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Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2024 --------- Page 6 of 8 Mr. Carlton stated this application affects only the proposed 217 acres. He outlined the project boundaries and explained the updated sewer connections offered a smaller lot size opportunity, rather than a 2.5 acre. He stated this area is surrounded by wetlands. Ms. Gillette asked if there would even be a connection to County Road 1 through her parent's property. She felt the wetlands would be affected by the proposed development, with each lot having their own well. She asked if a groundwater survey was taken and data available for how this will impact the surrounding landowners. She stated the land to the north contains unique plants that have been protected and studied, and feels those plant species and endangered species that will be affected by this development. Minnesota Land Trust is interested in preserving this area as an asset to the city. She asked about soil types, well depths, what proposed utilities will be included and what the setbacks will be. There being no one else to speak, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing. Chris Dahn, an engineer with Bogart Pederson and Associates, discussed the process and methods when modeling the wetlands to approximate drainage from the subdivision to the wetlands, using an approximate number of impervious that could go onto each lot, run off amounts on each site, and the effect it has on the surrounding wetlands, all details are in the submitted stormwater report. He discussed the groundwater report details, and stating the proposed 100 homes would not have an impact on the groundwater. Mr. Dahn then discussed endangered species and wasn't aware of any. He stated the soil types and borings completed throughout the entire plat, required on the roadways and stormwater basins, and go down at least 3' below the groundwater location to prevent contamination. Commissioner Booth asked a question about the runoff and where it's going. Mr. Dahn explained there will be 18 different infiltration basins installed to manage the runoff from the impervious surface into the ditches, to the infiltration basins. Commissioner Rydberg asked if the road alignment at the eastern connection could be adjusted. Mr. Carlton stated that as it currently sits, the property line for the neighboring parcel is not included in the proposed subdivision, and therefore limits where the roadway connection can be placed. Ben Schmidt – owner of Twin Cities Land Development – stated at this time, the roadway alignment across cannot be made. He said the wetland study did not identify any endangered species but does recognize this area to be an asset and one they wouldn't want to see disturbed. He said the large wetland will be in an outlot to protect the area with either the city or the HOA owning it. There being no one else to speak, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Rydberg asked about the differences between the R1a and R1b zoning. Mr. Carlton stated the minimum lot size for a R1a lot is 2.5 acres, R1b for sewered lots, minimum lot size is 12,000 sq. ft.; Rb1 for non-sewered lots the minimum lot size is 1 acre. Commissioner Rydberg wondered if they should be concerned with the potential for an increase in residents requesting variances, zone changes, or adjustments when there are larger lots, and will they