Posts in Planning and Zoning Minutes

North Liberty City Council
North Liberty Planning Commission
Joint Meeting Minutes
August 2, 2011

Call to Order.  At  7:00 p.m., Mayor Salm called the August 2, 2011 Special Joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission to order.  Council members present: Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Kuhl, Wayson.  Commission members present:  Anderson, Covert, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Mausser, Moore; absent – Haack.

Others present: Ryan Heiar, Dean Wheatley, Kevin Trom, Tracey Mulcahey, Erika Harper and other interested parties.

Agenda.  Donahue moved Kuhl seconded to approve the agenda for the City Council. The vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Wayson, Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Moore moved, Detlefsen seconded to approve the agenda for the Planning Commission.  The vote was: ayes – Frost, Mausser, Covert, Moore, Detlefsen, Anderson; nays – none; absent – Haack. Motion carried.

Land Use Plan Update and Discussion.  Wheatley led the Council and Commission in discussion regarding the Land Use Plan.  He reviewed the information provided at the last Joint Meeting.  He reminded all that this is a discussion on the policy level not specific to the zoning of properties.
Land Use Area C – Remains as it is currently.
Land Use Area D – Residential land use.
Land Use Area E – Dividing area into residential and commercial land use.
Land Use Area F – Commercial land use.
Land Use Area I – Commercial land use.
Land Use Area J – Residential land use.
Land Use Area K – South of Forevergreen Road – Residential land use; North of Forevergreen Road – Commercial land use.
Land Use Area L – Commercial land use.
Adjournment.  At 7:57 p.m., Chipman moved, Kuhl seconded to adjourn the City Council meeting. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

At 7:57 p.m., Detlefsen moved, Anderson seconded to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

Minutes
North Liberty City Council & Planning Commission Joint Meeting
June 21, 2011
Special Session

Call to Order.  At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Salm called the June 21, 2011 Special Joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission to order. Council members present: Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Kuhl, Wayson.  Commission members present:  Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Mausser, Moore; absent – Wilkerson.

Others present:  Ryan Heiar, Scott Peterson, Tracey Mulcahey, Dean Wheatley, Erika Harper, Gary Watts and other interested parties.

Agenda.  Hoffman moved Kuhl seconded to approve the agenda for the City Council. The vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Wayson, Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Moore moved, Frost seconded to approve the agenda for the Planning Commission.  The vote was: ayes – Frost, Haack, Mausser, Moore, Detlefsen, Anderson; nays – none; absent – Wilkerson. Motion carried.

Land Use Plan Update and Discussion.  Wheatley led the Council and Commission in discussion regarding the Land Use Plan.  He reviewed the information provided at the last Joint Meeting.  He reminded all that this is a discussion on the policy level not specific to the zoning of properties.  Wheatley is seeking direction from the organizations to put together a more detailed proposal regarding the proposed Land Use Policy Map relating to the West Penn Street District. Wheatley presented a handout from Skogman Realty with Facts and Trends in North Liberty real estate.  Consensus was reached on each of the districts Wheatley had identified for discussion:
District A – commercial use.
District B – commercial use.
Districts C & G – proposed revision to residential/commercial/mixed use.
District H – residential use.
District D – residential use.
District E – residential use except East of Cameron Way to buffer residential from L.L. Pelling.
District F – industrial use.

The consensus was to hold the next joint meeting in conjunction with the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in August.  The Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. with the Joint Meeting slated to begin at 7 p.m.

Adjournment.  At 7:58 p.m., Kuhl moved, Hoffman seconded to adjourn the City Council meeting. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

At 7:59 p.m., Haack moved, Moore seconded to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

North Liberty Planning Commission
Minutes
June 7, 2011

Roll Call. At 6:30 p.m., Chairman Mausser called the June 7, 2011 Regular Session of the North Liberty Planning Commission to order. Commission members present: Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Mausser, Moore, Wilkerson; absent – Anderson.
Others present: Dean Wheatley, Ryan Heiar, Tracey Mulcahey, Scott Peterson, Kevin Trom, Erika Harper, Tina Dubois, Glen Meisner and other interested parties.

