HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.17.2000s
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 17, 2000
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
The request of Bob Smith to rezone from "A-1" Agricultural District to "R-1" Residence District
property generally located south of Ranchero Road and east of Hudson City limits for purposes of
developing a residential subdivision was reviewed.
Don Temeyer, City Planner, stated that Mr. Smith proposes to develop the property into seven
lots each containing 11/2 acres. Mr. Temeyer stated that the city is currently updating Land Use
Plan and Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Temeyer stated that the city is trying to define smart growth.
Mr. Temeyer stated that there are no storm sewer, sanitary sewer or water servicing the proposed
development. The nearest public sewer is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the far western
corporate boundaries. The city does provide garbage collection services, and there is a slurry seal
on the road. There are no plans for public infrastructure in the area.
Mr. Temeyer reported that Black Hawk County developed a zoning plan which does not allow
development on prime agricultural land. Mr. Temeyer stated that 50 Corn Suitability Rating
(CSR) or greater is considered prime agricultural land, and that the proposed area has an average
89 CSR. Mr. Temeyer stated that it is important to look at smart growth, and that Hudson and
Cedar Falls are updating their zoning maps.
Mr. Temeyer reviewed the table of contents of the preliminary draft of the Comprehensive Plan.
Items included in the Comprehensive Plan are: physical characteristics of the community,
statistical profile, public facilities, public utilities, circulation and transportation, land use and
implementation.
Tom Langlas, Chairperson of the Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission, stated that the
commission recommended denial of Mr. Smith's request. Mr. Langlas stated that the commission
doesn't want to turn development down, but they don't want islands of subdivisions. Mr. Langlas
reported the property is prime agricultural land. Mr. Langlas stated that the commission is
refocusing its efforts on the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Langlas stated he does not feel the city
should set this precedent at this time.
Mr. Temeyer reported that the city received a petition of opposition of 34 percent of the
landowners within 250 feet of the property. The residents indicated that they were concerned that
there could be increased traffic and that they did not want to see additional houses built in their
area.
Bob Smith reported that the area is located on the Aquifer and there is no iron in the water.
Councilperson Gronen stated that he spoke with a lady who lives across from the development,
and she purchases bottled water. Councilperson Gronen stated that the area is approximately 21/2
miles from U.S. Highway 63 and goes through the Green Belt. Councilperson Gronen
commented that the buildings on the north side set higher than the land on the south side, and he
is unsure if there will be water runoff problems.
Mr. Temeyer stated that in an agricultural zone, a house is incidental to the agricultural items, first
there is the farm and then the house.
Fred Debe stated that there is a demand for large acres homes, and that a small segment of the
population want larger areas. Mr. Debe stated that this area has been in existence for 30 years.
Mr. Debe commented that the impact on traffic would be minimal, that Ridgeway and
Ansborough cross the Greenbelt area, and the water quality would be good because the Aquifer is
Council Work Session
July 17, 2000
Page 2
about 90 to 110 feet below. Reed Craft, Director of Waterloo Water Works noted that they have
wells about 125 feet deep in the area.
Mr. Temeyer stated that the concern is not the size of the lot, but are we going to have large lot
subdivisions in areas with no services such as fire, sewer and water. Mr. Temeyer stated that this
request could be referred back to the Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission as they are
currently discussing the Land Use Plan.
•