Minutes - 2.03.2010
COUNTY OF SEVIER
CITY OF RICHFIELD
At the Planning Commission
In and For Said City
February 3, 2010
Minutes of the Richfield City Planning Commission meeting held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., Chairman Blake Zobell, presiding.
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Rodger Brazell
4. Fieldstone Academy Request
5. Discussion Concerning Metal Buildings
6. Discussion Concerning Storage Containers
7. Set Time for Study Session to Discuss Landscaping
9. Adjournment.
1. Roll Call. Roll call was answered by Stan Poulson, Steve Kunzler, Eugene Beck, Pat Hansen, and Stan Chappell.
Others present: Deputy City Recorder Michelle Curtis, and Building Official Paul Hinrichs.
2. Minutes Approval. The minutes of January 6, 2010, and January 14, 2010, were reviewed. Stan Chappell motioned to approve the minutes of January 6, 2010, and January 14, 2010. Steve Kunzler seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Rodger Brazell’s Request. Rodger and Michelle Brazell were present to discuss a proposal to construct a bicycle motocross track on property located on Airport Road just south of Golf Course Road (CG zone, C-2 use). This property is owned by Dennis Jorgensen. It is south of the property where Kellie Jorgensen was proposing to put in a sports center.
Paul Hinrichs advises the issue is that this is undeveloped property. The Ordinance would require improvements (curb, gutter, asphalt, landscaping), to be installed at the time of development. He had suggested that Mr. Brazell talk to the Mayor because it would be up to the Council if it wants to relax requirements for improvements. The Mayor wanted them to come to Planning Commission first.
The Brazells said they would like to put in the BMX track and see if it is going to be successful. It would be hard to justify putting in the improvements until they get it going and see what kind of a response they get. It is likely this location will be temporary because if it is as successful as they anticipate, they will look for a better location, possibly on the property above Glenwood that Dennis Jorgensen plans to develop at some time in the future.
The Brazells said they thought the fairgrounds would be an ideal place for this, but the County Commissioners said they don’t feel like there is the space for it.
They would have portable bathrooms on the site and if this takes off and they stay at this location, they would put in a permanent bathroom.
This is a track for bicycles and is sanctioned by the ABA (American Bicycle Association). The ABA takes all liability. There is no noise because it isn’t motorcycles, but just bicycles. This is a huge family sport. People travel all over the country to participate. Young and old participate in this sport. Even their 3-year-old daughter participates. They could have State races here which would have some economic impact to the valley with people staying here. It really could get fairly big with State and National races. An entry fee is only $10 and spectators are free so it isn’t something that will generate a lot of income for them.
They would practice twice a week every week and then hold a race once a week every week from May until the weather won’t let them. They then hope to do something inside at the Blackhawk Arena in Salina to keep them going for the winter. They go to Salt Lake or Rock Springs every other weekend to race. The closest tracks are Salt Lake, Grand Junction, and Las Vegas.
The plan shows an area for parking, but it would be gravel. The Code requires a parking area of paved material or asphalt and the Council would also have to waive that.
The ABA will design the track. The track is dirt. The ABA covers liability. They will give him five million dollars of liability insurance for $20 a race. They are covered 7 days a week, 365 days a year, anytime the track director has the track opened for practice or events.
If they are allowed to do this at this property, the City would have to see a lease agreement from Dennis Jorgensen.
They have also considered using the sliver of ground between this property and the golf course and using some of that material to build the track. That would clean up the junk that is there and then he could maybe put in grass.
Paul Hinrichs advises they need to check with the health department concerning restrooms. He is not sure if they will allow them to have temporary restrooms, but might require permanent restroom facilities.
Sue Southwick arrived.
The Commission wondered if the City has property that it would consider leasing for this purpose. The City owns property by the sawdust pits and the Commission wonders if that would be a possibility. That might not be a desirable a location because of motorcycles and ATV’s that ride in that area. They would have to put a fence around it or there would be motorcycles driving on it all the time.
