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MINUTES
– PLANNING COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING – JUNE 17, 2008
The
regular meeting of the Morris Planning Commission was called to order at 5:15
p.m. this 17th day of June, 2008, by Chairperson 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 Johnson, Granger, Gades, Rudney, Carpenter and Chairperson
Kuchenreuther. Commissioner
Hoffman was absent. Also present
was City Manager/Zoning Administrator Hill.
READING
AND APPROVAL OF 5/20/08 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chairperson Kuchenreuther stated in the last paragraph on
the first page it should read “more livable”, instead of move livable. Carpenter stated in the second paragraph
on the Stallman variance issue there should be no apostrophe in Stallmans.
Commissioner
Rudney moved, seconded by Johnson, to approve the 5/20/08 regular meeting
minutes with the above mentioned changes.
Motion carried.
PUBLIC
HEARINGS: None
OTHER BUSINESS: Zoning Map: City Manager Hill stated the boundary
has been extended because of the annexation so the commission needs to work to
finish the zoning map.
The top
right portion of the map was discussed.
Hill noted Quality Stamping is looking to move their business so to make
this area highway business is something to consider.
Hill
indicated another issue is the island in the middle of the city, which is
actually not in city limits.
Chairperson
Kuchenreuther pointed out the commission proposed that the MC designation
follow the PDT river as far down as the city has control over the land. Kuchenreuther stated the ordinance was
looked at to see the potential concerns of those in Framnas Township. Kuchenreuther stated agricultural
feedlots are allowed with the appropriate setbacks, which was a main concern of
the township. A variance could
also be applied for if they were upset about the setbacks of feedlots. Kuchenreuther noted a waste lagoon is
prohibited but speculated no operation would be big enough to need that.
Rudney
asked if someone is in charge of checking on the zoning. Hill stated the county is not
interested in the zoning and the townships can’t afford to do it. Hill noted with the authority to zone
comes the responsibility to look out for the zone. Hill stated once the zoning map is in place the public needs
to be made aware and the city needs to keep an eye on it. Hill stated the
county shouldn’t issue a building permit without checking with the city on the
zoning. Granger suggested meeting
with the county after the map has been finalized.
Rudney
asked if the golf course development falls within the city’s zoning
jurisdiction. Hill stated it
should have been because it doesn’t make sense for city style subdivisions to
be built outside of city limits.
Hill noted you don’t want to use up farmland which is why he recently met
with Joe Riley about if/when he would be looking to build another
development. Kuchenreuther asked
if the commission should highlight more places that would be good for
residential housing. Rudney
pointed out the areas along West 8th Street and North Ridge Drive
have been discussed in the past.
Hill stated that would be the best possibilities for sewer and
water. Kuchenreuther stated the
city would not want to encourage any development in what could be concluded a
flood plain.
The commission
reviewed the map and the following suggestions were proposed:
·
The
Michaelson junk yard be changed to Municipal Conservancy (MC)
·
The
area where the former Westmor building was be changed to Highway Business
(HB). No other changes in Section
25.
·
The
south side of North Ridge Drive, which is owned by the University, be changed
from Farm Residence (RF) to Single & Two Family Res. (R), except for a
strip on the southeast corner that abuts Highway 28. This strip should be zoned Highway Business (HB).
·
In
the northwest corner of the south side of North Ridge Drive a strip running
parallel to Highway 9 also be changed to Highway Business.
·
A
small quarter section, or thereabouts, just to the north of where the city
limits end be changed to R, instead of RF.
It was the
consensus of the commission to schedule a worksession for June 30th
at 5:15 p.m. to continue work on the zoning map.
There
being no further business Commissioner Rudney moved, seconded by Carpenter, to
adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
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