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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-17 CC Packet Workshop . , e e - It., ~illw~te~ T", ",un'" OF .""so~ City of Stillwater City Council Workshop April 17, 1995 7 p.m. City Council Chambers 216 North Fourth Street This meeting is a workshop session only. No action will be taken. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL 1. CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADJOURNMENT CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STillWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121 e. 1. e 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. e r illwater ~ --- - ~~ THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA J AGENDA CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Monday, April 17, 1995 City Council Chambers 7:00 p.m. ITEMS Planning process followed to date - Jerry Fontaine, Planning Commission Chairperson (Citizen participation/Ward Network/Joint Task Force). Contents and requirements of Comprehensive Plan - Steve Russell Land Use Plan and Policies (including economic development and housing). Transportation Plan and Policies - Glen Van Wormer. Parks, Riverfront and Trails Plan and Policies. Public Facilities - Nile/Klayton. Fiscal Impact - Diane. Implementation. Key Issues for April 25 Public Hearing. Other items. CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STillWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121 e e e MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council J Steve Russell, Community Development Director ~ FROM: DATE: April 10, 1995 SUBJECT: Workshop with Planning Commission on Comprehensive Plan. Pu:r:pose of Meeting (1) To familiarize the City Council with the planning process including broad-based community involvement that has been followed to date. (2) To discuss the recommended plan contents in detail and provide background information and respond to Council questions as needed to prepared Council members for the April 25 public hearing. (3) Discuss possible ways to deal with key URTPA annexation/expansion issues, i.e.: assessments, phasing of annexation, tax impact, density of development, utility extensions and easements. Background For the last 20 months, the Planning Commission, along with the City Commissions, Committees and Boards and City Staff, the Joint Task Force (over 30 meetings) and Ward Network (July-Dec. 1994), have been identifying issues, developing a future vision, (goals/objectives/policies/programs) for the future of Stillwater. Last June, a public hearing was held at the high school where four alternative land use plans were presented. The plans and the impacts of those plans raised key community issues and generated much community discussion. The Ward Network was formed in part to provide input to the planning process. The City Council appointed a Joint Comprehensive Plan Task Force made up of Township Board and Planning Commission members and City Council and Planning Commission members. A planning guidepost document resulted from that joint effort (enclosed). I think it is safe to say that the Comprehensive Plan that is being recommended by the Planning Commission reflects many of the shared Cityffownship expectations for the URTP A. . The recommended Comprehensive Plan is being presented for discussion and understanding at the workshop to prepare Council members for the public hearing April 25, 1995. As a result of that hearing the Council should provide the Planning Commission with direction to complete the plan with whatever changes the Council would like to see, then to hold an "official" public Planning Commission hearing before the Council receives the final plan for hearing. e Once the plan is approved by the City it must be approved by the Metropolitan Council for conformance with regional policies (transportation/housinglsanitary sewerslland use). After Metropolitan Council approval the revision will be officially adopted as the City's Comprehensive Plan. The time frame for the Comprehensive Plan is 1995-2020. There are two planning phases for the plan, 1995-2010 and 2010-2020. Policy and direction for the first phase 1995- 2010 because it is more immediate, is clearer then the 2010-2020 phase. The 1995-2010 phase calls for the City to grow by 800 acres and to add 4,000-5,000 people as indicated on the proposed land use map. For the 2010-2020 period the expansion for the City is not clear. The remaining areas after the 2010 expansion are primarily developed in 2.5 acre plats and their owner mayor may not want to be a part of Stillwater after 2010. Urban services may be a factor, efficiency of servicing the area may be a factor and zoning or future subdivision of the area into smaller lots may be a factor. All these considerations are not clear now, but will become clearer in the coming years. Although the future of the 2010-2020 area is not defmed at this point but it will be zoned one dwelling unit/l0 acres to maintain it in its current low density development a pattern (as prepared by Washington County. In the