by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
The Sartell Planning Commission at its March 7 meeting voted 3-2 to recommend a final plat for the Sartell Community Center, but it then voted unanimously not to recommend acquisition of the south-site property for a community center.
The planning community is an advisory board only that makes recommendations to the Sartell City Council.
Members of the planning committee said they believe the south site for a center does not fit into the city’s long-term comprehensive plan.
Voting against the final plat were members Glenn Persen and Gary Orman. Commission members noted that many residents have serious reservations about the center being at the south site. They also said they disagree with the south site because, at this point anyway, it would not be suitable for inclusion of a library, according to the guidelines of the Great River Regional Library system.
Four library supporters spoke during an open-forum session of the planning commission to express their displeasure about a library not being in the plans for the community center. They told the commission that, in their opinions, the city has not listened to the many requests to have a branch library in the city.
The commission approved the final plat submitted by Ferche Development because the plat, it was noted, complies with all of the rules and regulations required by the city for platting.
Sartell Planning and Development Director Anita Rasmussen, who was at the meeting, told the Sartell Newsleader Tuesday that a public facility such as a community center at the south site – a mixed-use zoning area – is permissible under the city’s comprehensive plan.
The land at the south site is owned by Ferche Development.
The city council approved the south site for the community center last year on a vote of 3-2.
