03-16-2006 Planning Commission Minutes

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Mark Jurchen, 31387 Lakeside Avenue stated that we need homes that people can afford. �., We need to increase our tax base. The City has 5 to 7 million dollars in costs related to the expansion of TH 371. We don't want to get caught up in bureaucracy. Developers will not want to come to Pequot Lakes or we will have a tax base too high to encourage new businesses. The Planning Commission discussed whether the zoning was correct, could they make a decision on this plat and would they be creating a precedent by transferring density? Mr. Marohn explained that transferring density is used often. They would not be setting a precedent by transferring density. The Planning Commission stated the remainder of the Hemmerich property,having water, wastewater and a public road, would become immensely more valuable. The 40-foot ROW in a Rural Section will not work. A straw vote was taken whether or not the parcel is properly zoned. Yes—4. No—3. The Planning Commission discussed the 40%green space and whether they should stay at 40%or decrease the requirement. Mr. Smith is close at 31.5%. Maybe another design could make it contiguous. Mr. Varilek and Mr. Habein were in favor of dropping from 40%. The property to the south could be developed with a house every 50 feet. The Ordinance would need to be amended to reduce the 40%requirement. The Trail cannot be counted. Forty percent is a sound number and Mr. Smith is the first applicant to ask to have it changed. Seeing a plat gave real world example of what 40%does to actual property. Rural Conservation Designs use 40%. It is not State statute. Forty percent is a design guideline and has worked in other places. Nisswa uses 50%. Staff was directed to research other local cities to see what they use. A design committee was established to meet prior to the next meeting to discuss this plat. This committee is to include: Mr. Smith, Paul Smith, Mr. Hemmerich, Mr. Trottier, Mr. Woog, Mr. Marohn, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Hallan. Perhaps Mr. Pederson if Mr. Williams cannot attend. A motion was made by Mark Hallan, seconded by John Derksen,to table this application. All members voted"aye". Motion carried. APPLICANT: Allen Berens. Applicant requests Final Plat of Keen Addition. Mr. Marohn explained that additional information was needed and advised that the Planning Commission either table or deny the request. Mr. Berens was present. He stated that he did not know the road would have to be tarred when he began this project. He planned to put class 5 down and monies for the Park Dedication Fee. He doesn't have the abstract for the property. He provided City Attorney Sandelin with a Title Insurance Policy. He will meet with Mr. Sandelin on the Planning Commission 2 March 16, 2006