October 12th, 2009
7:30 p.m.
Chairperson Mueller read the statement regarding the Open Meetings Act.
1. Member Mueller called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and asked for roll call. Other members present were: Cathy Kleine, Gene Mueller, Bob Stepp, Bill Runge and Kendall Schlake.
2. Next, was the approval of the minutes from the September 14th, 2009 meeting.
Member Kleine requested a typo be corrected on page 2. Member Schlake made the motion to approve the minutes of the September 14th, 2009 meeting ‘as amended’ and member Stepp seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 5 - "yes" (Kleine, Mueller, Stepp, Runge, Schlake) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
3. Next, was the discussion and recommendations regarding the cities suggested requirements for changes to section 4.13 A and I of the Fairbury Zoning Regulations – 2005 Edition.
Bedlan explained the information they received in their packets stating that she would like to get the commissions opinions on the city’s recommendations before she begins to write the specific requirements in the ordinance. Member Stepp questioned the requirement that only allows alley access with a special use permit. He noted that his garage is accessed off of the alley and he sees no problem with it. Bedlan stated that the street department has concerns with too much large traffic in some of the alleys in town and would rather address the access off of the alley on a case by case basis. Member Stepp questioned the restriction on corner lots. Bedlan stated that the reason behind this suggestion was to avoid problems with setbacks but suggested that if the commission wished to include corner lots she would try to word it in such a way as to allow for corner lots and still meet the suggested setbacks. Member Mueller read through the city’s list of suggested requirements requesting comments on items of concern for the committee. Member Kleine suggested more landscape requirements. Chief Voss was present and spoke to the commission stating that if they choose to require stricter landscape requirements he would like them to be very specific and clear so that there is no confusion on the enforcement side. Member Kleine suggested a maximum lot size to avoid using ‘buildable’ lots for these types of buildings. Bedlan stated that although the city is not against this idea the reason they did not include it is because of odd shaped lots who may go over the maximum lot size but really are not considered ‘buildable’ lots because of their shape and/or location. Mr. Jed Vaughn was present and questioned if combined lots would be allowed. Bedlan stated that at this time they would because there is not a maximum lot size. Member Runge commented that they should look at the whole general idea and not get lost in each specific situation. Bedlan stated that she would write up some requirements for the ordinance and have them heard by the planning commission.
4. Next, were comments from the public on non-agenda items.
Member Mueller asked if there were any comments from the public on non-agenda items and there were none.
5. With no other business on the agenda, Member Runge made the motion to adjourn. Member Stepp seconded the motion. By roll call, the vote was: 5 - "yes" (Kleine, Mueller, Schlake, Runge, Stepp) / 0 - "no". The motion passed.
Laura K. Bedlan
Planning Commission Secretary