HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/16/90CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
April 16, 1990
5:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor McKinley, Brown, Fox, Wright, Angel,
Dell, Budak and Buck.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss amendments to the
"H -C" Highway Overlay District Ordinance as it pertains to
screening/fencing, setbacks and use restrictions.
Bob Stevenson, City Planner, stated that the Gateway
Committee had met on April 12th and had arranged meetings
with the Fullers and Prairie Construction, two objectors at
the public hearing on April 9th. These meetings are
scheduled for April 26th. Members of the Gateway Committee
were introduced including Larry Winninger, Sue Fleege,
Renata Sack, Craig Ritland, Donna Nelson and Jan Guthrie.
Budak now present at 5:32 p.m.
Mr. Stevenson summarized the contents of the Ordinance. The
Ordinance requires that areas used for the storage of
certain materials be screened with a landscaping screen or
an approved fencing alternative. Landscaping is preferable
to the fencing. Existing properties used for the storage of
certain materials must comply with the Ordinance within one
year. When fencing alternatives are used, existing users
must comply with the Ordinance within one year but may
request a waiver to the fencing setback from the Design
Review Board. The setback portion of the Ordinance requires
that all structures be set back 50 feet, however, parking is
allowed within 25 feet from the property line. Properties
in the downtown area are not required to meet the 50 foot
minimum. All setback requirements apply to new
construction. Any existing business who wish to expand may
do so without expanding the existing non-conformance and
must be reviewed by the Design Review Board. The use
restriction section states that no new junkyards, salvage
yards, and construction storage yards will be allowed in the
Highway Corridor Overlay District. Expansion of said usage
will only be allowed with the approval of the Design Review
Board.
In response to comments made at the public hearing, staff
indicated that it was not the intent of the Ordinance to put
companies out of the business along the freeway. It was
indicated that the Gateway Committee and staff have worked
with the adjacent property owners in drawing up this
Ordinance. The possibility of extending the requirements of
this Ordinance to the other areas of the community was
discussed.
Assistant City Attorney Donna Lesyshen responded to comments
made at the public hearing that it is illegal for the City
to zone aesthetics. Ms. Lesyshen stated that her review of
the Ordinance finds that it is an appropriate regulation
tool and a rational and reasonable ordinance. She stated
that the City can require the orderly development along the
Hiyhway Corridor.
City Council Work Session
April 16, 1990
Page 2
The possibility of the City sharing in the costs of
landscaping improvements was discussed. Councilperson Brown
expressed his concern with the cost to property owners and
the hardship it may place on them. Donna Nelson, a member
of the Gateway Committee, stated that it is the
responsibility of the property owner to put money back into
their business and be a good citizen of the community.
Examples of similar salvage operations in the community that
have landscaped and fenced were cited. Councilperson Wright
stated that she felt the City should not dictate to
businesses a certain set of standards.
Mayor McKinley suggested that the Committee work directly
with the five property owners that may be affected by the
Ordinance to arrive at a reasonable solution. Renata Sack,
a member of the Gateway Committee expressed her support for
the Ordinance and that a good ordinance is the beginning of
an aesthetic pleasing community. Councilperson Dell urged
the Committee and staff to be as creative as possible to
come up with solutions to the problems that have been
presented. Councilperson Brown urged the Committee and
staff to communicate with adjacent property owners affected
by the Ordinance.
No official action was taken regarding said Ordinance.
With no further business before the Council, the meeting
was adjourned.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor