11/12/2025 P & Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 4 The public hearing was closed at 7:11p.m.Moved by Evenson, seconded by Vojtech. Mr. Root addressed the drainage issues in the northwest quadrant. Mr. Grochala stated that the drainage goes through 10-22-32, built to drain agricultural land. When development happens, the drainage will be addressed. The watershed district currently does not have concerns about that area. The City is having conversations with the watershed district. Mr. Root wanted to address the density concerns, how new development impacts taxes, and public transportation. Mr. Grochala stated we did not change the density to the area with the master plan, rather just moved the density around, like moving the high density towards the border with Blaine. Mr. Grochala stated that we do not have the density to justify having public transit. Mr. Grochala explained that there is not an economic study done with each development regarding taxes. Mr. Grochala stated that rooftops generate commercial coming in and would generate revenue. Mr. Grochala stated that having a diverse tax base would make it so that we do not rely on one tax base. The City does not go out and look for developers; we have statutes to meet through the state. The City cannot dictate what is built, only that the proposals that come in meet City requirements set by the City Council. Mr. Root asked what would happen if the City were to opt out of the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Grochala stated Ham Lake does not have sanitary sewer. Lino Lakes has sanitary sewer which services our commercial and industrial districts. The City is required to be in conformance with the Metropolitan Council since we do utilize sanitary sewer. Mr. Root wanted to address the phase changes, specifically the utility phasing. Mr. Grochala stated that only one property was changed into a different phasing district. This is not to say that it cannot change moving forward. Mr. Root wanted to know what property owners that want their utility staging to be moved up can do. Mr. Grochala stated that property owners who want to be moved up need to speak with the City. Mr. Wipperfurth wanted to address the watershed district issues and what the City can do. Mr. Grochala stated the City has reached out to the watershed district, and that the watershed district has stated they do not see an issue. The City is having additional meetings with the watershed district and additional studies are being considered. The City is replacing the Andall Street culvert. Mr. Grochala stated that ditch law is complicated and is created by the state. Mr. Wipperfurth wondered if the watershed is waiting for development before addressing issues in the area.