The Morristown Zoning Board meeting was called to order on Thursday, 
April 15, 2010 at 7:04 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, and Dan Morris

Motion was made by Blackmer, seconded by Schwichtenberg and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 18, 2010 as printed.

Report on City Council Action Taken at Last Meeting: 
Council told citizens that were concerned with the proposed animal ordinance to come to the zoning meeting and see if there could be a compromise.

Requests to be Heard: None

Public Hearings: None

Unfinished Business: 
There was a discussion on carports and what the definition of one is. Kuball will have attorney define what is considered a carport and what material it is made of, and what is considered an accessory building. Blackmer stated that they need to be defined in our ordinances.

Animal ordinance will be sent back to the city council to make a decision. No concerned citizens came to the meeting to discuss. Dan Morris defined one animal unit as 1000 pounds. So someone could have 1 steer or 1 horse, or 4 pigs or 25 Turkeys or 167 broiler chickens or 250 laying hens. Questioned if that is really what the city wants within the city limits.

There was discussion about adding a permit fee to window, siding and doors. There are a couple of homes in town that have been started, but not finished and then have gone back to the bank and are left undone. 

Motion by Blackmer seconded by O’Rourke motion carries to add a $25 permit fee to Siding, Window and roofing. Ordinance will be sent to council for a hearing and approval.

Mark Morris said he talked to Rice county about feed lots, it is a state issue and the county is suppose to regulate, but does not like to come into cities.

Motion by Schwichtenberg seconded by O’Rourke motion carries to recommend to the city council to put a moratorium on all farm animals in the city limits and any new livestock buildings.

State building code was discussed and didn’t like the large building permit fees. So it was decided to table any decisions on it until the fall.

Lisa Karsten had a permit for a fence that they want to put up at the Methodist church, also wondering if the fee for the permit could be waived.
Motion by Schwichtenberg seconded by Blackmer motion carries to approve the permit for the fence and waive permit fee for the church.

New Business:

Zoning Administrator’s report: 
Bailey Deck-closed out
Willing Shed-closed out
Valentyn Garage-closed out

Motioned by Schwichtenberg seconded by Blackmer  and carried unanimously to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
 
 
 
 

Becky Kuball
City Clerk