HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008.04.10 PC MinutesMINUTES
HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 10, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Kleissler, McRoberts, Moore, Rosenquist, Schumann, and Weidt
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director (CDD)
Kendra Lindau, City Planner
Michele Lindau, Secretary
Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant
Approval of Minutes of March 27, 2008
Weidt made motion, Rosenquist seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of
March 27, 2008 as presented.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Introduction of New Community Development Assistant Dennis Fields
Community Development Director Bryan introduced the new Community Development
Assistant Dennis Fields. Dennis took over for Michele Lindau who was appointed as the new
City Clerk with the retirement of City Clerk Mary Ann Creager. The Commission thanked
Michele and welcomed Dennis as the new Community Development Assistant who will also act
as the Planning Commission Secretary.
Minor Subdivision, Variance, and CUP for Ted and Jan Stahura
A public hearing was scheduled to consider the application of Ted and Jan Stahura, 13390
Keystone Avenue North, for a minor subdivision, variance, and CUP to create two ten -acre
parcels. The property is 20 acres in size.
Community Development Bryan Bear informed the Commission the applicant had withdrawn
the application prior to the meeting. No action was taken.
Preliminary Plat and PUD Amendment for Rottlund Homes
The Commission held a public hearing to consider the request of Rottlund Homes for a
preliminary plat approval and PUD amendment for Victor Gardens North Village 5th Addition to
be located north of Rosemary Way and east of Elmcrest Avenue North.
Planning Commission Minutes — April 10, 2008
Page 2
Planner Kendra Lindahl explained the original plan consisted of 104 townhomes on 72 acres and
was being reduced to 72 townhome units. Two new products would be built in place of the 96
Villa townhomes: the Vantage, which are eight -ten unit buildings, and the Courtyard, which are
four -unit buildings. The four twin home buildings in the northern portion of the site would
remain as previously approved and would be built in a later phase as single level townhomes.
Commissioner McRoberts pointed out that he lived just north of the proposed plat and would
refrain on voting on the application.
Deb Ridgeway of Rotllund Homes explained the reason for the request was based on slower
market conditions, and they wanted to increase their product type in order to increase their buyer
base. She explained the architecture of the new products.
Schumann asked about street ownership, and Deb replied that they were proposing private streets
that would be owned and maintained by the Homeowners Association.
McRoberts questioned when construction would begin and price range. Deb said they intended
to construct the streets and utilities in July, 2008 and have a model in late summer or fall. The
Vantage homes would cost around $179,00.
McRoberts commented that the weeds on the vacant lots were very tall.
Schumann opened the public hearing. There were no comments and Schumann closed the public
hearing.
Commissioners Weidt, Moore, Rosenquist, and Kleissler stated they had no problem with the
plat.
McRoberts reminded the applicant that they were proposing high residential density next to large
lot agricultural land, and the less impacts would be appreciated. He liked the reduction of
density and the lowering of the heights on some of the buildings.
Weidt made motion, Moore seconded, to recommend approval of the preliminary plat and PUD
amendment for Rottlund Homes for Victor Gardens North Village 5th Addition.
All Ayes: Kleissler, Moore, Rosenquist, Schumann Weidt
Abstain: McRoberts
Motion carried.
2008 Comprehensive Plan
The Commission continued discussion on the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Bryan provided a recap
of past meetings on the Comprehensive Plan. Issues left to be discussed were the properties on
the east side of Elmcrest Avenue, south of 165th Street North being included in the MUSA, and
the eastern area of Hugo where there were three options: preserve land for future development,
preserve land for open space and natural resources, or a compromise with a portion planned for
Planning Commission Minutes — April 10, 2008
Page 3
future residential and some planned as permanent rural.
The Community Development Director presented a map showing properties of those who signed
petitions. The mapped area represented a comparison of those who supported cluster housing
and those who supported five to ten acre lots.
Chair Schumann talked about a rumor that has been circulating that a sewer and water project
was planned to be done in conjunction with the CSAH 7-8-9 realignment project.
Community Development Bryan Bear explained the CSAH 7-8-9 project was a County led
study. This was also talked about at the most recent Council meeting, and there was no intention
of putting in sewer and water with the project.
Chair Schumann talked about the petition showing support of Hugo's current policy of one unit
per ten acres, or in the event of a Planned Unit Development, one unit per five acres. Schumann
signed the petition.
The Commission discussed the neighborhood meeting with residents along Elmcrest Avenue and
south of 165th Street whose properties were proposed to be included within the MUSA.
Commissioner McRoberts, who was at the meeting, said there were four landowners representing
70 of the 80 acres of the property in question who attended the meeting. Their concerns were tax
assessment issues and increased property values and taxes. After having their questions
answered, they opted to stay in the MUSA.
McRoberts made motion, Rosenquist seconded, to affirm the decision to keep those properties
within the MUSA as shown on the draft land use plan.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Planner Kendra Lindahl explained the difference between guiding by land use and zoning
districts and Bear added that the land use in eastern Hugo would not change from what is
proposed now if it was decided to construct the sewer pipe larger to accommodate future growth
past the year 2030.
Weidt made motion, McRoberts seconded to remove from Chapter 4 of the draft plan the phrase
"The areas outside of the 2030 MUSA boundary are not expected to receive municipal sewer and
water."
All Ayes. Motion carried.
The Commission talked about the area south of CSAH 8 and how it may not develop due to
existing small lot sizes and the sensitive areas around the lakes, and how people seemed to want
to preserve their options. They also talked about a 1 home per 10 acre density or 1-5 with a
PUD, maintaining the west location of the MUSA line, and guiding the area to the east of it for
agricultural uses.
Planning Commission Minutes — April 10, 2008
Page 4
Schumann made motion, Rosenquist seconded, to approve the 2008 Comprehensive Plan as
amended by the previous motions, and forward it to the City Council to be considered on
Monday, May 5, 2008.
Upon role call:
AYE: Rosenquist, Weidt, Kleissler, McRoberts, Moore, Schumann
NAY: None
Motion carried.
Adjournment
Weidt made a motion, Rosenquist seconded to adjourn at 8:17 p.m.
All aye. Motion carried.
Michele Lindau, Secretary
Planning Commission