Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/21/1995 - Special Meeting

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COMMISSION BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARING Case #1: Request for Amendment to Development Plan and Site Plan Approval to Construct a Maintenance Building at the Rum River Hills Golf Course; Case of Rum River Hills, Inc. Chairperson Bawden closed the regular portion of the special Planning Commission meeting at 7:32 p.m., in order to conduct the public hearing. Public Hearin~ Chairperson Bawden called the public hearing to order at 7:32 p.m. Presentation Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that Rum River Hills, Inc. submitted an application for site plan approval to construct a 3,780 square foot maintenance building in the southwest corner of the Rum River Hills Golf Course property. The Planning Commission tabled action on this issue at their June 6, 1995 meeting to schedule a public hearing to consider reviewing and amending the PUD development plan to specifically allow for the establishment of a maintenance building on Ouflot G of the Rum River Hills PUD. Citizen Input George Steiner, 16460 St. Francis Boulevard N.W., Ramsey, stated he has lived at his property for 31 years and has watched Ramsey's growth. He expressed concern about the fairness to the property owners around the golf course if this building is erected. He suggested if a maintenance building is needed, it should be built somewhere else. He reported that the golf course came in after the land owners and this is a change from the original plans. He agreed that the maintenance equipment does have to cross Highway #47 now, but felt that if a building is needed at the site, it should be located farther away from the property owners. He added that the property owners will suffer for the convenience of a golf course and requested that other alternatives be explored. Gerry Schmidt, 5831 - 164th Lane N.W., Ramsey, stated he owns the property directly south of the proposed site plan. He stated he can not support a building in this area. This area is zoned for recreation and open space and that when he purchased his home, this wasn't in the plan. He felt this building would be in total contradiction and it takes away from the aesthetics of his property. This building would not be compatible because of the noise, hours of operation, maintenance vehicles, etc. He added that this building is twice as big as his home and also much taller; it will be overpowering. Trees and berm will not cover this. He added that the building is proposed to be only 100 feet from his deck and after eight years of wide open view, the purpose for buying his home is being crushed. This will detract from the beauty of the golf course and he felt that would also hurt the course. He suggested that an "eye sore" should never be put in the front line. This building will deteriorate the value of the homes on the course and the surrounding area. Mr. Schmidt commented on the statement about the screening being adequate to screen the building. He suggested it's not adequate screening for a building this size and also the noise and activity will not be screened. He stated that if this building goes up as proposed, it will take away his choice of removing more trees from his yard to further blend in with the golf course. Mr. Schmidt continued that he has been clearing trees and has gotten up to a point where there is a barbed wire fence and also a lot of debris from the golf course. He reported that the debris is littering his lot line. He voiced concern with Jeff Toilette from Rum River Hills Golf Course about the debris, etc. and also informed Mr. Tollette what he Planning Commission/June 21, 1995 Page 2 of 10