HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 13 2025 PC Minutes
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PRIOR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Monday October 13, 2025
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance:
Chair Ringstad called the Monday October 13, 2025 Prior Lake Planning Commission meeting to
order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners present: Dan Ringstad, Doug Johnson, Christian
Fenstermacher, and Kate Yurko. Absent: Michael Tennison. Also, present were Community
Development Director McCabe, Planner Paul Moretto, Planner Jacob Skluzacek, and
Development Deputy Clerk / Administrative Assistant Megan Kooiman.
2. Approval of Monday October 13, 2025 Agenda:
MOTION BY JOHNSON SECONDED BY YURKO TO APPROVE THE MONDAY OCTOBER 13,
2025 PRIOR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
VOTE: Ayes by Ringstad, Fenstermacher, Johnson, and Yurko.
Motion carried 4-0.
3. Approval of Monday, September 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes:
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER SECONDED BY JOHNSON TO APPROVE THE MONDAY,
SEPTEMBER 22, 2025, PRIOR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
VOTE: Ayes by Ringstad, Fenstermacher, Johnson, and Yurko.
Motion carried 4-0.
4. Public Hearing
A. PDEV25-000017 – 3950 Green Heights Trail SW– Variance – Lakers Holdings, LLC is
requesting variances regarding location and height of proposed retaining walls. The applicant is
proposing to remove an existing tiered retaining wall along the western property line and replace
it with a single big block retaining wall. (PID 251020221)
Planner Skluzacek: Introduced item 4A as a public hearing to consider a request for a variance
to allow the construction of a retaining wall exceeding four feet in height within the front, side and
OHWL Structure setbacks on the property. Skluzacek explained the current circumstances,
physical site characteristics, and the variance criteria. City staff are recommending approval of
the variance.
Commissioner’s Questions:
Ringstad: Asked if the wall was part of the original build and if any variances were granted for the
wall previously.
Skluzacek: Stated variances were not needed at that time due to the existing walls not exceeding
four feet in height.
Yurko: Asked what the maximum height of the proposed wall is.
Skluzacek: Replied about nine feet.
Applicant:
Lake Holdings, LLC: No comments.
MOTION BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY YURKO TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM
4A AT 6:09 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Ringstad, Fenstermacher, Johnson, and Yurko.
Motion carried 4-0.
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Public Comment:
Micheal Von Arx, 14346 Rutgers Street NE: Commented on previous times where he requested
to build something within the 75 ft. lake setback but was told no. Did not support the requested
variance. Also requested to know what the applicant was proposing to construct on another parcel
owned by the applicant across the street.
Ringstad: Responded the only item before the planning commission is the variance request
related to the retaining wall and the commission will not be discussing the other parcel.
MOTION BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY YURKO TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC ON ITEM 4A AT
6:12 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Ringstad, Fenstermacher, Johnson, and Yurko.
Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner’s Comments:
Ringstad: Commented on his support for the variance request.
Johnson: Commented that this appeared to be a very feasible option for everyone.
Fenstermacher: Questioned the corner of the wall near the shoreline being very close to the side
property line and asked if there were any efforts to lessen the encroachment in side yard setback.
Kyle Huerd, GeoWall Designs on behalf of Applicant: Stated his is the engineer for this project
and provided comment that the area is question is where the wall curves into another four-foot
wall and the design is attempting to maintain where the existing wall is today.
Yurko: Felt this was a good solution and preserves the neighboring property.
MOTION BY JOHNSON, SECONDED BY YURKO TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A RETAINING WALL EXCEEDING FOUR FEET IN HEIGHT WITHIN THE FRONT, SIDE AND
OHWL STRUCTURE SETBACK FOR A PROPERTY IN THE R-2 SD (MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL SHORELAND) ZONING DISTRICT
VOTE: Ayes by Ringstad, Fenstermacher, Johnson, and Yurko.
Motion carried 4-0.
5. Old Business:
None.
6. New Business:
None.
7. Announcements & Adjournment:
Announcements:
McCabe: We are planning to have the October 27th Planning Commission meeting.
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER, SECONDED BY YURKO TO ADJOURN THE MONDAY
OCTOBER 13, 2025, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 6:15 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Ringstad, Fenstermacher, Johnson, and Yurko.
Motion carried 4 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Megan Kooiman, Deputy Clerk / Administrative Assistant