HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Planning & Zoning Minutes 03/06/2013 MINUTES
CITY OF AMES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Date: March 6, 2013 Norman Cloud , Chairperson 2013
Julie Gould 2013
Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. *Jeff Johnson 2014
Troy Siefert 2014
Place: Ames City Hall Debra Lee, Vice Chairperson 2015
Council Chambers Rob Bowers 2015
Yvonne Wannemuehler 2015
Adjournment: 9:47 p.m.
*Absent
MAJOR TOPICS DISCUSSED:
1. Preliminary Plat and Major Site Development Plan for Somerset Subdivision 25th Addition
2. Proposed Bella Woods Subdivision located at 3491Cameron School Road
3. Athen Annexation
4. Quarry Estates Annexation
____________________________________________________________________________
CALL TO ORDER: Norman Cloud, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION: (Wannemuehler/Siefert) to approve the Agenda for the meeting of March 6, 2013.
MOTION PASSED: (6-0)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF February 6, 2013:
MOTION: (Bowers/Gould) to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 6, 2013.
MOTION PASSED: (6-0)
____________________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC FORUM: There were no public comments.
____________________________________________________________________________
PRELIMINARY PLAT AND MAJOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SOMERSET
SUBDIVISION 25TH ADDITION
Jeff Benson, Planner, discussed the request for an amendment to the Preliminary Plat and
Major Site Development Plan for Somerset 25th Addition. Mr. Benson stated that in 1997
Somerset’s Conceptual Development Plan was approved. He stated that there was an 11 acre
school site that was a part of that plan and was owned by the Ames Community School District.
Mr. Benson gave an overview of the original Plan and stated that there have been amendments
to the Plan over the years. He stated that the City incorporated many of the Somerset design
features as part of the design standards and requirements for that Zoning District. Mr. Benson
stated that in 2012 the Ames Community School District sold the 11 acre parcel to Heartland
Development, led by Kurt Friedrich. He stated that Mr. Friedrich proposes to amend the
Somerset plan to accommodate 73 residential dwelling units. Mr. Benson read an email from
Kurt Friedrich, who could not be present at tonight’s meeting, to the Commission members
present.
Mr. Benson outlined the type of structures that the applicant is proposing to build and their
proposed location. He stated that the applicant is proposing to build a new public street to
connect Cambridge Drive with Northridge Parkway. Mr. Benson stated that the type of dwellings
and land uses that the applicant is proposing are all types that have been previously built in
Somerset. He stated that there is also a Private Green being proposed in this location which will
not be actively used but will be landscaped. Mr. Benson stated that one of the things that the
Commission will need to consider when reviewing this proposed project is whether Somerset
will still meet the zoning requirements of the Village Residential zoning district.
Mr. Benson reviewed Somerset’s Storm Water Management Plan with the Commission. He
stated that one of the elements of the Plan is to make adequate provisions for surface and
subsurface drainage.
Mr. Benson explained that one of the design standards for Somerset is to have a dwelling
density of at least 8 units or more per net acre. He stated that the net density of the subject area
is 8.27 dwelling units per net acre. Mr. Benson stated that when these units are added into the
Somerset totals the net dwelling density will be nine dwelling units per acre.
Mr. Benson explained that the Zoning Ordinance requirements for park and open space is 10
per cent of the gross area of the Village. He stated that in the original Somerset plan it only
amounts to five per cent. Mr. Benson stated that in the proposed plan it will raise to 5.5 per cent.
Mr. Benson stated that the new proposed public street is approximately 1,000 feet, exceeding
the Village Residential zoning district maximum of 660 feet. Mr. Benson stated that the applicant
has applied for a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment which will be heard on March
13th.
Norman Cloud asked for clarification on whether the Commission should take the street length
issue into consideration since it is going to the ZBA. Mr. Benson stated that the Commission
cannot ignore the fact but that they don’t have the authority to approve the variance. He stated
that they could recommend approval conditional upon the variance being granted.