They would probably hold races on Saturdays for now, but depending on what day seems to be best for the general public. Most people would come and rent a hotel. For national races, some people come in motor homes. It would be a ways out before they would get a national race.
The Commission really likes the idea, but they are not sure about the location.
Chairman Blake Zobell arrived.
They would shut the track down 10:00 p.m. so lights wouldn’t be bothersome to anyone. Pat Hansen said she really likes the idea of bringing in things for kids and families to do. She doubts that Dennis Jorgensen would want to put in curb and gutter as that would be quite costly.
Stan Poulson points out this is in an area where there isn’t any curb and gutter. Steve Kunzler said in a few years the City will be realigning Golf Course Road to accommodate the airport expansion. That will have an impact on a portion of the Jorgensen property. It is not known exactly where the road will be. That may be justification for allowing the installation of improvements at a later time.
It is surprising to the Commission that the County isn’t more interested in allowing this to be located at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds would be a good location for it as there is parking, restrooms, and concession stands. It sounds like it would be an economic boost to the County. Mr. Brazell said if this could be located at the fairgrounds, they could attract national meets and they could have thousands of people come to the valley.
The Brazells said there is an area at the fairgrounds where there are piles of dirt that isn’t used for anything. That area would be just right for the track. The actual track takes an area of 300 feet by 300 feet.
The Commission suggests going to Malcolm Nash who is the County Economic Director. It is also suggested they approach the City Council and see if the Council will back them on this. They could get the newspaper on board with them and also go to the Chamber of Commerce to get its backing. It seems like the hotel restaurant owners would want to see something like this that will generate business. If they can get on the County’s Agenda, then they need to take a lot of supporters with them.
The Commission would rather see this happen at the fairgrounds. In the event that does not become possible, then the Commission would like to make a recommendation to the City Council as follows:
Stan Chappell motioned to recommend to the County that the Brazells could be allowed to use the Jorgensen property on Airport Road, suspending the requirements for parking, street improvements, lights, and landscaping for a period of two years based on the fact that it is uncertain what the airport improvement will do to Airport Road. Stan Poulson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Fieldstone Academy Request. Fieldstone Academy would like to locate a private school at 94 North 100 East (D zone, C-2 use). Chris Forsythe and Jef Anderson represented Fieldstone Academy. They would like to locate their school at the old Wells Fargo Bank building. The purpose for them coming to Planning Commission is for approval of a change of use for the building. The building has been used by a dental lab and is currently being used by Western Lands. They are planning to purchase the building. The school will occupy the upstairs and Western Lands will be occupying the downstairs until September. The school will then use the entire building.
The students will only be there during the day for education. They will not be housed there. They do not take any criminal-background youth. It is not like Aspen Ranch or Sorensen’s Ranch. For the most part, they take kids who have had academic problems in school. This is an alternative for them. Their students have participated in local plays and local choirs. Their students participated in A Field of Stars last summer. They get kids who have D’s and F and get them up to A’s and B’s because of the smaller classroom size.
Currently they have 12 students. Their enrollment last year was 22 over the entire year. Students stay there for an average of about one school year which runs from the first of September to the first of June. They also have a summer program. They do have kids graduate with them. They essentially have the same accreditation as Richfield High School and their credits are accepted everywhere. Some kids come there to get caught up and then go back to their own public schools. They help them with their study skills.
This school has been here for the past several years. They started out in the upstairs of the North Slope building on Main Street. They have been in the fitness center building for about five years. Stan Poulson has done fire inspections there. It is has been taken care of and is nice and clean.
Stan Chappell motions to recommend to the City Council that the use be changed for the building located at 94 North 100 East (D zone, C-2 use). The building will be used as an education facility for Fieldstone Academy for the industry of Academic Recovery and Transition. Pat Hansen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
5. Discussion Concerning Metal Buildings. The Commission met with the Council on January 14, 2010, to discuss a recommendation concerning accessory buildings and metal buildings.
