HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity/County Planning Board Minutes 10.04.2007DRAFT
MINUTES
LAUREL-YELLOWSTONE CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
OCTOBER 4, 2007 7:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Members present:
Gerald Shay, Chairman
David Oberly, County Rep.
Dan Koch, City Rep.
Deb Homing, City Rep.
Hazel Klein, City Rep.
Todd Linder, City Rep.
Others present:
James Caniglia, City Planner
Minutes of July 5, 2007; August 2, 2007 and September 6, 2007 meetings were approved
by the board.
Home Occupation ~ Paul Bokoske ~ 1535 Valley Drive ~ Tree Nurser~
Mr. Bokoske stated that he originally applied for a home occupation for this tree
service/tree nursery through the Laurel Planner and it was denied.
Mr. Bokoske read a letter to the board (see attached). It read:
"I'd like to ask for your consideration regarding a possible tree nursery on my property to
enhance this business. The nursery would be on a very small scale with the purpose of
establishing tree sales as part of this business, and with the intent of ultimately obtaining
a separate piece of property to be used exclusively for a tree farm. I would be extremely
flexible on any conditions, limits, or regulations you could make regarding this request. I
believe that my circumstance is somewhat unique in that the area surrounding my house
includes county wilderness, city wildemess with horses, private AG land with cattle and
horses (approx. 26 acres), and two neighbors who have already given full support for this
business venture. Therefore I'm asking for an exclusion or modification to Laurel
Municipal Code 17.52.030(A2). I do have adequate off-street parking to accommodate a
customer (by appointment only), and I'm open to having the number of customers perday
(or per week) regulated by the Planning Board so that any increase in traffic flow could
be kept at a level deemed appropriate by the City/County. However you decide, I'd still
need your approval to have this small nursery to be used in combination with a tree farm
on a separate piece of land. The following is a list of reasons I believe are worth of your
consideration of this request:
(> To have a local supply of acclimated trees for our community
o To provide a product which is environmentally beneficial and necessary
To enhance area beautification and species diversity
My location is primarily in an agricultural setting
Adequate off-street parking for anstomers (by appointment only) and deliveries
My previous work history in urban forestry/horticulture and certification in the
nursery industry
My present association and state certification with the Yellowstone County
Master Gardeners
My location near an irrigation ditch would provide necessary water for trees
during growing season
Nursery location would be set back a good distance from Valley Drive
Customer activity would mostly be during growing season and not a year-round
concern
Including tree sales in business would help to maintain a more steady income
because of their various trimming requirements
To experiment with new cultivars and make appropriate recommendations
Would provide deliver/installation service for those unable to visit nursery retailer
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. If any additional information is
needed, please let me know and I'd be more than happy to accommodate you in whatever
way possible." (signed) Paul H. Bokoske
Mr. Bokoske explained that the proposed tree nursery area will be only 2500 square feet
(50' X 50'). He plans to buy a larger piece of property, out of Laurel's jurisdiction, and
have a larger tree nursery.
Board discussion:
It was clarified that a home occupation does not allow customers to come to the home.
Question on how much large truck traffic this will add to Valley Drive for deliveries of
trees and fertilizer, and when a tree is removed will that create large truck traffic?
Mr. Bokoske stated that the trees are going to be in containers and transported with his
pick up truck. He will get a small version of a tractor to fork them on to the pickup track.
He will have only 50-60 trees maximum on his property.
A question was asked as to whether Mr. Bokoske planned to store large piles of cut fire
wood and limbs on his property from his tree trimming service? Doing so could create
larger amounts of traffic and issues with storage.
Mr. Bokoske plans to chip the trees and use it as mulch. He does not plan to store cut up
limbs and wood on his property.
After a discussion it was decided that a legal opinion is needed as to whether allowing a
tree nursery is considered a variance or home occupation.
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Mr. Bokoske requested that he get approval for the tree trimming service. He plans to go
through the variance process for the tree nursery in the near future.
Motion by Todd Linder, second by Hazel Klein, to recommend approval of the
home occupation for the tree service for Paul Bokoske. Motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Proposed Urban Renewal Plan and Tax Increment Financing District
Chairman Shay informed the board that they have been invited to a meeting on Tuesday,
October 9th at 6:30 pm. Tiffs will be an informational meeting on this proposal.
Steve Zeier from Big Sky Economic Development spoke regarding the TFID. He passed
out a map showing the proposed district and the time frame for establishing it.
After discussion it was decided to add the old Middle School (410 Colorado) into the
district.
James Caniglia, City Planner, stated that there are a few concerns. When the 2010 census
comes up it is possible that the City of Laurel could reach a population of 7500 which
would mean that the City would have to provide a non-volunteer fire department at a cost
between $500,000.00 and $600,000.00 per year. Ifth/s does become a major issue the
City does have the option to abolish the TFID in 4 years.
James went on to say that they are getting a grant for a lift station on the east end so more
businesses can be developed.
James also stated that he is looking into ways to improve streetscapes in Laurel to help
pull in more citizens and businesses. He went on to say that Portland Oregon has a good
plan in place that gets citizens involved in beautification with donated supplies.
Hazel Klein questioned if the 300 block of First Avenue (Laurel Clinic and A Haus of
Realty) could be included in the TFID?
Steve Zeier suggested that this proposed addition be brought to the City Com~cil's
attention. He also encouraged the board to be present at the Council's workshop on
October 9th and the regular scheduled Planning Board meeting on November 1, 2007.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respecffally submitted,
Cheryll'Lund, Secretary
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yellowstone County Interactive Mapping Out'pm Page http://www.co.yellowstone.mt.gov/webgis/yellowstone/MaleFrame.htm
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