future the area may be annexed to the City _ and developed at higher densities or remain one d.u.ll0 acres with no urban services. Another principal of the plan is that TH36, CR15 and TH96 are the ultimate City Planning boundaries. There are 00 plans to go beyond CR15 in Grant Township to the west or north above TH96 into Stillwater Township. The Comprehensive Plan is developing a greenbelt buffer around the planning area to give identity to Stillwater and to help keep its distinctiveness. Attachments -Task Force Guidepost Document -List of past Comprehensive Plan meetings and community involvement -Ward Network Key Issues Statement e COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE MEETINGS AS OF APRIL 1995* -DATE MEETING SUBJECT e August 11, 1993 City Council work program and budget approval September 20, 1993 Planning Commission work program October 1~, 1993 Planning Commission existing conditions November 29, 1993 Planning Commission Questionnaire results/ goals policies December 20, 1993 Planning Commission Growth trends/land use/ natural resources January 31,1994 Public Hearing Phase I Existing conditions/goals and objectives February 9, 1994 Planning Commission Alternative Plan Development March 7, 1994 CounciVCommission Workshop Phase I results/public facilities March 21, 1994 Planning Commission Phase II/Existing city _May 2, 1994 Planning Commission Greenwaysffrails Update Township Task Force May 3, 1994 City Council Phase II Alternatives May 9, 1994 Planning Commission Alternative plan/neighborhood meeting schedule June 6, 1994 Planning Commission Public Meeting Phase II Alternative Plans June 14, 1994 Planning Commission Alternative Plan Workshop June 18, 1994 Planning Commission Alternative Plan Workshop June 22, 1994 Planning Commission Alternative Plan Workshop July 11, 1994 Planning Commission Discuss input from neighborhood meetings and alternative plan July 18, 1994 Planning /Council Workshop Alternative Plan selection _July 27, 1994 August 1, 1994 Planning Commission/Council Discuss alternative plans and public input Planning /Council Workshop Alternative Plan selection August 16, 1994 Planning Commission Recommendation to Council on Comp Plan Alternatives Alternative plans .September 6, 1994 Council direction on Comp Plan Alternatives Alternative plans e September 26, 1994 Planning Commission public hearing review and recommendation on Comp Plan Comp plan October 10, 1994 Planning Commission Comp plan update October 11, 1994 City Council public hearing review and adoption of comp plan Comp plan October 14, 1994 Planning Commission Comp plan update November 30, 1994 Planning Commission Receive ward network presentation December 12, 1994 Planning Commission Discuss and review ward network report and receive URTP A presentation. January 23, 1995 Planning Commission Response to ward network and joint task force report March 20, 1995 Planning Commission recommendation e of chosen alternative Comp Plan *Besides Planning Commission and Council meetings, the Parks and Recreation Commission has met 7 times to discuss the parks element of the Comp Plan. The Heritage Preservation Commission has met 6 times and the Stillwater Township Task Force has met 10 times. City staff and planning commissioners have been involved with the Washington County Comprehensive Plan and have attended Township Board Meetings. Other meetings and workshops were also included in the planning. The Ward Network has held numerous meetings. The Stillwater Open Space Committee and Friends of the Parks were organized. e e e It ) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUMMARY Update Process - The existing Comprehensive Plan is old and out of date. In August 1993 the Stillwater Planning Commission, under the direction of the City Council began the update process. Originally it was scheduled to take one year and be completed by August 1994. Because of the community interest and participation the length of time to update the plan has been extended to June 1995. The City Council has scheduled a Public Hearing on the Draft Comprehensive Plan for April 25, 1995 at City Hall. At that time the plan will be presented for community input. Plan Contents - The Comprehensive Plan is just that: Comprehensive, addressing all aspects of the physical development of existing and future City. The Plan is organized in twelve plan sections and an implementation section. The details of plan implementation will be developed as the plan proceeds. A summary of each ofthe twelve sections is provided below. For a complete description of the plan contents refer to the complete document. Introduction (1.0) Stillwater began planning with its fIrst formally adopted plan in 1918. This plan represents a continuation of the planning tradition. The existing Comprehensive Plan is old, 1980, and out of date. The revised plan reviews contemporary planning issues and information and formulates a plan for the next 15-25 years. Once adopted, the plan will need to be updated and monitored to keep it fresh and applicable. The draft Comprehensive Plan was