Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/28/2006

Home

Ms. Geisler responded in the affirmative. She explained the Comprehensive Plan includes general standards for the critical area of the Mississippi River to promote things like water quality and vegetation maintenance. Open space and PUD's are addressed in the plan. Mayor Gamec expressed concern regarding the effect of open space requirements on property owners, while the bridge that will be put through in this area will have a major impact on the atmosphere. Ms. Geisler indicated staff recognizes the 50% open space requirement in the Comprehensive Plan has big implications for property owners that want to develop. That is why staff is recommending a combination of public and private open space. Councilmember Strommen commented privately owned open land is common in other cities. Ms. Geisler indicated it may be appropriate to require a higher percentage of open space on a property that is directly on the river, while a property up against Highway 10 might have a higher percentage of private open space. Councilmember Cook questioned why the corridor is not more uniform along the river. He noted at one point the corridor actually crosses Highway 10. He commented it seems that a developer could locate the 50% protected land away from the river and build right up to the river, which would not really protect the corridor. Ms. Geisler explained the corridor is set out in state statute and there is a setback in place. Councilmember Strommen suggested staff provide the Council with information regarding requirements that are set out in State Statute versus City Code. Ms. Geisler advised the City can change the 50% open space requirement, which would require major changes to the Comprehensive Plan. The setbacks are set through State Statute. Mayor Gamec questioned if there may be problems with re-subdivisions in Alpaca Estates if sewer and water comes to that area due to the distance the houses are set back from the river. Ms. Geisler replied there was a lot of thought put into that issue. There is a clause in the code that allows property owners with less than three acres and City sewer and water to complete a lot split without having to meet the open space requirements. This was done to accommodate the situation at Alpeca Estates. Councilmember Cook inquired if a cluster development could be done in Alpaca Estates. Ms. Geisler replied staff would encourage that as long as the density requirements are met. City sewer and water would be required for any new lots. City Council Work Session / March 28, 2006 Page 3 of 5