11-30-2022 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 30, 2022 Fischer stated that one of his biggest concerns is the backyard setbacks to the existing Schletty Drive houses. He explained that when someone is buying a house, they know what they are getting, but questioned if a variance should affect the existing neighbors. He asked what the impact would be to shifting the new houses forward to eliminate or reduce the need for variances. The City Administrator explained that part of the front yard setback minimum is to accommodate required parking in the driveway, and stated that the rear yard setback amount is exactly the same amount that was granted to the adjacent Schletty Drive development when that was built. He stated there is some ability to shift the setback possibly up to five feet forward. He explained that this is developer driven and the city is responding to a developer and working with them to comply with the Zoning Code as much as possible. Miller stated she feels there are still a lot of questions regarding water issues and the impervious surfaces that will be added. The City Administrator stated this has been meeting every requirement for water runoff. The City Engineer stated that many of the residents stated they are concerned about water quality and He stated that a very thorough review has been done and he has no concerns about water and the plans meet all of the watershed requirements. Fischer asked about the city's ownership of the pond. The City Engineer stated that the city will take ownership of all public infrastructure, which includes the pond since it will take public runoff. He pointed out that the city will not be fronting any infrastructure costs, as the developer will pay for all of it. Torkelson stated that he feels the stormwater feature will decimate the nature trail area. He feels the city should buy all of Outlot A and leave it as is for a buffer. He does not feel that the seven homes will cover the cost of the public street and the pond maintenance. Keis pointed out that this is done all over the city, and the cost is shared by everyone. Torkelson stated he feels -that -from now on the City should figure out if a development is revenue -neutral before allowing it. He does not understand why we would be allowing a net -negative development that is desecrating a nature park, and then giving them special consideration to do it. He stated that he would say no variances on this property. He noted that he is not a NIMBY (Not -In -My -Back -Yard) person and is a pro -development person, and feels that housing is needed in the city and the city has been accommodating that need, but feels the amount of homes that we would get out of this development is not worth it. Fischer asked if the new homes will be higher than that Schletty Drive homes. The Community Development Director explained that the idea with the tuck -under homes is to lower the height along the west side. The City Administrator explained that the Zoning Code has a height limit of 35 feet for single family homes, and that is all the City approves. He stated the time for the review of the individual home is when the building permit is submitted. He stated the City does not approve the aesthetic of the home. The City Engineer reviewed the yard elevations for the lots on the west side in comparison to the properties on the east side of Schletty Drive. He stated on a previous plan, there were retaining walls on some of the west side lots to accommodate walk -out basements, but that has since changed so the grade will be flat to the west property line. He stated that the Schletty Drive homes have retaining walls that are supporting eight to ten feet of ground, so those homes are lower. He thinks the walls were added to the existing Schletty Drive properties in order to create some backyard space for those homes. 2