Minutes - Council - 11/09/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Woestehoff asked about density transitions and where those would take effect because that would potentially address the concerns about the north side of the property and against the Variolite side since those are backyards. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl replied Mr. Uker was correct that the density transition was required along the shared property line and he is in the rural density zoning district so there are certain items under the City code that the applicant can choose. They have chosen a landscape corridor similar to the Hunt property and 24 trees will be planted per hundred feet. That is the only place where they require a more densely landscaped buffer under the density transition codes. They could look into requesting a fence in that area. The density transition doesn’t have a way that they could require that but potentially there is a trade off with a fence to reduce some of the plantings. Councilmember Heineman noted procedurally, they have a resolution to adopt and a motion for rezoning. He asked if the first action was contingent on the second action and is the Preliminary Plat going to be affected by rezoning the southwest portion. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl replied that the way it is written, Resolution #21-309 is contingent upon the passing of Ordinance 21-23. If that did not happen, the lots would not be able to be done. Councilmember Heineman asked whether Staff has established from the City’s legal side and City documentation that the majority of this lot had been zoned correctly but tonight it will be decided if the southwest portion will be rezoned. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl confirmed this. Councilmember Heineman commented that his statement tonight was that what is done is passed but he wants to support rural Ramsey so he will not be supporting the rezoning of the southwest corner. If he can impact this area and have influence on it, he is not going to vote to rezone the southwest corner. He wanted that to be known. Councilmember Musgrove asked for an explanation why they would vote for the preliminary plat before they vote for the rezoning because the preliminary plat shows the area rezoned. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl replied that makes sense. Councilmember Woestehoff commented one of the reasons for it would be if the rezoning passed but the plat failed, that property is rezoned as MUSA so it has its rezoning even if the preliminary plat isn’t approved. That way, the Council doesn’t unnecessarily rezone it before passing the plat. He referenced the seven properties that are proposed to be rezoned and noted that one of the challenges with not rezoning the area is that if it is no longer zoned as MUSA, doesn’t the Council then force a property on well and septic to be on MUSA. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl replied if the property isn’t rezoned, the area outside of the wetland would be buildable so the property would be allowed one house with a well and septic system as it currently sits. City Council / November 9, 2021 Page 12 of 26