The City Council approved an ordinance authorizing a special use permit to allow Eric and Tara Grgurich to use their residential property as the location for their welding and machine shop.
The original permit stated Eric Grgurich could operate his business Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with limited weekend hours. Additionally, Eric Grgurich would only be able to put up signage for the business on the side and face of the building.
The business owners would only be able to store certain vehicles and customer equipment outside. All other equipment and raw materials must be housed under a roof.
After three years, the special use permit would expire and the Grgurichs would have a chance to renew the permit or ask for an extension.
The Council approved an amendment to the permit shortening the hours of operation to Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. After the second reading of the ordinance, the City Council approved the special use permit with a majority vote.
Brad Selby, codes and planning director, says the permit originally was brought up for approval before a planning and zoning committee prior to coming before the City Council.
Selby says neighboring properties were notified of the committee hearing and given a chance to express concerns. He says citizens were concerned about the possible noise, fumes, smells and effects of the business on property values. Selby addressed those concerns before the City Council.
Eric Grgurich also addressed the concerns brought up by neighboring residents. He says air quality would not be affected by his business because he uses two high-quality filtration systems. He says his machines function between 89 and 92 decibels, which he compared to just above a Harley Davidson motorcycle, but below the siren of an emergency vehicle.
Eric Grgurich says he needed to have business hours on the weekend because he does agricultural work and many of his clients are restricted by the seasons. He says he did not anticipate any traffic flow issues arising because of his business. Eric Grgurich says he spoke with Frank Wayman of Wayman Realty, who informed him that his business should not adversely affect property values.
Carolyn Chrisman, Kirksville Regional Economic Development Incorporation director, spoke to the Council about how the business would bring skilled workers to Kirksville.
Approximately 15 citizens spoke at the meeting. They either voiced concerns about a residentially zoned area being used as a commercial zone or voiced support for the special use permit.