3.b November 18, 2008 minutes /
November 18, 2008
A special meeting of the Scandia Planning Commission was held on the above date for the
purpose of discussing the revised 2008-2030 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Scandia.
Chairman Chris Ness called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. The following were present:
Planning Commissioners Peter Schwarz, Susan Rodsjo, Chris Ness, Christine Maefsky and Tom
Krinke. Brian Ross, CR Planning,joined the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
At a special meeting on October 22, the Planning Commission and City Council directed that
changes be made to the draft plan. Due to the late delivery of the revised plan, the
Commissioners felt that they did not have sufficient time to review the document and would not
be in a position to make a recommendation to the Council this evening.
The Commissioners addressed several issues as points of discussion. Commissioner Maefsky felt
that the distinctions between the General Rural Residential and the Ag Core districts should be
more clearly defined.
The lot averaging in the Ag Core is listed as 2 to 4 acres or 20 acres or greater. The
Commissioners agreed that lot averaging should establish 2 to 5 acre lots, to allow for the
keeping of small livestock.
Another point of discussion concerned the bonus densities allowed for conservation subdivisions
in the General Rural Residential and Ag Core. Commissioner Rodsjo felt that the bonus density
should be the same for both districts to provide fairness to landowners. Discussion continued on
establishing a value for bonus densities. Commissioner Schwartz felt that a 50% bonus is not
enough of an incentive for developers to plan cluster developments. The current conservation
subdivision ordinance is strict enough that a 100% bonus is difficult to meet.
Commissioners Rodsjo, Ness and Maefsky approved of establishing a bonus density of 75% for
both the General Rural and Ag Core districts for conservation subdivisions. Commissioners
Schwarz and Krinke preferred granting a 100% bonus for each district.
Lot averaging in the General Rural district was discussed. As the plan stands now, 4 per 40
density allows for 10 acre lots. The commissioners felt that leaving conventional lot divisions in
this district will allow for a variety of lot sizes within the city. Direction was given to Brian Ross
to submit language which would make the plan more clearly worded.
It was suggested to clearly study the Future Land Use map on page 106, as it appeared that a few
parcels were incorrectly color coded.
The Planning Commission set a special meeting for Tuesday, November 25, at 6:30 p.m. to
further discuss the revised plan. It is anticipated that a recommendation can be made to the
Council on December 2.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk