Planning and Zoning Commission

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES March 8, 2022 The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chairperson Willie Swayne and on roll call the following members were present: Mike Cox Jacob Vander Ecken Kirsten Meyers Willie Swayne Lucas Young Members not present: None Staff Present: Nathan Parch, Planning & Zoning Administrator Public Present: None It was moved and seconded to approve the March 8, 2022 agenda. On voice vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays; 1 absent. It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 22, 2022 meeting as amended. On voice vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays; 1 absent. New Business: Consider a Final Plat from Berkey Home Builders for the Wright Street Development Subdivision at the city block bounded by W. Main, S. Fremont, W. Robinson, and S. Iowa Streets Nathan Parch reported that Eric Berkey, Berkey Home Builders, of Altoona, Iowa requests final plat approval for the Wright Street Development Subdivision in order to subdivide the city block bounded by W. Main, S. Fremont, W. Robinson, and S. Iowa Streets into six (6) lots for multi-family development to include an existing duplex (Lot 1), three townhouses (Lots 2, 3, & 4), and two 12-unit apartment buildings (Lots 5 & 6). Mr. Parch noted the final plat conforms with the preliminary plat approved by the Commission and City Council in January 2022 and the PUD master plan approved in 2019 in terms of: (1) number and size of lots; (2) building lines; (3) access to/from the property; and (4) general layout of buildings, parking areas, and open space. Motion was made by Lucas Young to approve the final plat as presented. The motion was seconded by Mike Cox. On roll call vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays; 1 absent. 1  PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES March 8, 2022 Consider a Site Plan from Berkey Home Builders for the Wright Street Development Subdivision at the city block bounded by W. Main, S. Fremont, W. Robinson, and S. Iowa Streets Nathan Parch reported that Eric Berkey, Berkey Home Builders, of Altoona, Iowa also requests site plan approval for the Wright Street Development Subdivision. The proposed design includes an existing duplex (Lot 1) and a row of three townhouses facing north and fronting W. Main Street with two apartment buildings facing south and fronting W. Robinson Street. Each townhouse will have a 2-car attached garage with direct driveway access to W. Main Street. A shared paring lot will be located in the center of the property providing parking for the apartments with access to both S. Iowa Street and S. Fremont Street. The majority of the site will be developed with buildings and paved areas; approximately 30% will be retained as landscaped open space – generally the perimeter of the property. Mr. Parch proceeded to review the March 8, 2022 P&Z Commission staff report, specifically items A through M regarding information required to be included on a site plan for proposed development, including the following action items requesting additional explanation, clarification, or documentation: o Lighting - Provide cutsheets/specs of proposed light fixtures; o Trash Enclosure – Provide information on the proposed height and materials for the trash enclosure; o Landscaping – Provide details on proposed landscaping; and o Storm Water Management – Provide documentation demonstrating no damage to existing system or adjacent properties will occur as a result of this development. Commission members were complimentary of the design and exterior materials planned for the apartments and townhouses. Mike Cox asked what, if any, lighting was proposed on the buildings, specifically the walkway between the two apartment buildings. Nathan Parch responded the only information provided about lighting was for the parking lot. Lucas Young suggested adding a public sidewalk along the western side of the property adjacent to S. Iowa Street where there is none. Nathan Parch stated he was unaware of that condition. Willie Swayne suggested landscaping or fencing be added along the north end of the parking lot providing screening and buffering between the lot and duplexes/townhouses. He noted it was proposed in a previous plan, but has since been removed. 2  PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES March 8, 2022 Motion was made by Lucas Young to approve the site plan with the following conditions: 1) Action items 1 thru 4 noted in the 3-8-22 Staff Report, regarding lighting, trash enclosure, landscaping, and storm water management, are addressed by the applicant and approved by staff; 2) Public sidewalk is added to the west portion of the property along Iowa Street; 3) Proposed safety lighting for the apartments, particularly in between the two buildings, is reviewed and approved by staff; and 4) Screening is added along the north end of the center parking lot. The motion was seconded by Jacob Vander Ecken. On roll call vote: 5 ayes; 0 nays; 1 absent. Nathan Parch reported Mike Conner Jr. is no longer a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission effective March 7, 2022 due to automatic resignation. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:07 pm. 3