Several citizens attended the April 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council due to a proposal for Shady Oak redevelopment. The proposal is to subdivide a portion of Shady Oak Park (near Hawley Street) into two buildable lots.
The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval, after a public hearing at its April 6 meeting. The proposal is to provide for two single family residential lots on the park grounds.
Mayor John McBroom made it clear to the crowd attending the city council meeting that this was not a public hearing.
Councilor Mike Urban had several questions about the proposal: How will the lots be sold, will we put in the infrastructure, who will take down trees, and will we get submittals from developers. He said he had received many different perspectives from people who had called him.
Councilor Pam Bluhm said she was not in favor of selling any part of the park. Councilor Dave Frank had attended the public hearing at Planning & Zoning. Many people spoke. Frank said there is plenty of room for two houses. Any money from a sale of lots should go to improvement of the park. He agreed with Urban that questions need to be answered.
Brian Burkholder reported that he had went to a class and consulted an arborist. He suggested that the oak trees are not a hazard. Their condition has a lot to do with early and late frost and a dry summer. He was advised to give the trees six months to a year. If they are deemed to be hazardous they will need to be taken down.
Councilor Josh Broadwater said he made the motion at Planning & Zoning. City Administrator Michele Peterson suggested the city council could approve a request for proposals (RFP) first before making it public. A motion was made by Broadwater to approve the Planning & Zoning recommendation and move forward with an RFP. The motion died for lack of a second.
A motion to table it until the next meeting until there is more information was approved. Councilors Paul Novotny and Pam Bluhm voted no.
Other Business in Brief
- A motion was approved accepting the resignation of City Attorney Fred Suhler, Jr., effective September 30. Mayor McBroom thanked him for his years of service. Suhler said, “It has been a joy to be city attorney; it is time to hang it up at my age.” He said city government in Chatfield runs very well.
- A resolution was approved to display the Minnesota State Flag as modified in 1983 on city property. Minnesota statute does not require a municipality to fly the state flag.
- An equipment and installation quote in the amount of $24,616 was approved to get a police squad fully equipped.
- Bluhm reported on the Public Services Committee. Camp Companion is looking to present an open agreement with the city for a trap/neuter/release program for stray cats.
- The Committee of the Whole met and discussed nuisances, fees, and enforcement. McBroom said if residents have a complaint, they should come to the office and fill out a complaint form.
- A donation for the Chatfield Public Library in the amount of $100 was accepted.
- The use of City Park and 4th Street each Thursday for the Growers & Makers Market was approved.
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