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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8A - Deerfield Development MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: REVIEWED BY: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: ~J +~~6t . ^" ,~ ~ri ~~ CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT JULY 6,1999 8A JANE KANSIER, PLANNING COORDINATOR DON RYE, PLANNING DIRECTOR (:)1 CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 99~ APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE REQUEST BY D. R. HORTON AND DEERFIELD DEVELOPMENT FOR 168 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF FISH POINT ROAD AND WILDERNESS TRAIL AND EAST OF THE PONDS ATHLETIC FACILITY History: On May 17, 1999, the City Council considered a request by D. R. Horton and Deerfield Development to rezone approximately 168 acres of land from the existing A (Agricultural) District to the R-1 (Low Density Residential) and R-2 (Low to Medium Density Residential) Districts. The applicant submitted the attached map identifying the revised zoning proposal on the property. The west 97.88 acres is proposed for R-1 (Low Density Residential) and the east 70.23 acres is proposed for R-2 (Low to Medium Density Residential). The zoning district boundary follows the approximate alignment of Fish Point Road, as extended into this site. There was a motion and second to approve this request. This motion failed with a vote of 2-2. On June 7, 1999, the City Council voted to reconsider this request. The Council agreed to the rezoning, but revised the boundaries by reducing the amount of the R-2 district by approximately 10 acres in the southwest comer. The Council then directed staff to prepare an ordinance that included the revised legal descriptions and findings of fact. The matter was removed from the agenda on June 21, 1999, and continued to July 6, 1999, since there were only 4 councilmembers present at the meeting. The previous agenda report identified a total site area of 164 acres, and 66.35 acres ofR-2. There was apparently a calculation error made by the surveyor in the previous surveys. The total site area is 168 acres, and the R-2 area was actually 70.23 acres. The applicant has not added any property to this site; the outside boundaries remain the same as the previously submitted surveys. The error was made in the area calculations. The staff has checked the area calculations using the digitizer, and these are the correct areas. 1:\99files\99rezone\99-0 14\990 14cc4.doc Page 1 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ALTERNATIVES: RECOMMENDED MOTION: REVIEWED BY: Conclusion: Attached is an ordinance with the revised legal descriptions. These descriptions identify 109.93 acres on the west side of the property as R-l (Low Density Residential), and 58.21 acres on the east side of the property as R-2 (Low to Medium Density Residential). This reduces the R-2 district by approximately 12 acres, Issues: The staffhas fulfilled the City Council's direction by providing the attached ordinance adopting the rezoning request and establishing findings of fact. This ordinance increases the R-l area by approximately 12 acres and decreases the R-2 by the same amount. The City Council has two alternatives: 1. Adopt Ordinance 99- XX approving the proposed Zone Change to the R -1 and R - 2 Districts as requested. 2. Other action as directed by the Council. The staff recommends Alternative #1. A motion and second to adopt Ordinance 99-XX rezoning this property to the R-1 '(Low Density Residential) and the R-2 (Low to Medium Density Residential) districts. This ction quires approval by a 4/5 vote of the City C07~ 1:\99files\99rezone\99-0 14\990 14cc4.doc Page 2 CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDINANCE NO. 99-XX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1101.700 OF PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FOR THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain: SECTION 1- BACKGROUND 1. The Planning Commission conducted public hearings on the proposed zone change on April 26, 1999, and on May 10, 1999, for those interested in this request to present their views. 2. On May 10, 1999, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning of the property to the R-1 and R-2 districts. 3. On May 17, 1999, the City Council considered the application to rezone this property to the R-1 (Low Density Residential) and R-2 (Low to Medium Density Residential) district. The City Council denied the request on a motion of2-2. 4. On June 7, 1999, the City Council voted to suspend the rules and reconsider this rezoning. The Council voted 4-1 in favor of rezoning the property to the R-1 and R-2 district and to reduce the amount of the proposed R-2 district by approximately 10 acres. 5. The Council then directed staff to prepare an ordinance for consideration on June 21, 1999. 