A development proposal for two single family residential lots along Hawley St. (Shady Oak Park) failed to get enough support at the May 11 meeting of the Chatfield City Council.
The proposal had been recommended by the Planning Commission. Councilor Josh Broadwater who favored the proposal was against the suggested request for proposals language which made the developer responsible for utility connections. He insisted the city should put in the utilities and add the cost to the lot cost.
Councilor Mike Urban said he had heard from residents for and against the proposal. He suggested infrastructure could have been installed a couple of years ago. Councilor Paul Novotny also had heard from many residents for and against. Some feel strongly about the park. The park equipment is aging. Most residents that Novotny had heard from want the park left as it is. Councilor Dave Frank said he agreed with Urban that the contractor should put in utilities. Frank said he was against ripping up a brand-new street to install utilities. Councilor Pam Bluhm said she was 100% against the proposal, adding that 120 people have signed a petition to keep the park as it is.
No one made a motion to request proposals for two single family residential lots as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. A motion was approved to table the proposal indefinitely. Broadwater voted against that motion.
Other Business in Brief
•City Engineer Craig Britton noted the Public Works Committee reviewed the Amco III Development Agreement and recommended approval with two noted changes. The agreement was approved as recommended by the committee. A resolution approving the final plat (Amco Third Addition) was approved with one change (elimination of one lot).
•A purchase agreement was canceled for the property at 1622 Enterprise Dr. SE. Councilor Frank abstained.
•The 2015 Comprehensive Plan with 2025 updates (changes and additions) was approved as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
•A resolution was considered approving a land conveyance for property at Hill St. SW. An application for a land division was submitted by Scott and Deborah Ferguson, owners of the property. The proposal is to divide the existing parcel into two parcels (one to be 16.79 acres and the other to be 15.72 acres). The lot split application was approved as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
•A resolution was adopted authorizing an increase in bag fees associated with the city’s waste and recycling collection from $2.30 per bag to $2.55 per bag effective June 1. Bill Hanson reported that this year’s citywide clean-up was up 14.5 tons over last year.
•Drew O’Connor was hired for the summer help position as recommended by the Personnel/Budget Committee.
•Mayor John McBroom read the EMS Week Proclamation which recognizes the value and accomplishments of emergency medical services providers. May 17-23 was proclaimed as EMS Week. This is the 52nd anniversary of EMS Week; the theme this year is “Improving Outcomes, Together.”
•A sharing agreement between the cities of Chatfield, Lanesboro, and Stewartville was approved. The cities will jointly purchase a DuraPatcher each paying one-third of the cost of the purchase.
•A resolution was approved adopting a City Hall security camera policy.
•A resolution was adopted approving an agreement between the DNR and the city for 2026-2027 Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails Assistance Program Maintenance.
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