05-20-2004 Planning Commission Minutes

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• John Hunter: Mr. Hunter stated that he is not a developer and has been a lifelong resident `-- of the lakes area. Four Seasons Realty had tried for a R-1 rezoning. His initial intention was not to develop the parcel, but as he sat in his deer stand, he realized he could hear traffic on Highway 371 and Akerson Road and noise from the gravel pit. He realized this property was no longer in the country. He intends to divide the parcel into 5 or 6 lots, all wooded with restrictive covenants. He doesn't understand zoning a parcel Forest Preservation when it is one-half mile from a gravel pit. The DNR has recommended harvesting many of the trees as the whole stand is deteriorating. Audience: Karen Bowman, Evensen Road: Her family moved there to be living in the country and has noticed no noise from Highway 371 or Akerson Road. She would like to keep the surrounding land as land, trees and rocks, otherwise you would lose the small town atmosphere. If she had wanted to live in a residential neighborhood, she would have moved to Baxter. She lives on a 5 acre parcel. She stated that putting in more homes and taking down trees would create noise. Commission Discussion: The most significant concern is along the east side for ingress and egress safely. There is no development proposal before the commission, so it would be inappropriate to approve or deny on a potential development plan. Comments from the neighbors were to keep as it is. If we intend to follow our Comprehensive Plan, the Plan calls for this parcel to remain Forest. If we do not approve rezoning requests, we could potentially keep people from wanting to move here onto less than 10 acre parcels. Spot zoning was also mentioned. A motion was made by Karl Moon, seconded by John Derksen,to recommend denial of the rezone request as there is no evidence it is zoned incorrectly. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Williams: Aye;Mr. Habein: Aye;Mr. Nelson: Aye;Mr. Moon: Aye;Mr. Hallan: Aye;Mr. Derksen: Aye;Mr. Adams: Aye. All ayes. Motion carried. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA: New Business: 6. a. Sign Concept. 6. b. PLADO Comments. 6. c. City Council Comments. OPEN FORUM: Tom Johnson, Johnson Marketplace Inc., had requested to be on the Agenda to discuss the current Transient Merchant Ordinance. He has attempted to sell food at events over the past seven years, such as Fourth of July and Bean Hole Days, and has been denied permits. Out-of state vendors have been issued permits and he doesn't understand why local merchants cannot operate off premises for profit. He does have a Food Handler's license.