The City of New Prague is finally getting around to writing and implementing a section in our Zoning Ordinance for Interim Use Permits. I would be curious to hear from cities that have implemented interim use permit provisions and any tips and experiences you would be willing to share. We are starting from scratch on this topic so any information you have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Kenneth D. Ondich
Planning Director
City of New Prague
118 Central Ave. N.
New Prague, MN 56071
Phone: 952-758-1136
Fax: 952-758-1149
Website: www.ci.new-prague.mn.us

Greetings,

The City of Medina’s updated Comprehensive Plan allows flexibility within the Staging Plan which guides when development would be allowed on different properties. We are now investigating options to regulate this flexibility. We would like to create a “point system” to rate the level to which projects meet City objectives (natural resource/open space protection, affordable housing, high quality design, and other amenities which exceed general City requirements) in order to determine if they would be able to develop sooner than otherwise allowed.

If any colleagues know of any examples or have any experience in this type of system, I would appreciate any assistance.

Thanks everyone,
Dusty Finke
City Planner
City of Medina
dusty.finke@ci.medina.mn.us
Direct line: (763) 473-8846

The City of Norwood Young America is considering a veteran’s memorial park. If any of you have a park like this in your community and would be willing to share some photos to help us narrow our focus it would be greatly appreciated! Photos can be mailed to calger@cityofnya.com. Thank you!
Chelsea Alger
Community Development Director
City of Norwood Young America
PO Box 59
10 First Ave NE
NYA, MN 55368
Tel. (952) 467-1806  Fax (952) 467-1818
calger@cityofnya.com

The Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency is researching and exploring alternative approaches to obtaining or preserving right-of-way for collector and arterials roadways, and is interested in obtaining examples of local ordinances that provide for street fees for new development.

Michael Leek, Esq.
Shakopee Community Development

Hello,
I will be taking the AICP exam in May and I am looking for a study
group. I would prefer to meet weeknights 5-7 times between now and the
May exam. Please contact me at 612-963-7315 or via email.

Thanks,
Dan Kalmon
Planner and Program Manager

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 201
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413-1036

Greetings all.

I am interested in your position on fees for service. In Brainerd, staff proposed fee increases for Building, Planning and Fire Department related permits. Many Planning Department fees have not been updated in years (e.g. a sign permit is $10, a preliminary plat fee is $50 plus $2/lot and a final plat fee is $10). At its last meeting the City Council denied the fee increases. The opinion of some of the City Council is that there should no fees at all. The position being that the public should not have to pay for a service that city staff is already being paid to provide.

I understand we can charge a fee that is commensurate with the service provided. However, I am interested in reasons to justify charging fees for services.

Thank you for any insights you are willing to provide.

Mark Ostgarden AICP