Members present: Mayor Don Richards, Susan Reese, Todd Schultz, Ellen Smith, David Cronk, Tom Heimerl, Reid Wronski

Members absent: Erin Tomlinson, Sandy Bowen

There was a quorum present at all times.

Staff present: Buddy Lucero, Planning Director; Tony Steiner, City Planner; Carl Gaulke, Utilities General Manager

Guests present: Hal Watson

PUBLIC/CITIZEN COMMENTS – None

Request to Extend Timeline for Submittal of Specific Implementation Plan for Spring Creek Estates 1^st Addition-Chris Kusilek

Planner Tony Steiner stated that on September 26, 2006 the City Council approved a General Development Plan for Spring Creek Estates 1^st Addition. Municipal Code requires that a Specific Implementation Plan be submitted to the Plan Commission (PC) within 12 months of having been granted approval of the General Development Plan. The developer has requested an extension to the 12-month deadline; they have requested an 18-month extension due to the slow down in the housing market. The PC has reviewed a similar request from developers of Sterling Ponds Townhomes PUD and granted three separate one-year extensions. The PC elected to review the requests on a yearly basis vs. 18-months which gives the PC more flexibility.

Mayor Richards inquired why the PC prefers to allow one-year extensions vs. 18-months, and if an 18-month extension would be better so the developer doesn’t have to come back to the PC yearly, especially with the slowdown in the housing market? It is at the discretion of the PC; the PC prefers one-year extensions, which provide flexibility and control as ordinances may change. Mayor Richards also asked if there is a charge to the developer each time they request another extension. No, but we could charge them.

Schultz likes the idea of the developer showing up yearly for extensions; it’s good to hear from them and stay connected. It’s especially nice for them as there is no charge. Smith likes the one-year timeframe also.

UDPATE AND INFORMATION –

Presentation and Update on the Environmental Task Force-Hal Watson

Hal Watson, Chairperson for the Environmental Task Force (ETF) provided an update on the ETF and briefly described "what we are." He read their Mission Statement and highlighted the two main items they have accomplished this past year. They include 1) River Falls Land Cover Map and 2) River Falls "Great Places."

Watson stated he will be stepping down as Chairperson and will remain an interested citizen on the task force. Gary Horvath will be the new Chairperson. Watson stressed the importance of becoming more engaged with the PC next year. This group would like to be in alignment with environmental issues that arise at the PC and City Council level; they will do the legwork on specific issues and create a checklist to use when reviewing upcoming City projects. The EFT would also like to look at ordinances and assist in updating them to bring them into alignment with that checklist. He believes Sandy Bowen will be a good link between the PC and ETF.

Staff briefly discussed the Lake George Project. Watson stated why the ETF would like to formally increase the ETF membership guidelines from 7 members to 9 members. Cronk thanked the ETF for enhancing the environment. Lucero discussed extending this task force beyond the two-year timeframe and providing direction to the EFT. Watson spoke about the subdivision platting process and why he believes the ETF’s involvement in that process would be beneficial to the PC. Schultz believes it will be useful to have ETF input and involvement.

Overall, the PC is very confident that the ETF is moving in the right direction and pleased with their accomplishments, goals and recommendations.

County Road FF Update
Planner Steiner stated that in February of 2007, the Council approved a resolution directing the Park Board to draft a plan of action. They formed a subcommittee to research and make recommendations on the development of the County Road FF Sports Facility. The proposed site is located within the City and adjacent to County Road FF, and is made up of two parcels of land. Once parcel is the former City landfill and the other is approximately 38 acres of land contiguous to the east boundary of the landfill. Steiner reviewed the project. Discussions included impact and environmental fees, how and why they chose SEH as the consultant for the projects and re-use of landfill areas. Steiner confirmed the landfill property varies in topography and will be filled in, although the cap can’t be disturbed (cap causes water to shed off and not soak into the garbage areas below it) and the DNR will be involved to meet specs. Re-use is a trend throughout the country to use this land, especially as technology increases.

Park Master Plan Update
Planning Director Lucero stated that the Park Master Plan was tabled, but we are still collecting information. City Council and the Park Board will be providing better direction. Discussion on how we determine if some parks are used more than other – possibly utilize surveys or time-lapse photography. Lucero stated we are working with the four townships also.

Lucero requested that the PC go back to meeting once a month on the first Tuesday of the month. This meeting may be a combination of a workshop (long range), followed by the regular scheduled meeting (current projects). It was determined that there will be one meeting per month to streamline the meeting and planning review process.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristie Bulthuis, Recording Secretary