Record of Meeting  

Township Listening Session

Stearns County held a Township Listening Session on March 5, 2020 to better understand the Township Officials’ needs, issues and opportunities as it relates to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. The meeting was facilitated by the planning consultant and held at Albany City Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A formal presentation (see Attachment A) was given at 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The meeting was open to Township staff and elected officials. Attendance recorders can be found in Attachment B.   Meeting Recap

Lance Bernard from HKGi (planning consultant) provided an overview of the work that has been completed to date. This included a summary of public engagement events, draft materials, and next steps. The presentation focused on a new approach (see Attachment A) that is being integrated into the comprehensive plan to create greater flexibility in future land use decisions. This approach suggests the County should move away from a Future Land Use Plan that guides land uses at a parcel-by-parcel basis. Instead, land use decision should be determined by using stronger design standards and criteria. This approach is documented in the meeting materials (see Attachment C). Next Steps Township officials were encouraged to review the meeting materials with their Town Board as a whole, and provide feedback by April 17, 2020. Feedback can be submitted in one of the following ways:

Filling out an online questioner: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5KZ6LVJ  

Email response to Angie Berg at Angie.Berg@co.stearns.mn.us Mail comments to Angie Berg at 705 Courthouse Square, Rm 343, St. Cloud, MN

56303.

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Attachment A – Presentation    

Comprehensive Plan UpdateFebruary 5, 2020

Comprehensive Planning

The Plan Provides…

• Vision Statements and Goals

• Policy Direction

• Guides Growth

• Twenty Year Time Horizon

• Prepares for Implementation

• Is not the zoning ordinance

Existing Plan

• Last update was done in 2008

• Typically updated every 10 years

• The County’s 2040 Transportation Plan was update in 2016

• Plan Elements:

Land Use

Parks, Trails, and Open Space

Transportation

County Facilities

Economic Development

Comprehensive Plan Success (Since 2008)Preserved over 1,000 acres of natural areas in the Avon Hills/Collegeville area.

Supported agricultural growth in the approval of over 600 new or expanded feedlot operations.

Provided landowners and decision makers the tools necessary to protect farmland by conducting hundreds of land assessments.

Supported areas of opportunity for renewable energy sources, resulting in over 600 megawatts (MW) of solar generating capacity.

Conducted over 18,000 watercraft inspections in 2018 in an effort to prevent and minimize the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).

Constructed park and trail amenities, such as the Lake Wobegon Trail extension into the St. Cloud metro area, a new family-friendly swimming beach at Quarry Park, and the opening of Kraemer Lake Park.

Where We’ve BeenEngagement Efforts

• Breakfast on the Farm

• Earth Day 5K

• Summer Time By George

• County Fair

• Local Chambers of Commerce

• Coldspring USA

• Township Board Meetings

• County and State Commissions and Committee meetings

• 4H Clubs

• Rotary Clubs

• School Districts

Project Website(Resource for Meeting Minutes and Draft Reports)

• Agritourism• Broadband• Clean Energy• Econ. Development• Feedlots• Growth Areas• Mining• Natural Resource

Protection• Park Needs• Rural Residential• Shoreland Mgmt.• Workforce Housing

Comprehensive Plan Structure

Vision

Living

Agriculture

Nature

Business

Connectivity

Goals

Existing Conditions

Pillars(Plan Elements)

Implementation Tools• Capital Improvement Programs• Zoning Code Updates• Master Plans

Each one of these tools have a separate approval process.

Focus Areas (Examples)

Schedule• Township input by April 17, 2020

• Finalize Draft for the Steering Committee’s Review – April 2020

• Draft for Public Comment – May/June 2020

• Plan Adoption – June 2020

Updates of Note

1. Five Pillars

2. Goals

3. Focus Areas

4. Future Land Use Plan

• Agritourism• Broadband• Clean Energy• Econ. Development• Feedlots• Growth Areas• Mining• Natural Resource

Protection• Park Needs• Rural Residential• Shoreland Mgmt.• Workforce Housing

Comprehensive Plan Structure

Vision

Living

Agriculture

Nature

Business

Connectivity

Goals

Existing Conditions

Pillars(Plan Elements)

Implementation Tools• Capital Improvement Programs• Zoning Code Updates• Master Plans

Each one of these tools have a separate approval process.

Focus Areas (Examples)

The Five Pillars

Living

Agriculture

Business

Nature

Connectivity

The Steering Committee has developed five pillars that help articulates a County vision for the year 2040.

