060826 PZ Minutes
Mountain Iron Planning and Zoning Commission
June 8, 2026
Chairperson Steve Giorgi called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. with the following members present: Margaret Soyring, Al Stanaway, Barb Fivecoate, Zoning Administrator Jerry Kujala and Mayor Peggy Anderson. Absent: Bill Copeland and Karla Kintner.
The meeting was delayed because hard copy agenda’s and public hearing information were not made available to the committee. Mayor Anderson made copies of these in the office, which was provided by a committee member who had printed them out. These items were emailed to members, but unfortunately everyone does not have a way to print them.
Moved by Fivecoate, supported by Soyring to close the regular meeting and open the public hearing. Motion Carried. Copeland and Kintner Absent
The purpose of the Public Hearing is to consider a request made by Joseph Schechinger for a Conditional Use (CP) and Variance Permit. The conditional Use is for the installation of a garage that is over 900 sq. ft. and the Variance Permit is for construction of a building over 15 ft. high. The property is legally described as follows:
Parcel Code: 175-0070-01495
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Available at the city hall office.
Address: 5481 Garden Drive, Mountain Iron, MN 55768
Mr. Schechinger was in attendance. There were no communications regarding this matter.
Moved by Soyring, supported by Fivecoate to close the Public Hearing and re-open the regular meeting. Motion Carried. Copeland and Kintner Absent.
Zoning Administrator Kujala reported that two more containers have appeared where a permit was issued for one. He will be issuing a ticket
Moved by Fivecoate, supported by Stanaway to recommend to the City Council to approve the Conditional Use and Variance for Joe Schechinger for an oversized garage over 15 ft. high. Motion Carried. Copeland and Kintner Absent.
Tyrie Duckett, representing Woda Cooper Companies – Rock Ridge Commons addressed the committee about a zone change for affordable housing apartments to possibly be constructed on Rock Ridge Drive. He was advised to apply for the zoning change after everything has been finalized.
Derick Carlson addressed the committee on a zone change from residential to commercial for 16 acres at the corner of 169 and 102. An access road would have to be approved by the Minnesota State Highway Department. If he wants to pursue it a public hearing would have to be held.
Chairman Giorgi informed the commission that there still has been no correspondence from City Attorney Bryan Lindsey. A lengthy discussion followed about this issue and the blight issue. There has been no response from a letter written by Giorgi on behalf of the commission asking the city council to act on a blight officer.
Motion to adjourn by Fivecoate, supported by Soyring at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried. Copeland and Kintner Absent
Respectfully submitted by:
Margaret Soyring, Secretary