One of the recommendations was to prohibit metal accessory buildings. Steve Kunzler said since our last meeting, he has driven around town and looked at a lot of different metal buildings. There were two or three that are not offensive because they were set way back and covered by a fence. But then he has seen some that make him think we need to have some control. Visibility is the problem.
Chairman Zobell said he has looked around also and some types of metal don’t stand out, but some of those with the heavier type of metal just don’t look like they belong in residential areas. There are certain types of metal that don’t stand out and then there are others that stand out like a sore thumb. Those are the ones that are metal buildings with a heavier gauge and a deeper recess.
Paul Hinrichs said the concern isn’t so much with the structural part of these buildings but with the finish. The recommendation needs to talk about the exterior siding and not call it a metal building.
There is a discussion that there could be some wording saying that accessory buildings with an exterior metal finish require a Conditional Use Permit. Then an applicant would have to bring in a sample of the metal and the color scheme.
Chairman Zobell said the Code doesn’t regulate the color scheme of an accessory building but it does regulate the color scheme and building materials for an accessory dwelling. That standard should apply to both accessory buildings and accessory dwellings because it makes no difference if someone is sleeping in it. The concern is with the outside appearance.
Stan Poulson said he also looked at metal buildings and some of them look good, but there has to be some control. It seems like doing it by conditional use would be a good way to handle it.
As discussed at the study session on January 14, 2010, Steve Kunzler motioned to recommend to the Council that accessory buildings shall be allowed a maximum 16-foot wall height on the non-gable end walls with the peak having a maximum height of 22 feet. A wall height of 0 to 10 feet shall be a minimum of 3 feet from the property line. Wall heights from 10 to 16 feet shall be set back a minimum of 6 feet from the property line. Sue Southwick seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
At the study session, there was discussion about eliminating the requirement that accessory buildings can be no larger than the footprint of the home. The size of buildings will be limited to size by stating that an accessory building cannot take any more than 25% of the rear yard.
Sue Southwick motioned to eliminate Section 1704 4.1 which states the footprint of an accessory building can be no larger than the footprint of the home. Eugene Beck seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
The Commission had recommended Section 1704 4.5 should be added stating that Quonset-hut type buildings are prohibited. It was decided that rather than referring to “Quonset-hut type,” those should be referred to as ”steel arch buildings.”
Eugene Beck motioned to recommend that Section 1704 4.5 should be added to the Code to read as follows: “Prohibited Accessory Buildings: Steel arch buildings.” Stan Poulson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Steven Kunzler motioned to replace the proposed Section 4.4 with the following: The architectural style, building materials and texture of an accessory building shall be found to be compatible and consistent with the architectural style, materials, and texture of the primary building. In an effort to avoid the appearance of a commercial-style building in residential zones, the proposed construction of an accessory building with an exterior finish of metal shall be a C-1 use. Pat Hansen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Discussion Concerning Storage Containers. Section 1703 no. 11 states: “No shipping container, cargo container, shipping crate, box trailer, or similar moveable piece of equipment or object shall be used as an accessory building.” The Council has asked that the Commission consider allowing the use of cargo containers in Commercial zones. The Commission discussed this issue. In the joint meeting, there was discussion about allowing containers if they are behind a fence. But the container will still be visible over the fence.
Sue Southwick motioned to recommend to the City Council that Section 1703 no. 11 should not be deleted or amended. Containers should not be allowed in the City. Eugene Beck seconded the motion. Those voting aye: Blake Zobell, Eugene Beck, Stan Chappell, Steve Kunzler, Pat Hansen, and Sue Southwick. Voting Nay: Stan Poulson.
7. Set Time for Study Session. A work meeting will be scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss landscaping.
8. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of March, 2009.
/s/ Michelle Curtis
Deputy Recorder