Shakopee Planning Commission Regular Meeting – April 7, 2025

The Shakopee Planning Commission held a regular meeting on April 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. Commissioners discussed two major items: the annexation, zoning, and MUSA amendment of 11 parcels in Jackson Township (total ~61 acres), and the preliminary plat of Richland Court (a proposed 8-lot single-family subdivision). The public provided testimony on both items. The commission voted unanimously on all recommendations, which will go to the City Council for final action.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously with a motion and second.
• Minutes: Approved consent item (minutes from March) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 5.a – Annexation, Zoning, MUSA Amendment: Three members of the public spoke:
  • Paul Melcher, representing his parents Tom and Sue Melcher, expressed concern about a planned sewer main cutting through the family's old-growth forest ("Melcher Woods"). He asked for assurance that the sewer would be bored (not trenched) and that property taxes would be abated for his parents. He stated he would not oppose annexation if protections were in place.
  • Patrick Brigaman, joined by his parents and brother, questioned the timeline and details of the annexation and storm sewer plans. He requested that the city share maps and information.
  • Frank Weber, a property owner in the area, objected to the annexation because he said taxes would rise 319% with no direct benefit (only a storm sewer pipe). He supported the idea of the city eventually acquiring the houses for parkland but asked for tax abatement.
  • Brian Brigaman (son of property owners) asked about selling options and whether the city would purchase the properties. He noted his parents felt left in the dark about the process.
• Item 5.b – Preliminary Plat of Richland Court: Two residents spoke:
  • Brian Mont, a nearby homeowner on Hillwood Drive, argued that eight homes on four acres does not fit the surrounding area (one house per 2.5 acres). He felt it creates a "reverse island" of high density. He also asked about stormwater drainage responsibility and suggested six lots would be more appropriate.
  • Smart Baldwin expressed disappointment that the property had been rezoned to R1B in 2006 without adequate notification to neighbors, and that the current density still seems too high. He understood the developer needs to profit but urged a "happy medium."

Discussion Items

• Item 5.a – Annexation, Zoning, and MUSA Amendment of Properties in Jackson Township
  • Staff (Michael Kersky) presented the proposal: 11 parcels (~61 acres) north of County State Aid Highway 78, including three residential parcels, a vacant bluff parcel, two other parcels, and Scott County retention pond parcels. The city proposes annexation, zoning to Agricultural Preservation (AG), and a MUSA amendment to bring three parcels into the Metropolitan Urban Service Area.
  • Staff noted the orderly annexation agreement allows annexation in areas A, B, and C. The city has already met with some property owners and is pursuing appraisals for the bluff and three houses. The city plans to preserve the bluff as open space, with a trail system and no development.
  • Regarding the sewer, the city engineer and administrator have agreed to use a drill bore (30 feet deep) to avoid disturbing the Melcher Woods, rather than a cut-and-fill trench.
  • Staff also mentioned that under state statute 414.035, the city council can abate property taxes for properties not receiving city services.
  • Commissioners discussed the need to protect the forest and ensure tax abatement. A motion was made to recommend approval with conditions: prioritize forest preservation via CIP for a bored sewer or lift station, and recommend tax abatement for residential properties. The motion passed unanimously (6-0).
• Item 5.b – Preliminary Plat of Richland Court
  • Staff presented the plat by Stonebrick Engineering for Matt Lajus (South Oaks Realty). The property (4.38 acres) is zoned R1B and will create eight single-family lots (net 2.23 acres, density 3.58 units/acre), plus two outlots for stormwater pond and wetland. The plan includes a right-in/right-out access with a bypass lane on County Road 79.
  • The developer reduced from 10 lots to 8 to address stormwater and wetland concerns, and increased outlot sizes. Staff recommends additional landscaping to buffer existing homes.
  • Discussion acknowledged that the property has been zoned R1B since 2006 (contested at the time but approved). The current plat is consistent with zoning and the 2040 comprehensive plan. Some commissioners noted the developer was not required to reduce lots and appreciated the cooperation.
  • The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the preliminary plat to the City Council.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5.a – Three separate votes, all unanimous (6-0):
  1. Recommended approval to City Council of draft resolution R2025-035 for annexation, with additional recommendations for forest preservation and tax abatement.
  2. Recommended approval to City Council of draft resolution R2025-034 for the comprehensive plan amendment to Figure 4.60 (MUSA expansion).
  3. Recommended approval to City Council of draft ordinance O2025-008 for zoning the properties as Agricultural Preservation (AG).
• Item 5.b – One vote, unanimous (6-0):
  • Recommended approval to City Council of resolution R2025-003 for the preliminary plat of Richland Court.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned to May 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM.