06 - Planning and Zoning Monthly Report and 2006 Goals

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• Encourage design standards to ensure that new building fit in with and do not detract from the character of the natural landscape and existing neighborhoods. • Enact a `night sky' ordinance to limit the amount and character of signs and lighting for rural and urban areas within Pequot Lakes. • Require design of storm water retention facilities with all new roadways. • Develop an ordinance that requires clustering of sewage treatment systems in order to obtain desired residential density. • Require an adequate reforestation plan from MN/DOT as part of the Highway 371 improvement project in order to retain the forested gateway. • Discourage the use of fertilizers and insecticides where risk of groundwater and surface water contamination are high. Identify these high risk areas and create an overlay district for promoting Best Management Practices for watershed health. We intend to accomplish the following tasks in 2006 in conjunction with the Park Committee: • Inventory and catalogue all public land parcels in the City and seek to expand recreational uses on these parcels. • Partner with the school district to coordinate activities and explore indoor recreational opportunities. • Work with community groups to start a Heritage Days festival to celebrate local culture and history • Host community clean-up and tree-planting events. • Provide more bicycle parking along the Paul Bunyan Trail in downtown to make it easier for recreational users to stop. We intend to accomplish the following tasks in 2006 in conjunction with the Roads and Streets and Utilities Departments: • Coordinate with private utilities (electric, natural gas, telephone, internet, cellular, cable) so that future growth and development has efficient access to these services. • Create a mentorship program through the Chamber of Commerce between experienced entrepreneurs and young self-starters joining the Pequot Lakes economic community. • Create an information-sharing system for retail employees to be better educated on the wares of other local stores to keep shoppers from leaving town to buy certain items. We intend to accomplish the following tasks in 2006 in conjunction with the City Engineer, given the authorization of the City Council: ❑ Create expansion plans for water, sewer, and telecommunications so businesses can anticipate future availability. ❑ Establish official road standards (including aesthetic design standards) for both urban and rural road sections. Standards must include trails or walkways for pedestrians. ❑ Examine the extension of Nagel Road for potential grade problems. Completed March 29, 2006 4