Living Pillar

Stearns County shares a broad set of values about ourselves and the place where we live. We will continue to embrace a shared feeling of belonging, acceptance, and trust. The success of the County as a whole depends on the contributions and engagement of every individual to make Stearns County a great place to call home.

Agriculture Pillar

Stearns County’s agricultural heritage is the root of our prosperity and identity. Through product diversity, innovation, and sustainable practices, we will enhance and promote the advancement of our agricultural economy.

Business Pillar

Stearns County will invest in economic development strategies that are rooted in our shared values, skills, and identity. This will require a balanced economy that supports our existing businesses, while attracting new business that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity.

Nature Pillar

Stearns County recognizes the inherent value of the natural environment and connecting people to nature. We are committed to protecting, preserving, and restoring our natural resources, while offering outdoor recreational opportunities. This will require sustainable practices that balance growth between urban and rural communities.

Connectivity Pillar

Stearns County’s infrastructure, facilities, and services play an important role in connecting the places where we live, work and play. We recognize the inherent responsibility in maintaining these systems in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner. Enhancing these systems will require public and private partnerships that strive to maintain our quality of life.

Goals

2030 Comprehensive Plan34 Goals and 120 Objectives

2040 Comprehensive Plan Update5 Pillar Statements (Vision) and 27 Goals

Steering Committee Direction• Reduce redundancies• Simplify and be more concise

Public Input

Focus Areas

Agricultural UsesCrop/Product Diversification

Animal AgricultureClean EnergyAgritourism

Artisan Agriculture

Transitional AreasFarmsteads

Rural Residential Uses Affordable Workforce

HousingLakeshore Housing

Water ResourcesNatural System

CorridorsSustainability and

ResiliencyAggregate Resources

Parks and TrailsPark Operations &

ManagementPark Funding

Business in Rural AreasTownsite Mixed Use

Major Transportation Corridors

Changing EconomiesPartnerships & Local

Coordination

Transportation Networks

County ResourcesInternet Connectivity

Agriculture Living Nature Business Connectivity

Focus Areas by Pillar

Future Land Use Plan

What are we hearing?

1. Strengthen our rural and agrarian identity

2. Preserve natural resources for future generations (water quality focused)

3. Balance growth with agricultural, rural and urban landscapes

4. Diversify our rural housing and employment options

5. County parks and trails are highly valued

6. Maintain County assets and facilities

… create flexibility.

What we heard from you…

1. Create greater flexibility

2. Eliminate barriers

3. Balance growth with agricultural, rural and urban landscapes

4. Diversify our rural housing and employment options

5. Aspirations for growth may be different from one community to the next.

6. Provide better guidance for making land use decisions.

Proposed ApproachFuture Land Use Plan … creating flexibility

Parcel by Parcel Approach vs. Policy Guidance/Direction(2008 Plan) (Proposed Plan)

Proposed Approach

1. We need to continue to collaborate together on land use decisions (e.g., rezoning requests, conditional uses, interim uses, variances).

2. Land use decisions need to be aligned with the Comprehensive Plan.

3. Provide you better tools to help make informed recommendations

In order to create greater flexibility….

2. Future

Land Use Plan Map

3. LESA Score

4. Land Use

Criteria and Standards

5. Township Approval

1. Goals

Proposed Approach

1. Requests should align with the goals.

2. Requests should align with the Future Land Use map and categories

3. The LESA score has been taken into consideration, but is not the end-all/be-all decision factor

4. Requests should align with the future land use criteria and standards

5. Town Boards have reviewed the request and provided a recommendation based on the decision factors.

In order to create greater flexibility….

Decision Factors

Proposed ApproachSee Handout

• Question 1: The request is consistent with the future land use categories. • Question 2: The request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s goals. • Question 3: The request is consistent with the land use criteria and

standards.

Proposed ApproachQuestion 1: The request is consistent with the future land use categories.

See Handout

Proposed ApproachQuestion 2: The request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s goals.

See Handout

Proposed ApproachQuestion 3: The request is consistent with the land use criteria and standards.

