HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 02-27-2023Hastings Planning Commission
February 27, 2023 - Regular Meeting Agenda
Hastings City Hall - Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
The Planning Commission of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular
meeting on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hastings City Council
Chambers.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, Peters,
and Teiken
Planning Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present:
Community Development Director John Hinzman
City Attorney Kori Land
2. Oath of Office – Director Hinzman administered the Oath of Office for
Commissioners Halberg, Peters, and McGrath.
3. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2023 – Motion by Peters, Second by LeBrun to
elect Messina as Chair and Halberg as Vice Chair. Motion approved 7-0.
4. Approval of Minutes – November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting
Chair Messina asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes.
Minutes approved as presented.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. Ordinance Amendment – Cannabis and Hemp Uses, Sales, and Operations
Attorney Land provided a presentation of the proposed ordinance amendment
regarding Cannabis and Hemp Uses, Sales, and Operations.
Commissioners discussed the ongoing proposed changes to cannabis regulation at
the state level, in particular licensing and how this ordinance compares to liquor
licenses. Commissioners asked who would be in charge of compliance checks and
enforcement and the reasoning for restricting the hours of sales. Commissioners also
asked if the City has reached out to other cities to ask how they are regulating these
products. Attorney Land indicated the ordinance would follow tobacco ordinances and
licensing, shared that local police department would be in charge of compliance
checks and enforcement, including the hours allowed for sales are similar to tobacco
regulations. Land also provided insight into her work with other cities.
Commissioners asked how many businesses within C-3 and C-4 districts are currently
selling these products. Hinzman indicated there we a few businesses that they are
aware of. Attorney Land shared the distance from various places that may involve
children was not included in the current ordinance per decision of the Public Safety
Committee of Council.
Chair Messina opened the public hearing at: 7:32 PM
Chair Messina closed the public hearing at 7:32 PM and invited Commissioners to ask
questions or offer comments.
Commissioners raised concern regarding odor mitigation requirements and if nuisance
provisions were considered. Land advised the addition can by a case by case basis
and apply if needed. Hinzman shared nuisance provisions can be added as a
condition to a special use permit if needed. Commissioners asked if the City has
distance requirements for other licensing. Hinzman indicated the City does not have
many distance requirements in our ordinances. Commissioners asked why there is a
need to have it be considered Special Use and how the number of restrictions could
potentially cause further issues. Land indicated the approach the City is taking is to be
able to evaluate on a case by case basis. Commissioners asked about what factors
could push this into a licensing category. Land clarified the process that would take
place if the need to revoke were to arise.
Commissioner Teiken motioned to approve the proposed ordinance amendment
request as presented, seconded by Commissioner Halberg.
Ayes: Commissioners Messina, Halberg, LeBrun, McGrath, Peters, and Teiken.
Nays: None
Absent: None
The City Council will consider 1st reading of the ordinance at the March 6, 2023
meeting.
OTHER ACTIONS
6. Concept Plan Review – Walden at Hastings
Director Hinzman provided a summary of the request. Commissioners are asked to
review the Walden at Hastings concept plan of 71 acres by Land Equity Development
on land owned by Best Development Company LLC. This development includes a
variety of residential densities including single family, twin home, townhome, and
apartments. No formal action is requested at this time, Commission comments will be
used to guide future land use submittals. Rick Harrison, Rick Harrison Site Design
Studio, provided a review of the concept plan for the commissioners to review.
Commissioners asked about current land ownership, specific details pertaining to the
design plan, including if a community space has been considered. Commissioners
discussed intended plans for ownership and management throughout the
development. Jeff Richter of Land Equity Development indicated community space is
not included in the current plans but may be considered. Commissioners asked how
traffic patterns may be affected by the layout of the development asking for the
anticipated number of senior living units within the development. Commissioners
expressed concern for excess parking and on-street parking during the winter
months. Chair Messina provided a summary of overall thoughts and future projects
that will likely affect the area. Messina asked Hinzman for an outline of the process.
Hinzman provided clarification of the process and next steps.
7. Other Business
Hinzman provided a summary of recent City Council actions and future items for the
Planning Commission’s review.
8. Adjourn
Commissioner Halberg motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM. Seconded by
Commissioner Teiken. Vote: Ayes 7; Nays: 0. Motion approved as presented.
Next Meeting – March 13, 2023
Respectively submitted:
Emily King
Deputy City Clerk