05_09_2006_TBMinutes_WORKSHOPMay 9, 2006
On the above date a Workshop Meeting was held involving the Planning Commission
and the New Scandia Town Board. The following Planning Commission members were
present: Chair Chris Ness, James Malmquist, Kevin Nickelson, Peter Schwarz, Donnette
Yehle. The following Town Board members were present: Chairman Dennis Seefeldt,
Michael Hametty, Blair Joselyn, Nancy Madden. Michael Hinz absent. Town Planner
Richard Thompson and Town Attorney Dave Hebert were also present.
MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS -- OPEN SPACE DESIGN
Discussion included reducing the current bonus of 100%. Mr. Thompson displayed maps
that can be generated through multiple databases that outline prime agricultural soils,
ecological sensitive areas, forests and woodlands. This software program may be
available in the next few months at no charge. This program has the potential to zero in
on plats and can inventory the resources. All agreed that this would be a very beneficial
way to view parcels prior to development. It was also agreed that there needs to be tight,
concise definitions of the resources that need protection.
Mr. Thompson presented a Draft Ordinance amending certain sections of Ordinance Na.
74 pertaining to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. The key to the ordinance is that
developers are not guaranteed a bonus. The developer needs to prove that they deserve
the bonus by meeting certain criteria. It was discussed to start a bonus for Open Space
Design at 25%, then grant additional percentages for meeting outlined standards. These
standards include affordable housing, community septic, community well, preservation of
woodlands, ag land, historic structures, contiguous open space, etc. Those present were
asked to assign a percentage to each criteria. The results showed roughly a 10% bonus to
be given to each standard.
The workshop concluded with a request to Mr. Thompson to evaluate recently approved
plats (Nature's Walk, Serenity, Emerald Acres) using these outlined standards. This
would give an idea of how the current regulations compare to the proposed revised
ordinance. Mr, Thompson will also overlay the available resource maps for these plats to
show a long-range conservation blueprint.
A follow-up Workshop will beheld on May 24, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned.
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Brenda Eklund
New Scandia Township Deputy Clerk