See Handout

Schedule• Township input by April 17, 2020

• Finalize Draft for the Steering Committee’s Review – April 2020

• Draft for Public Comment – May/June 2020

• Plan Adoption – June 2020

Thank YouLance Bernard, Project ManagerHKGilance@hkgi.com612.252.7133

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Attachment B – Sign In Sheets

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Attachment C – Meeting Materials  

February 5, 2020 Township Listening Sessions

   

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2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Stearns County is in the process of updating their 2008 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document that helps the County grow and develop in a manner that meets the needs of the County and its residents. The plan will serve as a basis for making decisions on future land use regulations and development. A Comprehensive Plan helps to guide residential and economic growth within the County, while also accommodating environmental and agricultural needs. The Stearns County Comprehensive Plan is a county‐wide effort that engages residents, townships, business leaders, and other important community partners.  

Future Land Use Plan Map The Future Land Use Plan map is an important part to the Comprehensive Plan. The Future Land Use Plan map designates all land within Stearns County outside the incorporated cities into specific land use categories (see Attachment). This map and guidance from the Comprehensive Plan provides a basis for establishing zoning district boundaries and regulatory tools, and for guiding private and public land investments.  

Updates to the Future Land Use Plan Our planning process has determined the current Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Plan map is too prescriptive in what one can do with their land. Updates to the Comprehensive Plan is 

looking for ways to eliminate these barriers, while providing the property owner greater flexibility in what they can do with their land. 

 

To achieve this goal, the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan is moving away from assigning specific land uses to each parcel of land. Instead, the Comprehensive Plan will articulate preferred land use patterns and development expectations through design criteria and standards. If a proposed project is generally consistent with the criteria and standards, then the proposed project could be considered to be in 

conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. The Future Land Use Plan map will continue to be used to determine what design criteria and standards should be used for a proposed project. 

  

Town Boards will be asked to use this criteria in the future when reviewing rezoning requests and development proposals.  

 

We Need Your Input We need your feedback on this approach and hope you can answer the questions on page 2 by April 17, 

2020. Comments can be emailed to Angie Berg at Angie.Berg@co.stearns.mn.us or mailed to 705 

Courthouse Square, Rm 343|St. Cloud, MN 56303.  

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Comment Form 

Township Name: ______________________________________________________________________ 

Township Contact: _____________________________________________________________________ 

 

Question 1: Are there any changes that need to be made to the draft Town Board Recommendation 

Form (see page 3)? 

 

 

 

 

 

Question 2: Are there any changes that need to be made to the Pillar statements and goals? 

 

 

 

 

 

Question 3: Are there any changes that need to be made to the land use criteria and standards? 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Comments 

 

 

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Township Recommendation Form (DRAFT)  

To be completed by Stearns County

Applicant Name:       ____________________________________________________ 

Parcel Number:        ____________________________________________________ 

Request:        ____________________________________________________ 

Land Evaluation Site Assessment Score:   ____________________________________________________ 

Future Land Use Category:     ____________________________________________________ 

 

Town Board Review Checklist

The Town Board has reviewed and considered the following items. Please use the attached 

worksheets for more information: 

  

Question 1: The request is consistent with the future land use categories.            Yes / No 

Question 2: The request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s goals.         Yes / No 

Question 3: The request is consistent with the land use criteria and standards.    Yes / No 

 

Township Recommendation

The _____________________ Town Board met on _________________ to discuss the request.  

 

 

The Town Board recommends (chose one):   ______   Approval        ______   Denial  

Township Signature: _________________________________________________________ 

 

Comments:  

   

(Township Name)  (Date) 

(chose one) 

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Future Land Use CategoriesThe following provides general descriptions of the draft land use categories (or typologies) contained within Stearns County’s Draft Future Land Use Plan Map. These descriptions provide the general guidelines for land use planning by category in Stearns County through 2040. The land use categories provide guidance for the application of the County’s zoning ordinances and specific districts that regulate land development.

Orderly Annexation Areas (OAA)

The Orderly Annexation Area designation represents property covered by an agreement between a city and a township (as well as the County) in which land will be annexed to the city in the future under specified conditions. Orderly annexation agreements are a legal tool that can help a township control, to some degree, when and how land is annexed. This proactive measure includes an agreement between both the city and township that stipulates the terms and conditions in the transition/annexation of land. Typical terms and conditions state the time, location, tax revenue, infrastructure and land uses associated with the property. This binding agreement has been a common practice by several communities in eastern Stearns County.

Agricultural Areas

Most of the County’s land uses are guided for agricultural uses. Preferred uses within this land use category include agricultural uses and farmsteads related to the operations of the agricultural use.

