SUNFISH LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
– JANUARY 16, 2008
7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Attendants:
Chair Eberhard
Bulach
Commissioners:
Andrea McCue, Joanne Wahlstrom, and Arnulf Svendsen.
City Planner:
Laurie Smith
City Clerk:
Catherine Iago
and Members of the General Public.
Commissioner Tom Votel arrived at 7:10 p.m.
I.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bulach opened the meeting at 7:00
p.m.
II.
APPROVE AGENDA: Chair Bulach if there were any comments or
corrections to the November 28, 2007 Commission minutes as presented and
there was no response. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and informed
the City Planner that the Commission would miss her during her planned
maternity leave.
Commissioner Wahlstrom moved to approve the November 28, 2007
Planning Commission minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner
Svendsen and carried. 4-0.
Commissioner Svendsen asked if the Planner had found information
regarding whether or not Escrow Funds gain interest and if the City
retains the interest that is accrued.
Planner Smith stated she is unsure if the funds gain interest since
staff is continually drawing from the escrowed funds; she offered to
check on the matter and report to the Commission.
III. Public Hearing: 2008 Draft
Comprehensive Plan Update.
Chair Bulach opened the
public hearing to discuss the 2008 Draft Comprehensive Plan Update. He
asked the Planner to report on changes to the plan over the last 10
years.
Planner Smith explained that there were no significant changes to the
plan in the last 10 years. She stated that she updated the Social
Profile of the City based on the 2000 Census figures. She advised that
there had not been major development within the City and therefore the
physical profile has remained much the same. She noted that changes in
storm water and surface water management had been updated in the
document and that housing units are up slightly.
The Planner advised that the policies of the Comprehensive Plan have
remained relatively the same since it was first adopted in the 1970’s
and the City philosophy has not changed since that time. She explained
that the development formula for density at one unit per 3 acres remains
the same and that the City would seek a Rural Residential designation
based on the fact that no utilities would be installed and that
designation most closely matches the City policy.
Commissioner Votel arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Planner Smith indicated that two items should be accomplished this
evening, the first would be to conduct the Public Hearing and open up
the comment period to surrounding jurisdictions and then to take action
to authorize staff to distribute the document after review and approval
by the Commission. She explained that the document would be forwarded to
the adjacent cities as well as the Watershed District, the School
District, and the DNR. She noted that some agencies may send a waiver if
they have no comments, otherwise the City will need to address any
comments submitted prior to submitting the document to the Metropolitan
Council for their approval.
Chair Bulach asked if only one meeting would be necessary to discuss the
document. Planner Smith suggested that the public hearing could remain
open for comments from the public, Planning Commission, Council and
staff and to allow further time to review the document. She also
indicated that additional meetings could be scheduled if needed.
Commissioner Votel asked if the Commission would collect and review the
comments submitted or Council. The Planner responded that the comments
would be reviewed by both and the document may be amended if needed.
Chair Bulach commented that although there were no audience members
present, the five Commissioners present represent one percent of the
City’s population and all are residents of the community.
Commissioner Votel asked if the Planner’s office had reviewed the plan
and made any recommendations based on other cities they provide service.
Planner Smith explained that when the document is drafted she discusses
it with her associates.
Commissioner Votel asked if there were any significant changes to the
document or if the plan policies and overall goals had changed.
The Planner responded there were no substantive changes and reiterated
the updates she had made to the document. She further advised that the
only major change the City is requesting is that the Met Council change
the designation from “Developing Community” to “Rural Residential”.
She explained that when she, the Mayor and Chiar Bulach met with the
Met Council they pointed out that the City has no waste water treatment
facility, no airport, etc. and that the “Rural Residential” designation
would be more appropriate. She noted that the Met Council staff
suggested a changed to “Diversified Rural”; however, that designation is
usually given for farming communities since the density is 1 unit per 10
acres. She noted that during the meeting staff indicated the City’s
preference would be “Rural Residential” and the Met Council staff person
indicated that may be appropriate.
Commissioner Votel asked if there was any advantage to the designation
based on the proposed development in Inver Grove Heights along the I-494
corridor. Planner Smith responded that there would be an advantage and
that the hesitation on the part of the Met Council stems from the fact
that they do not wish to give a designation that does not provide for
utilities since they are in the utility business. She also pointed out
that the “Diversified Rural” designation does not make sense for such a
small community that has no large parcels remaining for development.
