Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Baxter Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:00 pm by Acting Chair Lund at 6:00 pm. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Steve Lund, Chuck Hiltner, Gwen Carleton, Howie Oswald and Council Liaison/Mayor Darrel Olson MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Bob Kinzel STAFF PRESENT: CD Director Josh Doty and Planner Matthew Gindele OTHERS: Ed Johnson MINUTES 1. Approve the Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes from March 14, 2023. MOTION by Commissioner Carleton, seconded by Commissioner Hiltner to approve the Planning and Zoning Minutes from the February 14, 2023. Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chair Lund stated that this Commission is a recommending body and that final approval is taken with the City Council on April 18, 2023. COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 2. PUBLIC HEARING. Preliminary and Final Plat of Stoes Perch for property located at 6148 Highland Scenic Road and the lot to the west. (City file 23-06) Acting Chair Lund asked for the staff report. Planner Gindele indicated the applicant is requesting approval of a preliminary and final plat to be known as “Stoes Perch” for the approximately 25,217 square foot area. Specifically, the proposed plat would consolidate two existing lots of records into one lot. Both lots are currently substandard as neither of the two lots meet the minimum area requirements of the ordinance for a shoreland lot and the westerly lot also does not meet the minimum lot width requirement for a shoreland lot. The proposed consolidation would create one lot that complies with the area and width requirements of the shoreland overlay district. 4/11/2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 Planner Gindele reviewed the aerial, preliminary and final plat with the Commission. He indicated that platting these properties together would make them conforming lots, as currently those lots are non-conforming. He noted a shed on the neighboring property to the west that is partially on the subject property; he stated that shed is legally non-conforming and has no impact to this plat. The subject property has a gradual to fair slope that falls approximately 14 feet from the road down to the lake. The property is approximately 25,217 sq. ft. and is lightly wooded with mature deciduous trees. The subject property is within the shoreland overlay district to Perch Lake which also serves a FEMA floodplain. There is a narrow band of wetland paralleling the shoreline of Perch Lake. The Utility Commission reviewed the preliminary and final plat at its regular meeting on April 5, 2023 and recommends approval. The DNR was provided a copy of the plat and has responded that they have no comments. The subject property has not been previously platted meaning park dedication has never been paid on it. However, the property already has an existing home on it and the City does not charge park dedication for property that has already been developed. Therefore, no park dedication is required with this plat. Staff recommends approval of the preliminary and final plat of “Stoes Perch”, subject to the findings and conditions in the attached resolution. Commissioner Hiltner asked if the neighbors have had any concerns regarding the shed. Planner Gindele indicated that the shed has been there for sometime and no one has said anything to him about moving/relocated. CD Director Doty added that the shed is legally non-conforming. Commissioner Hiltner asked if they planned to expand the home. CD Director Doty that in the past they were talking about the possibility of an accessory structure. Council Liaison/Mayor Darrel Olson asked about the setback on the aerial, the houses look pretty close to the OHW, Planner Gindele indicated all the homes in this area are legally non-conforming to the lake setback. Acting Chair Lund opened the public hearing, no one was present; Acting Chair Lund closed the public hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Howie, seconded by Commissioner Oswald approve the preliminary and final plat of Stoes Perch for property located at 6148 Highland Scenic Rd., as presented by staff in the draft resolution. Motion unanimously approved. Prior to motion passing is was noted there was an error in the staff report regarding the plat name, the motion was corrected. 3. PUBLIC HEARING. Preliminary and Final Plat of Batten Addition and a Variance to a side yard setback for property located at 11960 Scenic River Drive and the lot to the east. (City file 23-09) CD Director noted that the applicant has withdrawn the Battan Addition just prior to the meeting. UPDATES 4/11/2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 CD Director Doty informed the Commission that the trees had all been removed for the BPU solar array project. Commissioner Hiltner asked about the clearing of trees on Cedar Scenic Rd. CD Director Doty stated that it’s for a storm water pond; the City is putting in three new ponds in that area. ADJOURN MOTION by Commissioner Carleton, seconded by Commissioner Hiltner to adjourn the meeting at 6:14 p.m. Motion unanimously approved. Approved by: Submitted By: ___________________________ ______________________________ Chuck Hiltner Shanna Newman Acting Chair CD Administrative Assistant