However, the Comprehensive Plan recognizes not all of these areas are well suited for agriculture activities given their soil types or natural features. Therefore, the property owner should also be given the flexibility to develop their land as long as it meets certain criteria that balances residential uses with adjacent land uses.

» Rural Residential: Rural residential development is encouraged to preserve existing natural resources (e.g., wetlands, prairie, woodlands, habitat corridors, and viewsheds) or large areas for agricultural uses. Lot sizes may vary; however, properties are required to maintain enough buildable land to accommodate the construction of permitted structures, including primary and secondary septic systems.

» Business: It is important to recognize the type of businesses (e.g., woodworking shops and home based businesses) that may occur in the Agricultural Areas. These are small, privately-owned businesses run primarily by residents of the property; that functions without altering its rural character. The Comprehensive Plan continues to support businesses in the Agricultural Areas that do not create negative impacts on the public health, safety, and general welfare of adjacent property owners

Transitional Areas

This designation reflects areas that could see change over the next twenty years. Land located within a quarter to a half-mile of city services (sewer and water) are subject to seeing greater development pressure. This designation also reflects growth areas identified by local jurisdictions. However, not every jurisdiction may have the aspiration or desire to grow. These areas are still important to designate as Transitional Areas as desires or markets can change over time. Therefore, these areas should be held to different design standards to ensure future land uses avoid unplanned sprawl, align with infrastructure needs and services, and minimize impacts to natural resources and agricultural uses. Future residential uses should be clustered and guided at higher densities than agricultural areas.

Concentrated Development

This designation is intended to capture most of the existing residential developments that have occurred through larger subdivisions or concentrated near water bodies (e.g., lakeshore development). Higher residential density ranges have largely been dictated by zoning districts and post development.

Major Transportation Corridors

This designation is intended to capture the development potential that typically occurs along major transportation corridors as businesses seek locations with higher volumes of traffic and good visibility. The feasibility to develop along these corridors may be challenging from a transportation and environmental perspective. These challenges may include limited roadway access, wetland constraints, and the ability to address sewer and water needs.

Townsite Mixed Use

This designation identifies rural townsites that already include some variety of residential or commercial uses. Townsites are appropriate locations for nonagricultural development within many townships. Larger residential developments or commercial uses are encouraged to locate within these areas in effort to enhance small town economies.

Q1. The request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Categories. Yes or No

Future Land Use Plan Map

The Future Land Use Map designates all land within Stearns County outside the incorporated cities into specific land use categories. This map provides a basis for establishing zoning district boundaries and regulatory tools, and for guiding private and public land investments. The map helps guide land use decisions for the next 20 years.

Future Land Use Plan Map

Q2. The request is consistent with the following Goals (check all those that apply).

Agricultural PillarStearns County’s agricultural heritage is the root of our prosperity and identity. Through product diversity, innovation, and sustainable practices, we will enhance

and promote the advancement of our agricultural economy.

Goals

Supports agriculture as a desirable land use for the long term, while helping diversify the County’s agricultural economy.

Utilizes sustainable practices that protect agricultural soils and waters for future generations.

Strengthens and retains areas with highly valued agricultural land or economically viable animal agriculture operations.

Strives for and supports higher farm profitability and family farm stability.

Requires cities to work with the County on the review of feedlot issues within proximity to their boards or within orderly annexation areas.

Living PillarStearns County shares a broad set of values about ourselves and the place where we live. We will continue to embrace a shared feeling of belonging, acceptance, and trust. The

success of the County as a whole depends on the contributions and engagement of every individual to make Stearns County a great place to call home.

Goals

Maintains sustainable growth patterns that align with the Comprehensive Plan’s Pillars through ongoing collaborating with cities and townships.

Manages the impacts of growth and development on the County’s rural character and natural resources.

Supports housing options that give people in all life stages and of all economic means viable choices for safe, stable, and affordable homes.

New homes are being constructed in a sustainable manner, while incorporating energy efficient technology and in accordance to state building code.

Respects and preserves architectural, archaeological, and cultural history, while building on all residents’ cultural assets to strengthen county cohesion.

Connectivity PillarStearns County’s infrastructure, facilities, and services play an important role in connecting the places where we live, work and play. We recognize the inherent responsibility in

maintaining these systems in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner. Enhancing these systems will require public and private partnerships that strive to maintain our quality of life.

Goals

Develops and maintain a transportation system that promotes the safety, mobility, and access of all users.

Coordinates infrastructure and service needs with development; and encourages development where the infrastructure and services are adequate to serve that growth.