Agenda Approval. Moore moved, Frost seconded to approve the agenda. The vote was: ayes –Mausser, Frost, Haack, Detlefesen, Wilkerson, Moore; nays – none; absent – Anderson. Motion carried.

Public Comment. No public comment was offered.

First United Methodist Church Site Plan and Conditional Use Application. Wheatley presented the request of First United Methodist Church to approve a revised site plan and conditional use for property generally located west of Jones Boulevard and south of West Penn Street, at 85 North Jones Boulevard, to add a new food pantry building. Staff recommends
approval with no conditions. Tina Dubois from the North Liberty Community Food and Clothing Pantry and Glen Meisner from MMS Consultants presented the proposal for the new food pantry facility. No public comments were received

The Commission discusses designating handicapped spots closer to the pantry, the beehives infront of the building, berming and screening to the north, and the addition of a bike rack. Detlefsen moved, Wilkerson seconded to recommend approval of the Site Plan to the City Council with the following condition: handicapped spaces being added in the parking lot closer to the pantry. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Frost, Haack, Detlefsen, Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser; nays – none; absent – Anderson. Motion carried. Moore moved, Detlefsen seconded to recommend approval of the Conditional Use to the Board of Adjustment with no conditions. The vote was: ayes – Haack, Detlefsen, Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser, Frost; nays – none; absent – Anderson. Motion carried.

Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map Update.
Wheatley presented the proposed updates to the Land Use Map portion of the Comprehensive Plan, to accommodate existing development and/or existing zoning. The proposed map is identical to the one discussed at the Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting. No public comments were offered. The Commission is comfortable with the proposed changes. Haack moved, Moore seconded to recommend approval of the updated Land Use Map to the City Council. The vote was: ayes – Detlefsen, Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser, Frost, Haack; nays – none; absent – Anderson. Motion carried.

Minutes. Frost moved, Moore seconded to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting. The vote was: ayes – Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser, Frost, Haack, Detlefsen; nays – none; absent – Anderson. Motion carried.

Old Business. Wheatley reported that the rezoning request for the Dean Moore case was withdrawn before it went to Council.

Cases under development. Wheatley reported that a new proposal under discussion for the Dean Moore property west of LL Pelling is higher density close to Penn Street and scaling down to duplexes on the south end.

Adjournment. At 6:56 p.m., Moore moved, Wilkerson seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

City of North Liberty
Planning Commission
Minutes
May 3, 2011

Call to Order. At 6:30 p.m., Commission member Moore called the Regular Session of the North Liberty Planning Commission to order. Commission members present: Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Moore, Wilkerson; absent – Mausser, Haack.
Others present: Dean Wheatley, Ryan Heiar, Scott Peterson, Kevin Trom, Tracey Mulcahey,
Erika Harper and other interested individuals.

Agenda Approval. Wilkerson moved, Detlefsen seconded to approve the agenda as submitted. The vote was: ayes – Frost, Moore, Wilkerson, Detlefsen, Anderson; nays – none; absent – Mausser, Haack. Motion carried.
Public Comment. None was offered.

Corridor Commercial, Part Six Preliminary Plat. Wheatley presented the request of Corridor Commercial Development Company to approve a preliminary plat of 16 lots previously zoned for duplex development for property generally located east of Highway 965 between Sara Court and Forevergreen Road, known as Corridor Commercial Subdivision, Part Six. The proposed preliminary plat has changed substantially from the original proposed plat. With Coralville controlling the Forevergreen Road right of way and access, the plat required an amendment. Staff recommends approval with no conditions. Duane Musser from MMS Consultants offered to answer any questions regarding the plat. The Commission asked why Coralville would not grant street access. Heiar stated they have concerns with traffic flow and access. Frost moved, Wilkerson seconded to recommend approval of the application from Corridor Commercial Development Company for Corridor Commercial, Part Six Preliminary Plat to the City Council. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Wilkerson, Anderson, Detlefsen, Moore, Frost; nays – none; absent – Haack, Mausser. Motion carried.