Mr. Benson explained that in this Zoning District single family attached dwellings are required to
have access from the alley. He stated that none of the 14 single family attached dwellings in
the proposed plan have access from the alley. Mr. Benson stated that this has been allowed in
the Somerset area in the past. He stated that the Zoning Code also has standards that are
general in nature to use as a guide. Mr. Benson stated that those standards reflect what would
be the minimum necessary to safeguard the public health, safety, aesthetics, and general
welfare. He stated that the Commission can use the design principles as a guide when making a
decision when it is not possible to meet all the standards.
Rob Bowers stated that the Commission is not abandoning the idea but that they are evaluating
the circumstances and applying what is available and making the best recommendation based
on the circumstances.
Bob Kindred, Assistant City Manager, stated that this parcel was not originally intended to be
developed for residential purposes. He stated that it was laid out and platted to be a school. Mr.
Kindred stated that since the School District has decided not to build a school on this parcel that
we now need to decide how to adapt the space to comply with as many of the standards as
possible.
Mr. Benson reviewed the alternatives available to the Commission members r egarding this
proposed project.
Julie Gould asked about whether there had been discussion or staff concerns about the fact that
there is only one access in and out of the Village apartments. Mr. Benson stated that it has been
discussed and he reviewed those discussions and concerns with the Commission. Mr. Cloud
asked if the proposed Village Apartments grade levels were lower or higher than the existing
parking lot to the Northeast. Mr. Benson stated that they are lower.
Scott Renaud, FOX Engineering, stated that he is representing Kurt Friedrich and Reiny
Friedrich, who is in attendance representing the family. He stated that he does not have any
issues with the two conditions set out in Alternative #1 of the Commission Action form.
Mr. Bowers asked for clarification of the Storm W ater Plan and whether having residential
dwellings in the proposed area instead of a school with open space and a parking lot would
improve the drainage conditions. Mr. Renaud said that it is hard to say since the school wasn’t
built but feels that the net result would be about the same. He gave an overview of how the
storm water is currently draining and how it will drain in the proposed plan. Yvonne
Wannemuehler asked if the existing pond can handle the increased water. Mr. Renaud stated
that the existing pond was not full in the 2010 flood. He stated that the pond is set-up with an
overflow and the water flows down stream. Mr. Renaud stated that they checked the area down
to Squaw Creek and they didn’t find any issues.
Deb Lee asked about the characteristics of the proposed Country House. Mr. Renaud reviewed
the differences of the single-family homes that are allowed in the Village Zone. He stated that it
is the larger unit of the two that are allowed. Mr. Renaud reviewed the requirements for each
style.
Mr. Renaud reviewed the alternatives that they looked at when putting together the proposed
plan for this parcel.
Mr. Renaud stated that there is a 10-12 ft grade change at the site of the proposed Village
Apartments.
Reiny Friedrich, 1300 Kinyon Circle, stated he has been a part of the Somerset development
since the beginning. He stated that they held a neighborhood meeting to go over the proposed
plan with the surrounding neighbors. He stated that the neighbors that were present at that
meeting were in full agreement with the proposed project.
MOTION: (Bowers/Seifert) to accept Alternative #1, which states: the Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the revision to the
Preliminary Plat/Major Site Development Plan for the Somerset Subdivision 25th Addition
with the following conditions: a) a variance is approved for the proposed public street
with a length in excess of that allowed by the Village Residential Supplemental
Development Standards; and, b) the existing approved Preliminary Plat/Major Site
Development Plan for the Somerset Village is revised to incorporate the proposed Plan
amendments before a Final Plat is approved for the 25th Addition.