Strengthens our regional role in connecting rural and agricultural economies with metropolitan areas through reliable transportation networks.

Deploys fast and reliable internet technologies that are equitable, affordable, and take advantage of existing infrastructure assets.

Provides County services and facilities that benefit the residents of the County in a cost-effective manner.

Nature PillarStearns County recognizes the inherent values of the natural environment and connecting people to nature. We are

committed to providing recreational opportunities, while recognizing the value of natural resource protection, restoration, and preservation. This will require sustainable practices that balance growth between urban and rural communities.

Goals

Preserves, restores, and protects important natural systems and natural systems and natural resources.

Ensures the reasonable and responsible use of the County’s natural resources, including land, surface and ground water, minerals, open space, wetlands, wildlife, and woodlands.

Recognizes the significance of water resources in the County and ensure the creation and implementation of policies the responsibly manage stormwater in collaboration with land use and development.

Protects the County’s aggregate resources and provide for reasonable economic use of aggregate.

Provides park and open space areas throughout the County to meet the active and passive recreational needs of current and future residents.

Provides park and open space areas throughout the County to meet the active and passive recreational needs of current and future residents.

Business PillarStearns County will invest in economic development strategies that are rooted in our shared values, skills, and identity. This will require a balanced economy that supports our existing businesses, while attracting new business that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity.

Goals

Increases the County’s regional prosperity by being globally competitive and a business-friendly region.

Increases the value of County economic production by ensuring that operations sustain natural resources.

Acknowledges tourism’s economic value and the prospective contribution of this industry to both the diversity of the County economic base and the potential for growth.

Enhances the ability of local retail and commercial business to sustain small cities and rural townsites.

Continues to promote and encourage multi-jurisdictional partnerships and public-private partnerships that advance economic development opportunities.

Supports opportunities for rural businesses that are compatible with agricultural environments and residential neighborhoods.

Q3. The request is consistent with the following land use criteria (check all those that apply).

Preferred land use patterns and development expectations are articulated through design criteria and standards. If a proposed project is generally consistent with the design criteria and standards, then the proposed project could be considered to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan.

The Future Land Use categories should be used to determine what design criteria and standards should be applied to a proposed project.

The project compliments the agricultural community. The project can be designed to minimize impacts to adjacent land uses. Through good conservation oriented site design practices and principles, the site is able to protect and preserve significant natural resources.The project utilizes existing structures.

The project’s owner or operator lives on-site.The proposed project can be served by government services (i.e., fire, police, and public works)

Through good conservation oriented site design practices and principles, the site is able to protect and preserve significant natural resources. The project can be designed to minimize potential conflicts with agricultural uses.

Proposed projects of creating more than one residential lot or greater should include best practices to handle sanitary sewer needs and storm water runoff.The proposed project can be served by government services (i.e., fire, police, and public works).

Agricultural Areas: Residential Use

The project minimizes potential conflicts between urban and rural land uses.The project is logically connected to existing development; zoning districts shall be identified to prevent leapfrog or isolated development within contiguous land use districts. The delivery of other government services (i.e. fire, police, public works, and public education) have been consulted and the County is satisfied that the development can be serviced under existing or planned programming levels. Through good conservation oriented site design practices and principles, the project is able to protect and preserve natural resources.The project has been coordinated and aligned with the City and/or Township plans for future growth.

The project fits the surrounding areas character and takes into consideration its historical context.

The project promotes a positive image of the community through design principles (e.g., building materials and landscaping) that convey the area as an attractive place for visitors and prospective businesses.The project provides housing options or job opportunities that support local and regional economic development goals for future growth.

The project can be designed to minimize impacts to adjacent land uses.

If the project is located near a water body, it can be designed to restore shoreland.

The project is logically connected to existing development.

The project includes the clustering of homes.

The project can be designed to easily address sewer system requirements.

Agricultural Areas: Business Use

Transitional Areas

Townsite Mixed Use Concentrated Residential

The project demonstrates a transition between commercial uses and residential or agriculture uses including retaining existing features of the landscape as defining elements of site design (fence rows, ditches, wetlands, woods).

The project promotes a positive image of the community through design principles (e.g., building materials and landscaping) that convey the corridor as an attractive place for visitors and prospective businesses.

The project has met the roadway’s access management guidelines.

The project has taken the appropriate steps to mitigate traffic impacts.

Major Transportation Corridor

Comments: