HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity/County Planning Board Minutes 08.01.2002 MINUTES
LAUREL CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
AUGUST 1, 2002 7:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT: Clarence Foos, County Rep.
Betty Hart, County Rep.
Kurt Baltmsch, County Rep.
Steve O'Neil, City Rep.
Laurel Haggart, City Rep.
Ed Thumer, City Rep.
OTHERS PRESENT: Cal Cumin, City Planning Director, and numerous others
attending public heatings.
Minutes of July 10, 2002 meeting were reviewed· Motion by Laurel to approve with
second by Kurt; motion carried with stipulation by Betty that the spelling of her name
and that of Mary Jo Dempner be corrected; motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF ZONE CHANGE FOR LOTS 3-4 AND S1/2 OF NWl/4 OF
SECTION 2, T2SR24E
Acting Chair Clarence opened the Zoning Commission hearing for the continuation of the
discussion on the request for zone change from the developers of the proposed Pheasant
Grove Subdivision (Lots 3-4 and S1/2 of NWl/4 of Section 2, T2SR24E). Project
engineer Leuthold spoke at length on the proposed artificial recharge of the ground water
in the area that would be implemented as part of the subdivision process. His firm,
Engineering Inc., prepared an analysis of the ground water in the area, a copy of which is
attached or provided. Leuthold pointed out that the proposed recharge would actually
benefit the existing wells in Montana Meadows--perhaps to a point where the old issue
of the groundwater level actually being too high may become an issue again.
Laurel raised the issue of the need for some written proof that the actual owners
of the land were in concert with the application for zone change. The landowners
representative promised to provide a copy of the buy-sell contract.
A neighbor said setting up the aquifer recharge area in the Montana
Meadows Park as is being proposed would affect the kids who presently utilize the park
for motorcycling.
Cal said he had received three letters of protest, and Ed asked that they be read
(one was for a different zone change).
After no further comments, Betty moved to close the public hearing, Kurt
seconded, and the hearing closed·
Betty said she would like to see the aquifer recharge area be within the property
being addressed and not in Montana Meadows.
· . Cai recommended approval of the zone change subject to the understanding that
provision for artificial recharge of the groundwater aquifer be included in any subsequent
subdivision of the property. He also noted Betty's request.
Hart moved to approve the request for zone change subject to Cal's stipulations
and that the land for aquifer recharge be within the project property. Kurt seconded but
noted that he was going to abstain from the voting because he lives in Montana
Meadows. The vote was Betty for; Steve, Laurel, and Ed against; and Kurt abstain. The
project moves to the City Council with a recommendation for denial. The Chair closed
the public hearing for the zone change.
The Chair opened the Planning Board meeting with the public hearing for the proposed
Pheasant Grove Subdivision preliminary major plat.
PHEASANT GROVE SUBDIVISION, PROPOSED, PRELIMINARY MAJOR
PLAT
Leuthold again made the presentation. Ed asked how the children of the development
were supposed to walk safely to school or to the bus without sidewalks. Lanthold said
that because of the low density of housing the actual number of vehicles driving the roads
would not create a pedestrian hazard. No one spoke in opposition. Steve moved to close
the public hearing with Laurel seconding; motion carried. The Chair asked Jim Stevens
to speak regarding fire protection (letter attached).
After discussion, Cai recommended the preliminary plat go forward to the County
Con~tnissioners with a recommendation for approval subject to:
1. stipulations of the Fire Department;
2. review and approval of proposed park provisions by the County Park
Board;
3. req~re, ments of the County Public Works Department;
4. prowslons of the County Weed Department be addressed;
5. provision of an air navigation easement;
6. aquifer recharge provisions be implemented in the subdivision
improvements agreement (SIA) to provide for artificial recharge of area ground water to
include:
a. necessary change in water fights fi'om agricultural to other use;
b. provision of a park maintenance district to take care of park and
aquifer recharge operation;
c. provisions in recharge operation to monitor system so that
groundwater level does not rise to point where it floods existing basements in area; and
d. aquifer recharge area be inside the proposed development;
7. and subject to zone change approval by the Laurel City Council.
Betty moved to so approve with Kurt seconding. Steve, Betty, and Kurt moved to
approve with Laurel and Ed denying; motion carried, and reconunendation will be
forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners if the Laurel City Council approves the
zone change.
The Planning Board adjourned.
ZONE CHANGE HEARING FROM AGRICULTURAL TO COMMUNITY
COMMERCIAL FOR NE1/4 OF SECTION 4, T2SR24E (MASONIC TEMPLE ON
AIRPORT ROAD)
The public hearing for the above described site was inadvertently scheduled for this
meeting also; it was supposed to be for September's Planning Board meeting. Since it
had been advertised and there were people present for the hearing, the Board held the
hearing.
The Chair opened the Zoning Commission.
Joe Morrow, representing the Masonic Organization, spoke in favor of the application.
The subject property is a gift from the Schessler Family, and, since the Masons have sold
their existing building, time is of the essence in moving forward with construction of
their new building. Mr. Sehessler said it seems he can't even give property away!
No one spoke in opposition to the application. Betty moved to close the hearing
with Laurel seconding; motion carried.
ZONE CHANGE HEARING FROM RESIDENTIAL TO HIGHWAY
COMMERCIAL FOR 215 S 4TH STREET AND CEDAR AVENUE
The public hearing £or the above described site was inadvertently scheduled for this
meeting also; it was supposed to for September's Planning Board meeting. Since it had
been advertised and there were people present for the hearing, the Board held the hearing.
Billie Ham~a, speaking for her father, described that they would like to expand their
existing storage units. Terry Fink spoke against the application citing access concerns
and the use ora vacated alley.
Betty moved to close the hearing with Laurel seconding; motion carried.
State and local codes require careful review of proposed zone changes, including a
written report by the Planning Director, so no action could be taken.
Betty moved to table action on both zone change requests with Kurt seconding; motion
carried. The issues surrounding access to the storage units will be clarified by next
month, and Cal will make a written report to the Zoning Commission.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Cai Cumin, AICP
Planning Director/Acting Secretary