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Planning Commission Minutes 09-03-1996 . . . MINUTES REGULAR MEETING. MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, September 3, 1996 . 7 p.m. Members Present: Dick Frie, Richard Martie, Jon Bogart, Richard Carlson, Rod Dragsten Staff Present: Jeff O'Neill, Steve Grittman, Wanda Kraemer 1. Call to order. Chairman Frie called the meeting to order. 2. Consideration of approval of minutes of the re~ar meetinli:' held Au~st 6, .lilllli.. COMMISSIONER DRAGSTEN MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MARTIE, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 6, 1996 MEETING. 3. Consideration of approval of minutes of the special joint meetin~ held August 27, 1996. Chairman Frie requested under the purpose of the meeting to add direction and input on the budget as well as specific work items. COMMISSIONER DRAGSTEN MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARLSON, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED. Chairman Frie voted in favor. Bogart and Martie abstained because they were not able to attend the joint meeting. Jeff O'Neill added the HRA requested the joint meetings be scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month to coincide with the regular HRA meetings. 4. Consideration of approval of minutes of the special meeting held June 24, .lilllli.. COMMISSIONER BOGART MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MARTIE, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24,1996 MEETING. Page 1 . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 9-3-96 5. Consideration of addin~ items to the a~enda. Chairman Frie reminded the commissioner of the MCP planning workshop on September 17, 1996 in the high school board room. Chairman Frie also added concern over the large number of garage sales being held at residential sites and the safety issues of parking along major streets. Jeff O'Neill, assistant administrator, inquired if the Commission wanted to call for a public hearing. It was decided to have staff research and discuss at the next meeting. 6. Citizens comments. There were no citizens comments. 7. Com~ideration of review of sketch plan for Klein Farms III. Jeff O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, reviewed the sketch plan for the proposed subdivision design for the 80-acre Klein Farms III site, which is located south of School Boulevard and between Fallon Avenue and County Road 117. As you know, Klein Farms III represents the second half of the original 160-acre Klein Farms development. The Planning Commission is asked to review the plat in a general sense and provide direction to the developer prior to the developer moving toward completion of a more detailed preliminary plat. The main issues to discuss regarding this plat are the location and size of the park and design issue relating to mitigating programs with double-fronting lots. O'Neill added with regards to the park design when Klein Farms I and II were developed, it was agreed by the developer that the park area for the combined acreage would be provided at one location on the south 80 acres. The Parks Commission at that time felt it made sense to develop a 16-acre active play field or regional ballpark facility in the open area in the northwest corner of the south 80 acres. Mter further discussion with the developer and reassessment of the site, it was determined by the Parks Commission that it makes more sense to move the park from the open plot land of the farm area to the wooded and wetland area on the east side of the property. The Parks Commission recognized that the natural features of the wooded area and pond area provide a unique natural resource for that area. Page 2 . . . Planning Commission Minutes - 9-3-96 This area should be preserved for public use. They felt that the need for ballfields, though important, is generally satisfied by the school facilities, and future ball field needs can be met with development of a regional ballfield area at some point and location in the general vicinity. On the other hand, there is no other area with huge oak trees and significant natural features, therefore, it was felt that this area should be preserved for public use. The Commissioners discussed recommending a road width of 32 feet with sidewalks along the main collector roads because of the aesthetics and with narrower streets there will be less storm water, less improvements, and less snow removal. Also to be firm on acquiring the entire 16 acres of park land not including the wetlands. John Leerson, neighboring property owner, stated the wetlands on this property are protected by federal wetland regulations and he wanted the large Oak trees saved. In his opinion, the property value was enhanced by the trees and this also effected his property. Larry Olson, Developer's Engineer, replied originally the park area had been decided but Tony Emmerich, the developer, had the feeling there were other ideas out there. The purpose of the sketch plan is to get things started and nail down ideas. He also encouraged the Commissioners to consider keeping the wetlands in the park area because many children would enjoy this. Chairman Frie outlined his preference for providing land for active recreation areas. He stated there will be 500 homes south of 1-94 that will need active play areas. The City is deficient in tennis courts and ball fields in this area. Frie would like to see a portion of the Oaks saved for park land and still include an area for active recreation such as tennis courts and a ballfield. 8. Review downtown/riverfront concept plannin~ schemes prepared by Hosington Koegler and the MCP. Michael Schroder, Hoisington Koegler, reported this a community project and is not asking for any kind of recommendation but would like to provide the boards with some insight on where the study is headed. There are three basic planning concepts or framework ideas that will be presented at a special community workshop scheduled for September 17. The purpose of the review with the Planning Commission was to give them a preview and Page 3 . Planning Commission Minutes - 9-3-96 provide a chance to make comments prior to the meeting on the 17th. The meeting on the 17th will set the general direction for future planning efforts. Schroeder outlined the three concepts: Concept A - A River Town - Even as it grew on the banks of the Mississippi River, Monticello never really focused attention on this great resource. the revitalization of downtown and the riverfront might logically start with the river, and in doing so, develop the river in downtown as a focal point for the entire community. This opportunity will require consideration of both banks of the river and extension of the downtown Monticello to the north bank of the Mississippi. . Concept B - A Crossroads - Historically, Monticello has been a crossroads -- socially, politically, and physically. Geographically, the intersection of two roads in downtown resulted in a vital and active commercial center for the community, and people came here because it was the place to cross the river. Over time, new transportation routes and modes evolved, and the downtown changed. Envisioning the downtown as a crossroads recognizes that people still arrive at this point, but might do so on their way to some other place. In this concept, Pine Street and Broadway are recognized as being distinct from each other and distinct from other streets in Monticello, and are given a character that fits their purpose. The crossroads of these streets announce the downtown with development that reflects the best of Monticello and place a symbol of civic pride and activity in a location that represents the community's spirit and heritage. Concept C - ANew Bridge - As the Monticello community grows and changes, we have come to understand that downtown can never be what it once was. Commercial activities have migrated toward the Interstate and the traditional downtown lacks the life that it once had. The character and history of Monticello lies in the old downtown; the new commercial areas seem like so may other shopping centers and highway business areas. A way of breathing life into the downtown and instilling Monticello character in the new commercial uses is needed. The key is Walnut Street as a new "main street" that links the Mall and the river. The Commissioners discussed the concepts and adopting the final plan as a chapter of the comprehensive plan. . Page 4 . . . 9. Adjournment. Planning Commission Minutes - 9-3-96 COMMISSIONER BOGART MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DRAGSTEN TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. Respectfully submitted, W Cl~t~ K/U1RA1WJL Wanda Kraemer Development Services Technician Page 5