Minutes - Planning Commission - 02/16/1999 - Special Workshop

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Motion by Commissioner Dempsey and seconded by Commissioner Wivoda directing Mr. Scheib to draft language that would stage growth in the rural area by limiting the number of building permits issued in any given year. Further Discussion: As a point of clarification, Commissioner Dempsey indicated that the intent of the motion is to stage growth by limiting the number of lots platted versus building permits issued. And Councilmember Hendriksen cautioned against getting into the position of denying building permits on lots that are allowed to be platted. John Peterson of Oakwood Land Development stated that the development community needs to know what the limit will be at the preliminary plat stage. Commissioners Dempsey and Wivoda withdrew their motion. Motion by Commissioner Dempsey and seconded by Commissioner Wivoda directing Mr. Scheib to draft language to state that the City should consider limiting the number of rural residential lots to be final platted in any one year. Further Discussion: Chairperson Anderson stated that he sees this language as merely being a statement of principle, that the City is prepared to slow down growth in the rural area if it is determined to be necessary. Commissioner Nixt suggested that the language be broader and not specify whether growth management will be by building permits issued, lots final platted, or geographic areas; the specific can be dealt with later if necessary. Councilmember Hendriksen reiterated a preference to control growth geographically. Chairperson Anderson disagreed, noting that it is too late to prevent leap frog development; existing development is scattered and the City might as well let the fill-in happen. Commissioner Wivoda was not in favor of managing growth geographically. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Dempsey, Johnson, Kociscak, Nixt, and Wivoda. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Jensen. The consensus was that a relatively firm control was just reduced to a policy statement, but the Commissioners would still like some additional information on options staging growth. The Commission proceeded to discuss certain parcels for which property owners are looking for different land use designations than what is currently proposed in the draft comprehensive plan. The first land area discussed was Jack Menkveld's property north and south of County Road #116 and west of Ramsey Blvd. The draft plans shows it with residential uses on the north side of #116 and places to work on the south side. Mr. Menkveld wants to develop a convenience store in the northeast comer of the property on the north side of #116, in addition to the residential that is proposed. Ms. Sherman recommended leaving all the property north of #116 as residential; there is a convenience store on the east side of Ramsey Blvd. and another one on the west side is not necessary. Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Wivoda to retain a residential use for all of Mr. Menkveld's property north of#116 and west of Ramsey Blvd. N.W. Planning Commission/February 16, 1999 Page 3 of 7