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City of Hastings
Planning Commission Minutes – March 8, 2010 Page 1 of 3
Hastings Planning Commission
March 8, 2010
Regular Meeting
Chair Zeyen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
1.
Commissioners Present: Rohloff, Zeyen, Bullington, Slaten, Vaughan, Peine
Commissioners Absent: Stevens
Staff Present: Associate Planner Justin Fortney
Elect Chair and Vice Chair
2.
Motion by Commissioner Vaughan to appoint Zeyen as the Chair of the Planning
Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Peine
Upon vote taken, Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Slaten to appoint Peine as the Vice Chair of the Planning
Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Vaughan
Upon vote taken, Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
3. – February 8, 2010
Motion by Commissioner Peine to approve the February 8, 2010, meeting minutes as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Bullington.
Upon vote taken, Ayes 5, Nays 0, Abstain 1 (Slaten). Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
OTHER ACTIONS
Bond, Richard
4. –Variance #2010-13 – Fence Height – 2025 Forest Street.
Fortney presented the staff report. No citizens spoke to the issue.
Commissioner Bullington asked what other types of fences are in the area of the subject property.
Commissioner Slaten listed the types that he saw in the area. He summarized by saying there was no
constancy in rear yard fences along Highway 47.
City of Hastings
Planning Commission Minutes – March 8, 2010 Page 2 of 3
Slaten said staff and the Commission should discuss modifying the ordinance to allow taller, but more
consistent fencing along 47 from spring to the municipal garage.
Bullington agreed with Slaten and added that adding greenery to the area would also be beneficial.
Peine said if there were a grant to plant a large number of trees along the corridor it would be even
more attractive.
Bullington said if the applicant could build the 8.5-foot fence on top of a future berm he would be in
favor of denial. Fortney stated the Commission could include a condition that the fence be placed
only at the current elevation. Peine said he would be in favor of that and in its currently proposed
location.
Vaughan said he believes the 6-foot fence requirement should not be set aside and believes it would
be adequate in this situation by including large vegetation.
Motion by Commissioner Slaten to approve the proposed variance based on staffs findings of
fact with the following conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Peine
Upon vote taken, Ayes 5, Nays 1 (Vaughan). Motion carried
The 2.5-foot variance only applies to the proposed fence along the back of the property in the location
specified in the staff report and if the fence is placed at the current ground elevation.
Staten accepted the following friendly amendment from Zeyen: The proposed fence may only be 2.5-
feet taller than the existing white vinyl fence to the east.
Other Business
5.
Fortney updated the Commission on upcoming items, past Council actions.
Slaten Asked Fortney if staff will look into possible ordinance amendments that would require
similar fences and allow increased height along these types of corridors. Fortney said staff will
bring the issue back to the Commission for discussion.
Chair Zeyen welcomed new Commissioner Russ Rohloff.
6.Adjourn
Motion by Slaten to adjourn the March 8, 2010, Planning Commission meeting. Seconded by
Vaughan.
Upon vote taken, Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
City of Hastings
Planning Commission Minutes – March 8, 2010 Page 3 of 3
Next Planning Commission Meeting – Monday, March 22, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Justin Fortney
Recording Secretary