HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.31.2003 (3)•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 31, 2003
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Kincaid, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Moved by Clark, seconded by Jordan that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Three.
Motion carried.
The request of Bob Smith to rezone from "A-1" Agricultural District to "R-1" Residential
District approximately 12.2 acres of property generally located south of Ranchero Road just east
of the city limits line with Hudson was reviewed. Eric Johnson, representing Bob Smith,
reviewed the rezoning request. Mr. Smith wants to put in seven lots in this development. The
land is located in an area that is not completely agricultural, but in an agricultural setting. Mr.
Johnson reported that Mr. Smith is not looking for any incentives, but he just wants to use his
land for its best use. Mr. Johnson stated that the area does have an asphalt road, police and fire
protection and garbage services. The city's Engineering Department agreed with the rezoning,
with the understanding the property owners would need to have wells and septic tanks. Mr.
Johnson stated that 16 people are opposed to this rezoning request, but there are over 68,000
other folks in this town. Mr. Johnson stated that the city's tax base is growing slowly and we
could begin having problems. Mr. Johnson stated that the neighbors can purchase the lots.
Fred Debe explained the drainageway for the property. Mr. Debe stated that almost anywhere
you go in the city there is a drainageway. Mr. Debe stated that the Cedar River and the Black
Hawk Creek are the major drainageways. Mr. Debe reported that the well must be separated
from the septic tank and must be a certain number of feet from the septic tank, and the wells will
be around 150 to 160 feet into the bedrock.
Councilperson Jordan asked if later on will the residents want city services. Mr. Debe reported
that the Deed of Dedication will explain that no city services are provided to this area and they
will have no right to ask later for the city services.
Robert Smith, owner of the property, explained the reason he is only developing seven parcels is
because there is very little chance of ever bringing city sewer to the area. Mr. Smith stated he
does not see the area developing heavily unless he installs a lagoon. Mr. Smith reported he has
installed 8" field tile drain about every 65 feet and water drains into the creek.
Fire Chief DeBerg stated that a fire in the area could cause problem for firefighters because we
only have capacity to deliver 1,000 gallons that far from the city. Mr. Smith commented that is
reflected in the insurance rates for living out in these areas.
Jan Cox, 3650 Ranchero Road, stated that the residents currently residing in this area have never
signed a deed of dedication and if the city approves this rezoning request and that causes problem
for the homeowners they will ask the city to improve the road or provide more services. Ms. Cox
stated she does not feel the city will ever provide sewer and water because of the cost to the
taxpayers. Ms. Cox stated that building seven new homes with a value of $250,000 will increase
the value of her home and increase her taxes. Ms. Cox asked the council to put a moratorium on
building in this area.
Kim Graves, 3874 Ranchero Road, asked why are the residents taxed so high in this area. They
have no sewer and water services, have a Hudson telephone number, a Cedar Falls address and
are within the Hudson School District. Ms. Graves asked why were they annexed into Waterloo.
Lisa Zuck, 3768 Ranchero Road, stated that she opposes rezoning this area because of the
increased traffic on the road. Ms. Zuck stated that there is a water pathway going down that land.
Ms. Zuck stated 18 people live in this area and only 2 are either in favor of this rezoning or don't
care. Ms. Zuck stated that this rezoning is Robert Smith's dollar gain and her lost. Ms. Zuck
stated she is already taxed $2,600, and she doesn't know what those $250,000 homes will do to
her taxes.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Welper that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:17 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk