Richmond planning commission approves lot splits and subdivision, sets hearing for 565 Main St and urges 400-foot buffer for proposed Xcel substation

The Richmond Planning Commission approved multiple property actions on Oct. 25, 2024, set a public hearing for a Planned Unit Development at 565 Main St and recommended the city council push for a 400-foot setback for a proposed Xcel Energy substation near Centennial Park.

Commissioner Chuck Merten moved — and Commissioner Chad Vogt seconded — approval of the agenda with two additions, including Resolution 158-24 regarding a lot split at 330 Grant Ave S; the motion passed. Commissioners then unanimously approved minutes from Aug. 8 and Aug. 22, 2024.

Property owners Rod and Lois Gertken told the commission they plan to demolish the existing house at 565 Main St and construct two duplexes and one triplex. Commissioner Jim Hemmesch and others advised the Gertkens to pursue a planned unit development because, as discussed by staff, that route would allow the project to proceed without rezoning and matches the city's PUD criteria. Rod Gertken said he does not plan to begin digging before spring but wants the paperwork completed as soon as possible and would prefer building addresses labeled “A, B, etc.” The commission moved and passed a motion, made by Hemmesch and seconded by Merten, to set a public hearing on the 565 Main St PUD application.

The commission approved Resolution 158-24 to authorize the sale associated with 330 Grant Ave S and voted to split the property into two parcels to reflect the purchaser Jack Stang’s plans. Commissioner Jim Hemmesch made both motions and they were seconded and passed.

Commissioners also approved a subdivision request from Derek Mueller to reconfigure 709, 713 and 717 4th Street NW into two larger lots to accommodate two four-plexes. Commissioner Chuck Merten moved the subdivision approval; Commissioner Chad Vogt seconded and the motion passed.

Under Other Matters, Hemmesch reported that Xcel Energy had placed stakes near Centennial Park indicating a potential 10-acre substation location in what he described as a residential area. Hemmesch said the city previously asked Xcel not to site a substation directly across from the park and moved that the commission recommend the city council ask Xcel to locate any substation at least 400 feet back from the park; the commission voted to forward that recommendation to council. Hemmesch also noted the concern that a substation in that location could require poles through parts of town.

City Administrator Stacy Kalthoff confirmed that plan-process steps remain: the Gertkens will email the final plat to city staff, who will forward it to SEH engineer Dave Blommel for review. The commission discussed scheduling; because the November meeting falls on Thanksgiving, it is likely canceled, and Dec. 26 is tentatively set as the next meeting date if needed. Chair Ken Gertken declared the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

The commission’s approvals were procedural votes recorded in the meeting; no recorded roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript beyond motions passing.