The meeting, convened by Chair Kathy Brandt-Rucker, primarily focused on the series of applications from Greener’s Pub and Cocktail Lounge, a property located in downtown Oronoco. The applicant seeks to transform the existing building into a combined retail and bar/restaurant space. Spearheading the presentations was Evan Mson from Stantech, who detailed the necessity of a conditional use permit due to the tavern classification of the proposed bar, which requires special approval in the B1 zoning district. Mson also presented the need for two variances: one for off-street parking and another for exceeding the building coverage limit.

The discussion began with the variance concerning building coverage. The existing structure already surpasses the 25% limit, and a proposed vestibule would increase this further. Mson noted that reducing the building size or removing the vestibule to comply is impractical. The commission, after reviewing the findings in the staff report and the criteria for granting a variance, voted unanimously to recommend approval of this variance.

Next, the commission addressed the parking variance. Greener’s Pub plans to provide 21 parking stalls, falling short of the required 38, necessitating a variance. Commission members discussed the need for the applicant to establish parking agreements with neighboring properties, notably a nearby church. Despite the acknowledgment that such discussions with the church had yet to occur, the commission unanimously approved this variance as well.

The final application discussed was the conditional use permit. Mson reiterated that the proposal aligns with local zoning ordinances’ criteria. A brief discussion ensued about the establishment’s operation hours, which are expected to span from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with potential extensions for special events. Questions regarding the menu, including the availability of gluten-free options, were positively addressed by the applicants. The commission again voted unanimously in favor of forwarding this permit to the city council.

Following these critical approvals, the commission moved on to other business. The chair introduced a request for an additional meeting, but scheduling constraints meant it would be addressed in the next monthly meeting. The importance of tracking permits was highlighted, with suggestions for regular updates to better inform future planning efforts.

Old business discussions included a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for future zoning services support, and planning for a zoning workshop was addressed, with no decisions to be made during the workshop. An update on ongoing matters with the Peoples Energy Co-op was also provided, although no new developments were reported.