PLANNING COMMISSION

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI


November 2, 2009

7:30 pm





Present: Council & Staff Present:

Ms. Alexander Mayor Carol Rudi

Ms. Babich Barry McCullough, Councilman

Mr. Turnage David Ramsay, City Counselor

Ms. Smith Becky Jarrett, Admin. Assist.

Mr. Velasquez Chris Helmer, Planning Specialist

Mr. Whitton

Ms. Abbott

Mr. Steffens

Chairman Hill

Absent: Mr. West

Mr. Garnos



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 October 5, 2009 minutes.


MOTION: By Mr. Steffens, second by Ms. Alexander to approve the October 5, 2009, 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 Special Use Permit at 5308 N. Wyandotte Avenue. Applicant Celia Webb. Owner: Randolph and Celia Webb. File #1339.


Planning Specialist Chris Helmer reported that this application is for a renewal of a special use permit request. Ms. Webb was before the Commission and City Council approximately a year ago with this request. The conditions that have been set forth in the ordinance and hours of operation are consistent with when Ms. Webb was here a year ago. As with most first time special use permit applications staff generally recommends a one-year time period as a “trial run” to see how things are going to work out.


Mr. Helmer briefly outlined the importance of going through the special use permit process. He explained that it is really a safeguard for area residents as well as the City to not change the underlying zoning in a particular area. It also creates guidelines so that in the event that there are issues with residents it gives the City something to go back and work with the property owner on.


Mr. Helmer explained that staff has not received any complaints from area residents regarding Ms. Webb’s business. In addition, the Webb’s have made some site improvements to the south side of their home where the entry to the salon is. At this time staff is recommending that the Commission consider a five-year special use permit for Ms. Webb. Mr. Helmer asked for questions at this time.


Chairman Hill, hearing no questions, asked the applicant to come forward.


Celia Webb, 5308 N. Wyandotte Avenue, addressed the Commission. Ms. Webb stated that she has had a successful first year and everything has went fine. She has had good input from her neighbors with no complaints. It seems like the parking issue has been very satisfactory. Her husband had a sidewalk put in on the south side of the house, which is really nice because she does have a few handicapped customers and it accommodates them nicely. She hopes to renew her permit this evening.


Chairman Hill asked if she has read over the recommended conditions set forth by staff and if they were acceptable.


Ms. Webb answered that she had read them and they were acceptable. She added that they did have a backflow assembly installed and inspected and will have it re-inspected when it is due.


He asked if the Commissioners had any questions at this time. Hearing none, he asked for those in the audience to come forward. There was no one in favor or opposition of the application. Chairman Hill closed the public hearing.


MOTION: By Ms. Alexander, second by Mr. Whitton to approve a 5-year Special Use Permit at 5308 N. Wyandotte Avenue.


VOTE: Ms. Alexander Yes

Ms. Babich Yes

Mr. Turnage Yes

Ms. Smith Yes

Mr. Velasquez 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: Communications from the City Council and the City Staff.


Mayor Rudi announced that there will be a new member joining the Commission. His name is Alan Ringhausen. He has come through the Future Leaders Academy. Ms. Rudi reminded everyone to vote tomorrow on the Sheriff’s Department tax renewal. As a reminder, Tuesday, November 24th is the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting; start putting aside money for the Christmas Tree Fund!


Mr. Helmer said he would like to mention a few things this evening. Mr. Wingerson is obviously not here tonight and is a little bit under the weather. Three successful bids were opened last week for exterior renovations to the Atkins-Johnson Farm. Staff is in the process of reviewing the bids with the consultant to get a formal contract awarded. Wal-Mart is going well. Staff has met with a handful of residents who have had a few questions during the process as well as visiting the site almost daily looking at erosion and sediment control.


He also announced that the two ordinances: outdoor lighting and alternative energy, were ultimately approved by the City Council. The City may be able to incorporate a combination of LED and/or induction lighting as a part of a new North Oak Streetscape Project from 69th Street to NE 71st Street.


Item 7 on the Agenda: Communications from the Planning Commission Members.


Ms. Alexander said that the new QuikTrip entrance and exit seems to be working good, but she would like to know where the one is going to go when there are 96 townhouses at 72nd and Euclid. She also asked if there had been any cooperation from Creative Arts Academy. Mr. Helmer said that Mr. Wingerson has been in multiple conversations with the property owner. He can follow up and report at the next meeting.


Ms. Alexander also asked about some scaffolding just south of Shady Lane on N. Bales. It has been there for at least two weeks. Mr. Helmer said that staff has been looking into it already.


Ms. Alexander reported on her progress in court with the owner of a barking dog.


Mr. Steffens commented that the sidewalks along M-1 Highway look great.


Chairman Hill asked how soon Wal-Mart is planning on having their employee parking lot behind the building usable. He is concerned about Christmas traffic and parking as well as the loss of revenue if people can’t find a place to park. Mr. Helmer replied that he does not know exactly, but they are planning to really scale back during the holiday time.








Item 8 on the Agenda: Adjournment.


Chairman Hill adjourned the meeting at 7:47 pm.



Respectfully submitted:


______________________________________ Approved as submitted _____

Becky Jarrett, Recording Secretary



______________________________________ Approved as corrected _____

J. Brian Hill, Chairman