MOTION PASSED: (6-0)
____________________________________________________________________________
PROPOSED BELLA WOODS SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT 3491 CAMERON SCHOOL
ROAD
Charlie Kuester, Planner, stated that Chris Gardner of Bella Homes has proposed a subdivision
to be built on Cameron School Road. He stated that the consulting engineer, Bob Gibson, with
Civil Design Advantage is in attendance tonight. Mr. Kuester stated that the property is owned
by James and Karen Clark. He stated that the property is located in an area of the Urban Fringe
Plan called Rural Transitional Residential. Mr. Kuester reviewed the property location with the
Commission members. He stated that the applicant is proposing a residential subdivision with
15 lots, one outlot, and an existing pond. Mr. Kuester stated that there is an entrance onto
Cameron School Road rising up to the north property line that is stubbed out for future
extension. Mr. Kuester stated that the City Council reviewed this project in February when they
were asked to grant a waiver to the subdivision standards. Mr. Kuester reviewed the
requirements that the City Council wanted to retain and those that they waived with the
Commission members. He stated that for everything that the City waives the applicant will still
be required to meet the County’s standards. Mr. Kuester stated that the applicant is proposing a
cul-de-sac with six lots that line up with the Mathews Road Subdivision. He stated that when the
South Squaw Valley Third Subdivision was approved, Mathews Road had a cul-de-sac with a
60 ft easement (30 ft on each side of the property line) to accommodate the future extension of
the street to the east. Mr. Kuester stated that this lot was also part of that same subdivision. He
stated that it appeared that the intent, if the parcel were ever to be developed into subsequent
lots, was that the street would extend and connect the two areas. Mr. Kuester said that he
asked the applicant to prepare a plan to include the street extension.
Mr. Kuester stated that the applicant would need to develop a plan to capture the street storm
water run-off. He stated that the surrounding property owners may not be amenable to the
proposed street extension. Mr. Kuester reviewed the three findings of fact for the proposed
project with the Commission. He stated that the applicant feels that the street extension is
unneeded and that it creates additional issues for storm water control and the unnecessary
removal of trees. He stated that staff feels that the connection of the proposed road provides an
additional access to a neighborhood. Mr. Kuester stated that it allows for the future inter-
connection of neighborhoods allowing two ways for emergency access, it promotes strong
neighborhoods by allowing free passage from one neighborhood to the other, and it meets the
intent of the 1990 Plat. Mr. Kuester outlined the various alternatives available to the
Commission members regarding this proposed project.
Troy Seifert asked if staff had looked at the soils on the site for the proposed septic systems.
Mr. Kuester stated that the County was involved in the review process. He stated that City staff
has talked to the County Sanitarian and that they believe that the soils and the size of the lots
would accommodate the proposed on-site septic systems.
Mr. Bowers asked for clarification of Alternative #1 regarding the street extension. Mr. Kuester
stated that this area is outside of our annexation and development area and that the City is
unlikely to annex this area within the next 25-30 years. He stated that homeowners in South
Squaw Valley Subdivision have previously asked to connect to the City’s sanitary sewer system.
He stated that if those homeowners sought annexation, the City could require conditions be
placed on the proposed annexation.
Mr. Bowers asked if the City were to propose annexation in the future would they want to annex
Pleasant View Road as well. Mr. Kuester stated that if South Squaw Valley Third Subdivision
were to be annexed it is likely that it would all come in at once. Mr. Bowers stated that there
would be the issue of another pre-existing cul-de-sac. Mr. Kuester stated that there is a cul-de-
sac but there isn’t a street reservation easement and that it appears that there was not the
intent for that street to be extended.
Ms. Lee asked for clarification of the surrounding developed areas to the east and the location
of the proposed Matthews Drive. Mr. Kuester reviewed the location of various developed
properties in the area with the Commission members. Ms. Lee stated that if Bella Woods Drive
were to be extended Mathews Drive could never go any further east. Mr. Kuester stated that
that was correct.
Ms. Gould asked if there was precedence when the City required a connection to an existing
street, possibly within another subdivision. Mr. Kindred reviewed the situation involving several
areas that were annexed into the City where the streets were below the City’s standards. He
stated that the City does its best to come in after the fact to provide appropriate services.
Mr. Kuester stated that in 1990-91 when the South Squaw Valley Third Subdivision came before
the Commission the easement was shown as a 30 ft wide street reservation with an additional
30 ft side-yard setback. He stated that the intent was that the street would one day be extended.
Mr. Kuester reviewed the appropriate covenants for this subdivision with the Commission
members. He stated that to avoid having this situation in the future staff’s recommendation is
that the connection be made today.
Mr. Cloud reviewed the Preliminary Plat and the Alternative Preliminary Plat for Bella Woods
and asked if consideration has been made to extend the road in the future. Mr. Kuester stated
that they looked at that requirement but had not determined a mechanism for funding the cost of
the road extension. Mr. Cloud asked about the traffic potential for the existing and proposed lots
if the two subdivisions were connected by a road extension to Mathews Road. Mr. Kuester
stated that there is a potential of 12-16 homes proposed for this area. Mr. Kuester reviewed the
street specifications with the Commission members.
