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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning & Zoning Commission Minutes 07-09-2025CITY of CAPE GIRARDEAU PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 9, 2025 City Hall -Council Chambers 44 North Lorimier Street Commission Members Present: Trae Bertrand, Scott Blank, Kevin Greaser, Robbie Guard, Derek Jackson, Gerry Jones, Chris Martin, Emily McElreath Commission Members Absent: Nick Martin Staff Present: Carol Peters, Trevor Pulley, Ryan Shrimplin Call to Order Chairman Blank called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Jackson and seconded by Mr. Guard to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2025 meeting as submitted. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. REZONINGS, SPECIAL USE PERMITS, AND EXCEPTIONS 1. A public hearing was held on the request of Sharon Hughes for an exception from Development Code Section 25-161, fence height and surface requirements, for property located at 4045 Connor Drive. Ms. Hughes presented the request. She explained that she would like to install a fence in her front yard but would like it to be four feet in height rather than the three feet allowed in the code. The additional height is to ensure that her dog does not jump over it. The fence will be made of aluminum and have a decorative finish. Chairman Blank opened the public hearing. Mr. Silas Osiohwo, 4053 Connor Drive, stated that he is opposed to allowing a fence in the front yard because it could become unsightly and lower his property value. He added that the subdivision covenants do not allow fences in front yards. Mr. Bertrand explained that the Commission cannot base its decisions on private restrictions because they are not enforceable by the City. He noted that even if the Commission were to deny the exception request, the applicant would be allowed to install a three-foot high fence in her front yard in accordance with the code. Ms. Kim Wengert, Edge Realty, stated that she handled the sale of 4053 Connor Drive to Mr. Osiohwo. She reiterated his concerns about the fence lowering his property value. City of Cape Girardeau Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Jones stated that he is not sure if Mr. Osiohwo is opposed to the additional height or opposed to having a fence at all. Mr. Guard stated that the Commission is only voting on whether or not to allow the additional height. Mr. Bertrand reiterated that the code allows the applicant to have a fence in her front yard, up to three feet in height, without an exception. Seeing no other appearances to speak, Chairman Blank closed the public hearing. A staff report was submitted to the Commission, which contained the following findings of fact: Criterion #1: As part of the exception request, a "substantial equivalent" is proposed. "Substantial equivalent" means an alternate design, method or feature that accomplishes the same purpose as the applicable Development Code requirement. Finding: The purpose of the requirement is to limit fence height to what is reasonable and necessary for the use of the property. Excessively high fences can adversely affect the character of the neighborhood. The proposed fence will not adversely affect the character of the neighborhood because it has a reasonable height, a decorative appearance, and a mostly open surface. This qualifies as a substantial equivalent. Criterion #2: Approval of the exception request is consistent with the general spirit and intent of the Development Code. Finding: The substantial equivalent proposed by the applicant ensures fairness among property owners and tenants, which make~ approval of the exception request consistent with the general spirit and intent of the Development Code. Based on the above findings, staff recommended approval of the exception request. A motion was made by Mr. Bertrand and seconded by Ms. McElreath to approve the exception request. The motion passed with a roll call vote of 8 in favor, 0 in opposition, and O abstaining (Aye: Bertrand, Blank, Greaser, Guard, Jackson, Jones, C. Martin, McE/reath). Water System Presentation Mr. Greaser, representing Cape Citizens for Reliable Water, and Mr. Pulley gave a presentation on the City's water system. They explained that the Cape Rock Water Treatment Plant is in dire need of upgrades in order to meet the growing demand. Key components are deteriorating, and some have already failed, resulting in operaUonal disruptions and capacity reductions. The City is spending $9 million this year to make some improvements, but many critical needs remain unaddressed due to lack of funding. In addition, the City has miles of aging water mains, some of which date back to the 1890s. Some of the mains experience frequent breaks and need to be replaced. The City has identified $56 million in needed water system improvements through 2033 and another $64 million in improvements beyond 2033. The City Charter authorizes the City Council to approve rate increases (for water, sewer, and solid waste services) of up to 5% per year. This is far short of the amount needed to reach the identified funding levels. A measure amending the Charter to give the Council the ability to approve rate increases of up to 15% per City of Cape Girardeau Plann ing & Zoning Comm ission Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Page 3 of 3 year is on the August 5, 2025 ballot. Mr. Pulley stated that more information is available on the City 's website. Mr. Guard noted that , if the ballot measure passes , the funds can only be used for the purposes stated on the ballot. Mr. Greaser asked the Commission members to help educate the citizens about the issues and encourage them to vote yes . OTHER ITEMS AND COMMUNICATION Adjournment There being no further business , the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m . upon a motion made by Mr. Bertrand and seconded by Mr. Guard . Respectfully submitted , Chris Martin , Secretary