12-16-02 PCITEM 2. 1.
CITY OF OTSEGO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2002
8 P
OTSEGO CITY HALL
1. Chair Nichols will call the meeting to order.
Chair Nichols called the meeting to order at 8 PM.
Roll Call: Richard Nichols, Ken Fry, David Thompson, Carl Swenson, Steve
Schuck and Pam Black.
Absent: Jim Kolles, Christian Mbanefo
Staff: Mike Robertson, City Administrator; Judy Hudson, City Clerk/Zoning
Administrator; and Dan Licht, City Planner.
Council: Mayor Larry Fournier, Councilmembers: Vern Heidner, Suzanne Ackerman,
Jerry Struthers and Virginia Wendel.
2. Consider the following minutes:
2.1. December 2, 2002 Planning Commission Meeting_
It was noted that 8PM should be added for starting time.
Commissioner Schuck motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by
Commissioner Fry. All in favor.
3. Planning Items:
3.1. Quest Development, Inc. request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment
(Tabled from the December 2 2002 Meeting)
Dan Licht presented the Planner's Report.
Mike Robertson stated he disagrees with the City Planner's reasons for approval. He
feels the developer's proposal is not compelling enough to change Otsego's
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Robertson stated that, in his opinion, Kadler Avenue provides
a natural barrier between land uses and this land should continue to be guided for
industrial use.
Mike Gair, Planning Consultant for Quest Development, stated he feels this would be a
good balance to Darrell Farr's mixed-use development as this development will be
primary single-family detached housing. The proposal would be approximately 250
single-family units, 2 acres of neighborhood commercial and 5.4 acres of park.
Richard Nichols opened Public Hearing at 8:31 PM and asked for Public Comments.
There were no Public Comments.
Chair Nichols asked where the sewer lines are planned to be constructed. Dan Licht
replied they would basically follow the wetland drainage in this area. Chair Nichols also
asked if the northern 20 acres would be left in the rural residential area. Larry AuBuchon,
Quest Development, replied they could leave this in Rural Residential.
Planning Commission Meeting, December 16, 2002. Page 2.
Larry AuBuchon stated this site is a long way from the County Road 19 and I-94
Interchange and is a long way for industrial traffic to go. If Kadler Avenue becomes an
interchange then he would look at a different use. Otherwise, he feels this plan makes the
most sense for the development of Otsego as there needs to be different types of housing
and the Farr Development is missing the single family detached homes which this
development has.
Hearing no Public Comments, Chair Nichols closed the Public Hearing at 8:44 PM.
Commissioner Fry stated he is concerned with residential uses where industrial is guided
and would not be in favor of changing land use north of 80'hStreet.
Commissioner Schuck stated he agrees with the City Administrator's comments and
wants no land use change at this time.
Chair Nichols stated the staff has given good information and that Farr's Development
was approved because it is a unique mix of uses. Otsego has a lot of open land but he is
nervous about changing the land use plan.
Mike Gair stated that they would agree to wait for studies and see how rapidly the Farr
Development will develop. They might be premature and are willing to wait.
Chair Nichols motioned to continue this request and for applicant to provide the
City with a Waiver waiving the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 15.99. Seconded
by Commissioner Thompson. All in favor. Motion carried.
3.2 Discussion of Ordinance regarding fences.
Dan Licht presented the Planner's Report.
The Planning Commission agreed to proceed with the process.
4. Any other Planning Commission Business.
A. Update on Council actions by CM Heidner.
Councilmember Heidner updated the commission on recent council actions. Mike
Robertson gave an update on the Lilly Pond Park plans.
5. Adjournment by l OPM.
Commissioner Fry motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Schuck. All in
favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
Richard Nichols, Chair
Attest:
Judy Hudson, Zoning Adm/City Clerk