developed in context with the Washington County Comprehensive Planning effort and the recent Metropolitan Council "Blueprint" plan policies. In those documents Stillwater is designated a "freestanding growth center" a center for urban services and development. This plan maintains that designation with a moderate rate of continued growth to 2010 and beyond. Community Character (2.0) Key Goals: Goal 1 : Goal 2: Goal 3: Strengthen Stillwater's unique character Preserve and strengthen the quality of life in Stillwater. Preserve and enhance views of dominant features. The Community Character section defInes Stillwater's strong community character elements and presents policies and programs to preserve those elements. The river setting, the landscape, residential neighborhoods, the Downtown, community entryways, and historic buildings all make up Stillwater's unique community character. The policy section recognizes these strong community character elements and describes specifIc methods to take them into consideration in planning for the future. Methods of preservation include design guidelines, design review, demolition control, landmark designation, area planning and site inspection. The Community Character section of the plan is the fIrst section because of its importance in setting the ( framework for the remaining sections. e Landuse (3.0) Key Goals: Goal 1: Maintain Stillwater as a separate and distinct community distinct from the surrounding area. Goal 2: Create new interesting quality designed neighborhoods that related to their natural settings and surroundings, developed areas, protect natural resources, provide central parks and open spaces and are interconnected by trails to neighborhood and community destinations. Goal 3: A greenbelt shall be established around the ultimate Stillwater planning area to separate suburban and urban development from semi-rural and Rural Washington County areas. The land use section provides direction for housing and economic development activities for the area. Stillwater grew from 10,196 in 1970 to 15,000 in 1995, a growth of 5,000 persons. For the 1995 to 2010 period based on the land use plan Stillwater could grow from 15,000 population to 19,000 - 20,000. About 2/3 of this growth would occur because of City expansion to the west and 1/3 would occur in the existing city. Refer to the proposed land use plan. For the Urban Rural Transition Planning Area (URTP A) a range of single family housing densities are provided from one dwelling unit per Y2 acre to six dwelling units per acre. The total number of units that could be accommodated in the URTPA as proposed is 1,200 housing units. There are currently 5,500 housing units in Stillwater. e Besides the residential development, 65 acres of research and development and other industrial use are designated for the lands between 62nd Street North and CR5 and CR 15. Residential areas would be buffered with greenbelts from the office industrial park. The land use plan includes an extensive trail and parks element connecting new areas of development to the existing City trails, proposed County trails and neighborhood trails. Plan policies also include extensive buffering, greenbelt and natural area setback regulations. Most policies regarding the Urban Rural Transition Planning Area (URTP A), were developed in cooperation with Stillwater Township. A consideration in developing those policies was to minimize the impact on Township residents if the City to grow in designated areas. A second major theme of the land use section is to retain the semi rural flavor of the area and cluster development away from natural areas and area of existing development. Sites in the existing City of Stillwater around Downtown and next to the West Stillwater Business Park are designated multi-family residential to accommodate higher density housing in e areas where goods and services are available. e e e \ Policies in the land use section call for continual cooperation between the Township and the City in implementing the plan once it is adopted. Transportation (4.0) Key Goals Goal 1: Make it easy and convenient to travel in and around Stillwater, tie allowable new development to the capacity of roadways; prevent intrusion of non-residential traffic in neighborhoods when possible and develop a comprehensive sidewalk, trail and bikeway system. Goal 2: Develop a coordinated transportation system that provides for local as well as areawide traffic. Goal 3: Provide efficient and environmentally sound transportation facilities consisting of roads, bikeways, transit lines and pedestrian paths. Goal 4: Support construction of the new interstate bridge and TH 36 corridor improvements to provide for regional traffic demands and to relieve cut through traffic from residential areas. Goal 5: Develop and locate new roads sensitive to historic structures and sites and natural features. Goal 6: Protect residential areas from non-residential traffic. The Transportation Section defines the existing street system and identifies existing traffic problems. Neighborhood