03-09-2023 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 9, 2023 3 The Community Development Director confirmed that public works has that service built into the budget, should it be needed. Chair Johnson noted that these homes would also contribute to the City’s tax base. The Community Development Director stated that the issue of lighting was also discussed at the Council meeting and as they move forward, the Public Works Director will be involved in the type of lighting and spacing between the lights. Commissioner Masrud acknowledged the lack of sidewalk and asked if that could be added in the future or whether that is a consequence of the lack of space available for the road. The Community Development Director commented that there is not a sidewalk planned at this time but there should be room within the right-of-way if that is desired in the future. Commissioner Thorson stated that one of the larger outstanding issues was the Watershed District and that has now been resolved, which is assuring. Chair Johnson invited members of the public to speak. Jessica Turcotte, 2674 Schletty, stated that she believes the builder has made strides to be accommodating as the process has evolved. She stated that she has two concerns that remain. She commented that there is a large drop is elevation between the subject property and her property. She recognized the intent to use landscaping and a swale to direct the water, which she believes will initially work. She asked where the liability would lie if the new homeowner were to alter their backyard in the future that caused water to then run onto her property instead of the desired path. She referenced lot four which runs along her backyard and the backyard of her neighbor. She stated that her neighbor is actually a group home for developmentally disabled adults and believes that location was chosen because of the privacy. She wanted to ensure that privacy is maintained and asked if the Commission would recommend a privacy fence along the back of lot four. She said that 13-year old boys could be looking down at their property if a fence isn’t installed. Commissioner Masrud asked if privacy fences would be shown on the plat at this stage or whether that would be left to the preference of the future property owner. The Community Development Director stated that the City does not require fencing between two residential developments, outside of tree preservation/replacement requirements. She stated that given the increased depth of the lots, there would be about 75 feet between the back of the new home to the back of the existing lot.