6. This item was tabled until July 6, 1999, so that a full council could be present to vote on the issue. SECTION 2. FINDINGS The City Council finds the following: 1. The R-1 and R-2 zoning districts are consistent with the R-L/MD (Low to Medium Density Residential) designation on the Comprehensive Plan. 2. This property is located within the City's MUSA boundary and sewer and water services are available to serve the development. 3. The proposed R-2 district provides an adequate buffer between the existing single family development, the proposed development and the future Business Office Park. 4. The future alignment of Fish Point Road serves as a logical boundary between the R-1 and R-2 districts. 5. The location of the R-1 and R-2 districts provides the best protection for the natural features on the site. 6. The issues pertaining to the development of the site, such as traffic, environment, and runoff, are most appropriately discussed at the platting stage. SECTION 3. AMENDMENT 3.01 The Prior Lake Zoning map, referred to in Prior Lake City Code Section 1101.700 is hereby amended to change the zoning classification of the following legally described property from A (Agricultural to R-1 (Low Density Residential). 1 :\99fi1es\99rezone\99-0 14\ord99xx3 .doc Page 1 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4, the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 and the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, of Section 12, Township 114, Range 22, Scott County, Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at the northeast corner of said Northwest 1/4; thence N89049'16"W, along the north line of said Northwest 1/4, a distance of 668.00 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel to be described; thence S03042'16"W a distance of510.00 feet; thence SI0052'52"W a distance of 445.00 feet; thence S26056'56"E a distance of314.97 feet; thence S16000'35"E a distance of 904.29 feet; thence S46033'19"W a distance of 769.60 feet to the south line of said Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; thence N89020'55"W, along said south line of Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 and the south line of said West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, a distance of 1,398.05 feet to the west line of said West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4; thence NOoo05'37"E, along said west line of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, a distance of2615.37 feet to the north line of said West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4; thence S89049'16"E, along said north line of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, and said north line of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4, a distance of 1,962.74 feet to the point of beginning. 3.02 The Prior Lake Zoning map, referred to in Prior Lake City Code Section 1101.700 is hereby amended to change the zoning classification of the following legally described property from A (Agricultural) and C-5 (Business Park) to R-2 (Low to Medium Density Residential). LEGAL DESCRIPTION: That part of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4, the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 and the Northeast 1/4 of Section 12, Township 114, Range 22, Scott County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of said Northwest 1/4; thence S89027'21 "E, along the north line of said Northwest 1/4, a distance of243.25 feet; thence S16023'55"E a distance of 249.70 feet; thence S34017'20" E a distance of200.27 feet; thence S 17029'04"E a distance of 446.77 feet; thence S33024'22"E a distance of 642.42 feet; thence S17016'23"W a distance of 176.54 feet; thence S74029'33"W a distance of838.70 feet; thence S390l8'53" W a distance of234.31 feet; thence S75035'18"W a distance of 602.70 feet; thence N16000'35"W a distance of 904.29 feet; thence N26056'55"E a distance of314.97 feet; thence N10052'52"E a distance of 445.00 feet; thence N03042'16"E a distance of510.00 feet to the north line of said Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; thence S89049'16"E, along said north line of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4, a distance of 668.00 feet to the point of beginning. SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance shall take effect the day after the date of publication. Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 6th day of July, 1999. ATTEST: 1 :\99fi1es\99rezone\99-0 14\ord99xx3 .doc Page 2 City Manager Mayor Published in the Prior Lake American on July 10, 1999. Drafted by: City of Prior Lake Planning Department 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. Prior Lake, MN. 55372 1:\99fi1es\99rezone\99-0 14\ord99xx3.doc Page 3 /, ~ Q ~ II ..... . W -1 '<l U d) I / / / / .- / ~ / J.... ......."