FLUSHING PLANNING COMMISSION

 

MINUTES

 

APRIL 1, 2002

 

A Regular Meeting of the Flushing Planning Commission was called to order by Chairperson   Robert Matsko on April 1, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. at City Hall.

 

Present:        John Gault

                   Ron Johnson

                   Robert Matsko

                   Walker Fesmire

                   C Neil Blackmore

                   Jack Owens

                  

Absent:         George Kozan

                   John Olson

                   Dennis Bueche

 

 

Also Present: Dennis Bow, City Manager

                   Marlene C. Stone, Deputy Clerk

                  

 

Pledge of Allegiance:

 

Approval of Minutes:         MARCH 4, 2002     (Regular Meeting)

 

          MOTION by Blackmore, supported by Gault, to approve the minutes of March 4, 2002 as written.

         

          Yea: 5

          Nay: 0

          Abstain: 1

          Motion carried.

 

 

Meeting open for public comment:

 

          Mrs. Elva Cook

          315 Sunnyside Dr

 

Meeting closed for public comment:

 

 

 

 

FLUSHING PLANNING COMMISSION

MINUTES

APRIL 1, 2002

PAGE 2

 

Old Business:          ZONING ORDINANCE REVISIONS

 

          MOTION by Johnson, supported by Owens, to recommend to City Council to approve

                   the Zoning Ordinance and accompanying Zoning Map with a recommendation

                   to maintain the existing R-3-A zoning on the Seymour Road property owned by

                   Mr. Lenderman until an application for rezoning is received.  The application

                   Should include information on buildable and flood plain acreage.

 

          Yea: 6

          Nay: 0

          Motion carried.

 

Discussion:

• Mr. Bow discussed the Row Incorporated review of the zoning of the Lenderman property on Seymour Road.
• The Future Land Use Map shows this property as MDR (Medium Density Residential), which is more like the R-3-A zoning than the R-3-C zoning. (R-3-A allows 8 units per acre and R-3-C allows 12 units per acre with a possible increase of units if some units are designated for use by elderly or handicapped.
• The Commission agreed this property zoned as R-3-A is a good transition use between the industrial property to the east and the single family residential to the west.
• Administration is not sure how much acreage is involved. This information was not provided by the owner, however a considerable part of the property is located in a flood plain area. (Possibly as much as thirty percent.)  The buildable area will be the confining factor in how many units can be built.
• Mr. Bow stated because of some unanswered questions perhaps it would be better to request the owner come in with a separate zoning application with the necessary information including acreage.  This would avoid holding up the approval of the new zoning ordinance and map.   

 

Old Business:          INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE  

 

Discussion:

 

• Mr. Bow advised the Commission that he had received some written comments from two Planning Commission members.
• Mr. Gerald Hall, City Building Inspector, spoke to the Commission on the need for this code and the appeal and penalty procedures.  He stated he believes the plumbing, mechanical and electrical sections are a necessary part of the code to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents.
• Mr. Bow and Mr. Hall discussed the pending bill in the State Legislature. The State is trying to get this code adopted or set up so Cities can adopt the code by “reference” rather than requiring publishing the entire document. (The publishing can be very expensive.)

FLUSHING PLANNING COMMISSION

MINUTES

APRIL 1,2002

PAGE 3

 

• Mr. Hall stated this code could be used for enforcement with rental inspection programs to be sure rental properties are maintained in a state of repair fitting with the community.
• Mr. Bow mentioned our existing dangerous buildings ordinance and the appeals process included in this ordinance.  He asked Mr. Hall if the property maintenance code has a similar appeals process.  Mr. Hall said there is a housing board of appeals and he is not sure of the requirements for its members. 
• Mr. Gault questioned the City’s increased liability with the adoption of this code.
• Mr. Bow suggested the Commission review the code again and have further discussion at the next meeting.
• Mr. Hall said that the City benefits from a periodic community tour by locating exterior blight (Paint, drainage problems, holes in siding, roof problems or other noticeable problems.)  It also can be used if a renter complains that a landlord will not do repairs that effect safe housing.

 

 

          MOTION by Johnson, supported by Blackmore, to table this item.

 

          Yea: 5

          Nay: 2

          Motion carried.

 

General Discussion:           Reminder of the Joint meeting with City Council and Planning

                                      Commission on April 29, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the Capital

                                      Improvement Program.

 

 

Adjournment:

 

          MOTION by Fesmire, supported by Gault, to adjourn.

 

          Yea: 6

          Nay: 0

          Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

 

mcs