Lapel Planning Commission
September 10, 2020

Call to order: In person attendance was Gary Shuck, Dan Paddock, and Teresa Retherford. Virtual attendance was Angie Duncan, Tony Hewitt, Jeff Keith, Treffin Luker, Kourtney Krabbe, and Ashley Hopper, Town Attorney.

Roscoe Dorsey proposed his business complex idea to the board to see if it would fit into the direction the Town would like to go. The complex would sit on 20 acres at 6208 S State Road 13. The complex would consist of 8-10 lots for commercial buildings, with his business office being on the first lot, and a drive down the center of the complex. There was some concern about which way traffic would flow due to the curve at 650S/875W. Overall there was no objection to the proposed complex, so a public hearing to rezone the property would need to be set for the next Planning Commission meeting on October 8th.

Petitions to send to BZA:
Scott and Tammy Hershberger need a variance for setbacks for the home they are wanting to build on Ford Street.

Chad Lukens does not need to go to the BZA as he is currently wanting to rezone his 14 acres in the Woodward’s Sixth Addition off of 5th and 6th Street from agricultural to Residential 2. Due to the miscommunication the Planning Commission agreed to setup a special meeting on September 24th at 6pm to hold a Public Hearing for the rezone.

Derek and Stephanie Evelo are seeking a special use variance to use their property at 818 Main Street as an event center.

Gary Shuck suspended the regular meeting to open a public hearing for the 501 S Walnut Street rezone. Current property owner, Courtney Duncan, is looking to rezone the property from commercial to residential 3 so she can sell the property. Shuck suggested that they rezone to R2 with a special use variance to allow temporary renters in attached studio. It was mentioned that the attached studio wouldn’t qualify under R3 standards, as it has to have a minimum of 600sq ft. of living space. A motion was made to send the property to the Town Council with a recommendation to rezone from Commercial to R2 with a special use variance by Shuck, 2nd by Duncan; all were in favor. A Town Council special meeting will be held September 24th at 7pm at the Town Hall to hold a public hearing for the rezone of 501 S Walnut Street.
Motion to close the public hearing, and reopen the regular meeting was made by Shuck, 2nd by Retherford; all were in favor.

Montgomery Farms Meeting:
Shuck had a meeting with Mr. Fiddler last week in regards to the drainage issues for stage four of Montgomery Farms. Montgomery Farms will be going to the Madison County drainage board on September 24th to address some of these issues. Shuck mentioned he did find out that retention ponds cannot be dedicated to the Town.

The new address for Robertson Trucking property is 2760 S 1000 W Lapel, IN.
Shuck stated he recently found out that the Planning Commission can name streets. So he would like to rename some of the county roads that are in Lapel limits.
210 W 9th Street:

There have been a complaints regarding the looks and condition of the property at 210 W 9th Street as referred to as “the blue church”. Chris Hobbs sent a letter last week to clean up the weeds at the property. Many people are considered with the safety of the building, and potential hazard for children to get hurt if they wander onto the property due to the lack of effort to keep the building boarded up. Some residents have asked why the building has yet to be condemned. Tony Hewitt stated he spoke with the Evelo’s earlier in the day and they said they were finishing up the lodge first, and then they plan on fixing up the “church”. Town Attorney Ashley Hopper stated she would draft a letter to the property owners.
Approval of permits was tabled until October 8, 2020.

Motion to approve August 13th minutes made by Shuck, 2nd by Retherford; all were in favor.
Shuck stated he would check with the Eagles to see about having the regular monthly meetings there so that all members could be present in person. Hopper stated that the Town still has to offer a virtual option due to the current pandemic.

As no further business to be discussed, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Shuck, 2nd by Paddock; all in favor.

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