Bob Gibson, Civil Design Advantage, stated that he is representing the applicant and stated that
Chris Gardner with Bella Homes is also present.
Mr. Gibson outlined the reasons why he feels that the street extension would not lessen the
burden upon the City, future land owners, and current property owners of the South Squaw
Valley Third Subdivision if the properties are annexed in the future. He stated that he thinks that
it increases the burden. Mr. Gibson stated that if they build a cul-de-sac in Bella Woods it would
eliminate the need for a connection and the easement would not be needed. He stated that he
feels the initial reasoning for the extension easement was so that the developer could develop
Lot 17 (the Bella Woods property) and have an additional access other than using Cameron
School Road. He stated that Bella Woods and the South Squaw Valley subdivision are located
in a Rural Transitional area and are not pedestrian oriented and connectivity isn’t a huge life
style issue for the people who are buying the lots. Mr. Gibson stated that Mr. Gardner has
spoken to four of the residents on Mathews Road and they do not want this connectivity. Mr.
Gibson stated that none of those residents are in attendance at tonight’s meeting. He stated that
Bella Woods’s interested buyers would prefer to have a cul-de-sac lot. He stated that Bella
Woods is identifying a paved street connection to the north end of the property that will eliminate
any issues like those in South Squaw Valley Third Subdivision where it is unclear. Mr. Gibson
stated that the property owners on Mathews Road like their cul-de-sac lots and want them to
remain as such. He outlined an issue for a property owner in the South Squaw Valley Third
Subdivision who built his driveway into the easement. Mr. Gibson stated that if the street were
extended it would require this property owner to remove two-thirds of his driveway. He reviewed
a map of the proposed street extension with the Commission members present and the impacts
of the street extension to the property (loss of trees).
Mr. Gibson also reviewed the storm water drainage plan alternatives. He stated that another
alternative is to cut a swale down to the detention pond. He indicated that this drainage plan
alternative would require the removal of multiple trees. Mr. Gibson spoke about the impact of
the removal of the trees to the property. He stated that Mr. Gardner wants to implement some
conservation design strategies on this property and he feels that this drainage plan alternative is
contrary to those plans. Mr. Gibson stated that even though they have curb and gutter on the
street they want to use road ditches instead of a storm sewer to capture the storm water coming
off the street and lots and create places that will slow the water so that it can infiltrate and
eventually work its way to the detention pond.
Mr. Seifert asked for clarification about the grade and whether curb and gutter was being
proposed for the streets as well as the cul-de-sac. Mr. Gibson and Mr. Gardner stated that they
were proposing curb and gutter. Mr. Gibson stated that the grade slopes to the southwest but
there is about a 14 ft drop straight west of the cul-de-sac. Mr. Seifert asked if they had looked at
whether they could grade it and use Bella Woods Drive to drain the storm water.
Mr. Cloud asked for clarification for draining lots 4, 5, 6, and 7 into the cul-de-sac. Mr. Gibson
stated that they are naturally draining towards that direction. Mr. Gibson elaborated on how the
road would be graded. Mr. Seifert asked about the drainage for lots 6, 7, and 8. Mr. Gibson
stated that the swale will drain the water from those lots to the detention pond.
Mr. Cloud explained what the Commission needs to take into consideration should annexation
occur. He stated that connectivity within neighborhoods is a concern for the City.
Chris Gardner, from Bella Homes, stated that he spoke to several present and past surrounding
property owners in Squaw Valley who are concerned about the possibility of requiring the street
extension.
Ms. Gould asked about issues regarding the swale and tree preservation and whether the
preservation of trees was mentioned in the covenants of the proposed subdivision. Mr. Gardner
stated that they do have covenants in place that address tree preservation.
Wayne Harris, 5206 Valley Road, stated that they live next to the current property owners. He
explained the location of his property and how the storm water currently flows. He expressed his
concerns about how the drainage and the watershed could be impacted once the property is
developed. Mr. Harris said that currently the water flows to the edge of Cameron School Road
and then to the creek. He said that about 90% of the year the area along the County Road to
the south of their property is completely wet where it cannot be mowed. He reviewed the
placement of area culverts and how they feed drainage to other ponds in the area. Mr. Harris
stated that the trees near the back of his property are just small scrub trees. He expressed his
concerns as to the number of trees, animals, and birds that would be displaced by the
development.
