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MINUTES -
PLANNING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING -
APRIL 17, 2007
The regular meeting of the Morris Planning Commission was
called to order at 5:15 p.m. this 17th day of April, 2007, by Chair
person Kuchenreuther in the Council Chambers of the Morris Senior
Citizens/Community Center.
CALL OF THE ROLL: Roll call was taken with the following members present: Commissioners Hoffman, Granger, Rudney,
Carpenter and Chair person Kuchenreuther.
Commissioners Stevenson and Johnson were absent. Also present were City Manager Larson,
ex-officio Miller, and Intern Minion.
READING AND APPROVAL OF 2/20/07 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Commissioner Granger moved, seconded by
Rudney, to approve the minutes of the 2/20/07 meeting as presented. With all voting in favor, motion
carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Commissioner Granger noted the Planning Commission minutes are now
posted on the City’s website.
Chair person Kuchenreuther indicated Mayor Giese provided her
with information regarding the Minnesota Rural Summit Driving by Design at
Cragun’s from May 10-11. She asked
if anyone would be interested in attending. She stated she may be able to attend.
Granger asked if the Planning Commission ever made a final
recommendation on the lot coverage ordinance. This will be checked into before the next meeting.
Annexing Private Septic and Wells: Kuchenreuther indicated
this is mainly informational for the Planning Commission as Morris is already
covered under Stevens County’s ordinance.
Intern Minion has done some research into properties with private septic
and well systems in the newly annexed areas. She raises a number of questions that need to be addressed
regarding the private septic systems and wells in the newly annexed areas. Kuchenreuther asked if the Planning
Commission needs to think about those questions. Larson indicated some of the items are incorporated in the
annexation resolution.
Miller indicated that once properties are hooked up to city
water, they will be allowed to maintain their private wells for outdoor
watering if they choose.
Hoffman indicated this has become an issue for realtors as
it is hard to establish a value on properties where there is a potential
assessment.
New Potential Noise Pollution Regulations: Minion indicated there have been
complaints with loud music coming from automobiles in town. She stated her hometown, Roseville,
does regulate this noise. She
attached their ordinance, and incorporated some of their language into
potential new language in Morris’ Code.
MINUTES -
PLANNING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING -
APRIL 17, 2007
New Potential Noise Pollution Regulations:
Granger indicated she checked with the Police Chief to see
if there is a State standard on muffler noise. She has not heard back from him on her request.
Carpenter asked if jake braking should be included in the
Ordinance. It was felt language
regarding jake braking could be added after B in Subd. 3.
Rudney asked if some of the language under Subd. 1 should be
reviewed by the City Attorney.
Carpenter feels the language in red under Subd. 1 should be under Subd.
2, Unlawful Act. Rudney indicated
he feels some of the language is somewhat subjective. Granger indicated that is the reason she called the Chief of
Police.
Carpenter questioned if language should be added that would
require a commercial entity to get a permit for a party or street dance. Granger indicated she does not think
community livability is a problem.
Kuchenreuther stated a permit might make sense for a special event. Larson asked if the chimes at the
cemetery would constitute an event.
He feels issuing permits for those things is getting into muddy waters
and questioned who would enforce something like that.
Miller indicated he feels this deals more with the private
things such as cars and mowing in late or early hours. He’s satisfied with most of what is in
the proposed ordinance.
Granger suggested adding language under Subd. 3J, to include
air handling units or fans. Larson
indicated performance standards already address that. Granger asked if the grain elevator noise would be addressed
by this. Carpenter indicated
placement of air conditioner units
is addressed elsewhere in the Code.
It was the consensus to add “fans and other air handling
equipment” under Subd. 3J, and have Minion figure out language for jake
braking.
Limited Parking: Minion provided a memo on limited parking on residential
streets in Morris. Granger
indicated she feels this is a bigger issue, and noted it will be addressed in a
meeting with the Housing Study Group.
The Housing Study Group would like to meet with the Planning Commission
sometime.
Prairie Grass:
Minion provided information on a prairie grass ordinance. She stated that presently there are two
different height limits for grass in the City Code, one at 6 inches and another
at 12 inches. Minion and Larson
feel 8 inches would be an acceptable limit.
Minion inserted language in Section 7.11, Sub. 5 and Section
10.21, Sub. 1 which states that native grasses and wildflowers indigenous to
Minnesota, planted and maintained on any occupied lot or parcel of land, set
back a minimum of twenty (20’) feet from the front property lines as part of a
garden or landscape treatment are exempt
MINUTES -
PLANNING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING -
APRIL 17, 2007
Prairie Grass:
from the 8” maximum length.
Larson suggested having individuals register with the City
if they have native plantings so that the weed inspector doesn’t send them a
letter saying their grass is too long.
Granger asked the purpose of having a front yard setback on
the native grasses. She questioned
if there should also be side yard and rear yard setbacks.
White Bear Lake has language in their ordinance that states
it shall be unlawful for any such person or persons to cause, suffer or allow
noxious weeds or plants identified and defined by the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture to grow on any such lot or parcel of land so as to endanger the
health, safety and welfare of the City.
Kuchenreuther suggested adding similar language to Morris’ ordinance.
It was the consensus to change the setback from 20’ to 10’
and add the noxious weed language.
Potential Dark Sky Ordinance: Kuchenreuther asked the Planning Commissioners to take a
critical look at the dark sky ordinance.
Minion indicated there is a movement in the Legislature
regarding dark sky compliant lighting and it should be resolved by the next
Planning Commission meeting.
Kuchenreuther and Granger indicated that is just for publicly funded
lights.
Granger noted that 175 lumens equal 100 watts.
This was tabled until the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Carpenter moved, seconded by Rudney, to adjourn. Motion carried and the meeting
adjourned at 6:05.
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