HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-02 Zoning & Annexation Conintittu ttport
Zoning ang ithintsation tantutitat
The October 2, 2002 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson,Council Member Karen White at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman,Kelly, White,and Kuspa; Community
&Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Director of the Division of Community Development
Pam Meyer, Area Plan Assistant Director John Byorni, George Adler, Larry Magliozzi,and Marco
Marian.
Council Member White noted that this Committee was called to continue the discussion on the
proposed Comprehensive Plan . She noted that at an earlier meeting, Mr. Byomi provided a
review of the Chapters 1,2, and 3 of the proposed comprehensive plan.
Mr. Byomi noted that the St. Joseph County Council is tentatively scheduled to act on a resolution
to adopt the comprehensive plan at its October 8th meeting. He then reviewed proposed Chapters
4 through 8 of the proposed comprehensive plan. He noted that agricultural preservation is
important to the city with regard to services and infrastructure issues. Limiting places outside of
the city for residential growth and ground water issues are important.
In 1989 the agricultural rule changed form 10 to 20 acre limits in order to protect farmland. They
are trying to prevent large density in a twenty acre parcel. Today it is more difficult to farm. Older
farmers have an issue with the 20 acre rule and would like to sell off smaller parcels; whereas the
younger farmers like the 20 acre rule. It was noted that County Council Member Schaffer will
probably vote against the comprehensive plan in light of the 20 acre rule.
In Chapter 6 the population projections are conservative. Discussion n water and sewer districts
also took place. The county is concerned about annexation policies.
Baker and Daniels has been hired to review all ordinances in the county, with the City of South
Bend's being the first priority. A work group consisting of Larry Magliozzi, Don Fozo, Gary
Gilot are some of the individuals involved. It is projected that by late next year the ordinance will
be ready for passage.
Council Member White thanked Mr. Byorni for his input and then adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
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