traffic is a major concern. That will be relieved to some extent by a new river crossing bridge scheduled for completion in 2000 and a better peripheral road system around Stillwater. Specific traffic studies are underway or recommended for the Deerpath area, Third and Fourth Street area, and the Greeley/Owen Street area. Through the neighborhood or special area planning process, these will include the road system and networks to better plan land use and the road system will be explored. Traffic management, enforcement, road redesign or alternatives that may be used to improve traffic conditions. Non- auto travel modes including transit, bicycle and pedestrian travel, and traffic management are described in the plan. Local Economy (5.0) Key Goals Goal 1: Increase the tax base and provide opportunities for economic growth for Stillwater and Stillwater area residents. Goal 2: Promote and maintain the downtown as a central focus for community economic and cultural activity. Goal 3: Promote tourism consistent with retaining Stillwater's natural resources and historic and architectural character. Goal 4: Provide new locations for job growth in close proximity to housing and with convenient access. The Local Economy Section examines existing economic conditions and provides direction to accommodate future economic growth of the area. A new 65 acre research and development industrial park is designated for the area between CR5 and CRl5,just north ofTH36. Mn/DOT and Washington County will eventually make improvements to the TH36 - 15 intersection and construct a frontage road between CR5 and 15. When that occurs the area will probably change from its current agricultural use to the research and development office park use. Tourism is a significant part of the local economy particularly for the Downtown. The importance of tourism is recognized in this section. Maintaining a balance of tourist and community oriented activities and services and preserving the quality and character of the Downtown while promoting economic growth is stressed in the policies. Housing (6.0) Key Goals Goal 1: Provide a quality living environment for the citizens of Stillwater by maintaining and improving the City's existing housing stock and by planning for a range of new housing opportunities. Goal 2: Provide a choice of housing types and densities suitable to the needs of the young, locally employed and elderly through zoning and land use planning. Goal 3: Use the land use map to designate residential sites appropriate located for a range of housing densities. The Housing Section describes existing housing conditions in terms of type, tenure and housing condition. Particular attention is payed to providing a range of housing opportunities from large lot single family housing to multi-family apartments. The existing housing stock is critical to Stillwater. The older houses make up the neighborhoods and maintaining their condition is important to maintaining neighborhood character and the supply of moderate cost housing. Infill housing opportunities are identified in the land use plan and policy direction provides for looking at infill opportunities further in area or neighborhood planning. The special housing t e e e e e I- needs of very low and low income people are identified in the section along with the supply of affordable units. Existing housing project provides for 200 units of assisted housing in the City of Stillwater. Policies call for the City to work with Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Agencies to provide additional units and to develop a Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program to maintain and upgrade existing neighborhoods. Natural Resources and Open Space (7.0) Key Goals Goal 1: Create an open space system that preserves open space within and outside the City of Stillwater. Goal 2: Use the system to connect open spaces, parks, activity centers and neighborhoods. Goal 3: Protect and enhance the S1. Croix River as a natural open space system and recreation resource. Stillwater is fortunate to have a variety of natural resources and open space areas. The S1. Croix River, ravine lands, lakes, and Brown's Creek make up major elements of Stillwater's natural setting. This section describes each of the natural resource elements and provides regulations for protecting and preserving the natural resources. Wetland buffers are of particular importance in the URTP A. Special attention is paid to City ravines that are beginning to experience development pressures. Plans call for development of a ravine management plan. Parks, riverfront and trails (8.0) Key Goals Goal 1: Provide a variety of parks and other leisure, recreational and cultural opportunities that area accessible, affordable, safe, physically attractive and uncrowded for all Stillwater residents. Goal 2: Enhance and expand existing recreational facilities for Stillwater residents based on the recreational needs of the community and its neighborhoods. Goal 3: Provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for Stillwater residents. Goal 