Minutes - Planning Commission - 03/05/1991 - Public Hearing @ 7:36

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Ken Budde, 6342 - 169th Lane N.W., Ramsey - stated he owns the property behind the church. He expressed concern with run-off. He stated the property is lowland and is not suitable for building. He added that he is not against the building, but he is concerned with wildlife preservation and added how much he enjoys the wildlife. Another concern he added is that if the church grows and they hire an assistant pastor, will they be building another house and as they grow, will they be adding more buildings. His fear is he'll end up with a house in his back yard. He commented that in this case the 10 acre zoning doesn't mean a thing. He also stated that the houses in Ramsey seem to sell pretty well and that he doesn't see a big need for a parsonage to avoid the problem of a pastor having to sell his home. He stated that if he could be guaranteed that there will only be one house built there, he would have no objections. Chairman Zimmerman infom~ed him that anything else would also require a conditional use permit and a public hearing. Zoning Administrator Frolik added that the 10 acre zoning is so no new lots can be created unless they maintain a density of 4 in 40 acres. The 10-acre zoning says no more than one principal structure is allowed and since the church is already on the lot, a special permit has to be applied for to allow another main building. The permit can be written with specific terms such as one home only, etc. She added that if the terms of the permit are violated, the conditional use permit ceases. She reiterated that the Building Official will not issue a permit if the codes are not met. Mr. Dale stated that a perc test done five years ago would not pass; however, maybe one would pass now due to dry weather conditions for the last couple of years. Commissioner Deemer explained that a soil boring will also be done and that will show where the highest water level in the ground has been. Pastor Barrows thanked the neighbor's for their concern. He added that they want to blend in with the neighborhood and be friendly. He informed them that the site for the house is on the highest part of the property and it will be designed to blend in with the wooded area. He wants to preserve the trees and wildlife also; therefore, the least amount of trees possible will be removed. He stated the distance from the house and the other property is approximately 600 to 650 feet and with the trees in between, the house may not even be visible to the neighbors. Mr. Budde inquired of Pastor Barrows as to what would happen if the church "folded". Pastor Barrows replied that the church has doubled in membership in one year's time and, although he's not a "prophet" he feels that the church will continue to grow and do well. He added that he and the church are interested in being vital parts of the community. Commissioner Deemer remarked that the existing property the church is located on is under a conditional use permit - it has to be a church or residential. A business cannot move into that location without applying for a conditional use permit. Commissioner Terry Hendriksen arrived (7:56). Public Hearing/P&Z Commission/March 5, 1991 Page 2 of 3