Minutes-11/8/2000

Mayor Potter opened a Public Hearing for the purpose of receiving input into a proposed zoning change at 6:50 p.m. Concern was raised by Mrs. Allen regarding the inability of the city to provide water and sewer services at this time to the location. Developer admitted he understood that the city would not be supplying water or sewer capability to the area on any predetermined or promised timeline. Cole does not expect any construction to begin in this area for a number of years. Greg Allen felt that a better plan could be created for the area. Councilmember Walls said he had attended a school visit where second graders had talked about having a home with a yard someday as one of the things they would wish for in the future. The children didn’t say they would like to have a duplex or live in an apartment building. Walls noted the high number of dense housing still proposed for the subdivision. Because of the long term effect of this kind of subdivision, he didn’t see any reason to rush this decision, plus we have to respond to the views expressed at the recent public hearing attended by over 100 people. This plan has been approved by Planning and Zoning to the council, but the council hasn’t passed their concerns heard in public hearing to the commission. Councilmember Ryan explained that the city already has 12 high density buildings in the city, and at this time could not vote for additional buildings. Councilmember Dils indicated that she would like to hold the area for school growth, in light that the community would need an elementary in the future or could be the location of a second middle school for the district. A middle school here could make double use of any facilities either recreational or educational already in place at the current high school. The city could make this part of a growth plan, but not without any comment from school officials. If the school does not express interest in a timely fashion, then she felt the plan looked pretty good and would like to see preliminary plans accompany the rezoning request. Linda Schreiber suggested study shows need of 8 to 12 acres for an elementary, 20 acres for a junior high and 80 to 100 acres for a high school. Mr. Bartels commented that he did not think a road along the south edge of this and through the school property would work very well. Mr. Utech asked the council why they were rushing to make this decision, when development is not planned for at least three years. Motion Ryan, second Dils to close the Public Hearing. Ayes: Bartels, Dils, Gericke, Walls, and Ryan. Motion carried. The regular meeting of the Tiffin City Council was reconvened at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Glenn R. Potter.