4: Provide safe and accessible parks and recreational facilities. It This section describes the existing city neighborhood and community park system and provides a needs assessment of future park improvement. The Old Athletic Field, Jaycee Ball Field and the Oak Glen Area, which lacks a neighborhood park, are areas identified as needing attention. The section provides standards for park development in new areas, and an overall community trail system that relates to County trails. The parks section was developed by the City Parks Board to provide a master plan for future park improvement for the years to come. During neighborhood planning, the specific park needs of each area would be evaluated and considered in developing the specific neighborhood park plans. The Stillwater Riverfront park and Open Space System is described. The Lowell Park Plan provides specific direction for its improvement but additional plans need to be prepared for Kolliner Park and the City owned Aiple leased property which will become available to the City in 1998. Historic Resources (9.0) Key Goals Goal 1: Goal 2: Goal 3: Goal 4: Goal 5: Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving historic properties which reflect Stillwater's cultural, social, economic, political, visual, aesthetic or architectural history. - Protect and enhance the City's appeal and attraction to residents, visitors and tourists, using historic properties as a support and stimulus to business and industry. Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of Stillwater. F oster civic pride in the beauty notable accomplishments of the past. Promote the preservation and continued use of historic properties for the education and general welfare of the people of Stillwater. Much has been accomplished over the past eight years in the area of Historic Preservation. The Downtown is designated as National Register Historic District. A City Wide Historic Context Study has been prepared and historic surveys are being conducted for areas of Stillwater. The emphasis is to maintain the City efforts toward preserving its past. The City Heritage Preservation Commission acts as the Design Review Board for any development in the Downtown and West Stillwater Business Park. The intent of design guidelines are to make sure the development is compatible with the surroundings and is of quality design. e e e e ) This section outlines a work plan of future activities to continue the City's historic preservation efforts. Public Facilities and Services (10.0) Key Goals Goal l: Provide quality city utility services at a reasonable cost. Goal 2: Make sure there is adequate supply or capacity of service to accommodate future development. Goal 3: Develop water resource conservation measures to preserve the Jordan aquifer as the City's only long-term source of water. City Buildings: Goall: Construct a new city hall that will meet the city's anticipated staffing needs through the year 2020. Goal 2: Construct a shared public works/parks garage and maintenance facility adequate to meet current needs and expandable to meet potential future needs. Goal 3: Provide new facilities that meet Stillwater residents ftrst. Allow other units of government, school district, Washington County or joint powers group to serve for broader populations. This section describes the services and City facility needs based on existing conditions and future growth. Additions are needed to provide for existing City staff including ParksIFire/Administration. A new combined Public WorkslParks maintenance yard is needed. The possibility of a major community center needs to be examined. The existing City infrastructure is old and in need of repair and maintenance. This section calls for a complete inventory of public facility needs and programming these improvements through a capital improvement program. One area of the City remains without water or sewer service. The plan calls for the extension of urban services to that north hill area. Parks facility improvements and other City services will be sized to accommodate future growth. Fiscal Impact (11.0) The Fiscal Impact Section examines the cost and revenues of future development. Based on the proposed land use plan, the taxes paid by new development would exceed the cost of providing I' services. This would mean that existing City residents' tax bill would not increase to accommodate new development. In fact, taxes could go down relative to where they would be if tit City expansion did not occur. A detailed analysis is provided in the fiscal impact section. Special Area Plans (12.0) This section is really a plan implementation section. It calls for additional special area planning in specific geographic areas of the community. Neighborhoods would be planned based on. Comprehensive Plan policies and guidelines looking at specific existing conditions, surveys, neighborhood parks, trails, open space opportunities, land use mix, circulation, street scape, design, and historic preservation. These special area plans would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan