Minutes-09/14/1983

Potter reported that the P&Z met on request by Perry Beckler for M-1 zoning in area between Railroad Street and railroad tracks east of Main Street. Commission recommended that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to eliminate any specific uses in the M-1 zone except those approved by the council and not named in other parts of the ordinance. Motion Brown second Cox to authorize Attorney Lynch to conduct further study of the Iowa Code concerning amendments to Zoning Ordinance in M-1 zone, elimination of any specific uses except those approved by the council and not named in other areas of the ordinance. Roll call vote: Cox, aye; Brown, aye; Spivey, nay, Rohret, aye; Stevens, aye. Carried. Ralph Stoffer presented petition for voluntary annexation of approximately 131 acres north of Tiffin on behalf of John W. Grace. He stated that Grace wishes to develop a residential subdivision over the next several years which would be consistent in character and style of Tiffin. It would be a rectangular subdivision. Grace would provide all utility structures to tie into the current system. Rohret stated that the city needs commercial development, not residential. Potter stated that he didn't see how the city could lose money with this development. City would sell all utilities at a profit. Rohret stated that the proposed 100,000 gallon water tank would not be adequate to handle the development and asked where the city would get money for a new water tower. Spivey stated that the city would not get too much money from residential taxes Bechtoldt asked if the project would be staged. Stoffer stated that final plans are not firm but that it would be developed over a 10 to 20 year period. Brown asked why Grace is requesting annexation of the entire 131 acres at one time. Stoffer stated that this is consistent with the Fringe Area Study. Williams stated that he doesn't want to pay more taxes and there is no possible way to install new water tower and repair sewer line without paying more taxes. He stated the tax increase will hit the current residents and the city should take care of its current problems before annexing more area. Potter stated that the city has been trying to obtain a new water tower for several years and is not installing one just for Grace. Williams stated that the city could not take care of 131 more acres. Potter stated that the problem with the sewer system is infiltration, not capacity. Spivey stated that the city cannot use the 100,000 gallon tank and the 30,000 standpipe at the same time. Stoffer stated that the 100,000 gallon tank would give consistent pressure. Size is based on fire capacity and not that much would be used. Bechtoldt asked that the county be notified. Clerk stated that TePaske had a copy of the petition. Potter suggested a public hearing in two weeks. Stevens stated that this is a public meeting and the agenda was posted. Brown asked about the time schedule for development and if there was any limitation to the number of homes.