HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 06-14-2021Hastings Planning Commission
June 14, 2021 - Regular Meeting Agenda
Zoom Video Conference
7:00 p.m.
The Hastings Planning Commission of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a
regular meeting on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom video conference.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Halberg, Messina, Peters, Romens, and
Teiken
Planning Commissioners Absent: Best and Matzke
Staff Present: Community Development Director, John Hinzman; City Planner,
Justin Fortney; and Community Development Intern, Grady Timmerman
2. Approval of Minutes – May 24, 2021
A. Commissioner Teiken motioned the approval for the minutes of the May 24,
2021 Regular Meeting as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Halberg.
Vote: Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Crossroads Mall Inc - Special Use Permit #2021-25 - Climate Controlled
Storage - 275 33rd Street W. Staff Report by Justin Fortney
Mr. Fortney introduced the proposed special use permit. The permit applicant is
proposing the conversion of a portion of the Crossroads Mall to climate-controlled
storage. Mr. Fortney recommended the application’s approval.
A public hearing was held where citizen Chey Holm expressed concerns over
increased noise generation, appropriate safety measures, disposal of garbage,
and excess lighting of the proposed use. Applicant was not present to address
the citizen’s concerns.
Commissioner Peters inquired whether or not the proposed use would have
twenty-four hour access. Mr. Fortney said that he believed that it would, but that
that isn’t out of the ordinary for this type of use. Commissioner Messina clarified
the size of the storage units.
Commissioner Romens inquired into the applicant’s decision to bolt the unused
doors shut and the security concern that that poses. Mr. Fortney responded that
the doors would be bolted to provide flexibility for future tenants; the use could
converted into retail in the future. Commissioner Romens followed up with
window display and cosmetic concerns.
Commissioner Teiken echoed Commissioner Romens concerns over the
cosmetics of the window displays.
Commissioner Peters questioned whether or not staff should recommend
mitigation measures such as appropriate signage or providing an adequate
number of receptacles onsite to prevent the disposal of garbage.
Commissioner Messina noted similar uses found in adjacent cities and
differentiated between the proposed storage units and the ones found in the
industrial park.
Commissioner Teiken motioned for the recommendation for approval of the
special use permit subject to the listed conditions, seconded by Commissioner
Romens. Roll call vote: Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved.
Mr. Hinzman noted that this item will be passed on to the City Council for final
action on June 21, 2021.
OTHER ACTIONS
4. Lee and Michelle Schmitz - Variance #2021-26 - Garage Side Yard Setback -
809 East 6th Street. Staff Report by Justin Fortney.
Mr. Fortney introduced the proposed side yard setback variance. The applicant
claims the following undue hardships caused by the city code: misalignment of
the driveway, not allowing the usage of existing foundation, not enough room to
meet the required six-foot separation of the garage and primary structure, and
diminishing of size and location of existing patio. A notice was sent to adjacent
property owners and all of the responses received were in favor of the variance.
Staff recommends the approval of the variance contingent on the conditions laid
out in the staff report are met.
Commissioner Messina stated support for the variance as it met his grading
criteria. It solves a problem for which there are limited or no other solutions; it
does not create a hardship for any other property owners or the City; and it does
not create a negative precedent.
Commissioner Teiken inquired into the distance between the proposed garage
and the neighboring garage. Mr. Fortney responded with fourteen feet.
Commissioner Teiken clarified the location of a storage unit located on the
property.
Commissioner Romens motioned for the recommendation of approval for the
variance subject to the listed conditions, seconded by Commissioner Halberg.
Roll call vote: Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved.
Mr. Hinzman noted that the recommendation is for approval of this item and will
go before the City Council for final action on June 21, 2021.
5. Advanced Engineering Concepts - Site Plan #2021-24 - Quality One
Woodwork Expansion - 3005 Millard Avenue. Staff Report by John Hinzman
Mr. Hinzman introduced the proposed 50,000 ft2 expansion of Quality One
Woodwork that would expand the business’ manufacturing capabilities and
storage capacity for the production of kitchen cabinets and vanities.
Commissioner Messina inquired into the amount of shifts the business runs. Mr.
Hinzman answered they employ a first and second shift, but have in the past
maintained operations of twenty-four hours per day. Commissioner Messina also
took the opportunity to thank the business for reinvesting in the community.
Commissioner Teiken echoed Commissioner Messina’s sentiment.
The applicant clarified the construction timeframe and complimented Hastings’
planning process and staff cooperation.
Commissioner Halberg motioned for the recommendation for approval of the site
plan subject to the listed conditions, seconded by Commissioner Teiken. Roll call
vote: Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved.
Mr. Hinzman noted that the recommendation is for approval of this item and will
go before the City Council for final action on June 21, 2021.
6. Other Business
A. Community Development Intern, Grady Timmerman was introduced to the
commission.
B. Mr. Hinzman noted that City Council approved the Port of Hastings Outfitters’
home occupation permit for e-bikes and that a public hearing will be held in
the next planning commission meeting to review an ordinance amendment to
allow chickens in residential areas.
C. Mr. Hinzman also noted that the June 28, 2021 meeting should be the last
planning commission meeting held via Zoom.
7. Adjourn
Commissioner Romens motioned to adjourn at 7:54 p.m. and was seconded by
Commissioner Teiken. Roll call vote: Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion to adjourn
approved.
Next Meeting – June 28, 2021
Respectively Submitted by:
Grady Timmerman
Community Development Intern