PZ 04132020M

Mountain Iron Planning and Zoning Commission

April 13, 2020

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Steve Skogman via telephone conference.

 

Those Present:  Jim Techar, Steve Skogman, Steve Erickson, Margaret Soyring, Barb Fivecoate and Jerry Kujala, Zoning Administrator, also present were Joel Haataja and Tom Berglund.

 

It was moved by Techar and seconded by Fivecoate to approve the minutes of the February 24, 2020 meeting.

The motion carried.

 

Skogman informed the commission of the death of member Tim Johnston expressing the great loss and condolences to his family.

 

It was moved by Fivecoate and seconded by Techar to suspend the Regular meeting and open the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m. the motion carried.

 

The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a request made by Joel Haataja, for a Conditional Use (CUP) and Variance permit. The CUP is for an accessory structure which exceeds 900 sq. ft. in area and for shipping containers used as accessory structures. The Variance Permit is for an accessory structure in excess of 15 ft. in height. The property is legally described as follows:

 

                        Parcel Code: 175-0071-01689

                        Section 14, Township 58, Range 18; W1/2 of NW1/4 of SE1/4, EXCEPT the East 180 feet;

                        AND EXCEPT West 320 feet of W1/2 of NW ¼ of SE1/4, except Northerly 500 feet of Easterly

                        120 feet.

 

                        Address: 8602 Mud Lake Road, Mountain Iron, MN 55768

 

Tom Berglund asked if an accessory structure can be built without a residence on the property. Kujala stated he knew of no Ordinance that required that. Mr. Berglund stated that in 1997 his father was denied a CUP for a structure because of no residence on the property. No one was on the board at that time so there was no explanation for the denial. Mr. Berglund was not against Haataja building an accessory building on his property.

 

A letter was received from Becky Wilkins questioning if this was going to be for storage or a business. (Letter attached to these minutes)

 

Mr. Haataja said it will be used as a garage and workshop, not for a business and he has plans to build a house there in the future.

 

Erickson questioned if the structure will affect the drainage ditch on the property. Mr. Haataja said it will not and when he builds a home he will have to install a culvert.

 

It was moved by Soyring and seconded by Fivecoate to adjourn the Public Hearing and reopen the Regular meeting. The motion carried.

 

It was moved by Erickson and seconded by Techar to recommend to the City Council to approve the CUP and Variance for Mr. Joel Haataja. The motion arried.

 

Kujala reported that a storage container had been put on property in Kinross, and that he will send the owner a letter letting them know that a permit is required.

 

Kujala also reported on a building permit that he has received from Jeff Buffetta for a home and attached garage. It appears to be a 2 family dwelling which is not permitted in that area. A public hearing for a Conditional Use permit (CUP) would have to be held if that is the case. Since the members of the Commission have not seen the permit, Kujala was advised to have a copy sent to all members and it will be discussed at the next meeting.

 

Fivecoate reported that Delta Airlines has rented space in the Mountain Iron High School in downtown Mountain Iron for a call center.

 

It was moved by Fivecoate and seconded by Soyring to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m. The motion carried.

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by:

Margaret Soyring, Secretary