March 23, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Meeting Minutes Page 8 March 23, 1995 that data supports that need. Dave Anderson expressed concern that the residents do not want 10,000 square foot lots; they want it to remain rural and keep the 2-1/2 acre minimum. Arne Engstrom questioned why the residential needs to be included now if there are enough residential lots within the present urban service district to serve development for the next 10 years. Chris Kreger explained that the inclusion of residential is for the 5 - 15 year plan. Janet Cotton, 19215 Tyler Street, questioned if they would have restrictions of 10 acre minimum lot sizes if they are included in the urban service district plan. She stated that if sewer and water may not come for 15 years, it would not be right for them not be able to do anything with their land, other than its current use. Chair Minton stated that there would be restrictions to preserve it for future possible development. Chris Kreger stated that there would likely be larger lot size restrictions. He stated that he would recommend that lots in Area 2 and 3 be a minimum of five acres when zoning issues are discussed by the Committee. Dick Hinkle stated that he would not be able to vote in favor of including residential property in the proposed urban service district, not knowing what the ramifications will be, in regard to minimum lot sizes and zoning. Stoffel Reistma, property owner in Area 8, stated that he is not interested in developing his property right now, but for someone that does, the impact of a rezoning is of great concern. He asked that Committee must first consider what is the desired maximum population of Elk River. He stated that the broader issue ? is where they see Elk River in the future. Hank Duitsman stated that the growth is going to come, and the size of the lots will determine the population. Chair Minton added that population issues will be addressed at a future meeting. Mr. Reitsma stated that he felt the extension of the urban service district should be discussed after the Committee makes a determination of the maximum desired population. He added that designating residential property at this time as being in the urban service district will determine the population will be. Mr. Reitsma stated that he felt this proposal for such a large expansion of the urban service district is a total contradiction of what the City determined five years ago. He stated he felt the Committee should be discussing whether or not the residents of Elk River really want to throw out the old plan and come up with a new one, and do we really want to grow that large. A young resident stated that he has lived here all his life. He questioned why the Committee wants to make the City bigger when there is not enough room in the schools now. Chair Minton called for a vote at this time. THE MOTION FAILED 5-7. Chris Kreger requested that the audience conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Hank Duitsman stated that this meeting is not the last chance for changes in the plan, and that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission and also the City Council before a plan is adopted.