Susan Harris, 5206 Valley Road, stated that it would have been nice to be contacted by the
applicant prior to tonight’s meeting so that they could have gotten the association together in
time to discuss this project. Ms. Harris stated that she has flooding concerns and asked the
Commission to thoroughly review the proposed project and asked that additional research about
applicant’s plans to divert the water be done prior to voting on this project.
Mr. Harris stated that there is an underground spring that feeds into his pond.
Mr. Siefert asked Mr. Harris if any conditions have changed since they moved into their home.
Mr. Harris indicated that nothing has changed.
Mr. Siefert asked whether more water would run off the new site after construction than prior to
construction. Mr. Kuester reviewed the City and County standards for run off for post
development.
Mr. Harris asked where the water would go if the retention pond became filled. Mr. Kuester
asked Mr. Gibson if there was enough capacity for a 100 year event. Mr. Harris indicated that it
is not a 100 year event but an every other year event normally.
Mr. Bowers asked for clarification regarding storm water being under the County’s or the City’s
jurisdiction. Mr. Kuester stated storm water management for this project will fall to the County’s
jurisdiction.
Ms. Harris asked if the County would be meeting on this project. She asked the date of the
meeting and expressed her desire to be notified of the meeting. Mr. Kuester stated that he will
ask the County to notify everyone once the date of their meeting is set and will share these
concerns with County staff.
Mr. Gibson stated that the storm water management plan has been submitted to the County. He
stated that they would not release at any greater amount than what is historically there. Mr.
Gibson outlined how the water from the streets that goes into the ditches will be slowed down.
He stated that they would not be impacting anything outside of the property to any greater ways.
Mr. Bowers asked for clarification about the City’s policy on cul-de-sacs. He asked if they are
not encouraged but are not prohibited in the City. Mr. Kuester reviewed criteria for approving
cul-de-sacs. He stated that the size of the lots in this project might restrict road and lot
placement.
Mr. Cloud asked for clarification as to size requirements for building on lots in the City of Ames.
Mr. Kindred stated that the minimum density of 3.75 units per acre would still need to be met for
an entire development.
Ms. Gould asked if there is a City policy that requires a through street connection within a
particular distance. Mr. Kuester explained the standards currently in place in the City.
Mr. Siefert stated that he understands the street extension; however, he is unsure about the
storm water issues and asked for clarification. Mr. Kuester stated that the applicant needs to
satisfy the County in regards to the storm water. He stated that the Commission needs to be
concerned about the street extension and all other aspects of the development and how it will
affect surrounding property owners. Mr. Siefert expressed concern that the applicant wants to
cut a swale down the whole west side of the property in order to drain two lots and would affect
the rate at which water left the site.
Mr. Cloud stated that the City of Ames Planning and Zoning Commission reviews the project
based on the City’s standards but ultimately this property is in the County’s jurisdiction. He
asked if the Commission should take future annexation into account when making a decision.
Mr. Kuester reviewed a section of the Code of Iowa regarding subdivision review outside the
City limits with the Commission. Mr. Cloud asked for clarification as to whether the City Council
has waived these criteria for this property. Mr. Kindred stated that the City Council has waived
some of the City Subdivision Standards but not all of them. Mr. Kuester reviewed options that
are available in the Rural Transitional Residential area as to waiving standards on a case by
case basis or by providing a covenant that runs with the land.
Mr. Siefert asked about the possibility of effluent issues when using septic systems in the
subdivision with a spring that also drains in the area. Mr. Cloud stated that this will be under the
County’s purview.
Mr. Kuester stated that the minutes from this meeting will be sent to the County Planning &
Zoning Commission and concerns expressed at tonight’s meeting will be set out in the staff
Report going to the City Council in three weeks.
Ms. Gould stated that she also has concerns about the storm water design.
Mr. Kindred stated that the concerns of the Commission need to be made clear so that they can
be passed to the City Council.
