HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002.05.09 PC MinutesHUGO PLANNING COMMISSION
MAY 9, 2002
HUGO CITY HALL
7:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Chairperson Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
PRESENT: Kleissler, Malaski, McRoberts, Peltier, Rosenquist, Schumann
ALSO PRESENT: John Rask, Community Development Director
Michele Lindau, Planning Commission Secretary
Minutes for Planning Commission Meeting April 25, 2002
Peltier made motion, Malaski seconded, to approve the minutes for April 25, 2002 as amended.
All Ayes. Motion carried
Public Hearing Guidelines
The Commission continued discussion on information presented by the Community Development Director
regarding public hearing guidelines focusing on twelve ways to work together as a team.
Malaski made motion, Schumann seconded, to forward these guidelines to the City Council with the suggestion
they be included in packets for newly appointed Commissioners, published in the City newsletter, on the
website, and posted on the bulletin board in the City Hall lobby.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Transfer of Development Rights
Staff had met with Council members Chuck Haas and Becky Petryk, and Chairman Dave Schumann to explore
the possibility of developing a transfer of developments rights (TDR) program in the City. The Community
Development Director showed a presentation that illustrated the market-based technique that encourages the
voluntary transfer of development from a preservation area in the community to a growth area. Staff had
conducted a preliminary review and identified for the Commission the benefits and challenges of implementing
a TDR program.
Rosenquist said it sounded like a good way to preserve the rural area.
Schumann said it would allow landowners of large parcels to capture financial benefits of their ownership and
still be able to enjoy the benefits of their property. He said it would be a challenge to find a balance between
landowners and developers and it was important to find out what the market would bear. The need to avoid spot
zoning was also a concern of Schumann's.
Rosenquist said he would support the formation of a committee to consider these issues.
McRoberts suggested an equal number of developers, landowners, and/or representatives of land preservation
Planning Commission Meeting May 9, 2002- page 2
groups be included in any committee formed for discussion about TDR.
Malaski said she felt it was important the group consist of members of the public, i.e. senders and receivers of
the development rights.
Rosenquist said he felt more research and facts should be gathered regarding TDR's before involving the
general public. One concern was if the program would be economically feasible in today's market.
Schumann said one or two rural landowners should be involved.
Kleissler said she felt we should start with a small fact-finding group.
McRoberts said developers and landowners should be treated equally.
Malaski said the sending and receiving area would need to be identified.
Members of the Commission suggested contacting Peggy Booth from the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources.
Schumann said it would be necessary to assign credits to land, and the City would need to come up with some
numbers. Schumann recognized the advantages of a TDR program. He felt it could also be used to encourage
commercial and industrial development, which would increase employment and tax base without being a burden
on the schools, and it would help landowners in the agricultural district capture their investment in their land for
retirement.
Rosenquist said City should move ahead starting with the formation of a small group to include City Council
and Planning Commission members, City staff, and technical experts.
Members suggested inviting a preservationist or an environmentalist, such as Steve Hobbs from the Rice Creek
Watershed District to speak to the whole Commission prior to forming the group.
Members of the Commission agreed they were in an information -gathering phase and they needed direction
from the Council.
Malaski made motion, Peltier seconded, to forward it to the Council with the comment that the Commission had
received and discussed the possibility of developing a Transfer of Development Rights program and felt that it
may be a viable tool to preserve rural Hugo which warrants further consideration. The Commission requested
guidance from the Council on how to proceed.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Adjournment
Malaski made motion, Rosenquist seconded, to adjourn at 8:10 pm.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Michele Lindau, Secretary
Planning Commission