Liberty’s Gate Rezoning. Wheatley presented the request of Prime Ventures to approve a rezoning request from C-1-B (Commercial) to RM-12 (Multi-Family), for property generally located west of Kansas Avenue and north of Penn Court. Staff recommends approval with the resolution of platting issues prior to final action on rezoning. Gary Watts and Kevin Hochstedler presented the application including concepts for the buildings and garages. The commission discussed the proposed rezoning. The Commission discussed the application. Concerns were expressed regarding moving ahead with this application before the joint meeting with council, North Bend Elementary’s capacity, and high density development, generally. Detlefsen moved, Wilkerson seconded to recommend approval of the rezoning application submitted by Prime Ventures from C-1-B (Commercial to RM-12 (Multi-Family) for property located in Liberty’s Gate to the City Council with platting issues from this rezoning being addressed prior to final action on the rezoning. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Detlefsen, Moore, Anderson, Wilkerson; nays – Frost; absent – Haack, Mausser. Motion carried.

Minutes. Wilkerson moved, Detlefsen seconded to approve the minutes from the April 25, 2011

Special Commission Meeting. The vote was: ayes – Moore, Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Wilkerson; nays – none; absent – Haack, Mausser. Motion carried.

New Business. City Administrator Ryan Heiar presented a summary of the Adopted Budget for FY 2012.

Cases Under Development. Wheatley reported on a very preliminary idea from Mike Bails for property on Penn Street for PAD combining commercial and residential.

Adjournment. At 7:12 p.m., Frost moved, Wilkerson seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

North Liberty City Council
Minutes
Special Session
May 17, 2011

Call to Order.  At 6:30 p.m. on May 17, 2011, Mayor Salm called the Special Session of the North Liberty City Council to order. Council members present: Chipman, Donahue, Kuhl, Wayson; absent – Hoffman.  Planning Commission members present: Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Mausser, Moore, Wilkerson; absent – Haack.

Others present: Ryan Heiar, Dean Wheatley, Scott Peterson, Tracey Mulcahey, Erika Harper and other interested parties.

Agenda Approval.  Chipman moved, Kuhl seconded to approve the agenda. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Wayson, Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman; nays – none; absent – Hoffman. Motion carried.

Land Use Plan Update.  The Council with the Planning Commission discussed the proposed changes to the Land Use Map. The consensus of both groups was to move forward with the changes to map. The changes are places that have been rezoned and/or developed differently than the map in the Plan.

The Council and the Commission reviewed and discussed the Land Use presentation. Wheatley summarized the packet.  Discussion items included statistics on single family housing in North Liberty, the State of Iowa and the entire country; direction for staff when working with developers regarding multifamily development proposals; definitions of multifamily; and rollback on property.

Councilor Kuhl presented information he gathered from two mortgage loan officers, buyers and sellers in the community and demographics of the typical zero lot line home buyer.  He presented information regarding the ECICOG downpayment assistance program.   He reported that the definition of affordable housing in North Liberty according to the bankers is the $150,000 price point.

Councilor Donahue led discussion regarding branding of the community.  He asked to whom do we want to appeal. He suggested that North Liberty is a community that wants to be family oriented.  He further suggested that the community should focus on family growth, development, and retention.

Realtor Mike Bails spoke regarding financing of condominiums in North Liberty, Fannie Mae’s requirements, selling loans on the secondary market, and financing options from local lending institutions. He offered additional information about the ECICOG downpayment assistance program.

The groups discussed potentially rezoning areas from commercial and industrial.  It was stated that multifamily development needs to focus on being accessible for safety services, providing ample parking, quality snow removal, attractive construction, and well built for the future.  The discussion then went to densities.  The groups talked about defining what types of construction would be allowed in the zoning districts. Discussion turned to design standards and the costs.  Gary Watts spoke regarding minimum costs of construction with design standards.  He stated that the minimum he can construct a zero lot/duplex is $170,000 and single family detached is $190,000.  The discussion then turned to the price of land. The types of buildings to be encouraged and excluded and building standards of those structures were discussed.

