11-17-14 PCOTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
November 17, 2014
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Vice Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Vice Chair Thompson; Commissioners: Richard Nichols, Aaron Stritesky, Steve
Schuck and Jim Kolles. Absent: Chair Pam Black.
City Council: CM Vern Heidner. Staff: Daniel Licht, City Planner; and Tami Loff, City
Clerk.
1. Consider the following minutes:
1.1 September 15, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Schuck motioned to approve as written. Seconded by
Commissioner Nichols. All in favor. Motion carried.
2. Public Hearing item:
2.1 Wilson:
A. Sketch Plan Review of a proposed subdivision to create ten (10) single
family lots (including the existing single family dwelling).
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Applicant Bill Christian, Christian Builders, said he agrees with the staff report, Mr.
Christian wanted to clarify that Lot 8 will be adjusted to meet the minimum lot width
requirement. CM Heidner asked on the city's access to the pond. City Planner Licht said
the city will have access via Outlot A.
Property owner Chris Wilson, 8600 Odean Avenue, shared photos of Hall's Pond and
gave the history of the property and stated the property is full of wild flowers, birds and
wild life and the city will be well served with this nature trail within the development.
City Clerk Loff attested that all the proper noticing, posting and publishing has been
completed.
Vice Chair Thompson opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 PM.
Joan Ruprecht, Rogers MN, asked for clarification on the septic requirements for the
Wilson property. City Planner Licht said it will be required to verify the system is
working as designed and a plan must be submitted demonstrating a primary and
secondary drainfield site and well for each lot.
Jerry Johnson, 8527 Ogren Avenue, questioned if there will be improvements on the
eastern line or 85th Street. City Planner Licht said likely minimal improvements; he
stated the city has discussed removing the fence along 85th Street, but leaving as many
trees as possible.
Ryan Hardin, 17205 Yale Street, Elk River, questioned the current access. City Planner
Licht said there are two drive ways from the property to Odean Avenue. City staff will
recommend removal of one driveway as a condition of preliminary plat approval.
Commissioner Nichols asked what the 30 foot setback and an interior wetland buffer
what is. City Planner Licht explained the wetland buffer requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance. Commissioner Nichols questioned if the homeowner would be required to
maintain. City Planner Licht said that the area is overlaid by drainage and utility
easements and maintained by the City as part of the storm water management system.
Mr. Christian said as long as the homeowner is knows and is aware don't see an issue.
Commissioner Nichols asked if the development is required to provide a ghost plat for
how the lots could be divided in the future. City planner Licht said yes but the City
allows a house to be built in the center of the lot with a document signed by the
property owner and recorded with the property deed forfeiting resubdivison rights.
Commissioner Nichols said the city has not allowed a non -sewer development for a
while what is the reasoning to allow this? City Planner Licht said this development gives
an opportunity to acquire Hall's Pond and 13 acres of land the public doesn't otherwise
have access to. Dedication of land for a public purpose would be the primary basis to
allow in accordance with policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Nichols asked if there are any areas surrounding this development that
are going to need city sewer and water. City Planner Licht said not that the city is
aware of. CM Heidner said the city does monitor and don't see any indication in the
future. Vice Chair Thompson asked the depth. CM Heidner said 50 to 100 feet in depth.
Vice Chair Thompson asked where the proposed boardwalk will go. City Planner Licht
said along the south side to Outlot A.
Chris Wilson, 8600 Odean Avenue, said she doesn't think a boardwalk is needed
because there is a natural path. City Planner Licht said that is an issue City staff is
working with the wetland specialist to determine if needed to comply with the Wetland
Conservation Act
Vice Chair Thompson closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 PM.
Commissioner Stritesky motioned to support the proposed sketch plan
subject to the eleven conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Kolles. All in
favor. Motion carried 5-0.
This application will go to City Council on November 24 at 7:00 PM for consideration.
3 Update on City Council actions.
CM Heidner updated the Commissioners on City Council actions.
4 Update on future Planning Commission Agenda items.
City Planner Licht said the next meeting will be Monday, December 15 at 7:00 PM. City
Clerk Loff reminded the Commissioners to turn in the RSVP for the Commissioner
Appreciation Dinner scheduled for December 10.
5. Adjourn.
Commissioner Schuck motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Stritesky. All in favor. Motion carried. Adjourned at 7:44 PM.
David Thompson, Vice Ch it
ATTEST:
Tami Loff, City Clerk