July 6, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes July 6, 1995 Page 4 the landowner. Also, he felt the land would be assessed at the lower value. Discussion of land trusts and conservation easements followed. Gene Thompson, resident on Meadowvale Road in the A-1 zoning district, stated he was in favor of providing property owners some options. Those that want to develop their property in a reasonable fashion could do it, and those that don't want to, can continue farming. Richard Thompson, resident, stated that he was in favor of maintaining the 10 acre minimum lot size. He suggested that some additional tax dollars be spent to apprehend people dumping trash and appliances in the rural areas, and that fines be increased. Rick Fredrickson, resident on County Road 33 and 1, stated he was in favor of allowing property owners some options in developing their property in this area. Bill Zacharda, resident on County Road 33, expressed his support for the clustering concept, in addition to the 4 on 40. Steve Ach explained that the clustering concept is a good idea; however the Committee should decide what density is appropriate for the A-1 district and eventually for the R l a district. Marty Glines stated he felt the nicest developments are those in which the most creativity is allowed. He explained that wooded areas can be maintained as wildlife preserves, and open areas can be seeded with prairie grasses, such as was done in Hassan Hills. Marly noted that a plan must be established for the open space when the cluster development is platted. Dave Anderson stated if the question was whether 2-1/2 acre minimum lots without the creativity of clustering was allowed versus the 10 acre minimum, he would vote for the 10 acre minimum. Steve Ach questioned what the Committee's concept of "rural" character is and would greater density in the A-1 district begin to destroy the perception of rural. Discussion continued regarding cluster development, and the desirability of 21/2, 5 and 10 acre lots. CHRIS KREGER MOVED THAT THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND THE CITY CONTINUE THE "FOUR LOTS ON 40 ACRES" CONCEPT, AND, IN ADDITION, ADD A CONCEPT TO ALLOW CLUSTERING OF A MAXIMUM OF 13 LOTS ON 40 ACRES WITH A MINIMUM LOT SIZE OF ONE ACRE, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THAT FIFTY PERCENT (50%) OF THE LAND IS FOREVER UTILIZED AS OPEN SPACE THROUGH THE USE OF A LAND TRUST, CONSERVATION DISTRICT, OR OTHER MECHANISM. 2. UNUSABLE LAND SHALL BE DISCOUNTED WHEN DETERMINING THE DENSITY OF THE UNUSABLE PORTION OF THE LAND.