The final consensus was to clean up the Land Use map and have another joint meeting to discuss additional changes to the map.

Adjournment. At 8:07 p.m., Donahue moved, Wayson seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

NORTH LIBERTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
April 25, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairperson Mausser.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Anderson, Detlefsen, Haack, Wilkerson, Mausser
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Frost, Moore
ALSO PRESENT: Mike Bails, Kevin Hockstedler, Gary Watts, Erika Harper, Dean Wheatley, Tom Salm, and Brian Wayson.

AGENDA APPROVAL: Haak moved, seconded by Anderson, to approve the agenda of April 25, 2011.
The vote was: ayes—Anderson, Detlefsen, Haack, Wilkerson, Mausser; nays: none; absent: Moore,
Frost. Motion carried.

LAND USE PLAN: Wheatley facilitated a continued discussion with commission members on the residential housing types within the City of North Liberty. Maps were presented showing zoning and land use policy in varying ways for analysis. A number of locations where the zoning and existing uses differ from the land use policy map and changes should be made to bring the plan up to date were discussed with informal agreement to make the changes. Wheatley will prepare an exhibit of those areas for formal action at a later date.

Next the group examined more closely the area generally described as the Penn Street corridor from the I-380 interchange to Jones Boulevard. It was generally agreed that the amount of land area designated and zoned for commercial and industrial development is much more extensive than needed into the long-range future, and that additional residential development could be considered in appropriate locations. One such potential discussed was south of the first tier of lots fronting the south side of Penn Street, to serve as a transition from Penn Street commercial to lower density residential planned for areas further to the south. Another area discussed was north of Penn Street to Goose Lake. Staff will summarize general thoughts on these areas and work to arrange a joint meeting with City Council.

REZONING: Request of Dean Moore to approve a rezoning from C-2-A (Commercial) to RD-10 (Duplex) for property generally located east of Cameron Way and south of West Penn Street was not moved from the table for discussion, at the request of the petitioner.

MINUTES: Haack moved, seconded by Wilkerson, to approve the minutes of April 5, 2011. The vote
was: ayes—Wilkerson, Detlefsen, Haack, Anderson, Mausser: nays—none; absent—Moore, Frost. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS: City Budget and Capital Improvements Program presentation will be moved to the next Planning Commission Meeting.

CASES UNDER DEVELOPMENT: None to report.

ADJOURNMENT: Haack moved, seconded by Wilkerson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
The vote was: ayes—Wilkerson, Dedlefsen, Haack, Anderson; nays—none; absent—Moore, Frost.
Motion carried.

Note: Materials were distributed to Commission members by email and at the meeting:
• Letters of support for rezoning and building elevations for the Moore-Abraham rezoning (tabled).
• Letter and concept plan for a mixed-use development under consideration at the corner of
Cameron Drive and Penn Street.
No discussion was held and no action was taken on either item.

NORTH LIBERTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
April 5, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairperson Mausser.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Wilkerson, Mausser; absent: Moore.

ALSO PRESENT: Mike Bails, Ryan Abraham, Kevin Hockstedler, Gary Watts, Brian Crawford, Dean Moore, Erika Harper, Dean Wheatley, Ryan Heiar, Carter Kudrle, Tom Salm, Terry Donahue, Chad Keune, and other interested citizens.

AGENDA APPROVAL: Wilkerson moved, seconded by Detlefsen, to approve the agenda of April 5, 2011.
The vote was: ayes—Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Wilkerson, Mausser; nays: none; absent: Moore. Motion carried.

