12-08-99 Minutes
CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
December 8, 1999
Meeting called to order by Dotti Shay at 7:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dotti Shay, Clay Smith, Susan Markert, Andy Leith
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Jack Atkins, Uli Sacchet, Jo Mueller
STAFF PRESENT:
Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist, Kate Aanenson,
Community Development Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes were approved.
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Kate Aanenson presented an overview of the Pulte homes project
currently being proposed on the property at the corner of Highways 5 and 41. She explained that
the area is not within the MUSA and the frontage road will go through a large wetland complex
on the property. The city would like to preserve the area and put a trail around it. Surrounding
land uses include residential, industrial and the arboretum. A 1995 study document suggested
high density residential would be good in that area. The city didn’t want strip commercial and the
city isn’t a regional draw but really serves the local residents. Zoning options included
low/medium density and office/industrial. It was zoned in 1998, adopted in the comp. plan in
1999 and can be adapted or changed to reflect trends or new products.
Pulte proposes 5 different house types. Low density is allowed, equal to about 170 twinhomes,
but that’s not attractive and it doesn’t respect the landform. They’ve compressed the units
towards the center to preserve the natural areas (woods/wetlands). An office product would
produce more traffic and grading than a residential development. Staff recommended the housing
product proposed and with landscaping it will make a nice entryway statement. Pulte was
allowed a density transfer to preserve an area of Big Woods north of Hwy. 41. The total number
of units has not increased because of the transfer, but they are proposing a different type of
product other than townhomes.
DOG DROPPINGS ISSUE:
Jill said she didn’t find the support on the issue from the park and
rec. dept. that would be necessary for the commission to be able to continue with that issue and
have success. The commission will sit on it for now (no pun intended).
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
?
Jo brought up that the OEA is starting a new program in 2000 called ‘Waste Free
Fridays’, where local businesses would promote reducing waste. The commission
requested a presentation from the OEA on the program to see how they could help.
Contacts at the OEA are Jennifer Havens (651-215-0294) or Monte Hilleman (651-215-
0264).
?
Next month: Discuss calendar, perhaps take summer month(s) off?, council presentation,
get Plymouth Environmental newsletter to pass out, report on any feedback from Climb
Theater/schools (Jo will follow up with schools).
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Prepared and Submitted by Jill Sinclair
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