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The Lindstrom City Council gave a “concept review” last week, to a proposed housing plat near the high school.  The 32 detached townhomes would go on nine acres of golf course property,  alongside 292nd Street, and be held to codes under a Planned Unit Development or PUD.  

With this zoning and planning designation the neighborhood gets special considerations for open space, setbacks, etc. as a comprehensive fully laid out plat.

Council heard the Elmcrest Vistas LLC vision for the property. Members were not entirely comfortable with some aspects, though.

The mayor and council member AnnMarie Brink mentioned private street issues the city has had in the past and thought the city was pretty done with private streets.

The units’ density won’t leave much room on the property for stormwater handling, the lots are small and little storage is accommodated, and space for parking needs is limited. The space between buildings is tighter than usual.

City Administrator John Olinger told the council the concept can change as it goes through the review.  This project is aimed at empty nesters. Homeowner association dues will provide for mowing and other chores so residents won’t need to own or store snowblowers and mowers, etc.
The goal is to have a “lifestyle” connection to the golf course and a relationship would be promoted between the townhouse dwellers and golfing.  Actual builders could be chosen by the buyers or the developer (Todd Christenson) could assist with finding a builder.

There could be three access points off 292nd, depending on the inner road configuration.

Olinger said he’ll bring the comments back to the developer.

Meanwhile--Chisago County is reconstructing Olinda Trail, south of the high school next season and the city looked over utility relocation plans.
City Engineer Jon Herdegen said it’s getting crowded along that corridor and sanitary sewer will be re-aligned, portions of watermain need to be moved, sanitary sewer and watermain will be extended to areas expecting future development while the road is torn up.

Council approved staff to proceed with design and prep of specifications for the proposed utility projects.

The city council vacancy was discussed and a process to fill Member Brink’s seat (this was her final meeting) was agreed upon.  The applicants need to be 21 years old.  They need to be city residents.  A letter or resume will accompany an application, so council can get some background information to help decide on who to interview.

This will be a temporary seat, as the general election in November would be when the full term is on the ballot.

Contact city hall or look on the Lindstrom website for how to apply if you are interested.

Council also approved contracting with Novel Energy Solutions for solar panel maintenance. The panels on the city hall and public works building are aging and need attention.  The Lindstrom municipal off-sale liquor store no longer uses solar generation.  

The five year contract is for an $800 annual maintenance total.

The council was advised the city will still be getting credits for putting more energy into the grid beyond what is consumed,  and “making a small profit” off the panels.

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