LAND USE PLAN: Wheatley held a discussion with commission members on the residential housing types within the City of North Liberty. There is limited zero-lot-lines and multi-family lots available in North Liberty. City Staff wanted discussion on if it matters if North Liberty’s proportions are different from surrounding communities; should we treat duplexes as single-family, or multi-family, or separately; and should the city modify the Land Use Map to specify locations for zero-lot-lines and multi-family; andhow should staff advise developers with multi-family rezoning request.
During discussion, the following comments were given from the commission members:
• Is there enough multi-family already in North Liberty.
• How would adding more to the market hurt the existing homeowners.
• Do what is best for North Liberty and not be developer or builder driven.
• Look at density and stress on the cities infrastructure.
• Is there enough low income housing.
• Would be more willing to see zero-lot-lines and not as much multi-family.
• If not allowing the multifamily are we hurting are commercial growth.
• What effect would there be to the tax base if there was no more multifamily or zero-lot-lines zoning.

It was the consensus of the commission that they would like a special meeting to look at the Land Use Map and look at potential areas for allowing multi-family and zero-lot-lines. Wheatley will get a meeting scheduled.
Wilkerson moved, seconded by Haack, to table the discussion until the special meeting. The vote was: ayes—Detlefsen, Wilkerson, Anderson, Frost, Haack, Mausser; nays—none; absent—Moore. Motion carried.

REZONING: Request of Dean Moore to approve a rezoning from C-2-A (Commercial) to RD-10 (Duplex)for property generally located east of Cameron Way and south of West Penn Street. A good neighbor meeting was held on this request and two adjacent property owners attended. One owner has an existing non-residential development, and he voiced concerns that future residents may
complain about noise or odor from LL Pelling Company. The other was concerned about the impact residential zoning might have on his ability to develop his commercial property. He did not object to the rezoning because he may decide to request a similar rezoning for his property. Dean Moore of Quality Care and Brian Crawford of McClure Engineering gave the history on the property and they feel that zero-lot-lines would be a good fit for this area and would ask for the commission’s approval.

During the discussion of this item, the commission was concern with LL Pelling Company being next to this property and the smell and noise that comes from the business, also possible vandalism that could occur. The commission did not have a problem with zero-lot-lines because of the makeup of other properties in the area and suggested that maybe it’s time to re-assess the Design Standards. The commission would like a letter from LL Pelling Company and Country View on their support of the
rezoning; and also would like to see the design of the buildings. Wilkerson moved, seconded by Haack, to table this item until the next formal commission meeting. The vote was: ayes—Wilkerson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Anderson, Mausser; nays—none; absent—Moore. Motion carried.

ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS: Wheatley presented the changes to the commission. The commission did suggest that the Good Neighbor Meeting Agenda be placed on NLTV. Haack moved, seconded by Wilkerson, to approve the Zoning Ordinance Amendments as written. The vote was: ayes—Wilkerson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Mausser, Anderson; nays—none; absent—Moore. Motion carried.

MINUTES: Frost moved, seconded by Anderson, to approve the minutes of March 1, 2011. The vote was: ayes—Wilkerson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Anderson, Mausser: nays—none; absent—Moore. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS: City Budget and Capital Improvements Program. This item was moved to the next Planning Commission Meeting.

CASES UNDER DEVELOPMENT: Wheatley reported that he had two Good Neighbor Meetings last week. One meeting was held for a change to a street to a cul-de-sac in Corridor Commercial. The second meeting was a proposed rezoning on Penn Court and Kansas Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: Wilkerson moved, seconded by Haack, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
The vote was: ayes—Wilkerson, Dedlefsen, Frost, Haack, Anderson; nays—none; absent—Moore.
Motion carried.

NORTH LIBERTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
February 1, 2011

ROLL CALL. At 6:30 p.m., Vice-Chairman Moore called the February 1, 2011 meeting of the Planning Commission to order. Commission members present: Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Moore, Wilkerson. Mausser was absent due to a work conflict.
Others present: Dean Wheatley, City Planning Director; Erika Harper, NLTV.

AGENDA APPROVAL. Frost moved, Haack seconded to approve the agenda. The vote was: ayes – Haack, Frost, Wilkerson, Moore, Detlefsen, Anderson; nays – none. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT. No public comment was offered.

