Planning Commission
Regular MeetingPapillion, NE · January 29, 2020
Minutes
MINUTE RECORD
PAPILLION PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 29, 2020
The Papillion Planning Commission met in open session at the Papillion City Hall Council
Chambers on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 7: 00 PM. Chairwoman Rebecca Hoch called the
meeting to order. Planning Assistant Andrea Blevins called the roll. Planning Commission
members present were Howard Carson, Jim Hrabik, John E. Robinson Ill, Leanne Sotak, and
Wayne Wilson. Raymond Keller Jr., Jim Masters, and Herb Thompson were absent. Judy
Emswiler joined the Commission at 7: 02 P. M. Planning Director Mark Stursma, Assistant City
Attorney Carla Heathershaw Risko, City Planner Michelle Romeo, and Staff Engineer Derek Goff
were also present.
Chairwoman Hoch led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Notice of the meeting was given in advance by publication in the Papillion Times on January 15,
2020. A copy of proof of publication is on file at the office of the City Clerk.
Chairwoman Hoch announced that a copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the City Council
Chambers.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Mr. Robinson Ill, seconded by Mr. Hrabik, to approve the agenda as
presented. Roll call: Six yeas, no nays. Motion passes.
Approval of the Planning Commission Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Robinson III, seconded by Ms. Sotak, to approve the December 18,
2020 minutes. Roll Call: Six yeas, no nays. Motion carried.
FINAL PLATS
Final Plat —
A request for a Final Plat for the property legally described as a replat of Lots 1- 2
and Outlots " A" and " B",
R& R Commerce Park Replat One, a platted and recorded subdivision
and a tract of land located in the SE 1/ 4 of the NE 1/ 4 of Section 35, T14N, R11 E of the 6th P. M.,
Sarpy County, NE, generally located on the NW corner of HWY 50 and Gold Coast Road. The
applicant is Development Services Corp. ( R& R Commerce Park Replat Two) FP- 19- 0015
Larry Jobeun, 11440 W Center Road, Suite C ( Omaha), stepped forward to represent the
applicant. He summarized that the request includes the third phase of R& R Commerce Park,
which is consistent with the revised Preliminary Plat.
Chairwoman Hoch called for discussion amongst the Commission.
With no further discussion, Motion was made by Mr. Robinson Ill, seconded by Ms. Sotak, to
recommend approval of the R& R Commerce Park Replat Two Final Plat ( FP- 19- 0015) because
it is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as amended, compatible with adjacent
uses, and compliant with Zoning and Subdivision regulations, contingent upon the resolution of
staff comments. Roll Call: Seven yeas, no nays. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mixed Use Development Agreement — A request to adopt a Mixed Use Development
Agreement for the property legally described as Lot 1, Shadow Lake Replat 2, generally located
SW of S
72nd
St and Ponderosa Drive. The applicant is Sheltering Tree, Inc. ( Sheltering Tree)
MISC- 19- 0034
Chairwoman Hoch opened the public hearing.
Denise Gehringer, PO Box 4990 ( Omaha), stepped forward to represent the applicant. She
explained that Sheltering Tree provides independent living facilities for individuals with
developmental or intellectual disabilities. She added that many of the individuals that she seeks
to serve already live in the community as the Papillion La Vista School District has a wide array
of programs and services for such individuals.
Ms. Gehringer explained that Sheltering Tree operates two local facilities in Bellevue and Benson,
and noted that the Bellevue location is currently seeking an expansion due to its success. She
added that the facilities are built without debt with the help of grants and other funding sources.
She gave a brief history of Sheltering Tree as an organization.
Ms. Gehringer stated that resident safety is high priority for the organization as they offer
supportive housing with 24 hour supervision from live- in resident advisors. She offered a brief
overview of the function of such resident advisors. She added that Seldin Company manages the
facilities.
Chairwoman Hoch called for proponents and opponents. Seeing no further input, Chairwoman
Hoch closed the public hearing and called for Commission Discussion.
Mr. Hrabik asked whether the parking lot complies with the required fire turnaround requirements.
Mr. Goff answered in the affirmative.
Mr. Carson asked whether the engineers had a site elevation plan. He asked whether the height
of the building would interfere with the electric lines that are over the site. Dustin Henson with
Thompson Dreessen & Dorner, Inc., 10836 Old Mill Road ( Omaha), stated that he did not have a
site elevation plan but did not anticipate that there would be any interference with power lines.
Mr. Carson asked about pedestrian access at the site. Ms. Gehringer stated that the walking
distance to Shadow Lake Towne Center would not be an issue for most residents. She added
that residents served by Sheltering Tree may also receive transportation by other means. She
noted that access to nearby entertainment and employment for residents was a key component
in choosing this site.
Mr. Carson asked whether any of the residents would be placed at Sheltering Tree by court order.
Ms. Gehringer explained that Sheltering Tree is not designed to support individuals with
aggression issues or mental health related illnesses. She summarized that all residents are vetted
prior to moving into the facility.
