PLAN COMMISSION
May 21, 2009
Members present: Knudson, Burchill, Yoerg, Selissen, Vance and Casanova
Others present: Jay Griggs, Mike Darrow (SEH) and Denny Darnold
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Knudson at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Casanova, seconded by Yoerg to
approve the May 7, 2009 meeting minutes.
Motion carried.
Comprehensive plan update – document format, intergovernmental cooperation element, land use mapping and policies, park plan and implementation element. Mike Darrow, SEH project director for the city of Hudson comprehensive plan update. Darrow reported that the plan is about 80% completed. He reviewed the plan document format as presented in the draft presented at the April meeting (draft plan dated 4-20-09). The format will provide on each page an opportunity to present photographs and pertinent information that may highlight the plan narrative. Darrow asked the plan commission to review the draft plan and provide comments. The commission will be moving towards completion of the draft plan in July and August and discussion on the Implementation Element in August.
Darnold reviewed the draft Intergovernmental Cooperation agreement and noted the issue of sustainability will be further addressed as an intergovernmental matter if the municipalities and school district all adopt the resolution agreed to in the Intergovernmental Commission.
Darrow reviewed the land use section and asked if there were any general comments in regard to the draft Land Use Element. Darnold commented that on page 14 of the 4-20-09 draft that there were referrals to “gray and green development.” Darnold noted that may be terms familiar to the planning profession, but not to the general public; and the terms should be defined to assist the public in understanding those terms.
Knudson noted that there also are references on page 14 to mixed-use in reference to shared parking and that those terms also will need to be defined. Darrow responded that next month the revised draft will include discussions in greater detail as to the use / density references. Knudson also inquired about the policies on page 14 about the creation of a parking district and further asked how that may be accomplished. Darrow answered noting that the information on downtown development was taken from the study prepared by consultant Marc Putman.
Darnold explained that there may be several ways to derive funding for parking improvements including tax increment financing, business improvement district (self assessment) and the parking revenue generated by fines. That issue may not be able to be fully addressed within the scope of the comprehensive plan update, but reviewed in more detail with specific studies that will supplement the comprehensive plan.
Yoerg asked that the city explore the acquisition of land in the downtown commercial area to expand parking without going into the nearby residential properties.
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May 21, 2008
Knudson referred to page 24 and to the last bullet point regarding pervious paving. Yoerg questioned if pervious paving can be effective. Vance expressed caution that if required it may become a disincentive for development. Darnold noted that pervious paving can be considered in specific situations as the technology has been significantly improved in recent years.
Darnold referred to the use of the terms ghost platting and premature development in the discussion regarding the extraterritorial areas (towns of Hudson and Troy) and that those terms need to be defined also and examples presented to clarify the intent of the policies. Darrow noted he will bring examples to the meeting in June.
Darrow noted that at the June meeting to discuss the comprehensive plan that the primary issue for discussion will be the Land Use Element, including housing, and in July the Implementation Element will be discussed. The third open house should be scheduled in August, Darrow suggested.
Yoerg asked about boundary agreements. Darnold responded that a boundary agreement in the simplest terms is an agreement between a city and an adjacent town to agree to where the city may eventually expand. A boundary agreement may be amended.
Knudson noted that the town of Troy and the city of River Falls worked together for about two years to achieve a proposed boundary agreement, but for it to not be executed as the city initiated other efforts to manage growth.
Yoerg asked about the loss of agricultural land due to city growth, particularly as it applies to the town of Troy. Darnold commented that in the late 1970s and early 1980s counties, including St. Croix, prepared farmland preservation ordinances to address that issue. The issue of development has been enhanced in that the River Crest elementary school may bring pressure for residential development near the school.
Vance noted that if areas near the school are in the city of Hudson and placed on municipal sanitary sewer and water that less agricultural land would be developed for the same number of residences to be developed.
Knudson urged the plan commission to carefully read the proposed draft and to provide comments to Mike Darrow or Denny Darnold.
Other matters for discussion purposes only or placement on future agendas. Yoerg inquired about a municipal tree planting / replacement program and about composting. Darnold noted the issue of a tree planting / replacement program will be discussed at the public works meeting scheduled for May 26. Knudson noted that public works has reviewed the possibility of a composting program, but that no decision has been made.
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May 21, 2009
Darnold noted that he will not be able to meet on the regular scheduled date of July 9 due to a family obligation. Knudson suggested postponing that meeting until July 16. Darnold stated he will send a memo to the plan commission members to determine availability of the members for tentatively scheduled meetings in June, July and August.
Motion by Yoerg, seconded by Casanova to
adjourn. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis Darnold, Secretary