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Four of the five Wyoming City Council members had a discussion at the most recent meeting about a proposed 39-lot housing development called “Katie’s Glen,” and decided to await full council attendance to act on a permit and plat.  The actions needed will be on a council January meeting agenda.

The project shows approximately one-quarter acre lots on the site, the developer explained. The city is working along the lines of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) which is a process where zoning standards are revised for a plat, in exchange for saving certain habitat or enlarging open space.  In this 18-acre location wetlands are the main concern and tree loss.

Council observed that most of the surrounding area at Goodview and 255th contains lots of one acre-plus.  Mayor Lisa Iverson suggested the developer consider enlarging the lots.  She noted the full wetland assessment hadn’t been completed and added that there are no sidewalks included.  Wyoming has been working to be a “walkable” city, she explained.

Council member Linda Nanko Yeager felt the plat had been “dropped in the middle” of a large lot neighborhood and it didn’t fit.

The road  serving the development intersects with Goodview just south of Goldfinch Avenue.The area is guided by the Comp Plan as R-3, noted the city attorney. Tom Loonan advised the council to have “findings” expressed if the actions needed should fail. He added that council may wish to table until member Schilling is present and staff can draft findings supporting rejection and/or for approval.

Council voted 4-0 to do just that.

In other business, the firefighters will see a pension payout of $4,500 per year of service, upon leaving the department.

Council saw an analysis of the funding level for the pension and agreed 4-0 to increase the current payout by $500,  to $4,500.

City Administrator Robb  Linwood assured council the funding will be looked at annually to make sure obligation and available investment funds are suitable. The city contributes $200 per year to the pensions;  which are also built with state aid that comes from insurance payments generated within the firefighting territory and other fundraisers.  Linwood said the end of service payouts are an “asset” when when attracting incoming volunteers for the department.

Financial consultants gave an update on the city’s long range (to 2027) fiscal scenarios.  The sale of debt for the new public safety facility and for street improvements is slated for 2023 and 2025, according to the materials shared at the meeting.  It is conceivable the city prepare for property tax to rise to $2,200 for a “median” value home in 2027 from $1,500 now.  It is also projected the city will be collecting $7 million for all city expenses in 2027 compared to $5 million now.

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