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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.05.09 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION May 9, 2013 Call to Order Chairman Gwynn called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Arcand, Gwynn, Lessard, Kleissler, McRoberts, Rosenquist ABSENT: Knauss ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Liz Hanson, Community Development Intern Approval of Minutes Arcand motioned, Kleissler seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of April 25, 2013 with revisions. All Ayes, motion carried. Minor Subdivision & Variance — 7131 132°d Street North Community Development Intern, Liz Hanson, presented to the Planning Commission the Minor Subdivision and Variance request for Scott Montgomery located at 7131 132nd Street North. The minor subdivision would split the 19.36 acre lot to create a 10 acre lot and 9.36 acre lot. The variance is for the size of the 9.36 acre lot, where 10 acres is required by ordinance in the Rural Residential (RR) zoning district. She concluded in saying that the applicant meets all the requirements necessary to approve a minor subdivision and variance. She stated that staff recommends approval of the minor subdivision and variance applications for Scott Montgomery. Chairman Gwynn asked if the Planning Commission had any questions. Arcand asked why the applicant needs to obtain another driveway permit from the City. Liz stated that since the applicant is creating a new lot they need to obtain another permit for driveway access. Rachel also stated that a driveway permit was never issued for the existing lot. The process for obtaining a driveway permit is a simple process through the building department. Chairman Gwynn asked the applicants if they wished to add anything. Scott Montgomery came up to the podium and introduced himself. He said that he is helping the Planning Commission Minutes — May 9, 2013 Page 2 owners of this property in facilitating the minor subdivision and variance applications. He concluded in saying that they decided to simply subdivide the property rather than reapply for the cluster development. Chairman Gwynn opened the Public Hearing. Chairman Gwynn closed the Public Hearing. Chairman Gwynn asked for the Commission feedback. No one had any comments. McRoberts motioned, Arcand seconded, to approve the minor subdivision and variance for Scott Montgomery. All ayes, motion carried. Assessment Policy City Administrator, Bryan Bear, presented to the Planning Commission the revised Assessment Policy. He stated that staff prepared an amendment to the existing assessment policy, which is found in section 5B. This refers to a new Exhibit A that is attached to the policy. This exhibit talks about public improvements for collector streets only, economic development incentives, and accepting a Letter of Credit for 60%. He concluded in saying that staff is comfortable with how the policy is currently established but also support the proposed changes, and therefore recommends approval of the draft policy. McRoberts asked if the exhibit is only constrained to road projects and if it could be applied to other improvement projects. Bryan stated that the policy is specifically for road projects but can also be applied to other projects such as utilities if the request is made. Rosenquist asked if the Finance Director was comfortable with the Letter of Credit being at 60%. Bryan stated that the Finance Director is comfortable with that Letter of Credit level that is being proposed, but also stated that this level is adjustable. Kleissler asked if there were studies done on other cities related to this issue. Bryan stated that staff has done studies on other cities, and have found a range of requirements for the amount of the Letter of Credit. He also stated that other cities have provided their own incentives to stimulate economic development. McRoberts asked where the funding would come from. Planning Commission Minutes — May 9, 2013 Page 3 Bryan responded in saying that the financing plan will vary depending on the project. He stated that the City has primarily looked at applying this policy to routes that are considered state aid routes and/or collector streets. McRoberts asked the Finance Director, Ron Otkin, if he was not comfortable with borrowing money for these projects. Ron stated that he was not comfortable borrowing when only one parcel is being assessed. He is more comfortable borrowing in a circumstance where multiple lots are being assessed. He stated that he will provide recommendations in terms of finances with each project that comes in. Bryan stated that this is just a policy that they are evaluating. The policy acts as a guiding tool. Lessard asked if the Letter of Credit was to be based on the amount of developers who are with each project. If there were more developers involved then the Letter of Credit amount would be set higher. Bryan responded in saying that the amount of developers and banks involved would not effect much. He stated that the City can be flexible with each project that comes in and evaluate who is involved to determine an appropriate amount for the Letter of Credit. Ron stated that he is comfortable with the Letter of Credit amount at 60%. He also stated that he does not want the amount to be too high so that it is too restrictive. An appropriate financing plan will be established with each project. Rosenquist added that he is comfortable with the amount since the Finance Director is comfortable. Chairman Gwynn invited Len Pratt up to the podium. Len Pratt stated that he is very appreciative for everything. He concurred in saying to maintain appropriate financing plans so that they are not too restrictive. He is comfortable with how the policy is written. Ron stated that there is language in the Exhibit that states that as assessments are paid the Letter of Credit may be reduced. Arcand stated that he read the policy to say that the Letter of Credit stays at the same amount through the entire project. Ron stated that staff has the opportunity to say whether or not the Letter of Credit could be reduced depending on the project and circumstances. McRoberts asked if the City wishes to incentivize these types of projects now. Bryan stated that is up for discussion with the Planning Commission and Economic Planning Commission Minutes — May 9, 2013 Page 4 Development Authority. It has been a highly discussed topic. This policy can be looked at as an economic development incentive. McRoberts stated that he wants to ensure that the policy is useful and not too restricting. He also wanted to know if it is necessary to have. Bryan stated that there are several cases where projects are having difficulty progressing. They stall and the policy could help to move projects along. Kleissler asked if the policy has room for modification whenever needed. Bryan stated that modifications can be made whenever needed. Rosenquist motioned, Gwynn seconded to recommend approval of the Assessment Policy. All ayes, motion carried with a 5-0-1 vote. McRoberts abstained. Adjournment Rosenquist motioned, Kleissler seconded, to adjourn at 7:48 pm. All Ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Liz Hanson Community Development Intern