Commissioner Votel commented that the City should stress the fact that
the City’s goals have remained the same since the 1970’s and that Inver
Grove Heights has changed their plan over the years. Planner Smith noted
that the southern portion of Inver Grove Heights comprehensive plan has
not changed because they do not plan to install utilities in that area;
however, the northern portion of that City has changed to reflect
development.
Commissioner Svendsen asked if the document has sufficient information
to provide a defensible position for the City’s requested designation.
Planner Smith responded yes.
Chair Bulach referred to the bulleted item on page 31 of the document
which reads: “Sunfish Lake has established regulation and policies to
prohibit the extension of public sewer and water utilities into the
community unless a dire situation arises that warrants their mandatory
use.” He agreed that the Met Council staff person had indicated there
may be willingness on the part of the Met Council to provide the “Rural
Residential” designation as it makes sense for Sunfish Lake.
Planner Smith agreed that the meeting was very positive and the staff
person also suggested language and that it be spelled out in the draft
Comprehensive Plan when submitted.
Mayor Park agreed that the meeting with Met Council staff went well and
that they offered specific wording for inclusion in the document that
would support the requested designation.
Commissioner Votel stated he believes the designation should be
clarified at this time.
Chair Bulach asked if there were any further comments from those in
attendance and there was no response.
Commissioner McCue moved to direct staff to distribute the 2008 Draft
Comprehensive Plan Update to surrounding cities and other jurisdictions
as deemed appropriate, seconded by Commissioner Votel and carried. 5-0
Chair Bulach asked if subsequent meetings would be necessary if
residents wish to comment on the plan. Planner Smith pointed out that
she had published the notice of the public hearing and that the draft
update is posted on the City website; she noted that residents usually
do not attend the meetings unless there are major changes or
controversial issues.
Commissioner Svendsen asked if the public hearing should be continued to
July. Planner Smith suggested leaving the public hearing open for six
months or until all comments have been received.
Commissioner Votel moved to leave the Public Hearing open for a
period of six months from this date or until such time as all comments
have been received, seconded by Commissioner Svendsen and carried. 5-0
VI.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS: Chair Bulach asked if there was any old
or new business.
Planner Smith explained that the application period expires on Monday,
and that no new applications have been received to date; if no
applications are submitted, she advised she would send notice of the
February meeting cancellation.
Chair Bulach suggested appointing a Task Force to study current building
permit procedures in view of recent discussions regarding persons
deviating from building plans. He further suggested discussion of
requiring “as builts” prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy as
part of the building requirements.
Commissioner Svendsen asked Chair Bulach to explain the term “as builts”.
Chair Bulach explained that the applicants would be responsible for
providing information for staff to check grading, heights, etc. upon
completion of their building project and prior to issuing a certificate
of occupancy for the residence.
City Clerk Iago pointed out that the “as builts” would provide a
document to compare against the originally approved building plans.
Commissioner McCue questioned what could be done if the plans were not
the same. Chair Bulach noted that enforcement is difficult, but some
type of penalty could be imposed.
Commissioner Votel commented that if applicants are aware of the
requirement and the fact that they are accountable, they may be more apt
not to deviate from the originally approved plans.
Chair Bulach noted that building and landscaping plans are more complex
and will most likely require more staff time to keep on top of
construction. He suggested the Task Force include a few Commissioners,
the City Engineer, the City Planner and the Building Inspector.
Commissioner Votel suggested the Planner make a recommendation regarding
the make-up of the Task Force.
Planner Smith stated she would contact other staff members and send
email information to the Commission regarding the Task Force. There was
discussion regarding holding a meeting of the Task Force on the regular
meeting date in February if no applications are received.
Chair Bulach and Commissioners Votel, Wahlstrom and McCue offered to
serve on the Task Force.
Commissioner Votel moved to request establishment of a Task Force
with recommendations for composition from staff, to discuss site and
building plan procedures, seconded by Commissioner Wahlstrom and
carried. 5-0
Chair Bulach asked if there was any
further business and there was no response.
V.
ADJOURN: Commissioner McCue moved, to adjourn the meeting at
7:50 p.m, seconded by Commissioner Votel and carried. 5-0
___________________________
Catherine Iago, City Clerk
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