The Morristown Zoning Board meeting was called to order on Thursday, 
March 18, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 402 Division Street South by Chairman, Jim Lonergan.   

Present:  Zoning Board Members, Jack Schwichtenberg, Jack Blackmer Mike O’Rourke, Jim Lonergan, Mark Morris, John Byers Also present was Becky Kuball, City Clerk, Kevin Murphy and Larry Hagre.
 

Motion was made by Schwichtenberg, seconded by O’Rourke and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2010 as printed.

Motion was made by Blackmer seconded by Schwichtenberg and motion carries to approve the March 11, 2010 meeting with one correction.

Report on City Council Action Taken at Last Meeting: 
Council is having a hearing to adopt changes to ordinances and Administrative fines.

Requests to be Heard: 
Larry Hagre addressed the board on his carport he commented that it has been there for three years and no one has complained about it. Blackmer questioned what other buildings he has on his property and Hagre said he had two other buildings. Blackmer said this would be third structure, and only two are allowed. The board gave him some ideas on how to fix this; he could attach his garage to his house, or add onto his shed. Hagre questioned if he could get a variance or conditional use permit to allow this structure. The board said that they are not going to push this issue right now, as they are working on changing some of the ordinances.

Blackmer would like a better definition of an accessory building what it is made of, is it 4 sided and made of a solid material.
Public Hearings: None

Unfinished Business: 
Kevin Murphy from Rice County came and addressed the board on the implementation of the State Building Code. Murphy explained how the building code works and how you go ahead and implement it.
One concern was if there was ever a disaster in town, FEMA will not help out, if we don’t have the State Building Code adopted. 
Murphy suggested that the city implement a fee for zoning permits if they decide to go with the State Building Code, and then if the city went with Rice County as their inspector, then the actual building permit would come from Rice County. Rice County would set up a contract with Morristown, and the fees that are taken in on the building permits a portion would stay with Rice County and a portion would return to the City of Morristown.

Public health nuisance would be covered under this also and the health board would come in and check out these issues.
Zoning Board questioned Mobile home trailers and if they had to conform to the state building code. Murphy said they did and that there should be inspections on them when they are sold, or moved.
Murphy stated this is a big step for a city to adopt the State Building Code and to weigh all the pro’s and con’s before jumping in, because once you adopt it you can’t go back.
O’Rourke questioned the process and time. Murphy said that the City attorney’s would get together with the County attorney, make an agreement, then it would go to the County board for approval and it could take 2-3 months or longer to get it all taken care of.

Motion by Blackmer seconded by Schwichtenberg and motion carried to table the State Building Code until the next meeting, so everyone has time to look and think about adopting the Code.

Blackmer would like Kuball to ask the attorney if we can make roof and siding, a zoning permit.

Board would like a letter sent to Moline about zoning permit expiring in May and needs to be completed.

New Business:

Zoning Administrator’s report: 
Nothing at this time.

Motioned by Blackmer, seconded by Morris and carried unanimously to adjourn at 9:17 p.m.
 

Becky Kuball
City Clerk