CONDITIONAL USE FOR NEUMILLER ELECTRIC.
Staff Review. Wheatley presented the Request of Matt Neumiller to approve a conditional use for outside storage at commercial property generally located at the northeast corner of 240th Street and North Jones Boulevard. Wheatley reported that the owner has been very accommodating and willing to provide screening for the storage as shown on the plan in the Commission packet.
Applicant’s Presentation. Matt Neumiller was not present.
Public Comments. No public comment was made.
Questions and Comments. Anderson stated that a couple more trees at the northwest corner of the site would help close a gap that might be present for residents of condominiums across Jones Boulevard.
Recommendation to City Council. Wilkerson moved, Frost seconded to recommend approval of the conditional use permit to the Board of Adjustment, subject to the addition of screen plantings at the northwest corner of the parking area. The vote was: ayes – Wilkerson, Frost, Detlefsen, Anderson, Haack, Moore; nays – none. Motion carried.

MINUTES. Haack moved, Wilkerson seconded to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2011 Commission meeting. The vote was: ayes – Moore, Anderson, Frost, Haack, Wilkerson, Detlefsen; nays – none. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS. Wheatley reported that the property owner who attended the previous meeting to say that he should have received a mailed notice for the rezoning of The Villas property was incorrect – that his property was actually about 774 feet at its closest point to the rezoning area. Wilkerson reported that she had a discussion with the owner after the meeting to explain the probable situation.

NEW BUSINESS. Wheatley reported that staff is proposing a $40,000 line item in next year’s budget for assistance with updating the Comprehensive Plan.

CASES UNDER DEVELOPMENT. None to report.

ADJOURNMENT. The meeting adjourned at about 6:45 by unanimous consent.

NORTH LIBERTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
January 4, 2011

Roll Call.  The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mausser at 6:30 PM.  Commission members present: Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Mausser, Moore, Wilkerson. Absent: none.

Others present:  Ryan Heiar, Dean Wheatley, Scott Peterson, Mary Byers, Carter Kudrle, Tom Streb, Steve McCoy, Brian Wayson, Ken Madole, Tom Salm, Mike Bails, Edward and Kelly Townsend, and other interested parties.

Agenda Approval. Haack moved, seconded by Wilkerson, to approve the agenda of January 4, 2011.  The vote was: Ayes – Haack, Frost, Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser, Detlefsen, Wilkerson; nays—none.  Motion carried.

Public Comment.  Steve McCoy, rural Johnson County, voiced a number of concerns, including the rezoning case on the agenda, timing of the Comprehensive Plan amendment, taxes, potential conflicts of interest, legal issues related to low-income housing, and others. Scott Peterson and Dean Wheatley responded to his comments, noting that many were either not factual or not relevant.  Several Commission members expressed their concern with his comments, which they felt were inappropriate.

Tom Streb, 3302 Pheasant Court NE, rural Johnson County, wanted to know why he was not notified of the Good Neighbor Meeting held by the City.   Streb owns property at Saint Andrews Drive and Kansas Avenue.  Staff concluded that his property is not within the 200 feet of the rezoning request; however, since he was present he was welcome to comment to Commission. He declined.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment.  Wheatley presented the recommendation from City Staff to amend the Comprehensive Plan including the Future Land Use Map for an area located between Interstate 380 and Kansas Avenue and south of Penn Street, generally known as The Villas, from a residential designation to a commercial designation.

Wheatley stated that the current residential zoning is for very high density development that could result in almost 1,400 residential units.  The change under consideration is consistent with written policies in the Plan, and will provide a reasonable transition from I-380 to the residential uses already established to the east of the site. Wilkerson stated that she is in favor of the changes because it will avoid placing many future residents, especially children, near the noise impacts of I-380.

Dave Moore informed the group that he would be abstaining from Comprehensive Plan and rezoning votes as well as any discussion because of his involvement with the development project being proposed at the site of the amendment.

