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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.10.28 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION October 28, 2010 Call to Order Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Gwynn, Kleissler, Moore, McRoberts, Rosenquist Schumann ABSENT: NONE ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant Rachel Simone, Planner Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Approval of Minutes of October 14, 2010 Schumann suggested a wording change to clarify the motion for the Prairie Village IUP. Schumann made motion, McRoberts seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of October 14, 2010 with this change. All Ayes, Motion carried. Park Dedication Policy Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson, gave the background to the Planning Commission. There must be a public hearing at the planning commission level because the policy is within the City's zoning code. She explained that some of the changes were to be consistent with state statute. She explained that there were two previous recommendations from the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Parks Commission. The EDA's recommendation was to remove the requirement for parkland dedication for commercial and industrial businesses in order to attract this type of development to the City. The Parks Commission recommended to keep the parkland dedication in the policy because these businesses actually use these park features and the parks themselves help to attract new businesses. Shayla shared facts with the Planning Commission that 90% of the future development in Hugo was guided towards residential development. She explained that these properties would still be required to pay parkland dedication upon developing. McRoberts asked if there was any opportunity to pay the fee instead of dedicating land. Shayla answered yes, it is a $2,400 per unit fee for residential and $2,400 per acre fee for commercial property. Planning Commission Minutes — October 28, 2010 Page 2 Arcand thought the city should reduce the fees for residential development also. Rosenquist didn't agree with the EDA. He thought it was unfair to agricultural properties that wanted to subdivide into just a few lots because they would be hit with the $2,400 fee per unit and commercial wouldn't pay anything. Shayla explained that other surrounding communities have a higher parkland dedication fee Schumann opened the public hearing. Parks Commission Chair, Jim Taylor, stated that when people look to move the top three items were schools, parks, and streets. They look at both the quality of life and economics in the area. Parks help our economy because the taxes are higher when you live closer to a park. He also felt that the fees should be left on businesses because the parkland fees in Hugo were already lower than other surrounding communities. He also pointed out to the Planning Commission that parks were the numberl item small businesses look at when moving and number 3 reason for larger businesses. Schumann Closes the public Hearing. Schumann stated that he agreed with the EDA in that removing the parkland fee would attract new businesses. McRoberts asked what percentage actually pay the fee rather than dedicate land? Community Development Director, Bryan Bear, answered that the actual requirement is to dedicate land, however the City can accept a fee instead of land. High density development fee at $2,400 per unit would eventually exceed the land value price. McRoberts pointed out that the commercial properties could have a reduced fee instead of removing the fee all together. Bryan answered that the council adopts a fee schedule each year and the commercial parkland dedication fee could be lower or higher each year. Rosenquist asked why reduce the fee for businesses and not residents. He felt they have an advantage here over other communities because we have lower fees already. Schumann stated that businesses pay very high fees in other areas of development such as the sewer and water service connection fees (SAC and WAC Fees). He asked staff how much a business might pay for these types of fees. Bryan stated an example could be a restaurant business that recently located in the City paid over $100,000 dollars for these connection fees. Planning Commission Minutes — October 28, 2010 Page 3 Schumann stated that the businesses pay these higher fees and by removing the parkland fee it could help attract new businesses. Gwynn didn't feel they should totally cut out the fees. He agreed with the Parks Commission because the council could lower the fee in the fee schedule. Arcand was comfortable with the current fees being lower than surrounding communities. Moore asked what the SAC and WAC fees were compared to other cities. Bryan answered that recent changes were made to the City's SAC and WAC fees make them comparable to other cities. He added that businesses will have a larger demand for water and sewer services than residential users. McRoberts motioned, Rosenquist seconded, to accept the Parks Commission recommendation at the discretion of the City Council's Fee schedule each year. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Reschedule November Planning Commission Meetings Community Development Assistant, Dennis Fields, explained how the two Planning Commission dates in November both fall on Holidays. Staff recommended that the November 11, 2010 meeting date be rescheduled for November 18, 2010 and the November 25, 2010 meeting be cancelled. Schumann motioned, Gwynn seconded, to approved the Planning Commission date changes. All Aye, Motion Carried. Adiournment McRoberts motioned, Kleissler seconded, to adjourn. All Ayes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Dennis Fields Planning Commission Secretary