City Clerk/Planning Commission Secretary Carol Moss called the regular scheduled Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room at Fire Station No.1, in the absence of both Chairman Mel Joos and Vice Chairman Doug Wilson.

Answering present for Roll Call were Commission members Bill Bradle, Jeff Borders, Jeff Fuerst, Gary Moehle and Arnie Wiltz. Absent members included Mel Joos, Doug Wilson, Bill Hartter and Mike Brown.

Commissioner Bradle moved and Commissioner Fuerst seconded to appoint Commissioner Gary Moehle as Chairman Pro Tem in the absence of both Chairman and Vice Chairman. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Commissioner Wiltz moved and Commissioner Fuerst seconded to approve the minutes of the September 5, 2007 Planning Commission meeting, as presented. 
Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

A public hearing was opened for comment at 6:32 p.m. for the purpose of hearing a special use request of Dr. Peter Nichols to construct an addition to a veterinary clinic in an AG-1 district at 643 School Street. Proof of publication was provided, there were no registered interested parties and there was no audience present. The Public Hearing was closed at 6:32 p.m.

Dr Nichols explained that he wants to remodel the existing location and build an addition so that business can be continued in the new portion while the old portion is remodeled. The new portion will be used for office space, new restrooms will be built, etc. There will not be additional boarding facilities or veterinary area. They also plan to make the entire facility more energy efficient.

Commissioner Wiltz asked if the 1600 s.f. increase in size will satisfy just present needs or will it help with future expansion as well. Dr. Nichols replied it will satisfy current needs and it could allow for future expansion, however he does not anticipate any further expansion to the business. The parking lot will also be expanded.

P&D Director Oliphant reported that the only thing that does not meet code with this request is the rear yard setback, and the petitioner is going before the ZBA on October 24 to request a rear yard variance, consequently, he would recommend that the Planning Commission approve contingent upon the approval by the ZBA of the rear yard variance.

Commissioner Fuerst moved and Commissioner Borders seconded to recommend approval of the Special Use requested by Dr. Peter Nichols for an addition to a veterinary clinic in an AG-1 district at 643 School Street, contingent on the Zoning Board of Appeals approval of a requested rear yard variance. 

Findings of Fact - The Commission found that application was made by the owner of the property located at 643 School Street; proper fees were paid; a public hearing was held on October 3, 2007; proper notification was provided; there was no audience present to make comment; there were no registered "interested parties"; proof of publication was provided; there were no objections to the granting of the Special Use; the Special Use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety or general welfare; the Special Use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity, nor substantially diminish or impair property values; the Special Use will not impede development of surrounding property; adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, or necessary facilities will be provided; adequate ingress/egress will be provided to minimize traffic congestion in public streets; the Special Use will conform to all other applicable regulations of the zoning district; recommendation of approval will be done subject to approval of the granting of a rear yard variance by the ZBA.

There was no discussion and on roll call the vote was: 
Ayes: 5 Bradle, Wiltz, Borders, Fuerst, Moehle 
Nays: 0 
Motion declared carried.

Commissioner Fuerst said that looking at the Nichols property, what would be required if the proposed sidewalk amendments had gone into affect. Nichols would be required to put in 35' of sidewalk that would go nowhere. He stated that this is proof that there is such a wide variety of situations when it comes to requiring sidewalk.

P&D Director Oliphant replied that staff is working on exceptions in the amendments to address these kinds of situations.

Commissioner Borders noted however that with what is happening all over the country, in the future the City is going to have to put in thousands of feet of sidewalk at a cost to the taxpayers.

Commissioner Bradle asked if Zobrist Construction is who applied for the Special Use and P&D Director Oliphant replied that is correct, but the owner, Peter Nichols, signed the application.

Staff Reports - P&D Director Oliphant told the Commissioners that this will be their last meeting at this location. Next meeting will be held at the new meeting location in the meeting room at the new library at Five Points Washington. City Clerk Moss told those present that she will give proper notice to the press regarding the meeting place change and she will make sure to include a note in the next packets reminding everyone of the meeting place change.

With no further business to discuss, Commissioner Wiltz moved and Commissioner Bradle seconded to adjourn at 6:44 p.m. 
Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.