04-25-96 growth mgmt tsk forceApril 25, 1996
The newly formed Growth Management Task Force (GMTF) met on this
date: In attendance were: Co -Chairs Blair Joselyn and Kevin
Nickelson, Bill Plowman, Richard Tetzlaff, John Borchert, LaVayne
Dupslaff, Gary Hogle, Charlie Ellis, Dan Booren, Terrance Dreyer,
Mary Lanz, Edith Hadlich and Colleen Firkus.
After brief introductions of members, it was decided to meet of
the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and run no later than
9:00 p.m. However, the next meeting will be May 16.
Background
The task force's purpose, goals and objectives were outlined.
Basically, the GMTF will be acting on the recommendations in
Virginia Harris's report, amend the Township's Comprehens-ive Plan
and develop a plan for sewage disposal as requested by the MET
Council.
Bill Plowman gave an overview of the Township's Comprehensive
Plan. The Plan requires approval by the MET Council, but was
recently withdrawn from the approval process to be amended;
primarily to deal with the 1:10 density ratio issue. The
Township will continue to act on its current ordinances until
Washington County enacts their new subdivision ordinances in
early 1997.
Blair Joselyn outlined the,role of the Planning Commission in
making recommendations to the Town Board on conditional use
permits, variances, subdivisions and certificates of compliance.
The Township expects to adopt the County's new subdivision
ordinances once the County's Comprehensive Plan has been approved
by the MET Council. This would change considerations for
development to an overall density requirement (1:10) rather than
a minimum lot size requirement. The Township's ordinances will
also have to follow the Township's Comprehensive Plan by law.
The Township will also be required to offer Cluster Housing or
Open Space development. Cluster development is expected to be
more flexible to fit the land, rather than grid -like or cookie
cutter development. Several members of the GMTF are expected to
attend an upcoming workshop on this type of development.
Development in New Scandia Township Report
The GMTF reviewed the recommendations on pages 2, 3, 14, 15 and
16 of Virginia Harris' report. Basically, the report raises such
questions as how does the Township want to grow by the years
2010, 2015 and 2020. How are we going to conform to the 1:10
density restriction? Do we want to define a town center? By
acting on these recommendations the GMTF expects to develop a
staged land use map, a new zoning map and ultimately make
recommendations for changes in the Township's ordinances. The
Township is also waiting for the MET Council's response to
Harris' final report.
April 25, 1996
Page 2
It was determined that hiring a consultant to guide and advise
the GMTF was of primary importance. The task force has been
directed by the Town Board to hire such consultant, however, no
budget has yet been set. The GMTF agreed that Blair Joselyn and
Kevin Nickelson will meet with consultant Peggy Reichert prior to
the next meeting. If it appears she will be able to assist us
for a reasonable cost, Ms. Reichert will be invited to the May 16
meeting for an introductory meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
Colleen Firkus
Secretary
Growth Management Task Force