PLANNING COMMISSION
GLADSTONE, MISSOURI
June 16, 2008
7:30 pm
Present: Council & Staff Present:
Ms.
Newsom
Wayne Beer, Councilman
Ms. Alexander
Chris Helmer, Planning Specialist
Mr. McCullough
Becky Jarrett, Admin. Assist.
Mr. Garnos
David
Ramsay, City Counselor
Mr. Shevling
Melinda Mehaffy, Economic Dev. Admin.
Mr. Whitton
Ms. Abbott
Mr. Steffens
Chairman Hill
Absent: Ms. Babich
Mr. West
Item 2 on the Agenda: Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Hill led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3 on the Agenda: Approval of the May 19, 2008 minutes.
MOTION: By Mr. Steffens, second by Mr. Whitton to approve the May 19, 2008, minutes as submitted. The minutes were approved as submitted.
Item 4 on the Agenda: Communications from the Audience.
None.
Item 5 on the Agenda: PUBLIC HEARING: On a request for a Special Use Permit at 7628 N. Wabash. Owner: Jay B. & Tana S. Davis. Applicant: Tamara K. Hamill. File #1316.
Mr. Helmer reported that prior to the canceled June 2nd Planning meeting, the Commission had initially received a staff recommendation of denial of this application. At that point staff didn’t have any significant objections to the overall idea of the application, but simply didn’t have the level of detail and documentation to feel comfortable enough to make an approval of the application. Mr. Helmer explained that after sending a letter of request to the applicant, he had several conversations with Mr. Davis and was able to receive further information and make a more solid positive recommendation. The current recommendation is approval of a one year Special Use Permit. Mr. Helmer said he is not aware of any concerns of surrounding neighbors and offered to answer any questions.
Ms. Newsom wanted to clarify the address as 7628 N. Wabash. The applicant’s letter had stated 7826, which would not have been in Gladstone.
Mr. Helmer answered that the correct address is 7628 N. Wabash.
Chairman Hill asked the applicant to come forward.
Tamara Hamill, 7628 N. Wabash, addressed the Commission. Ms. Hamill stated that she has a home-based daycare…she does a good job. She said she provides a cozy, home-like environment and the development of close and secure relationships with one consistent caregiver. She thinks that is a very positive aspect of her daycare.
Ms. Newsom noted that in her letter, Ms. Hamill had stated that she intends to expand the daycare business. She asked if she is currently operating a daycare in the home.
Ms. Hamill said she currently has four children that she watches.
Ms. Newsom asked if this is property that Ms. Hamill rents or owns.
Ms. Hamill answered that she rents the property from her parents.
Chairman Hill asked if there was anyone in favor of the application.
Jay B. Davis, 7911 N. Woodland Avenue, addressed the Commission. Mr. Davis stated that he knows his daughter and she has been babysitting for quite some time. When they lived in Kansas City she had a daycare, but there were some stairs that they were concerned about so they relocated to Gladstone. He said he owns other properties in Gladstone, but this house is set up for daycare. He did put in a bathroom downstairs and enlarged an area to be used for eating. Mr. Davis said that she is a good mother, a good daughter and all her parents always follow her. She has never lost a parent. Her Mother is a teacher of special education and so she had picked up a lot from her.
Chairman Hill asked for those in opposition to come forward. Hearing no response, he closed the public hearing.
Mr. Garnos asked at what point someone would need to come forward and apply for a Special Use Permit.
Mr. Helmer answered that if more than four children are exceeded, the public hearing process is required.
Ms. Newsom commented that she was concerned when she first saw the application and realized that Ms. Hamill did not own the property; however, now that she sees that it has a family connection that is less of a issue.
MOTION: By Mr. Steffens, second by Mr. Shevling to approve the Special Use Permit at 7628 N. Wabash for a daycare for one year.
Ms. Alexander Yes
Mr. McCullough Yes
Mr. Garnos Yes
Mr. Shevling Yes
Mr. Whitton Yes
Ms. Abbott Yes
Mr. Steffens Yes
Chairman Hill Yes
The motion carried (9-Yes, 0-No)
Item 6 on the Agenda: PUBLIC HEARING: On a request for a Site Plan Revision at 5800 N. Oak Trafficway. Owner: Lighthouse Liquors. Applicant: Truman Road Properties. File #1315. (Continued)
MOTION: By Ms. Newsom, second by Mr. Steffens to continue this application to the
July 21, 2008 Planning Commission meeting.
Ms. Alexander Yes
Mr. McCullough Yes
Mr. Garnos Yes
Mr. Shevling Yes
Mr. Whitton Yes
Ms. Abbott Yes
Mr. Steffens Yes
Chairman Hill Yes
The motion carried (9-Yes, 0-No)
Item 7 on the Agenda: Other Business- Capital Improvements Committee Appointments.
Ms. Newsom, Mr. Shevling and Mr. Steffens agreed to remain appointed to the Capital Improvements Committee for the next term.
Item 8 on the Agenda: Communications from the City Council and City Staff.
Councilman Beer said as the Commission is probably aware Gladstone won the All American Cities Award in Tampa last week. He is hopeful that this designation will help in the City’s efforts towards some economic development issues and activities in the near future. He added that Bluesfest, at least on Saturday night, seemed like it was a great success. Councilman Beer thanked the Commission for their time and efforts.
Mr. Helmer reported that Mayor Pro-Tem called today to send her regrets for not being here tonight; she was not feeling well today. He also reminded the Commission of the website link they received last week regarding the Comprehensive Plan draft. He said he was able to make it to Bluesfest and had a good time working the wristband booth with Mr. McCullough.
Item 9 on the Agenda: Communications from the Planning Commission Members.
Mr. McCullough said he enjoyed working with Mr. Helmer as well and thought it was a successful BluesFest.
Ms. Newsom sent thanks out to everyone who volunteered for BluesFest.
Ms. Alexander asked about Ms. Wolfe and the lawsuit.
City Counselor Ramsay stated that the Missouri Supreme Court has sent the case back to trial.
Chairman Hill congratulated Richard King and City staff on their win in Tampa.
Item 10 on the Agenda: Adjournment.
Chairman Hill adjourned the meeting at 7:54 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
______________________________________ Approved as submitted _____
Becky Jarrett, Recording Secretary
______________________________________ Approved as corrected _____
Brian Hill, Chairman