August 25, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes August 25, 1994 4N...t i1 L pO�il tLli�� Mike Fox stated that he felt the City Council and Planning Commission were the only ones that wanted sewer and water extended to the north area. Steve Ach stated that the question that needs to be addressed is whether or not the City plans to extend sewer and water north of the current urban service area. Mr. Fox stated that he was not in favor of it. Steve Ach stated that development interest is coming to the area and the community must choose how they wish to deal with it. He explained that there can be problems with platting 2'/z acre lots in that the cost effectiveness of providing services such as snow removal, emergency services, road maintenance and repair is dramatically reduced. Discussion followed regarding the present level of services. Committee Member Dana Anderson stated that he felt the people of Elk River should have a say in how they want their community to develop. He noted that if they did not want a large number of people living north of County Road 33 on 10,000 square foot lots, that a 2% acre minimum would be a good alternative. Mr. Anderson suggested that they could also consider "clustering" 1 acre home sites in a 2'/2 acre minimum lot size area, leaving an open area. Mr. Anderson encouraged citizens to continue to attend these meetings to provide input for the development of the community. He stated that the purpose of this committee is to steer that growth. At this point, Steve Ach provided a map outlining the designated wetlands in Elk River. Committee Member Chris Kreger explained how services were more expensive having a 2'/s lots versus smaller lots which are typically found in subdivisions with water and sewer. Discussion followed regarding park dedication fees when subdividing land. Julius Nemeth expressed his concern that the fees are too high. Debbie Turner, 206th Avenue N.W., owner of 3'/2 acres, stated that she is in favor of maintaining the 10 acre minimum lot size and preserving some rural areas in the City. Paul Weymon, 19650 212th Avenue N.W., expressed his concern that the Committee balance the concerns of the citizens regarding the use of their land. He stated that he bought his property under the assumption that the rural atmosphere would be maintained. He further stated that he finds the heavy gravel and mining zone change contradictory to that goal. Steve Ach stated that in planning for future development, the Steering Committee must balance the need for future development and the services that will be demanded while at the same time keeping taxes at a reasonable level. Dick Hinkle explained his reasons for supporting a 2'/2 minimum lot size as opposed to the 10 acre minimum. He stated that the change is not going to