but provide more detail to deal with specific neighborhood design issues. Guidelines to use in looking at new areas and existing neighborhoods are provided in this section. Implementation (13.0) The implementation section is a listing of the policies and programs for the previous 12 plan sections. Action such as zoning amendments, subdivision regulation changes, capital improvement programs, park purchase, will be a part of the implementation section. The implementation section will provide specific year by year direction for plan implementation. Complete copies of the plan are available for review at City Hall, 216 North 4th Street or the Public Library. e e in JC> - ---'~::<~--.' '--- \ -......... '-": ! lij! ~ ~ f~jli ~ ulfUnu'i ~,f~iUjrrUft!iiflrM Ii ~ f ui I r: il "yU[~ lit gf r" nJIJ.JJ~ ... 0 ~ 0 I;iQ. I rr f[Jl{ Jr U Ji Hit iJU .: ~ , r~' II i f 1 H ~i it 1 Hi ~Q,! n I . .t it it '" ''-i ~ il! ~ · ~ +~ fill '" i i i I ", ~ ell,' t I .. t c: ~ '=+- ; . i i~~ ! h~ii ! h~~G=~~~h~ ! ~Uh~~~~~~~~~lgii~C~!~ lD: ~ I iil.,..,. .,. . ~ r ~ ~,!!g~ ~ e~~IlIHi~$=ht ~ G;ii9~~~ti;~~~~Et;i:R;~~~~ '1ls · i .,..,..,..,..,..,.~ .,. .,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,.~ .,. .,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,..,.~ ~v - JOINT TASK FORCE The Stillwater/Stillwater Township Joint Task Force was formed one year ago to discuss common issues regarding the URTPA area. Through a series of monthly and bi-monthly meetings, the group developed the guidepost document (as attached) which is a common framework for future development of the area regardless of which jurisdiction the area will ultimately be under. The Joint Task Force Members included: Kurt Roetman, Stillwater Don Valsvik, Stillwater Jay Kimble/Terry Zoller, Stillwater Dave Johnson, Stillwater Township Diane O'Bryan/Louise Bergeron, Stillwater Township Karin Reidt, Stillwater Township Jeff Pratt, Stillwater Township e Alternates included: Jerry Hicks, Stillwater Township Jack Takemoto, Stillwater Township Jerry Fontaine, Stillwater Other interested individuals included: Hans Hagen, Hagen Homes Marc Putnam, Charles Cudd Co. Rick Packer, Arcon Development Art Palmer The Kroenings At the last meeting of the task force, a statement was endorsed (attached) which supports further coordination to address unresolved issues as it relates to the updated comprehensive plan. e .e e e , RESULTS FROM STILL W A TERfSTILL \V A TER TOWNSHJP JOINT TASK FORCE MEETINGS Guideposts for Joint Planning The following policies and principles were discussed and considered by the joint task force as planning guideposts for cooperation between the city and township. The guideposts are the result of six-months of meetings and discussion and reflects a consensus of direction, although neither the City of Stillwater nor Stillwater Township have officially endorse the statements. Overall Planning Determine the desired growth rate and phasing of urban services to accommodate planned for growth as needed for the urban-rural transition planning area (URTP A) for the 25-year planning period 1995 - 2020. NOTE: The urban-rural transition planning area (URTPA) is the area west of Stillwater currently in Stillwater Township bordered by Dellwood Road (TH 96), on the north, Manning Avenue (CR 15) on the west and Highway 36 on the south. This area represents the ultimate future planning area for the City of Stillwater. Skeleton Framework New development will respect the environmental framework of the plan. This framework includes wetlands, woodlands, windbreaks and sloped areas. Natural drainage systems shall be used in new development areas to promote the recharge of water tables and to reduce the speed and amount of run off. Views from major public roads of new development in the URTPA shall be screened by existing vegetation and land forms, new landscaping, wetlands and greenways. Major public roads include Dellwood Road, Manning Avenue, McKusick Road, Boutwell Avenue and Highway 36. Any new non-residential development shall be buffered from all adjacent residential uses, connected by trails to residential areas and appear visually subdued in a landscaped setting as viewed from public roads. Design new subdivisions to minimize through traffic and when necessary design neighborhood collector streets with greater setbacks, landscaping and pedestrian and bike trails. Create new neighborhoods in city growth areas that retain elements of Stillwater's small town 1 identity, appearance and character. Develop special design guidelines and performance standards using the planned unit development process to implement visual screening, park, open space and trailway and natural resource policies. Available Areas for Development There are approximately 500 acres of vacant land in the URTP A to be developed at either to\\'nship and city densities. Preserve historic resources and unique land forms in growth area to maintain elements of the areas past and provide and identity to new development. Park, Recreation, Open Space Development Develop an overall trail system for the