MINUTES
MARION PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
June 13, 2006
1. CALL TO ORDER.
Vice Chairman Seidl called the regular monthly meeting of the Marion Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 6:00 PM.
2. ROLL CALL.
Members Present: Seidl, Mooney, Golden, Techau, Neighbor, Olson,
Preussner
Members Absent: Nesteby, Krigbaum
3. MINUTES -
a. Planning and Zoning –May 9, 2006
b. Zoning Board of Adjustment – No May Meeting
c. Council – May 4 and 18, 2006
Motion by Mooney, seconded by Golden to approve the May 9, 2006 Planning and Zoning Commission minutes.
All “ayes” motion carried.
4. PLATS –
a. CPC Resolution No. 06-17 regarding Duling First Addition to Marion Final Plat located at the northeast corner of 13th Street and 2nd Avenue. (Case# 06-63)
Treharne presented the staff report regarding the proposed final plat. Treharne stated that the plat is considered a minor subdivision and, therefore, does not require a preliminary plat. Treharne stated that it will be a two lot split with Lot 1 containing the existing single family home and Lot 2 will be developed in the future. Treharne stated that the property is zoned Commercial and does not permit the construction of a single family home.
Motion by Techau, seconded by Golden to recommend approval of CPC Resolution No. 06-17 regarding Duling First Addition to Marion Final Plat located at the northeast corner of 13th Street and 2nd Avenue.
All “ayes” motion carried.
b. CPC Resolution No. 06-18 regarding Stonefield Fifth Addition to Marion Final Plat and Final Development Plan for Lot 1, Stonefield Fifth Addition located west of 10th Street, south of Barrington Parkway. (Case# 06-64)
Hockett presented the staff report regarding the proposed Final Plat for Stonefield Fifth Addition and Final Development Plan for Lot 1 of Stonefield Fifth Addition. Hockett explained that this was determined to be a minor subdivision and no preliminary plat was required. Hockett stated that the split is proposed to accommodate future development.
He stated that the Final Site Development Plan for Lot 1 was considered to be in conformance with the approved Preliminary Site Development Plan and the only concern was the location of the dumpster in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to the residential neighborhood. He stated that Staff recommends approval of the proposed final plat and final site development plan subject to location of dumpster being moved to better minimize any potential impacts.
Motion by Golden, seconded by Neighbor, to recommend approval of CPC Resolution No. 06-18 regarding Stonefield Fifth Addition to Marion Final Plat and Final Development Plan for Lot 1, subject to the location of the dumpster being moved to better minimize any potential impacts.
All “ayes” motion carried.
5. CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST -
a. CPC Resolution No. 06-19 regarding a Conditional use request by Interstate Power And Light Company (Alliant Energy) to allow an electrical substation in an A-1, Rural Restricted Zoning District for property located at 175 Alburnett Road. (Case# 06-01C)
Hockett presented the staff report regarding the proposed conditional use request. Hockett reviewed the conditions of approval for a conditional use request and stated that the proposed request meets the review criteria subject to conditions related to safety.
Staff recommends approval of the conditional use request subject to the following:
a. Landscaping / screening shall be required on along the north and west lot lines per Section 176.43 of the Marion Code of Ordinances. Additional landscaping and screening shall be required if the existing trees along east and south lot lines are removed in the future. Landscaping along the north property line shall be installed within 1.5 years of approval of the conditional use.
b. Signage per state / federal guidelines shall be installed stating the danger of entering the facility.
c. Address blade shall be installed and located in a manner to be clearly visible from Alburnett Road.
d. Concrete, asphalt or chip-seal surface access drive required.
Denise Wheatley, representing Alliant Energy, stated that the facility would eventually replace the smaller less efficient facilities around town and would accommodate Marion’s growth. The substation would be constructed in 5 to 10 years.
Dick Kerr, representing Alliant Energy explained that the facility would be similar in appearance to the site located north of Highway 151 on Chandler Court with the tallest structure approximately 40’ tall. This site lends itself well due to location of existing and proposed overhead utility lines.
Sondra Knapp, 100 Alburnett Road, expressed opposition to the proposal due to the projects effect on land value, noise, and EMF distribution and the health effects associated with it.
Carlyn Knapp, 100 Alburnett Road, stated his opposition to the proposed conditional use request.
Dick Kerr, responded to the questioned poised. Mr. Kerr stated that there is sound associated with the facility; however, trucks on the road that would be adjacent to this property are allowed to operate at a higher volume then the facility. He stated that they have set the facility to the west behind the trees to help minimize the sound. In responding to EMF waves Mr. Kerr stated he is not aware of any study that has been absolutely clear on the effects of EMF waves and that most studies he has seen do not support the claim of health risks.
Jim McDonald, 275 Alburnett Road, stated that he was not for or against the request but would like to see the landscaping installed sooner then later to give it a chance to establish itself before the facility is actually constructed.
Mooney inquired if Alliant Energy would meet with the property owner to the north to design and establish a timetable for landscape installation.
Denise Wheatley stated that would not be a problem and could be accomplished prior to the Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing
6. OTHER BUSINESS.
There was no additional business to come before the Marion Planning and Zoning Commission.
7. ADJOURN.
There being no additional business, the July Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Preussner, Secretary