Wilkerson moved to recommend the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map amendment to City Council, and Detlefsen seconded. After discussion, the vote was: ayes—Wilkerson, Anderson, Frost, Mausser, Detlefsen, Haack; nays—none; abstain—Moore.  Motion carried.

Rezoning of Property at Interstate 380/Kansas Avenue.  Wheatley presented the rezoning request of North Liberty LLC to rezone from RM-21 (Multi-family Residential) to O/RP (Office/Research Park) and C-3 (Concept Commercial).  The request is consistent with the amended Land Use Plan, and presents little or no use conflicts with nearby properties. Staff feels that this is a more appropriate designation for the location than the existing high-density residential designation.

Kelly Townsend, 265 South Park Ridge Road, stated that she is in favor of the development but has a concern with traffic in the area.   Staff reported that there is expected to be less traffic with the proposed change to commercial than the current high density multi-family zone.   Townsend inquired about snow removal on Kansas Avenue as well.

Wilkerson is in favor of the rezoning.  She feels the noise and sound pollution from the Interstate would not be good for a residential zone, and that a commercial zone would be more suited to the area.  Haack and Detlefsen agreed with Wilkerson’s comments.

Detlefsen moved, seconded by Frost, to recommend to City Council approval of the rezoning request.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes—Mausser, Detlefsen, Frost, Wilkerson, Anderson, Haack; nays—none; abstain—Moore.  Motion carried.

Minutes.  Moore moved, seconded by Wilkerson, to approve the Minutes of December 21, 2010.  After brief discussion, the vote was: ayes–Moore, Anderson, Wilkerson, Mausser, Haack, Detlefsen, Frost; nays—none.  Motion carried.

Old Business.  Moore asked about the status of the bowling alley that was approved by the city.  Wheatley stated that he believes the developers are still trying to make the project work.

Adjournment:  Haack moved, seconded by Wilkerson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes—Detlefsen, Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser, Frost, Anderson, Haack.  Motion carried.

NORTH LIBERTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
December 21, 2010

ROLL CALL. At 6:30 p.m., Chairman Mausser called the December 21, 2010 Special Meeting of the Planning
Commission to order. Commission members present: Anderson, Detlefsen, Frost, Haack, Mausser, Moore, Wilkerson.
Others present: Dean Wheatley, Jim Cherney from McClure Engineering.

AGENDA APPROVAL. Moore moved, Frost seconded to approve the agenda. The vote was: ayes – Haack, Frost, Wilkerson, Moore, Mausser, Detlefsen, Anderson; nays – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT. No public comment was offered.

LIBERTY CENTRE PART 1C FINAL PLAT.
Staff Review. Wheatley presented the Request of Penn Street Group LC to approve a final plat for commercial property generally located at the southwest corner of Penn Street and Highway 965, to be named Liberty Centre Part 1C. Wheatley reported that this plat is consistent with a site plan recently approved for the southern portion of the lot, and includes access restrictions for Penn Street and Highway 965.
Applicant’s Presentation. Jim Cherney presented a large-scale board of the plat and answered questions regarding access provisions.
Public Comments. No public comment was made.
Questions and Comments. The Commission had no further questions or comments relating to this application.
Recommendation to City Council. Frost moved, Moore seconded to recommend approval of the Final Plat to the City Council as presented. The vote was: ayes – Wilkerson, Frost, Detlefsen, Anderson, Mausser, Haack, Moore; nays – none. Motion carried.

MINUTES. Haack moved, Wilkerson seconded to approve the minutes of the December 7, 2010 Commission
meeting. The vote was: ayes – Moore, Anderson, Frost, Haack, Wilkerson, Detlefsen, Mausser, nays – none.
Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS. Wheatley reported that a rezoning for The Villas area has been requested and will be on the next meeting agenda.

CASES UNDER DEVELOPMENT. None to report.

ADJOURNMENT. At 6:40 p.m., Moore moved, Wilkerson seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.