Ms. Lee spoke about the proposed street construction. She stated that she wonders whether
the proposed extension would bring about that many benefits due to other structures that have
been developed in the area.
Ms. Gould stated that she is concerned about the length of distance to the north if they don’t
require the street extension.
Mr. Bowers stated the rural area is not like a City subdivision and reviewed the reasons that
property owners move into the rural subdivisions.
Mr. Kuester stated that the Development Review Committee has had internal struggle on the
same arguments made by the Commission tonight. He said that ultimately the DRC’s
recommendation to the Commission was that the cul-de-sac should be made into a through
street. Mr. Kindred stated that the reason that the DRC came to this conclusion was that the
City Council did not waive the City standards for the streets.
Mr. Cloud stated that another possible option would be to leave an easement for connectivity off
the cul-de-sac for future development. Mr. Kuester stated that the DRC did discuss this option
and they felt that the buildable area in two of the lots would be decreased as well as reducing
the density standards, possibly making it fall below one dwelling per acre. Mr. Cloud asked for
clarification of the density standard. Mr. Kuester stated that the density needs to be between 1
and 3.75 dwellings per acre. He said that this project, as submitted, stands at 1.07 dwellings per
acre.
MOTION: (Bowers/Gould) to take the recommendation of the Development Review
Committee into consideration and accept Alternative #1, which states: That the City
Council approve the preliminary plat for Bella Woods with the street extended to the
west line of the proposed development, based upon the findings of facts and conclusions
in this report, conditioned on: a) The applicant completing a number of updates to this
proposed plat prior to presentation to the City Council for approval. These updates
include a complete grading plan, tabular data, etc. (The applicant had limited time to
draw this plat based on the direction of staff to extend the road to the west); and b) that
the consideration of groundwater issues and surface water runoff be considered by the
City Council.
Mr. Bowers asked for clarification of Alternative #1, section a), “tabular data, etc.” Mr.
Kuester stated that information on the plan needs to be completed on the sheets that
were submitted by the applicant, thus the reference.
Mr. Siefert asked for clarification about the groundwater issues being under the
jurisdiction of the County. Mr. Kindred stated that the street affects the groundwater and
the street is retained by the City Council, thus resulting in interchange between the City
and County.
MOTION PASSED: (5-1) (Siefert voted against the motion)
____________________________________________________________________________
ATHEN ANNEXATION
Mr. Kuester stated that the City Council, at their December 19th meeting, approved the changes
to the Land Use Policy Plan for the Athen property. He outlined the details of the request. Mr.
Kuester stated that the Commission had various conditions that they recommended which the
City Council adopted. He outlined the findings of the Council. He stated that they are working
on the final language to address some of the water issues but in most respects the developer
has agreed to those terms. Mr. Kuester stated that the Development Agreement will be signed
before it is taken to the City Council for action to address those issues. He reviewed the steps in
the process and the corresponding dates for each with the Commission members.
Mr. Cloud stated that Commission member, Jeff Johnson, has a strong feeling that the
Development Agreement needs to include a senior care facility. Mr. Kuester stated that it is
difficult to mandate that something be built without obtaining financial security from the
developer. He stated that if the developer requests rezoning for the care facility and for single
family homes the Development Agreement states that no occupancy for single family homes will
be given until a building permit has been issued for the care facility. Mr. Kuester reviewed
additional requirements outlined in the Development Agreement with the Commission members.
Mr. Kuester reviewed the map of the Urban Fringe Plan and pointed out the allowable growth
area to the Commission members.
Ms. Wannemuehler asked for clarification of the annexation area on the map and whether it
might make several areas landlocked. Mr. Kuester reviewed the map with the Commission
members and stated that no islands would be created.
The applicant did not have any additional information to add.
MOTION: (Siefert/Wannemuehler) to accept Alternative #1, which states: The Planning
and Zoning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the request to
annex the two parcels known as Parcel F in Section 29 and Parcel U in Section 20, both
in Franklin Township, Story County by finding that the proposed annexation is consistent
with the Land Use Policy Plan and the Urban Fringe Plan.
