HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.21.96 Special Council Minutes
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING
CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 21, 1996
1. The meeting was called to order by Councilmember Ristow at 7:00 P.M..
Members Present: Ristow, Gamer, Fitch.
Members Absent: Kuchera, Galler.
Also Present: Interim Administrator Finstuen, City Planner Tooker, Planning Commission
Members Schlawin, Larson, Gramentz.
2. It was established that the meeting would be limited to discussion of two subjects;
one being the yearly cap on new dwelling building permits; the second is the Livable
Communities Act.
3. Discussion began with the 300 new building units cap. It was noted that the 300
figure was based on past growth experience. Member Fitch noted that this had been an item
for discussion at the October joint workshop. The purpose of the cap was to aid in the
City's budgeting process. Approximately 25\ of the City's budget was financed by fees
associated with new building permits. Concerns were expressed regarding becoming
dependent upon those fees in the budget and the effect that a drop in new building permit
activity could have. By controlling the number of new units each year, the City would be
better able to adjust its budget. It was also noted that the 300 permits described would
be single family dwellings. In addition, a multiple family dwelling would be considered
one building permit. Discussion continued regarding funds collected over and above the
300 units per year being placed in a fund that would be drawn on in years when the City
fell short of the current permit level.
MUSA was discussed in relationship to the need for making building lots available. In
order to request MUSA expansion, the Comprehensive Plan needs to be updated. The
connection between MUSA expansion and the availability of infrastructure was discussed.
Infrastructure expansion and improvement follows the City's capital improvement program
and it is logical that MUSA would be requested for areas where infrastructure is available
or planned in the near future.
Planning Commission Chair Schlawin expressed the Commission's concern that some
development occurs too quickly. He explained that proper development and review takes
time and, therefore, PUDs result in better planning. The update of the Comprehensive Plan
will aid the development process by designating areas of high and low density housing and
transition areas between them.
Downtown expansion and the location of small commercial centers was discussed in relation
to the ability of the Commission and Council to determine how and where they should be
placed.
Discussion regarding the Vermillion River Housing project centered on location and
amenities for residents living there, as well as the feeling by' the Councilmembers present
that the location would best be used for retail. Member Ristow also noted that there was
still the question about it being the site of a former dump.
The four areas of requested MUSA expansion were noted, along with the need to complete the
Comprehensive Plan this year to allow developers adequate time to begin planning before
infrastructure is installed. The total MUSA expansion request would encompass
approximately 1000 acres and would serve Farmington's development needs for approximately
10 to 15 years. Once MUSA was approved, actual growth and development would be managed by
the construction of infrastructure.
Minutes - 2/21/96 - Special - Page 2
4. The members present concurred that continued joint meetings were necessary and that
City Planner Tooker was designated as the person responsible for setting up these
meetings.
5. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 8:40 P.M..
MOTION by Gramentz, second by Larson to adjourn at 8:40 P.M..
Submitted by,
Karen Finstuen
Interim City Administrator
APIF~ MOTION CARRIED.
APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
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