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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 06-28-2021Hastings Planning Commission June 28, 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 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom video conference. 1. Call Meeting to Order Planning Commissioners Present: Messina, Romens, Best, Halberg, Matzke, Peters, and Teiken Planning Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Community Development Director, John Hinzman and City Planner, Justin Fortney 2. Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Romens motioned for the approval of the June 14, 2021 Regular Meeting’s Minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Teiken. Vote: Ayes 5; Nays 0 (Best abstaining). Motion approved. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. City of Hastings - Ordinance Amendment - Keeping of Chickens. Mr. Fortney presented a summary of the staff report that included background information, specifics of the proposed amendment, and findings and recommendations. Commissioner Messina opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Troy Weathers, 1820 Tierney Drive, expressed support for the ordinance amendment and urged the commission to view this amendment as an opportunity for community engagement. Laine Johnson Crump, 802 10th Street West, spoke on behalf of herself and the Hastings Environmental Protectors group in support of the proposed ordinance amendment as it promotes local and healthy food sources and because it aligns with the Hastings Green Step Cities program. Kori Colvin, 3161 Riverwood Drive, urged the commissioners to base their decision on the facts, evidence and statistics proponents of the amendment have provided and not the fear, misconceptions or bias its opponents have expressed. Amanda Strausborger, 3395 Malcolm Avenue, voiced support of the amendment as it is well written and prevents any possible negative impacts. Sara Wittgenstein, 215 9th Street West, expressed support for the proposed amendment citing its various benefits and other cities that allow the keeping of backyard hens. Ashley O’Brien, 720 10th Street West, voiced support of the proposed ordinance amendment. Brian and Rita Winkler, 3151 Riverwood Drive, expressed support for the keeping of backyard chickens because they supply fresh eggs and provide great fertilizer for gardening. Ben Houtkooper, 375 Tiffany Drive, expressed support of the amendment as chickens provide a natural means of pest control. He also recommended the commission waive the licensing fee and inspection. Hearing no further comments Commissioner Messina closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Commissioner Halberg asked Mr. Fortney to clarify reasoning behind the proposed property line setbacks and accessory structure setbacks. Mr. Fortney explained that chicken coops would maintain the six-foot setback between structures established in the ordinance and that five feet from the property line was deemed adequate because the chicken coops would be limited to the backyard and so citizens could utilize existing structures as chicken coops. Commissioner Messina asked if the construction of these accessory structures could potentially require a separate building permit. Mr. Fortney explained that the structure would require a building permit when it exceeds 200 square feet. Commissioner Messina also asked Mr. Fortney to explain the reasoning behind the $75 licensing fee. Mr. Fortney explained that the fee is imposed to cover the time required by staff to review and approve licenses. Commissioner Romens asked Mr. Fortney to elaborate on any safety requirements associated with the heating of the structures. Mr. Fortney explained that the applicant would have to follow what the electrical codes and appropriate permitting processes require. Commissioner Romens also asked for further clarification regarding the payment process of the license. Mr. Fortney explained that the fee applies during the initial approval of the license and every time thereafter that the license is renewed. Commissioner Teiken asked if a site plan would be necessary for non-permanent structures. Mr. Fortney explained that non-permanent structure would be treated like permanent structures and still require a site plan. Commissioner Teiken also asked about the requirements for the structure to be made out of a similar material as the primary structure and the implications that that poses for store bought structures. Mr. Fortney responded that they would be held to the same standards as any other accessory structure and should be residential in appearance. Commissioner Teiken discussed the semantics of the word “slaughter,” how corner lots would affect the placement of the structures, fencing height, and suggested an FAQ for the licensing process. Commissioner Peters asked Mr. Fortney to clarify the City’s right to perform and timing of property inspections. Mr. Fortney clarified that the City of Hastings has the right to inspect any property where a violation is suspected and that inspections would take place before the issuance of the license. Commissioner Teiken motioned to recommend the approval of the proposed ordinance amendment, seconded by Commissioner Romens. Roll call vote: Ayes 7; Nays 0. Motion approved as presented. City Council will consider 1st reading and order a public hearing at the Tuesday, July 6th meeting. The public hearing and final action would take place on Monday, July 19th. OTHER ACTIONS 4. Other Business – Mr. Hinzman provided a summary of recent council actions including the site plan approval for Quality One Woodwork, special use permit approval for climate-controlled storage at the Crossroads Mall, and variance approval for garage side yard setback. The next Planning Commission meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers. Adjourn - Commissioner Best motioned to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. and was seconded by Commissioner Romans. Roll call vote: Ayes 7; Nays 0. Motion to adjourn approved. Next Meeting – July 12, 2021 Respectively Submitted: Grady Timmerman Community Development Intern