Planning and Zoning Minutes September 2, 2008

NORTH LIBERTY PLANNING COMMISSION

September 2, 2008

At 6:30 p.m. Vice-Chair Mausser called the meeting to order.

Commission members present:  Haack, Foresman, Mausser, Moore; absent – Daniels, Peters, Wilkerson.

Others present: Ryan Heiar, City Administrator; Scott Peterson, City Attorney; Dean Wheatley, City Planner; Kevin Trom, City Engineer; Tracey Mulcahey, Assistant City Administrator; Tom Salm; Chris Hoffman; Brian Crawford and other interested citizens.

PUBLIC COMMENT. No public comment was received.

SITE PLAN: Request of Mel Green to approve a site plan at 2281 Highway 965.

Staff Review. Wheatley presented the history of the project including the annexation and rezoning processes.  The developer is requesting site plan approval to authorize a daycare on the property.  This is the final step in the public approval process. The original issues with the site plan have all been remedied. Staff recommends approval.

Applicants Presentation. None was offered.

Public Comment. No public comments were received.

Questions and Comments. The commission had no questions or comments relating to the application.

Recommendation to City Council.  Moore moved, Foresman seconded to recommend approval of Mel Green’s Site Plan application for 2281 Highway 965 as presented.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Mausser, Foresman, Moore, Haack; nays—none; absent – Daniels, Peters, Wilkerson. Motion carried.

PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT: Request of North Liberty Bicentennial Post No. 1976 of the American Legion of Iowa to approve a subdivision of their property at 980 West Penn Street.

Staff Review. Wheatley presented the preliminary and final plat requests for North Liberty Bicentennial Post No. 1976 American Legion of Iowa to approve a subdivision at 980 W. Penn Street. They plan to add another self storage building on the site. A few issues remain to be resolved with this case.

Applicants Presentation.  Brian Crawford from McClure Engineering presented the applicant’s request.  The owner has agreed to work with the city with regards to the outstanding issues.

Public Comment. No public comments were received.

Questions and Comments.  The Commission had no questions or comments relating to the application.

Recommendation to City Council. Mausser moved, Moore seconded to recommend approve of the Preliminary and Final Plats of North Liberty Bicentennial Post No. 1976 of the American Legion of Iowa with the following conditions:

1. Gravel areas will need to be paved or removed and seeded or sodded prior to Council approval of the final plat, observing the required five foot setbacks from the paved areas to the property line.
2. The access easement needs to be paved to a width of 22 feet to meet code requirements, or shifted to the west to make use of the existing paving, prior to Council approval of the final plat.
3. A Developer’s Agreement needs to be drafted to be approved with the final plat, including provisions for storm water management, extension of the Penn Street sidewalk, and Penn Street Overlay District requirements, to be included in site plans for these lots.

After discussion, the vote was: ayes –Haack, Mausser, Moore, Foresman; nays – none; absent – Daniels, Wilkerson, Peters. Motion carried.

MASTER SIGN DESIGN. Request of Core Fitness to approve a master wall sign application at 1395 Jordan Street.

Staff Review. Wheatley presented the request of Core Fitness for the wall sign application for 1395 Jordan Street.  The request is coming to the City for approval to ensure that they are meeting the sign requirements.  Staff is recommending approval as is, but with each new leased space, the owner will be required to come in with another presentation for all other sign applications.

Applicant’s Presentation.  None offered.

Public Comment. None was offered.

Questions and Comments. Haack commented that the location shown on the diagram is on the opposite side from the actual location.

Recommendation to City Council. Foresman moved, Haack seconded to approve the Master Wall Sign Application for Core Fitness at 1395 Jordan Street with the correction of the location and a note to the developer that with each new lease a new plan is required to be submitted. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Haack, Foresman, Moore, Mausser; nays – none; absent – Peters, Daniels, Wilkerson. Motion carried.

REVISED SITE PLAN: Request of Alan Arzu to approve revisions to the approved site plan at 410 North Front Street (Frog Hollow Day Care).

Staff Review.  Wheatley presented the revisions to the site plan.  A number of changes have been made as the site has been developed. The original elevations showed masonry in a brick red color.  Some concerns were voiced regarding the color during the approval process. The owner sought to tone the color of the masonry down. Revised drainage calculations are required due to the addition of additional concrete. The plan shows a relocated dumpster to the rear of the property with added paved driveway.  A conditional use for parking of buses on property will be coming in front of Commission in October. Staff recommends approval.

Applicants Presentation.  Brian Crawford from McClure Engineering presented the amendments to the site plan.

Questions and Comments.  The Commission discussed their thoughts and concerns regarding the amendments.

Recommendation to City Council.  Haack moved, Foresman seconded to approve the revised site plan for Frog Hollow Daycare at 410 North Front Street.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Foresman, Moore, Mausser,  Haack; nays – none; absent – Wilkerson, Peters, Daniels. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS: Applicant standing.

Staff Review. Wheatley reported that this will be an ordinance that will be invoked on a very infrequent basis. This provides the ability to protect the City when the developer has not completed business in another project in town by limiting future projects. Peterson reported that this will be incorporated into both the zoning and subdivision ordinances. This ordinance will include previous and current activities undertaken by the developer.

Public Comment. No oral or written comments were received.

Questions and Comments.  The commission’s questions and issues were addressed.

Recommendation to City Council. Foresman moved, Moore seconded to recommend approval of the applicant standing ordinance amendments.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Moore, Foresman, Haack, Mausser; nays – none; absent – Peters, Daniels, Wilkerson. Motion carried.

MINUTES. Foresman moved, Haack seconded to approve the minutes of the August 2008 meeting. The vote was: ayes –Foresman, Haack, Mausser, Moore; nays – none; absent – Peters, Daniels, Wilkerson. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS. Wheatley reported that the Commission will be selecting officers and council liaison at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS. Wheatley suggested that the Commission have an update meeting regarding city documents and processes. He is considering the week of 9/15. Wheatley is completing three ring binders with all the documents that will be discussed.

CASES UNDER DEVELOPMENT. Wheatley highlighted cases that will be included on future agendas.

ADJOURNMENT. At 7:11 p.m., Moore moved, Foresman seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.