The Kearney Planning Commission met on April 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers to consider a lengthy agenda including a conditional use permit for resource extraction, two subdivision plats, a large commercial development (Younes Center Tenth Addition) involving rezoning, future land use map amendment, vacancy, preliminary/final plats, annexation, and several code amendments related to agricultural and civic uses. All items were approved, with Commissioner Cochran abstaining on certain votes related to the Younes Center due to a conflict of interest.
Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-02 (Resource Extraction – Clay): Applicant Charlie Isaac requested a five-year conditional use permit to extract clay from a 35-acre agricultural parcel at 6880 30th Avenue, with the goal of flattening the site for a future Christmas tree farm. Isaac described mitigation measures including a berm for erosion control, a crushed concrete driveway, and truck traffic limited to three trucks. Staff noted a previous temporary permit had one reported violation (working on a Saturday) which was resolved. No valid complaints were on file. The permit includes 17 conditions, with expiration set for May 14, 2029, renewable if conditions met. The commission approved unanimously.
Preliminary Plat No. 2024-03 and Final Plat No. 2024-03 – Clinch Tech Park Subdivision: Presented by Josh Gilbertson of Oak Creek Engineering, the plats formalize existing lots and dedicate roadway right-of-way for a single lot subdivision east of 625 East 1st Street. No new infrastructure is proposed; on-site detention will be reviewed at building permit stage. Staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan and zoning requirements. The preliminary plat was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. The final plat, which also required a hearing, was approved similarly.
Younes Center Tenth Addition (Items 7-13): This large project encompasses 73 acres north of Talmadge Street between 10th and 15th Avenues, involving multiple applications presented by Craig Bennett of Miller & Associates. The project includes:
Bennett detailed utility extensions, floodway/floodplain constraints, and a master circulation plan including future 16th Avenue extension north across Turkey Creek. Staff found all applications consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval. Commissioner Cochran abstained from votes on items 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 due to a conflict of interest (Nebraska Land Bank involvement). All items passed with remaining members voting aye.
Code Amendments (Items 14-17): Melissa Darty-O'Hara presented a set of amendments to the Unified Land Development Ordinance:
Staff highlighted that these changes address past interpretation issues and expand agricultural opportunities in the city. All four amendments were approved unanimously.
Reports (Item 18): Staff provided an update on ongoing outreach for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), noting a public meeting scheduled for April 22, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. at the Carnegie Public Library with a Zoom option. Feedback so far shows general support for ADUs with appropriate regulations.
Okay. I love it. Good morning. We're going to call this uh session of the planet commission to order. And in accordance with X with Section 841412 or Nebraska revised statutes. A current copy of the Open Meetings Act is available for review and is posted in the meeting room. And the documents that you might want to use are outside on the desk, I assume. They're out there, you'll recognize roll call, please. Dark. Here. Dakon. Here. Baker. Here. Cochrane. Here. Rickard. Here. Y'all. Here. McGuinness. Here. We have a quorum. You all have a copy of the minutes of the March 15th meeting. A motion would be in order. Major chairman to make a motion to approve the minutes is written. Second. It's been moved second. Any corrections, comments, concerns. Motion. I'm sorry. Roll call. Yes. Malone. Hi. Dakin. Baker. Hi. Cochran. Hi. Record. Hi. Y'all. Hi. McGinnis. Hi. Dart. We have a we have a fairly lengthy agenda this morning. If you are going to participate, we'd appreciate it if you would step to the center podium and uh if you're presenting to us, uh, please give us your name and address. Uh and um we'll proceed from there.