URTP A areas that connects new residential development areas to existing and proposed trials on McKusick Road, Myrtle Street and County Road 5 and connects all residential areas in the URTPA from Dellwood Road to 62nd Street. New residential development areas should include desirable design elements from existing city neighborhoods including a mix of housing types, landscaped streets, accessible neighborhood parks and open spac~ areas and a unique neighborhood images. Require new development to provide 10 percent of the development residential land area or its equivalent for neighborhood (7 percent) and community parks (3 percent). Cityffownship Land Use Try to locate within the planning area an elementary school site, 10 acres, and community park, 25 acres. (Good planning in either case.) Require a detailed environmental assessment of physical site conditions including plant and animal communities, topography, soil, drainage and wetlands before land development planning begins. Density Use new development concepts, where appropriate, such as mixed use development and cluster housing, to provide life cycle housing opportunities, minimize the need for and use of the automobile and maintain open space. Use ghost platting and cluster development to allow some initial growth with the opportunity for 2 , e e e - e e I . urban density development in the future when desired and planned. Establish lot size and other development standards for the URTP A areas in the township that accommodate future urban development according to the Stillwater comprehensive plan. If new residential development areas are developed at city densities, design elements from existing city neighborhoods including a mix of housing types landscaped streets, accessible neighborhood parks and open space areas and unique neighborhood images. Coordination and Implementation Structure Establish Joint Plarming Board to coordinate planning between the City of Stillwater and Stillwater Township so both city and township plans for the URTP A are consistent. Use orderly armexation agreements, joint power agreements and municipal urban service area extension agreements to coordinate and implement comprehensive plan growth phasing policy. Elements of these agreements may include: Defining a rural taxing district so existing residents will be protected from unreasonable taxes. No adverse economic affects to existing township residents by MUSA extension into the UR TP A for urban development. Establish 5-year pi arming periods for overall growth phasing. Any implementation ofComp Plan for the URTPA shall have input from the township and city. Key Planning Concepts for URTP A The following key plarming concepts provide direction for the preparation of th-e comprehensive plan. The concepts will be a part of the comprehensive plan for the city and township and shall be used to guide special area planning. Greenways/Open Space Definition Greenways shall be established along Marming Ave, Dellwood Blvd, Myrtle Street, McKusick Road and Boutwell Drive. The greenways shall be 100 - 200 feet in width depending on the location and site conditions. The purpose of the greenway is primarily to preserve the natural semi-rural character of the transition area by screening new development from major public roads. The greenway shall appear informal and natural using native indigenous plant material adapted to existing topographic conditions. Enhancement of existing topographic or vegetative 3 conditions is encouraged to th~ extent the enhancement appears natural. Wetland mitigation sites may be used as part of the 'greenway. Pathways may be located along side or in the greemvay but not appear as a primary design element of the greenway. The green way will provide a landscape separation between newly developing residential areas and high volume traffic corridors. Trailways, Parks and Open Space Areas Trailways, neighborhood and community park and open space areas will be provided throughout the URTP A. The extensive Brown's Creek Wetland systems shall provide the framework for park and open space resources preservation in the north portion of the transition area. Long Lake and existing woodlands and windbreaks shall be used in the southern portion of the site for trail locations. An overall system of trails connecting new neighborhoods from Dellwood Blvd to 62nd Streets shall be planned along wetlands, new natural drainage ways and wooded areas. Within neighborhoods pathways shall conveniently connect residents to neighborhood park and open space areas separated from auto traffic. Any active community park, convenience commercial use or school site shall be clearly connected to surrounding residential areas by walkways and bike path, utilize and preserve natural areas for trail locations. Development Pattern and Density The overall character of the transition areas shall be single family with selected locations of compact clustered attached housing. The existing semi-rural character of the areas north of McKusick Road (Random Creek) and south of Boutwell (Spring Creek) shall