2007 03-20 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF GEM LAKE, MN .� 4707 Hwy 61 # 253 White Bear Lake, MN 55110-3227 Telephone 651-747-2790 Planning Commission Minutes, 3-6-2007 Planning Commission Chair Lindner opened the March meeting at 7:OOPM. Besides Lindner, Commissioner Wippich and alternate Commissioner Beth Herzog were present. Also present were Councilwoman Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Bob Upzen, Steve Herzog, Mayor Paul Emeott, Sheila Waldoch, and several members of the Cornerstone Baptist church. Public Hearings Neither the nuisance ordinance or pawnbroker ordinance received their public hearing tonight. They will be rescheduled, hopefully for April. Cornerstone Baptist church Pastor Bob Nelson and his church would like to lease sanctuary space in Sheila Waldoch's strip mall. The rental rates are affordable and the church has plans to upgrade the space they lease. Per Zoning Administrator Emeott, the best way to allow for a church use in the retail business district is via a variance. Mr. Lindner detailed the necessary steps for the church to follow to obtain a variance. The church's main concern is their current lease expires on April 1 and they need a place to assemble. A variance requires a public hearing. The timing is problematic, but under the strict interpretation of the law, it is the best Gem Lake can do. No member of the Planning Commission was opposed to the church, but there is little else the city can do but to follow all proper deadlines and time constraints. This means the soonest they could move into the mall would be after the April City Council meeting. The Planning Commission encouraged the church to pursue their variance request. Comprehensive Plan next meeting Dan Jochum, our SEH planner, was not in attendance tonight. However, He can contact Jim Lindner and establish an agenda for the next comp plan meeting (likely to be held in April). Nuisance/Pawnbroker ordinances In spite of not holding a public hearing, City Attorney Trevor Oliver reviewed key points in both the Nuisance and Pawnbroker ordinances. While these are not necessarily land use or zoning issues, the Planning Commission is willing to take the lead in developing and refining these draft ordinances then recommend City Council approval. There is no real timeline, so they remain a work in progress. Home Occupations I't reading Attention next turned to another ordinance this one concerning home occupations. Attorney Oliver reviewed the key points on what type of home occupation might require a city license and the administrative procedures involved in obtaining one. General discussion Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org