-. ~........ . )2 1;'-- II /1 I r- I J.~ ~:=-- ~ " "\ /f' "- t tfy \-. L ...L Y ./-..... rr,--~, -~-1 "- Z./ T/// -1-J. / / r-'-r ,," (, ./ I .. .. ! .1 .. .. . I . I '" ~\ ,~ I ' I '... , -, I r;;~~,\ \, :~~~~ '\ , .."'-1ll.... , ! ~~::.., \ , ,.. - \. " ~ , " .. r:.;:. ':.-;. ;~'l.:" '\ ~ 1.,,_. '-=-"'~l' 1 ,J ''.,. :..,..........~...r~ : .. " " ~~, '-e;'o' I ....,\ \. 1\t"~~~I/ 11' '. '....::~-:~....,. " --,"" -~" .1 ~;~~~_.. . \ , " ., . ft.", " , ..~.;-, I "" ...., ,... ~f~' 1,-::=1t ~~" ~ ..' J" ... . \ ~:~... :::l~~~ "J&r~~~;:. :~~.. ,~~::~ "rt~ :{j " I #,~ .'.' "'f .. , .. ." ,,'1'.,.;::'-; ,'.': ::~~ '::-- --------,~ .-:;.~,I ,'~:_~~....-:--..~..'..;i{:/ .!<~: .:: l"','" ~"...'..~::_,~,-' ~"'.."- .0 ~,_'. . ~ w a.. c: ~ . . U w ~ > Z a2 r;; C It') ~ ~ - Z \0 \0 ~ 0 0 'lI:t Zt5 . l{) 'lI:t In O~ Z 'lI:t Z ~ ~ ~~ .. $ z ~ 0\ ~ O~ ::c . ~ . 0 I ..r i ...I W c es ~ C/).z !:YO a:- <(I- cU ZW . ::)" *CO C Wm...l t/) - :;:I-U W~z -a: a: ::) 1-0 C/)U - Ca: "W Zll. -C/) ~<( N ~. be in the audien / (1.) I intend to vote in support of the resolution adopting findings to support the rezoning application of Horton developmen~ but I do it with grave and serious concems- interruption. (3.) The Horton application to rezoning t/O acres is a case study of a flawed process. I am embarrassed for us as a Council and I am concerned about the process. I am also concerned that a fla"".ed process exposes us to certain liabilities. Mr. Mayor, you are fond of reminding us about spending legal fees~ Well, we shouldn't complain about legal fees ~-ben we ignore opinions from our attorney advising us of our statutory obligations and the scope of our discretion~ Her job is to keep us out of trouble. (4.) Some members of the Council are constantly reminding us about how they did things in private business. But what we do when we sit up here is the public's business and there are rules we must follow in conducting the public's business. I am deeply committed to my responsibilities as a ste~lard of the public's business. I intend to remind this Council when we vary from our responsibilities to conduct public business, in public, with an open and fair process. (5.) The decision-making process we used in the Horton rezoning is an example of what I view as a flawed process and let me tell you why I think so: (a.)The Planning Commission and City Council spent t\\"o years working on a comprehensive plan to guide development in our city. (b.) We are required by statute to adopt a comprehensive plan and have it approved by the Metropolitan CounciL (1.) That process involves public hearings .--.-----~---,_.~-----.-----,-~-,.+.-.---.-,. '---'~"'1'-'"" ._" ,~,,---,.., .,. ,....-... (2_) Citizens concerned about how land near their properties is guided should participate in the public process. Maybe we didn~t have enough public hearings or maybe when they were held they were not publicized enough; although Lee Ann Shutz and the Prior Lake American does an excellent job of reminding people to participate in the public process. (3.) OUT comprehensive plan does not '\\iilIy-nilly designate this property industrial, that pl-operty single family, that property commerciaI~ that property multi-unit residential or apartments (a.) We studied the needs of the city (b.) We studied our infrastructure needs and our capacity _ (c. ) We recognized the need to diversify our tax base as part of our overall goal to lower property taxes. (6.) Weare required by statute to adopt roles, regulations, guidelines~ and standards that implement the goals, objectives, policies, and land use designations set out in our comprehensive plan_ (a.) These rules, regulations, guidelines, and standards are set out in our zoning ordinance. (b.) After more than a year~s work, numerous City Council workshops,. public hearings, and the study and recommendations from our Planning Commission, we adopted our ne,"r zoning ordinance which became effective on Mav I.. 1999.. less than 6 weeks ago. (7_) State Jaw requires that we rezone land consistent with how it is designated in the Comprehensive Plan. To do so otherwise is contrary to those statutes? it is Wlfair and it is inconsistent with our responsibility as public stewards. (8.)MT ll~r, our Comprehensive Pian is not just a "plan" ~ith a small"p" that we can arbitrarily ismore if it suits ow- whims because we are faced \\tith an unpopular decision. (9.) The Comprehensive Plan designated the area encompassing the Horton rezoning application as low to medium density residential. (10_) Our zoning ordinance defmes the criteria for development of low to medium density residentia1~ R-I and R-2 as they are referred to in the zoning ordinance. (a.) Horton was entitled by law to have his property rezoned R-I and R-? (b.) How much of the area is rezoned to R:l and how much is rezoned to R-2 is a City Council decision_ It is a legislative decision and one in "",-hich we have l~slative discretion according to our lawyer. (11.) When this matter first came before the Council, we didn't like the amount ofR-2 the developer requested. So, first we denied the developer> s rezoning request. I voted "no~' because the developer~ s representative could not answer my questions, questions I needed answered in order to make a well-informed decision. When I didn't get answers I couldn't intelligently make a decision, hence my no vote. ( 12.) But the proper exercise of om legislative discretion does not allow us to make "willy-nilly" decisions. And that's exactly what I think we did at our last Council meeting. (13.) At our last Council meeting we had before us a resolution with findings of facts to supposedly support our decision to deny the developer's rezoning application. Along ",,-ith the staff materials we were provided with a privileied memorandum from the City Attonley advising us: (a. ) The Jaw requires us to rezone consistent with our Comprehensive Plan_ ----'.---..-~.----~--'--,-----_.__.._--------" -'--I-...........-._._.~.._..,_..,.,._-'~_._.. -'--'-'-'---"~"-"-'--"-'---""-'''-''-''-' -.." "','..-- ----------r- (b. ) We have the authority to detennine how much of the land is R- 1 and R-2:> so long as we have a rational basis for our decision. (c. ) We have the authority to deny an application that is not consistent with our Comprehensive Plan. But findings we make to support denying a rezoning must be based on Facts in the record: A point I want to come back to in a moment! In the advice Vie received we were advised by the City Attorney to evaluate whether the proposed t~finding)' for denying the rezoning were supported by "substantial evidence in the record.." the legal standard applied by courts. In preparing for our last Council meeting, I reviewed the entire record including the information provided to the Planning COlnmission. (14.) IUlny judgement, there was no evidence to support the proposed findings~ but there was evidence in the record in direct contradiction of the proposed findings. (15.) I am totally supportive of the concerns expressed bv the nei~; and I pledge to ~ toni~t,. as I did at the last Council meeting~ that I 'W/ .&.& will be vigilant as this development moves ahead through the subdivision or the PUD process. (16.) But what we did at the last Council meeting was as ~illv-nilly" as what we did at the preceding Council meeting. Anxious to reduce the amount ofR-2~ out of concern for the views and information provided by the neighbors~ we "nego~ated" ,vith the developer at the meeting to \0\ \~ reduce the amount ofR-2 byJ-tJ acres. (17.) How much is R-l and how much is R-2 is our decision.. not the developers and I believe we compromised our responsibility to make a reasoned decision based on facts_ In retrospect:r after agreeing to I'econsider Horton~ s applicatio~ I think we should have refelTed this matter back to the stafflNith direction to reduce the amount ofR-2 in a manner that is consistent with ~ood p1annini. Instead we let the developer lop off the 10 acres he picked. Admittedly I was anxious to negotiate a reduction in the amount ofR - 2. 1"""1-\""'.1::. J 10/ I I (18.) Maybe we needed to set a public hearing before the City Council so that the residents would have had an opportunity to put facts into tbe record to support their concerns. (19.) F aimess and the law dictate that both sides have an opportunity to express their views. That OCellI'S in the public hearing process. To do otherwise is to give one side an advantage, which our City Attolney and common sense advises compromises the fairness of the proceedings. At the last meeting;:. we may have permitted the developer to speak beyond merely answering oW" questions. Ms. ~ did not have the opportunity. (20.) I am going to vote ;'''yes~~ tonight with great reluctance and with an equally ereat amount of frustration. (21.) After concluding the vote on this matter I intend to make a motion that we schedule a training session, with the City Attorney and Planning Director on zoning and the legal framework within which we must act_ She did such a workshop when I ~-as on the Planning Commission and I found it invaJuabIe_ ~ MUC, j j / .I .I (22_) I hope when I make that motion, it will he seconded and receive a unallinlous vote. We are stewards of not only the law~ but of the public trust_ I am embarrassed about the way we bungled through this process. (23.) Mr. Mayor~ colleagues, that concludes my comlnents on the matter pending before us. --'----"~~.-----....".~...".-"-~~.,-~--...-'.,.......-.-'.-"T..--.."'........,""..........--....,.....,.~""~~,.....,......~....,..>. "";""~_"_*'_'-";"'''-'--"~''"''''''''~''''~'-"''-~''~''''"'"'='~~'~'--"<~"""""-'-"-~~-'^--';'~'''''''._'''"''-'"-~'----'.'-"'~""''''';-~--'''-~'------