09-06-22 Special Planning Commission MinutesSPECIAL MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Chair Offerman called the meeting to order at 7:39 PM.
Roll Call: Chair Alan Offerman; Commissioners: Charles Foster, Laurie Jones, Vern
Heidner, Pam Black and Richard Nichols*; Absent: Jim Kolles and Aaron Stritesky;
Present: City Council: Mayor Jessica Stockamp and CM Jeff Dahl*. City Staff: City
Planner Daniel Licht and City Clerk Audra Etzel.
Those indicated with a (*) attended via video conference.
1. Discussion of the 2022 Comp Plan Update.
City Planner Licht reviewed a summation of the Comp Plan 22 survey. The Planning
Commission discussed the results and provided comments.
Chair Offerman asked if the older home inventory would be considered as affordable
housing stock withing the overall supply of housing? City Planner Licht said this would
be considered an affordable housing option making continued maintenance a goal for
the City.
The Planning Commission discussed restaurant options and reasons why a restaurant
may or may not be able to open in Otsego due to established trade areas, market
factors, and franchise agreements.
City Planner Licht noted the request for a Post Office is not an option for the City.
Commissioner Heidner said the City at one time offered to build a building for the Post
Office and the offer was declined.
Commissioner Foster asked if a high school is on the radar? City Planner Licht said an
ISD 728 staff informs City staff that the first need will likely be for a third elementary
school before capacity issues at Rogers High School would dictate the need for an
Otsego facility.
Mayor Stockamp noted parks have been built with community partners.
Chair Offerman asked about the water issues. City Planner Licht said the main issue is
water hardness that will ultimately be addressed through the Water System Master
Plan.
Chair Offerman asked about the timing for the pedestrian trail at Villas of Kittredge
Crossing, noting that improvements such as this should be installed early in a project as
an element of new development benefiting the entire City. City Planner Licht said the
Minutes of the Special Otsego Planning Commission
September 6, 2022
Page 2
Development Contract provides a deadline for the improvement to be complete and the
City Engineer will follow-up.
Commissioner Foster asked about internet. City Planner Licht noted this is a private
utility not regulated by the City. Mayor Stockamp said Wright County is using CARE
Funds to look at expanding internet services.
Mayor Stockamp noted she was surprised about the request for more street lights since
requests to the City have gone down.
Commission Black asked about the steepness of the ditches and large culverts in their
neighborhood after the street was reconstructed and who is responsible to mow. City
Planner Licht said property owners need to mow the ditches, but the City would be
responsible for stormwater facilities.
Commissioner Foster asked about junk at the end of resident’s driveway and stuff in
general. City Planner Licht said the City does offer an annual clean-up day and
ordinances address other nuisances.
Chair Offerman asked about a library in Otsego. Commissioner Foster noted this is a
Great River Regional Library decision. Mayor Stockamp has met with the library and
the option was book lockers, but the cost was very expensive to install.
City Planner Licht said the next step would be to review a draft of the 2022 Comp Plan
incorporating feedback and comments as discussed.
2. Adjourn.
Commissioner Heidner motioned to adjourn at 8:52 PM, seconded by
Commissioner Jones. All in favor. Motion carried. 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted by Audra Etzel, City Clerk.