11-19-01 PCCITY OF OTSEGO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING
NOVEMBER 19, 2001
8 P
OTSEGO CITY HALL
1. Chair Swenson will call the meeting to order.
Chair Swenson called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 8 PM.
Roll Call: Carl Swenson, Steve Schuck, Patrick Moonen, Ken Fry, and Richard
Nichols.
Excused absence: Jim Kolles, David Thompson, and Christian Mbanefo.
Staff. Mike Robertson, City Administrator; Judy Hudson, City Clerk/Zoning
Administrator; Dan Licht, City Planner.
Councihnembers: Virginia Wendel, Vern Heidner, Jerry Struthers, Suzanne Ackerman,
Mayor Larry Fournier,
2. Consider the following minutes:
A. October 15, 2001 Planning Commission Minutes
Commissioner Schuck motioned to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by
Commissioner Nichols. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Planning Items:
Public Hearings for the following_
3.1. Vintage Golf Course Concept Plan
Chair Swenson opened the Public Hearing at 8:01 PM.
Judy Hudson attested that the proper noticing and publishing was done.
Dan Licht presented the Planner's Report. David Kirscht, Golf Course Designer, briefly
went over the design of the Concept Plan. There is approximately 245 acres with 180
acres for the golf course. This will be a Championship Golf Course. Chris Bulow,
Developer, said he is looking at several sewer treatment systems that are currently MPCA
approved.
Chair Swenson opened the Public Hearing for Public Comment at 8:32 PM.
There was no public comment.
Commission Schuck asked if there was a long-term plan for sewage treatment. Mr.
Bulow stated the City has expressed that they would take over the package treatment
plant once it's functional and eventually hooked up to a city treatment plant.
Commissioner Nichols questioned if the townhouses could be more integrated with the
entire plan. Mr. Bulow answered he will have a couple of different clusters done with the
town homes. Chris also answered the Planning Commission concerns of too many golf
courses that there is still a demand in this area.
Councilmember Heidner asked about a water system. Mr. Bulow said at this point they
are looking at private wells but he hasn't investigated any other systems but he will.
Planning Commission Meeting of November 19, 2001. Page 2.
Chair Swenson asked for discussion on the proposed density.
Commissioner Schuck stated he would prefer a lower density similar to Mississippi Pines.
Commissioner Nichols stated he had less concern with density as long as there is a
common sewer system and he would like to see a common water system.
Dan Licht pointed out that the developers of River Pointe installed a water system and
suggested Mr. Bulow look at that one.
Commissioner Fry stated his only concern is the development having private wells, other
than that he likes this proposal.
Mike Robertson stated that staff has not discussed the specifics of the City eventually
taking over the sewer or water systems with the developer. He also reminded the
audience that this is a Public Hearing and encouraged public comment.
Chair Swenson opened the Hearing back up for public comment at 8:47 PM.
Ed Specht, Mason Avenue, questioned the density. Dan Licht replied this is a concept
plan with not a lot of detail and the developer has to offer an amenity to get this density.
Councilmember Heidner said that residents in the Ag. Area have been told that if they
come in with a small package treatment plant the City would consider it.
Ken Sauer of Kahler Avenue questioned the power lines that go across this property. Mr.
Licht replied the proposed street follows this power line.
Tony Berning, 11756 80`h Street. Mr. Berning questioned if Otsego needs another golf
course. He also said that the Comprehensive Plan sets the western end of Otsego aside
for agriculture and rural densities and if this development is allowed it will open the area
for other development.
Chair Swenson closed the Public Hearing at 8:55 PM.
Commissioner Nichols stated he supports this proposal since it butts up to other
developments and is not spot development. He is concerned with the density of 40 town
homes and in the Final Plat he would like to see a common water system.
Chair Swenson commented that he doesn't feel the city was thinking of this kind of
density to allow the opportunity to use a common water system. If this density is allowed
in the rural portion of the City it will set a precedent and the City could not turn down a
similar development in the rural area.
Commissioner Nichols motioned to recommend approval of the Planned Unit
Development Concept Plan for Vintage Pro -Golf Course, subject to the eight (8)
conditions listed in the November 14, 2001 Planning Report plus a revision to
Condition No. 2 to include a common water system. Seconded by Commissioner
Fry. All in favor. :Motion carried.
3.2. Amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 37 regarding allowed signage
Chair Swenson opened the Public Hearing at 9:08 PM
Judy Hudson attested that the proper publishing and noticing was done.
Dan Licht presented the Planner's Report.
Chair Swenson opened for public comment at 9:14 PM.
There was no public comment.
Planning Commission Meeting of November 19, 2001. Page 3.
Chair Swenson closed the Public Hearing at 9:17 PM.
Commissioner Nichols motioned to recommend to approve a Zoning Ordinance
regarding freeway corridor signs based upon a finding that the request is consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan. Seconded by Commissioner Schuck. All in favor.
Motion carried.
3.3. Rezoning Preliminary and Final Plat for Autumn Woods III Addition.
Chair Swenson opened the Public Hearing at 9:20 PM.
City Clerk Hudson attested that the proper publishing and noticing was done.
Dan Licht presented the Planner's Report.
Chair Swenson opened for public comment.
Lisa Young of Quilley Avenue. She lives next to this proposal and stated concern that this
new lot will create more drainage going on her property.
Dan Licht explained an easement will be provided and the City Engineer will also review.
Lynn Caswell, Engineer for Developer, stated the easement provides that no one can block
drainage and the developer doesn't have any plans to disturb any drainage.
Mrs. Young said the holding pond behind her house has doubled in size since all the
development on Queens Avenue. Mike Robertson recommended for the City Engineer to
review this property and have a report for the next Council Meeting.
Chair Swenson closed the Public Hearing at 9:35 PM.
Commissioner Nichols motioned to approve a Zoning Map amendment rezoning
land to be platted as Lot 1, Block 1, Autumn Woods 3`d Addition from A-1 District
to R-3 District based upon a finding that the request is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan. Seconded by Commissioner Moonen. All in favor. Motion
carried.
Commissioner Nichols motioned to recommend approval of the Preliminary and
Final Plat subject to the conditions fisted in the Findings of Fact. Seconded by
Commissioner Schuck. All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Any other Planning Commission Business
A. Update on Council actions by CM Heidner.
CM Heidner updated the Commission on recent Council Action.
Commissioner Fry motioned to cancel the December 17, 2001 Planning Commission
Meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Schuck. All in favor. Motion carried.
5. Adjournment by 10 PMI
Commissioner Schuck motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Fry. All in
favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM
Jim Kolles, Secretary
Recorded by: Judy Hudson, City Clerk/Zoning Adm.