Minutes - Planning Commission - 09/03/2020

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Councilmember Musgrove advised of outdoor wedding venues that other small cities have, including one venue in Ramsey. She stated that perhaps the applicant would be willing to not allow alcohol and have an earlier closing time, perhaps 8:00 p.m. She stated that fencing would also help with noise and keeping people on the property. She stated that she likes the idea of this as it brings people into Ramsey but also has concerns with this location. Commissioner Gengler stated that she understands the concerns of the neighbors but believes that the applicant seems to be very flexible. She stated that she is surprised that this request has not come before the Commission before because of the popularity of barn/outdoor weddings. She stated that although this is the first request, she does not believe it would be the last. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl stated that there has been interest from venues in the past but when staff mentions a Code amendment would be necessary, it tends to scare them off. Commissioner Woestehoff referenced the difference between IUP and CUP and asked if the same guidelines would apply to an IUP. He questioned if an IUP would require an ordinance amendment. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl explained that a CUP is a more commonly used tool and would run with the property, whereas an IUP would terminate if the property were sold to another party. Commissioner VanScoy stated that he likes the suggestion that the property owner and neighbors work together as it sounds like there has not been much discussion to this point and it appears the applicant is flexible. He stated that he would like to see the group table this to allow time for that additional discussion. He stated that he is concerned with maintaining the rural character but likes the concept of having events under controlled circumstances that would be accepted by the neighbors. Motion by Commissioner VanScoy, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to table the request to allow additional discussion between the property owners and neighbors. Further discussion Commissioner Woestehoff asked if both matters should be tabled or whether the ordinance amendment could continue forward. Commissioner VanScoy stated that he agrees that they are separate issues but believes that additional research is needed to determine if this response would come forward with any request. He stated that he would prefer that both items be tabled at this time. He stated that if an agreement cannot be reached at this time, he finds it hard to believe that people would be supportive in any rural area of Ramsey. Chairperson Bauer stated that he would agree that the items should remain together as perhaps the group will decide that the ordinance amendment would not make sense after additional consideration. Commissioner VanScoy commented that this is an excellent way to gather public input on this topic. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Peters aye Planning Commission/September 3, 2020 Page 10 of 15