10-26-1995 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1995 Page 7 . Mark Martin asked for an explanation of the difference between a goal and policy. Chair Kuester explained that a goal is an overall idea and a policy states how the City intends to accomplish the goal. Mr. Martin stated he felt that a majority of the property owners present at the Steering Committee meeting to discuss the transportation plan ,wanted to see the agricultural area stay rural. He was concerned that if the 10 acre minimum lot size is reduced to 2-1/2 acres, what happens if sewer and water is extended in the future. Wesley Hunt, 11149 205th Avenue, felt that requiring a landowner to dedicate 50 percent of their property to open space in order to develop it was unfair. He felt that park lands should be paid for by everyone in the City. He felt it was like asking people that work for large companies with retirement programs to split up their money with the residents of Elk River when they retire. Dan Boman, 13921 1215t street, stated he owns 110 acres off 213th Avenue. He is struggling with the concept of "where City Meets Country". Currently he is involved in mitigation of a wetland on his property. In order to develop property in the agricultural zone, the City wants "city" standards -- 32 foot wide roads, asphalt curbing, storm retention ponds; everything that is in a urban subdivision with smaller lots. Yet the City requires the 10 acre lot sizes which do not support the cost of the required improvements. He stated that since there are people on both sides of the issue, they will never come to an agreement and the city will have to find a balance. . Jeff Scheel, son of Eugene and Cecilia Scheel, stated that he does not own property in the City but that he is affected by decisions made regarding his parent's property since it will be part of his inheritance someday. He explained that when he parents purchased their property twenty-five years ago, it was not part of the City of Elk River. He felt it was unfortunate that the people that have recently moved out of the metro area on 10 acre parcels are dictating what the people can do with their land who have lived here for many years. He felt that the people who are supposed to give up 50 percent of their land as open space should be compensated by those who want it to remain open space. Mr. Scheel stated that by maintaining the 10 acre minimum and implementing the clustering option, his parents will lose close to a million dollars. He did not feel those people objecting to development of smaller lots have the right to take his parent's investment away from his family. He did not feel anyone sitting on the Commission would be willing to give up half of their land, just for a concept "Where City and County Flow Together". He also felt that the 10 acre property owners were blight on the neighborhood, with their junk piles and horses on the road, and felt this does not happen on the 2-1/2 acre lots. He concluded by stating he felt the recommendations for the agricultural zone which restricted his parents from developing their property were totally unfair. Mr. Scheel stated that his mother, Cecilia Scheel, would not be voting on this particular issue. Tom Gustafson, 213th Avenue, stated he was in support for the 10 acre minimum. He felt the large property owners have rights and should be compensated for their investment in the land. . Dennis Chuba, 10451 175th Avenue, stated that it is inevitable for development pressure to come to Elk River. He cautioned the 10 acre property owners that if they want to live in a rural environment, they should look for property much