remain with some in fill at rural densities. Newly developed areas shall be large lot ( 1 to 1.5 dwelling units per acres DU/ Acre), small lot (2 to 3 DU/Acre) or higher density attached housing at 4 - 6 DU/Acre. Large. lot single family areas are located in areas of sensitive sites. Because of topography wetlands, lakes or timberland conditions the amount of site disruption is limited. These areas tend to be located on steeply sloped or wooded shorelands or adjacent to sensitive wetlands or open space areas. A cluster development concept could work in this area to minimize the impact on the land. Small. lot single family areas tend to be in areas that are less environmentally sensitive. These sites can be interior to the large lot area or setback form open space areas. These sites are the flatter com or hay fields of the UR TP A. The development density of the small lot area is typical of the existing city. Attached or compact housing areas are located in pockets separated visually and physically from single family areas. These locations have good direct access to major roads and are more closely tied to existing urbanized areas. Sites for compact housing area located on County Road 5, 62nd near 15. Myrtle Street south and west of Long Lake, possibly McKusick Road (west of 4 . e e e e e e i . mitigation site) and pockets south of Dellwood Blvd. Convenience Commercial Locations. The purpose of this use is to provide services and products for the surrounding residential areas to reduce auto use. The sites should be clearly connected by pathways to adjacent residential areas, be of a residential scale and style compatible with the adjacent residential areas. Office park or research and development areas. These locations provide a job base for the surrounding residential areas and tax base for the community. These sites should have convenient access to major roads, be visually and physically separated from residential areas, be attractively designed and landscaped to fit into the site conditions. The plan will respect current uses as they relate to assessment policy and any required land use changes. 5 e The Joint Task Force met April 14, 1995, at 4:30 p.m. in the Fire Department Conference Room, 216 North Fourth Street. Joint Task Force Minutes Apri114,1995 Present: Louise Bergeron, Kurt Roetman, Karin Reidt, Bob Lahomer, Jerry Hicks, Don Valsvik, Rick Packer, Terry Zoller, John Caswell, Jack Takemoto, Hans Hagen, Ann Terwedo, Steve Russell. Steve Russell open the meeting and discussed the future of the planning in the URTPA area. Issues were raised regarding future assessments and impact of future expansion on the Township areas. Dave Johnson discussed his concerns regarding a change in the process regarding the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee and the recommendation that has been made by the City of Stillwater. Issues Dave Johnson stated that the formation of a new Joint Committee should be established to discuss the following Issues: Assessments Utilities - Will they have to? Taxes _Impact on developing areas Piece meal development Discussion followed regarding city expansion. Dave Johnson stated that three city council members and three township board members should form a joint task force regarding this planning area. Terry Zoller felt that the city should be updated regarding the specific issues on assessments, utilities and taxes. Dave Johnson wants Stillwater and Stillwater Township to stay involved. The Joint Task Force endorses a cooperative effort for the future regarding the future development of the area. The committee endorsed a statement regarding future planning of the area. Motion by Kurt Roetman, seconded by Louise Bergeron to adjourn. All in Favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: eAnn Pung- Terwedo e STILLWATEWSTILLWATERTOWNSIDP JOINT TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN It is the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee that the City and Township establish a joint planning committee that would at a minimum include two City Council members and two Town Board members for the purpose of addressing the specific concerns and remaining unresolved issues, and to co-ordinate the implementation of the updated City Comprehensive Plan as it relates to the URPT A Planning Area. e ~~k~ V I. f"/ ~ c f&:-- ~~9~(Y ;{~ tfu'P7 e e e The City of Stillwater's Top "10" Key Issues Regarding Comprehensive Plan Update and I.mplementation Planning Issues 1. Why expand the city boundaries? 2. What is the impact of new development on the city's transportation system? 3. How is the comprehensive plan dealing with open space and trails in the existing city and expansion area? 4. What is the fiscal impact on the city regarding the plan? 5. Why F3? 6. Is this the ultimate city boundary? 7. Where are the commercial areas located? Implementation 8. Who pays for infrastructure costs regarding new development? 9. Where will the sewer be located? 10. How will city expansion affect those township properties coming into the city? Explain Joint Powers Agreements.