city could
require pet owners to clean up dog waste on their own property underneath the City Cod e’s nuisance
section. Commissioner Petty asked whether the salt storage ordinance would apply to the City of Hugo.
Juba stated that the ordinance applies to the City
Commissioner Granger asked if there are any companies that would be impacted by the propo sed salt
storage ordinance. Juba responded that she was not aware of any companies that have salt storage
facilities.
Commissioner Kelly asked how these ordinances would be enforced. Juba responded that the animal
waste ordinance would be enforced on a complaint basis. Juba stated that the dog waste and salt
storage ordinance would be enforced based on routine inspections required by the MS4 General
Permit.
Chair Kleissler opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM
No one spoke at the public hearing.
Chair Kleissler closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM.
No further discussion.
Commissioner Petty made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Granger, to approve the pet waste
and salt storage MS4 Ordinances.
Ayes: Andress, Derr, Granger, Kelly, Kleissler, Petty
Abstain: Arcand
Motion Carried
New Business
None.
January 12, 2023 PC Minutes
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Old Business: Oneka Commons - Revised Sketch Plan
Staff provided an update on the Oneka Commons sketch plan. The developer for the project is Peter
Stalland from Knute Development, LLC. The sketch plan was revised, as the Planning Commission did
not like changing the land use to allow the apartment at the original proposed location. The property is
zoned Central Business with a small portion zoned General Business. The property is guided Mixed-Use
with a small potion guided Commercial. The applicant is using approximately 23 acres to create a
mixed use development with residential and commercial uses, with the intention to create apartments
and commercial businesses. 150 apartment units are proposed, and access to the site would be from
Frenchman Road. The developer has not clarified that they are applying for a Planned Unit
Development. The development is subject to Downtown Design Guidelines. T he applicant indicated
that the building’s design will be consistent with these guidelines by blending the uses together.
Common spaces and amenities will be included, as well as pedestrian oriented elements. Landscaping
and architectural features will be consistent with Downtown Design Guidelines. Commercial buildings
in the development are required to meet Commercial and Industrial Design guidelines. The applicant
presented a general commercial building rendering, which appears to mostly align with these
guidelines by relating to traditional Main Street or Prairie style architecture and being oriented
towards the streets. The apartment building is required to meet the requirements of the Multifamily
Design Guidelines. The applicant presented a rendering of the apartment complex. The rendering is
three to four stories tall with underground parking and a breezeway. The developer is proposing
meandering trails connecting to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, and sidewalks have been
constructed along both sides of Victor Path. The developer included a proposed park in the sketch plan
without any amenities. Entrance to the development would be from a right -in/right-out from
Frenchman road which would need to be approved by Washington County. A roundabout is included
for easier access to the property. The applicant has indicated regional stormwater management for the
site. Sewer and water is available for the site. Staff believes that generally, the sketch plan is on the
right track in meeting development guidelines. Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide
comments to the applicant on the proposed sketch plan, specifically related to the general layout,
building architecture, street access and development phasing.
Stalland addressed the Planning Commission. Stalland clarified that the project would develop both the
residential and commercial properties, creating uniformity. Stalland states that the phasing of the
development will be controlled by the developer. Stalland mentions the development’s massing and
how he needs a minimum of 150 apartment units in order for the development to be economically
feasible. Stalland notes that the two houses facing the complex will be a story above the traffic driving
into the development. Stalland states that the breezeway will act as a plaza.
Commissioner Arcand asked if the apartment complex is two buildings, and if the garage is connected
to both. Stalland confirmed that to be true. Commissioner Arcand asked if Stalland would have any
issue moving the roundabout. Stalland responded that they can be flexible within reason.
Commissioner Arcand asked if the road coming out of the roundabout towards Fenway Avenue is
included in the project. Stalland responded that it is not. Arcand asked what the County does not like
about the right-in right-out. Juba responded that access point was not part of their County Road 8
corridor plan. Commissioner Arcand asked if a right-in right-out on Highway 61 was possible. Stalland
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stated that it is not possible. Arcand asked if the architecture would be consistent regarding
commercial developments. Stalland responded that companies would have to adapt to the developer’s
architectural guidelines.
Commissioner Granger asked how the developer manages the common areas. Stalland responded that
it was through the common area maintenance requirements. Commissioner Granger asked about
grading at the site. Stalland mentioned that grading would not need to be adjusted. Juba stated that
the City will have to analyze the groundwater to ensure the correct separation, potentially leading to a
raise.
Commissioner Petty stated that she appreciates the sketch plan changes and asked if the Planning
Commission could receive a concept of what the plaza would look like. Stalland responded that he can
do that.
Commissioner Kelly asked when a traffic study would be conducted. Juba responded that it would be
conducted as the plans are being developed for the Preliminary Plat. Commissioner Kelly stated that he
believes the traffic study may cause problems for the developer. Stalland responded that there are
already indications that a traffic light will need to be included. Commissioner Kelly stated concerns
about traffic congestion in the morning. Stalland responded that the traffic engineers will find a way to
resolve this issue. Kelly asked if traffic will backed up in the right-in right-out if there is a red light.
Stalland responded that it is a possibility.
Chair Kleissler asked about the timing of building the development. Stalland responded that the first
phase would ideally start late summer to early fall. Construction would start late fall to early winter.
The first 88 units would take around 12-14 months to build. The next phase would begin depending on
the shape of the economy. Commercial buildings would take around 6 to 9 months. Chair Kleissler
asked if the developer plans on selling the parcels off. Stalland responded that it depends on the buyer
and the market.
Chair Arcand asked how much of the site would be graded during the first phase. Stalland responded
that they would mass grade the entire site.
Commissioner Andress asked if there would be any ditch dredging at the south end of the site. Stalland
responded that he does not anticipate anything happening.
Petty asked why trees are not permitted to be planted in the right of way. Juba responded that the
County maintains the right of way and prefers to not deal with new plants.
January 12, 2023 PC Minutes
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Old Business: Review and Approve 2023 Goals
Juba reviewed the Planning Commission’s 2023 goals set forth at a previous goal setting meeting. Juba
mentioned a few staff changes. The Economic Development Authority would also like to discuss zoning
language and geographic considerations for high-density apartments. Goals staff added include a goal
to evaluate the adoption of a mixed-use zoning district, a goal to consider revisions to residential
zoning district regulations, and a goal to evaluate the solar energy system ordinance. Staff would also
like the Planning Commission to stay informed on the Highway 61 Visioning Study. Relating to Highway
61, staff would also like the Planning Commission to discuss the area planning for 165th Street and
Highway 61. Staff recommends the Planning Commission approves the adoption of their 2023 goals.
Commissioner Derr made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Petty, to approve the 2023 Planning
Commission goals.
All ayes.
Motion Carried.
Adjournment
Commissioner Petty made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Andress, to adjourn the meeting at
8:12 PM.
All ayes. Motion Carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Hinzman, Administrative Intern