The Trailside Preserve proposal, presented by Andrew Ranweiler of RAN Property Group LLC, involves a new road, Trailside Court, with a cul-de-sac connecting to existing infrastructure adjacent to Sandberg Road and Gilbert Lake. The plan also includes an easement for a walkway to access the Paul Bunyan Trail. During the meeting, a staff report highlighted a comment from the highway department regarding limited entrance points to the cul-de-sac, prompting necessary adjustments to comply with these requirements.

A major concern among the public was the size of the lots, zoned for rural residential 1, allowing for one-acre lots. A change in zoning to accommodate more affordable housing was noted, with homes valued around $300,000 or more. However, attendees like Carrie Martin questioned the definition of “affordable” and expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed lot sizes, which she perceived as cramped compared to the surrounding area’s more spacious homes. Concerns about increased traffic due to the development were also prominent. One attendee pointed out traffic issues on Gilbert Trail, a dead-end road with a single outlet to Wise Road. The same attendee criticized the lack of public notification about zoning changes and suspected that the interests of local residents were being overlooked in favor of developers’ profits.

As public testimony continued, Sherry Reeberg reiterated traffic hazards at the intersection of Gilbert Lake Road, questioning whether adequate planning had been done given past safety issues. She also raised concerns about how the new lots would affect the water table and well systems, as most homes would require individual wells. Dustin Lake emphasized potential water runoff issues, fearing that additional impervious surfaces from driveways and rooftops could exacerbate existing flooding on his property. He called for studies on runoff management and suggested a retaining pond might be necessary to mitigate flooding risks. Another speaker expressed concerns about ecological impacts, noting the area’s diminished tree growth due to previous logging, fearing the development would leave the area devoid of significant vegetation.

In response to these concerns, representatives clarified that each new lot would have its own well and that an engineering study was underway to address stormwater runoff management, with plans for four designated ponds to handle drainage. They argued that the lot sizes were consistent with existing properties nearby and aligned with the county’s comprehensive plan. Discussion among board members included clarifying that any changes to lot size would require a separate rezoning process. Ultimately, the board recommended the approval of the preliminary plat for Trailside Preserve, with the final decision set for December 16th.

Following the development discussion, the board addressed a variance request for a property on Goodrich Lake, seeking to reduce a setback requirement for an addition. The board reviewed the conditions and approved the variance request, noting the proposal’s alignment with existing conditions and the minimal impact of the setback change.

The meeting also covered another variance request from the Sean Kurpatre Trust, involving multiple setback reductions for an attached garage addition and a covered patio. The board reviewed proposed plans, including improvements to the septic system that would move the drain field further from the lake than its current position. Despite environmental concerns raised by a neighbor, the board proceeded to approve the variance request after confirming the project’s compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulations.

In the session’s closing discussions, the board addressed procedural aspects of upcoming appeals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear records and balancing public engagement with official responsibilities. Conversations included the appeal process for staff decisions, requiring evaluation of whether decisions were arbitrary or conformed to existing ordinances. There was also acknowledgment of the need for findings to accompany board decisions and the potential need for dialogue following public comments to ensure transparency and consideration of public concerns.