A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the potential development of an 8-acre property in the River Park area. The board deliberated on whether to sell the land to a developer like Majestic Homes or to manage the development internally. The possibility of creating eight new residential lots was discussed, with concerns raised regarding the land’s previous use as a septic field, which could complicate future construction. Participants debated the merits of constructing single-family homes versus townhouses, with some expressing a preference for maintaining the neighborhood’s existing character with single-family homes. Others suggested that townhouses could increase the tax base due to their higher density.

The meeting also touched on the logistical and environmental considerations of developing the property. Soil testing and the removal of infrastructure, such as “black pipe” and “drain rock material,” were mentioned as necessary steps in the development process. The board considered whether to handle the remediation as a single project or to leave it to individual lot buyers, with a consensus emerging that a coordinated approach would likely be more efficient.

In addition to development discussions, the board addressed the need for a planning process. The current comprehensive plan, last updated in 2006, was deemed outdated, prompting suggestions to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engage firms for the update. The estimated cost for this endeavor ranged from $30,000 to $35,000, with a timeline of eight to nine months for completion. The plan would outline future growth opportunities, establish a long-term vision, and cover demographics, land use, housing projections, and public utilities. A comprehensive water study, estimated at $12,000, was also proposed for 2026 to assess water capacity amid ongoing growth.

Water usage was another concern, especially with the community’s reliance on a single water tower. The board discussed the implications for future growth, including maintaining adequate water pressure and potentially adding another well. The rise of server centers, driven by artificial intelligence advancements, prompted concerns about increased water demand for cooling these facilities.

The meeting also saw the introduction of Carl Rogers as a candidate for a position on the Economic Development Authority board. Rogers, self-employed since 2005 with a background in real estate, emphasized his capacity to embrace change and explore innovative community ideas. He shared experiences from his real estate career, managing multi-million dollar budgets and organizing efforts to meet strategic objectives. Rogers was questioned about his strengths and organizational skills, with one inquiry focusing on his mention of a challenging experience related to adding a bathroom to an outbuilding. Despite the hurdles, Rogers expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the board and making processes more straightforward and transparent.

The board also explored the potential development of new residential lots in the River Park area. A previous meeting with Majestic Homes and Dwell Realty had discussed creating eight residential lots, with concerns about the land’s history as a septic field. Participants considered the size of the proposed lots, with a consensus that they would likely align with existing one-acre properties in the neighborhood. Suggestions for adding recreational amenities like a pickleball court or hockey rink were made, with arguments that developing the land promptly could benefit the neighborhood while maintaining housing style continuity.

As the meeting concluded, scheduling logistics for the next meeting were addressed, resulting in a change from the 25th to the 24th of November. The board agreed to a 5:30 p.m. start time, with plans to send reminders to ensure attendance. The meeting closed with light-hearted personal exchanges.