MOTION PASSED: (6-0)
____________________________________________________________________________
QUARRY ESTATES ANNEXATION
Mr. Kuester reviewed the history of the classification for the parcel being reviewed as well as
some history regarding other parcels in the area. He stated that last year an annexation request
was received from Quarry Estates. Mr. Kuester stated that in the Allowable Growth Area the
policy of the City is that all development will pay for itself. He stated that City staff has been in
contact with the property owners in the area that would be impacted by annexation and
development. Mr. Kuester reviewed the direction that the City Council has given staff in regards
to sewer and water services for the area. He stated that staff is working on drafting
Development Agreements. Mr. Kuester stated that the issues are whether the request is
consistent with the implementation chapter of the Land Use Policy Plan (Allowable Growth Map)
and is it consistent with the Ames Urban Fringe Plan. He stated that staff recommends that this
proposal be forwarded to the City Council.
Mr. Cloud said that the staff report states that 81.3% of the parcel holders are consenting for
this request but there are three parcel holders that are non-consenting. Mr. Kuester cited the
Iowa Code that states that non-consenting owners can comprise no more than 20% of the land
area to be included in an annexation and still be considered a voluntary annexation. He stated
that the Hunziker North property owners’ intent is to annex. Mr. Kuester stated that they have
not filled out an annexation petition, but they will sign the annexation agreement.
Mr. Cloud asked for clarification on whether relief had been offered to Harold and Bette Frame
for City infrastructure costs. Mr. Kuester outlined the contents of the proposed Development
Agreement and the direction that staff has received from the City Council for property owners
who do not meet the 3.75 dwelling units per acre standard and do not have any intention to
subdivide.
Scott Williams, FOX Engineering, stated that he is representing the Quarry Estates Annexation
Request. He said that the development is in accordance with City and County requirements and
hopes that the Commission votes favorably for this project.
Ms. Wannemuehler asked if Harold and Bette Frame have any rights regarding the proposed
annexation. Mr. Kuester stated that they do have some concerns and that they are not
consenting. He said that if 100% of the property owners are not consenting and the City
Council were to approve the annexation request, the non-consenting property owners would still
have a voice in Des Moines with the City Development Board. Mr. Cloud asked if the Frames
currently have a house in the proposed area. Mr. Kuester stated that they do.
Ms. Lee stated that she has continuing concerns for the homeowners on Hyde Avenue and the
Bloomington Heights area. She stated that she hopes that we don’t have the same thing happen
in this area. Mr. Kuester explained the situation involving the Hyde and Bloomington Heights
area. He stated that staff from multiple City departments met with many of those property
owners and heard many of their concerns, one of which was traffic that would be generated
from this development. Mr. Kuester outlined several traffic improvements that will be made. Ms.
Lee feels that a traffic signal alone will not solve the traffic flow in this area due to the width of
the street. Mr. Kindred stated that Hyde Avenue is a collector street and wider than the side
streets. He reviewed the previous history of street development in this area with the
Commission members.
MOTION: (Bowers/Siefert) to accept Alternative #1, which states: that the Planning and
Zoning Commission recommend that the City Council approve the request to annex the
four parcels known as Parcel B, Parcel C, Parcel K, and Parcel L, all in Section 22,
Franklin Township, Story County by finding that the proposed annexation is consistent
with the Land Use Policy Plan and Urban Fringe Plan.
MOTION PASSED: (6-0)
______________________________________________________________________
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Ms. Lee stated that she has growing concerns about Northern growth and the distance between
schools and commercial areas.
Ms. Gould stated that she is conflicted about the Bella Woods Subdivision and feels that there
needs to be connectivity in the northern annexation.
Mr. Cloud stated that he feels that it is critical that Commission issues are recorded accurately
and presented to the City Council. He encouraged the Public to volunteer for a City Commission
or Board.
____________________________________________________________________________
STAFF COMMENTS:
Mr. Kindred stated that the City hopes to be bringing in candidates for the Planning and Housing
Director position. He stated that the March 20th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will
be cancelled due to lack of agenda items. He stated that the Boards and Commission Luncheon
will be held on March 28th and encouraged all of the Commission members to attend.
____________________________________________________________________________
With no further business coming before the Commission, the Chair declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
_________________________________ ____________________________________
Norman Cloud, Chairperson Lorrie Banks, Recording Secretary
Planning & Zoning Commission Department of Planning & Housing
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