Mr. Carson asked for a timeline for sidewalk along S 72nd Street from the site to Shadow Lake
Towne Center. Mr. Goff and Mr. Stursma noted that a pedestrian connection to Shadow Lake
Towne Center already exists along Lakeview Drive. They added that a trail along S 72nd Street is
forthcoming, however, the timeline for such improvement is unknown.
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January 29, 2020
Chairwoman Hoch asked whether most residents would be single or married. She noted that the
units would be quite small for a couple. Ms. Gehringer noted that Sheltering Tree abides by the
Fair Housing Act; however, most residents at their existing facilities are single.
Mr. Hrabik asked whether the buildings would contain a fire sprinkler system. Mr. Stursma
answered in the affirmative.
With no further discussion, Motion was made by Mr. Robinson III, seconded by Mr. Carson, to
recommend approval of the Mixed Use Development Agreement for Sheltering Tree ( MISC- 19-
0034) because it is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as amended, compatible
with adjacent uses, and compliant with Zoning regulations, contingent upon the resolution of staff
comments. Roll Call: Seven yeas, no nays. Motion carried.
Preliminary Plat & Change of Zone — A Preliminary Plat and Change of Zone from AG
Agricultural to LI Limited Industrial for the property legally described as the NE 1/ 4 of Section 3,
T13N, R11 E of the 6th P. M.,
Sarpy County, NE, generally located SW of S 156th St and Schram
Rd. The applicant is DAMMM Land, LLC. ( TJ2 Industrial Park) PP- 19- 0008; CZ- 19- 0009
Chairwoman Hoch noted that the applicant withdrew its applications, therefore, no action
is required from the Planning Commission.
Ordinance No. 1867 — A request to amend § 205- 11 of Article II ( Development Definitions), §
205- 18 of Article III ( Use Types),
and Table 205- 38 of Article IV ( Zoning District Regulations) all
of Chapter 205 of the Papillion Zoning Ordinance having to do with Alternative Energy Production
Services, Solar Energy Systems, and Utilities. The applicant is the
City of Papillion. ( Solar Energy
Amendment) TC- 20- 0001
Chairwoman Hoch opened the public hearing.
Mark Stursma, 122 E 31d Street, stepped forward to represent the applicant. He summarized that
the City anticipates that there is potential for large scale solar energy facilities developing in Sarpy
County; however, the current zoning regulations regarding Solar Energy Systems are geared
toward solar energy as an accessory use. He noted that the City is worried that the current
regulations may be misconstrued to permit a large scale solar energy system by right. He stated
that the amendment would require a Special Use Permit for Alternative energy production devices
in AG Agricultural, RE Rural Residential Estates, and LI Limited Industrial zones, where they are
currently permitted by right. He justified that this would give the City an opportunity to mitigate any
negative effects of such facilities. Mr. Stursma added that the amendment will also add definitions
for " Passive Solar Energy System", " Solar Collector", and " Solar
Energy System ( SES)", which
come directly from Nebraska statute.
Chairwoman Hoch called for proponents and opponents. Seeing no further public input,
Chairwoman Hoch closed the public hearing and called for Commission Discussion.
Mr. Carson asked how the City determines what is considered a large scale solar installation. Mr.
Stursma explained that the determination is made based on the primary use of the property. He
provided examples. Mr. Stursma added that the definition of " Utility" is also proposed to be
amended.
Mr. Carson noted that there was a recent article in the Omaha World Herald regarding a public
utility looking to construct a 3,000 plus acre solar power facility in Sarpy County. He asked whether
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Planning Commission
January 29, 2020
such a facility would be tax exempt. Mr. Stursma noted that such entities have certain rights;
however, he is unsure whether such a facility would be tax exempt. He noted that a Special Use
Permit would be needed to construct such a facility should the proposed zoning amendment be
approved.
Chairwoman Hoch stated that she would like to promote alternative energy sources, and is
hesitant to create barriers for the construction of such utilities. Mr. Stursma noted that the
amendment is relatively permissive.
Mr. Hrabik noted the OPPD recently built a twenty acre solar farm near Fort Calhoun.
Ms. Emswiler asked whether the City had conversations with public interest groups such as
Nebraska for Solar regarding this amendment. Mr. Stursma stated that he did not believe the City
contacted such organizations, but did follow the required notification methods for an amendment
to the Zoning Ordinance. He added that the amendment is not meant to discourage solar energy.
Mr. Hrabik asked whether City code addresses wind power sources. Mr. Stursma answered in
the affirmative.
With no further discussion, Motion was made by Mr. Carson, seconded by Mr. Hrabik, to
recommend approval of Ordinance No. 1867— Solar Energy Amendment( TC-20- 0001) because
of consistency with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 19- 901 and Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 66- 904 through 66- 906. Roll
Call: Seven yeas, no nays. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Stursma reminded the Commission of the upcoming NPZA Conference.
With no further business to come before the Commission, Motion was made by Mr. Hrabik,
seconded by Mr. Wilson, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 7: 38 P. M.
CITY OF PAPILLION
f4
Rebecca Hoch, g airwoman
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Planning Commission
January 29, 2020
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