Seneca Planning Commission
February 26, 2014
A meeting of the Seneca Planning Commission was called to order at 6:31 P.M. by Bruce Stanley.
Members present were Harold Shump, Joe Schmelzle, Mike Kuckelman and Bruce Stanley. Also present
were Development Administrator Brian Rusche and Administrative Assistant Jacee Corby. Bruce Stanley
declares there are enough commissioners present for a quorum, with a majority vote of three to amend
the proposal on the agenda.
The minutes from the December 11, 2013 minutes were reviewed by the commissioners. Joe Schmelzle
made a motion to approve, Harold seconds. Motion passes.
Bruce Stanley stated there needed to be a formal election for Chairman, Vice Chairmant, and to also
elect a representative from the Planning Commissioners for the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mike
Kuckelman nominated Joe Schmelzle as Vice Chair, Harold seconds, all in favor-unanimous vote. Joe
Schmelzle moves to nominate Sarah Feldkamp as the representative for the Board of Zoning Appeals; all
in favor-motion passed unanimous, pending Sarah accepts the motion. Bruce Stanley suggested Jacee
Corby for the secretary position, but no motions were made.
Bruce Stanley requested confirmation whether or not there had to be 7 or 8 positions for the Planning
Commissioners.
Old Business
Bruce Stanley asks for the last Wednesday of the month to be designated as the “official meeting day”
for the Planning Commission, if business needs to be conducted. If that was not going to work for the
commissioners, Bruce suggested they consider the possibility of removing themselves from the Planning
Commission so the committee can conduct business when necessary. A motion was made by Bruce to
make the last Wednesday of the month the official day to conduct Planning Commission business. A
vote was made, unanimous.
New Business
Non-commercial garages as principle structure legally have statute right to make recommendation to
City Council on planning ordinance. Last meeting was a recommendation for the City Counsil. Planning
commission requests a conditional use permit for non-commercial garages has to go through proper
zoning procedures, notifications, public hearings with all interested land owners and interested people.
City Staff suggested the “correct language” for non-commercial garage. Bruce found the definition under
Article 6.C “Conditional Uses” 13. Residential Garage a. Structures must comply with all standards in
Article 6. B. Structures cannot be used for any commercial as is defined in part in Article Two, GaragePrivate. An enclosed space for the storage of one (1) or more motor vehicles, provided that no business,
occupation or service is conducted for profit therein. Explanation: This would allow a Private Garage to
be constructed as the principal structure on a lot. All provisions of R1 would have to be met-I.E.,
Setbacks, Lot coverage, use, requirement to obtain a conditional use from the Board of Zoning Appeals,
Design Standards (Residential type siding and roofing).
The City staff requiring a shared property line defeats actual proposal on table with regards to Bryce
Bradley.
Bruce formally opens the floor for discussion. No comments were made. Close public discussion.
Mike Kuckelman makes a motion to accept new language under residential garage be applied. Harold
seconds. All in favor-unanimous.
Bruce Stanley moves to adjourn the meeting. Joe seconds the motion. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:05 P.M.