Planning and Zoning Commission

Regular Meeting

January 21, 2008

The Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Polk City met in regular session on January 21, 2008 at City Hall in Polk City, Iowa. Present were Ron Hankins, Paul Swenson, Shane Torres, Dennis Dietz, and Doug Sires. Also present were City Administrator Gary Mahannah, Council Liaison Ron Anderson, and Engineering Representative Kathleen Connor. Chairman Swenson called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

Motion was made by Hankins to approve the minutes of December 17, 2007, with the corrections being made to omit Dietz’s name as he was not present at the meeting, second by Torres, with the commission voting as follows Torres, yes; Hankins, yes; Swenson, yes; Dietz abstaining, and Sires, yes.

No audience.

Phil Watson Sr.of 203 Kenwood, Indianola, Iowa representing Watson Boat Sales & Storage, was present to ask the commission for approval to amend the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land use plan from mixed use to limited industrial for the northern portion of Parcel G located at 10749 NW Polk City Dr.

Much discussion took place on the placement of a buffer between the proposed M zoning and the existing C-2 Zoning. The applicant indicated they had planned to exhibit boats for sale in that area. The City Engineer pointed out that vehicles can only be displayed or parked on paved surfaces. In order not to have the required 50 ft buffer between the two areas the developer would have to apply for a variance with the Board of Adjustment and show a hardship not caused by the developer.

Andrew Snetselaar owner of the adjacent property to the north and east of the Stanbrough Development parcel, addressed the commission in support of the proposed rezoning and the planned boat/RV storage use

Upon a motion by Hankins, second by Sires the commission voted to recommend to council to amend the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Plan to revise the north 419.83 feet of Parcel G from mixed use to light industrial use. The south portion of Parcel G located along Highway 415, along with the remainder of Marina Development’s property, will remain as mixed use. With the roll call vote being as follows: Torres, yes; Hankins, yes; Swenson, yes; Dietz, yes; and Sires, yes.

Phil Watson Sr. of 203 Kenwood, Indianola, IA representing Watson Boat Sales & Storage was present to ask the commission for approval to rezone the north 419.83 feet of Parcel G, as shown on the exhibit prepared by Associated Engineering Company of Iowa, located at 10749 NW Polk City, Dr. from C-2 Commercial to M Industrial.

The commission discussed the time line that the developer would have in completing the project. The developer informed the commission that they plan to start the storage units as soon as possible with the retail building being done with in the next 24 months. Mr. Watson stated the property owner and applicant has no problem with restricting the proposed industrial uses to enclosed boat, recreational vehicle storage and mini-storage as well uses permitted within the C-2 district. The commission discussed that the M industrial district currently allows the same uses as in C-2 districts which would not be further restricted for this parcel

Vic Piagentini with Associated Engineering Company of Iowa, 2917 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA asked the commission to amend their proposal to zone the Parcel G in it’s entirety to M industrial since that would eliminate the need for a buffer along the south side of the boat storage facility adjacent to the potential boat sales facility.

Commissioners Swenson, Sires and Hankins indicated that they were not comfortable amending the agenda at this late notice as the City Engineer had not had time to review the request, if the developer would like to have the southern portion of Parcel G rezoned to M industrial as well, the developer will need to submit a new Petition for Rezoning for that area along with the request for a second Comprehensive Plan amendment, and come before the commission at the next scheduled Planning and Zoning meeting. The developer at that time withdrew the new request and asked that the commission to proceed with the scheduled agenda item and that the request is on file.

Council Liaison Anderson requested that a representative of Marina Development/Stanbrough Development attend the January 28, 2008 Council meeting to discuss the development plans for the remaining portion of their property as well as the buffer easement that is proposed to be located on their property.

Upon a motion by Hankins, second by Sires the commission voted to recommend to Council to rezone a portion of Parcel G from C-2 Commercial to M (Restricted) Industrial subject to the City Engineers comments including (1.) that the principal permitted uses be restricted to enclosed Boat and Recreational Vehicle storage and enclosed mini-storage and permitted C-2 Usage. (2.) That the rezoning include a sunset clause whereby the project must be substantially completed with 24 months or the zoning of the parcel will revert to C-2 and (3) Payment of all fees. Roll call was as follows: Torres, yes; Hankins, yes; Swenson, yes; Dietz, yes; and Sires, yes.

Andrew Schreck with Civil Design Advantage was present along with Nick Halfhill with Regency Homes to ask the commission to approve the Amended Preliminary Development Plan for Wolf Creek Townhomes Plat 6. The developer at this time is proposing an entirely different style of townhome building. Each of the proposed four buildings each includes four dwelling units, with one unit in each quadrant of the building, rather having the units arranged as row houses. As the proposed buildings are larger than the original units only 16 units are proposed rather than 26 units as originally approved. Commissioner Hankins inquired if the change in style of Townhomes building had been communicated to the current residents of Wolf Creek by the developer. The developer indicated he was not aware of any such communication; however he noted that the estimated sales price for the new style of units would be higher and the square per unit would be larger as compared to the previously planned units.

Upon a motion by Sires, second by Hankins the commission voted to recommend to council to approve the Amended Preliminary Development Plan for Wolf Creek Townhomes Plat 6 upon the completion of the City Engineers recommendations, including that the enforcement be waived for the required 25’ minimum front yard setback along private drives to approval of the Final Plat for Wolf Creek Plat 6 and all review comments being addressed. Roll call was as follows: Swenson, yes; Dietz, yes; Sires, yes; Torres, yes; and Hankins, yes.

No Engineers report.

The commission discussed the training workshop being held in Johnston on March 11, 2008. Commissioner Sires encourage the commissioners to attend. If any commission members are interested in attending they are to contact City Administrator Mahannah.

Upon a motion Hankins, second by Dietz the commission voted vocally and unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte Loter

Deputy City Clerk