HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 02 2026 PC Minutes
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PRIOR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Monday, February 2, 2026
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance:
Commissioner Fenstermacher called the Prior Lake Planning Commission meeting to order at
6:00 p.m. Commissioners present: Christian Fenstermacher, Bryan Fleming, Sam Rook, Shelley
Schmokel, and Kate Yurko. Absent: Michael Tennison and Daniel Nicholson. Also present:
Community Development Director McCabe, Planner Paul Moretto, Planner Jacob Skluzacek, and
Development Service Assistant Sandra Peppin.
2. Election of Officers:
Community Development Director McCabe: introduced the election of officers and summarized
the responsibilities of the Chair and Vice Chair. The terms will run through October 31, 2026.
MOTION BY ROOK, SECONDED BY SCHMOKEL TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER FLEMING
TO SERVE AS CHAIR.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION BY ROOK, SECONDED BY SCHMOKEL TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER
FENSTERMACHER TO SERVE AS VICE CHAIR.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Approval of Agenda:
MOTION BY YURKO, SECONDED BY ROOK TO APPROVE THE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2,
2026 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes:
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER SECONDED BY YURKO TO APPROVE THE MONDAY,
OCTOBER 27, 2025 PRIOR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. Public Hearing
A. PDEV26-000001 – 15563 Ridgemont Ave SE – Combined Preliminary and Final Plat (Hoff
Addition) - Lisa Burnham, on behalf of the homeowner Kathleen Hoff, is requesting approval of
a combined preliminary and final plat at 15563 Ridgemont Ave SE. The request proposes
reconfiguration of the single existing lot into two separate single family residential lots. (PID:
250540030)
Planner Skluzacek: Introduced item 5A as a public hearing and summarized the site
characteristics, existing conditions, and basis for the request to configure one lot into two.
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER, SECONDED BY ROOK TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING
ON ITEM 5A AT 6:09 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
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Applicant: No comment.
Public Comment: None.
MOTION BY SCHMOKEL, SECONDED BY YURKO TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
ITEM 5A AT 6:10 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioners’ Questions and Comments:
Schmokel: Stated that the request appears straightforward.
Yurko: Asked about the easements and setback requirements.
McCabe: Explained that the lots are standard conforming lots with standard city easements and
a dedicated thirty-foot private utility easement.
Yurko: Inquired about the remaining buildable area after easements.
McCabe: Replied the buildable area is limited to approximately 30% of the lot.
Fleming: Asked when the existing detached structure must be removed.
Skluzacek: Stated removal is required before any building permit application is issued for
development on the newly created lot.
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER, SECONDED BY ROOK TO RECOMMEND THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE THE COMBINED PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT FOR HOFF
ADDITION SUBJECT TO THE COMMENTS LISTED IN THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT/PUBLIC WORKS MEMORANDUM DATED JANUARY 20, 2026.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
B. Amendments – Consider amendments to the Prior Lake City Code Section 10-789 (g), Election
Signs, related to setback conditions.
Planner Skluzacek: Introduced item 5B as a public hearing to consider changes to the Prior Lake
Code Section 10-789 (g) related to Election Signs. Skluzacek explained the history, current
circumstances, and the conclusion for this request. City Staff recommends approval of the
proposed amendments to Section 10-789 (g) of the Prior Lake Zoning Code.
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER, SECONDED BY YURKO TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING
ON ITEM 5B AT 6:16 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
Public Comment:
None.
MOTION BY YURKO, SECONDED BY SCHMOKEL TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
ITEM 5B AT 6:17 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioners’ Questions and Comments:
Fenstermacher: Asked whether City Staff would investigate individual election signs.
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McCabe: Provided the rationale for the proposed change as the existing 5 ft. setback requirement
on private property is difficult to investigate and enforce. Staff will continue to investigate, but is
requesting to remove the 5 ft. setback requirement to make enforcement easier to administer.
Fenstermacher: Asked if election signs are allowed on private property.
McCabe: Confirmed they are.
Schmokel: Asked if removing the existing language could create safety issues or impact visibility.
McCabe: Explained that site triangle standards ensure safety and visibility and those
requirements will remain.
Fenstermacher: Asked whether disputes over sign placement near property lines would be a
private matter.
McCabe: Confirmed it would be a private property matter.
Fleming: Noted the upcoming election cycle will help show how the changes play out.
MOTION BY FENSTERMACHER, SECONDED BY YURKO TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH SECTION 10-789 (G) OF THE PRIOR
LAKE ZONING CODE.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
6. Old Business:
None.
7. New Business:
None.
8. Announcements & Adjournment:
Announcements:
McCabe: Noted that due to the winter meeting schedule, this is the only meeting in February. The
next meeting will be held in March.
MOTION BY SCHMOKEL, SECONDED BY ROOK TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 2, 2026
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 6:21 P.M.
VOTE: Ayes by Fenstermacher, Fleming, Rook, Schmokel, and Yurko.
Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Peppin, Development Services Assistant