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<br />Planning Commission Minutes <br />July 22,1997 <br />Page 7 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Steve Ach indicated the City of Elk River has initiated a Comprehensive Plan <br />Amendment to adjust the urban service boundary in eastern Elk River to include <br />480 acres. Approximately 180 of the 480 acres is either owned by the City, <br />MN/DOT. or is identified as wetlands, leaving approximately 280 to 300 acres with <br />development potential. Steve indicated there would be no immediate or <br />foreseeable assessments, and extension of utilities would likely be initiated by the <br />development community. Steve noted this area will likely develop in 2-1/2 acre <br />lots if it is not included in the urban service area. Steve noted if the area is <br />included, it would be appropriate to rezone the properties for the current R 1 a to <br />a residential zoning district consistent with other areas within the urban service <br />boundary. <br /> <br />Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. <br /> <br />Karl Schaap, 15096 191st Avenue, expressed concern for the impact on the <br />Holzem's 500 acre dairy operation. He explained 50 acres of the property to be <br />included consist of 11 homeowners, 180 acres have 3 owners, and no one is <br />interested in developing their property in the foreseeable future. In addition to <br />the assessments, Mr. Schaap stated a contractor estimated it would cost one of <br />the property owners involved approximately $38,000 to bring water and sewer <br />lines to his home from the street. He indicated all of the property owners he has <br />spoken with are not in favor of being included in the urban service area. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Discussion followed regarding 2-1/2 acre development vs. Inclusion in the urban <br />service area. Mr. Schaap questioned whether certain areas could be exempted <br />as was done in the case of Hidden Creek subdivision. <br /> <br />Paul Holzem, 19049 Davis Street, owner of a large dairy farm in the proposed area <br />to be included in the urban service district, felt the residents should be given a <br />long term notice of the extension of water and sewer. He indicated he would not <br />be able to afford the assessments and would likely have to sell out or relocate his <br />dairy operation. <br /> <br />Terry Maurer review past history of the extension of utilities to the western area. <br />He indicated there were some small developments with parcels that could not <br />reasonably be subdivided and were not assessed or forced to hookup. Owners of <br />vacant properties with tillable land were given a 2 years interest-free deferment <br />to decide if they wanted sell or move their operation. Terry stated he does not <br />foresee sewer and water being forced out into this area. Steve indicated the <br />current growth pattern is to move from the core of the city outward and that <br />Inclusion in the urban service area does not mean the property owners will be <br />assessed now. <br /> <br />Paul Holzem stated he was against being included in the urban service area and <br />did not feel it was appropriate. <br /> <br />Emma Davis, 18925 Davis Street, expressed concern for increasing taxes and the <br />need for industry in Elk River. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Tom Forsythe, 10578 181st Avenue, indicated he felt the Planning Commission's <br />recommendations to Council should take into account property owners with land <br />