Paula Simosky - Alderwoman First Ward | City of Geneseo
Paula Simosky - Alderwoman First Ward | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo Plan/Zoning Board met Nov. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Plan/Zoning Board of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:
PLAN COMMISSION PRESENT: Plan/Zoning Board Member Julia McAvoy, Plan/Zoning Board Member Gary Bell, Plan/Zoning Board Member Jeff Cowan, Plan/Zoning Board Vice Chair Steve Catton, Plan/Zoning Board Member Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, Scott Schulte, Plan/Zoning Board Member Alberto Rosales, and Plan/Zoning Board Member Joe Bedford
PLAN COMMISSION ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Building Inspector Rick Mills, City Administrator Brandon Maeglin, and City Clerk Paige Seibel 1 Pledge of Allegiance
PUBLIC PRESENT:
1 Pledge of Allegiance
2 Roll Call
Meeting began at 6:00 pm
City Attorney Megan Mack was part of the meeting via zoom.
3 Public Comment
City Ordinance allows members of the Public to speak and give input up to 3 minutes during Public Comment, there can be no debate or action by the Board at this time.
None
4 Minutes Approval
4.1. Approval of previous Plan Committee Minutes
No discussion was had.
Troy Christopherson moved, seconded by Scott Schulte, Motion to approve the 10/14/24 minutes.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Troy Christopherson SECONDER: Scott Schulte AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
5.1. Open the Public Hearing - R1 Setback Variance Application at 440 N Chicago St.
TJ Thompson noted that the City issued the permit and allowed the situation to continue without intervention.
There was a Q&A session between Schulte and Thompson, during which Thompson stated that he would be open to the idea proposed of the City planting arborvitaes to obscure the view of the deck, which he considers a future hindrance to value of his open lot next to the deck property.
Another Q&A occurred between Bell and Thompson, inquiring about whether the property is for sale.
Jeff Shephard was also present, noting that the deck has been in place since 2021. He advised that all offsets and related matters were approved by the City. Jeff Cowan moved, seconded by Troy Christopherson, Motion to open the public hearing for public input into the request from Jeff Shephard for a side yard setback variance to maintain a previously constructed deck, 3' from the property line, allowing the previously constructed deck to remain in place.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Jeff Cowan SECONDER: Troy Christopherson AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
Troy Christopherson moved, seconded by Scott Schulte, Motion to Close the Public Hearing.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Troy Christopherson SECONDER: Scott Schulte AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
Jerald Smith advised that he was unaware that the structure needed to meet a specific size requirement. He had spoken with the building inspector prior to construction and decided to build a larger size because it was more cost-effective.
He did not check the local ordinances beforehand, mistakenly believing the regulations were based on lot size. As the builder, Thompson submitted the building permit to the city via email, assuring that all dimensions complied with regulations. He states that he believes it was approved because he paid for a permit for the 30x40 structure from the City.
City Inspector Mills addressed the Board regarding the timeline of the building process. He mentioned discussing a building with Jerry in person and noted that the size of a smaller garage that Jerry presented was not addressed, as it was within code. While Mills was on vacation, a permit was submitted and paid for for a larger size structure than Jerry originally presented on site; however, he was uncertain about the details provided to the city hall staff and the stamp indicating that payment was made.
Mills clarified that what was issued was not an actual permit but rather a receipt of payment confirming that the application was submitted. Upon receiving the application and reviewing it, Mills informed Jerry that the building exceeded the allowable size and needed to be presented to the Plan/Zoning Board of Appeals for variance consideration. With this knowledge, Jerry still proceeded with the build. Mills stated that the structure does however fit well with the property and the cornfields located at the back. A Q&A session followed between the Board and Mills.
Derek Bolme moved, seconded by Scott Schulte, Motion open the public hearing for an accessory building variance application at 501 E. Palace Row, allowing the 1200sqft structure to remain as currently constructed.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Derek Bolme SECONDER: Scott Schulte AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
Jeff Cowan moved, seconded by Troy Christopherson, Motion to Close the Public Hearing.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Jeff Cowan SECONDER: Troy Christopherson AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
6.1. Side Yard Setback Variance Application in R-1: 440 N. Chicago Street
Schulte initiated a discussion among the board regarding the cost implications of the situation, emphasizing that city funds are derived from taxpayers’ dollars. He raised the question of how to approach the issue in the most cost-effective manner. McAvoy expressed her agreement with Schulte’s perspective, noting that if the plan is approved, the city will collaborate with the property owner to identify possible solutions. She mentioned that any trees would need to be planted either on the property or along the property line, but the property owner may not be interested in planting trees.
A Q&A session took place between the property owner and board members, focusing on the deck's placement within the setback area. The board discussed working toward a compromise and finding a common solution. They questioned the property owner about whether he had obtained a survey of the property and reviewed the deed when purchasing the lot.
Another Q&A session occurred between Attorney Mac, the Board, and Maeglin. Maeglin and Mills expressed their willingness to consider recommendations, highlighting the city’s readiness to work collaboratively with both property owners to reach a reasonable compromise. They acknowledged that addressing this matter with arborvitaes or another barrier solution is a component the city would fund as a compromised solution for a barrier.
Troy Christopherson moved, seconded by Gary Bell, Motion to approve the zoning variance application for 440 N Chicago Street, approving a 3' side yard setback on the south side of the property and allowing the previously constructed deck to remain in place as constructed.
| RESULT: DEFEATED.
MOVER: Troy Christopherson SECONDER: Gary Bell AYES: NAYS: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Derek Bolme SECONDER: Julia McAvoy AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
7.1. Thai Town - Certificate of Appropriateness & Facade Grant
Greg Kerner, the owner of Thai Town Cafe, announced plans to open the new location, currently the Golden Garden on State Street, in February. He submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness along with a facade grant application. Typically, this would go directly to the City Council if the Certificate of Appropriateness were not required. The project includes a new awning and signage, which will enhance the appearance of the front of the building. The signage is in compliance with the city's requirements.
Jeff Cowan moved, seconded by Derek Bolme, Motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Thai Town Cafe at 103 S. State Street, and recommend approval to City Council of a facade improvement grant for up to $10,000 in 50/50 matching funding for qualifying reimbursable expenses under the program.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Jeff Cowan SECONDER: Derek Bolme AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
The board collectively agreed that the 1,200 square foot structure is unlikely to pose any issues, as there was no public feedback from neighboring properties, it is not visible from the street, and it does not obstruct views of the surrounding area. Troy Christopherson moved, seconded by Julia McAvoy, Motion to approve the accessory building variance application, allowing the 1200sqft structure to remain as currently constructed.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Troy Christopherson SECONDER: Julia McAvoy AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
8.1. Move to close the meeting
Meeting adjourned at 6:51 pm
Julia McAvoy moved, seconded by Gary Bell, Motion to Adjourn
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Julia McAvoy SECONDER: Gary Bell AYES: Julia McAvoy, Gary Bell, Jeff Cowan, Steve Catton, Derek Bolme, Troy Christopherson, and Scott Schulte ABSENT: Alberto Rosales and Joe Bedford |
Alerts Sign-up