City of Baxter

This document outlines the Future Land Use plan for the City of Baxter, detailing various land use designations. Key areas include Rural Residential, Low Density Residential, Conservation Overlay, High Density Residential, Commercial, Business Gateway, Office Service, Mixed Use, General Industrial, Medium Density Residential, Public/Semi-Public/Institutional, Railroad, Open Water, and Parks/Greenway. The plan also delineates Municipal, Water Supply Management, Sewer Service, and Three-Mile Camp Ripley Buffer boundaries, providing a comprehensive framework for future development and land management.

The commission discussed a conditional use permit to expand a nonconforming deck on Shoreview Drive, another conditional use permit to expand a deck on Highland Scenic Road, and a conditional use permit to expand a nonconforming structure on Shoreview Drive. Additionally, the commission reviewed a conditional use permit for grading and filling in a shoreland overlay district for erosion control on Memorywood Drive. They also discussed city code text amendments, zoning district amendments, and amendments to the zoning map related to the residential zoning district study, including changes to districts and land use regulations. Other topics included a city code amendment to allow administrative approval of lot line modifications and a variance for off-site signage for the Northland Arboretum.

The City of Baxter Mississippi River Overlook Park Master Plan focuses on providing high-quality, non-motorized recreational and educational amenities while preserving and restoring high biodiversity forests, wetlands, and riparian areas. It includes identifying roadway corridors, establishing the Camp Ripley State Veteran's Trail, protecting the Camp Ripley training mission, and identifying outdoor educational opportunities. The plan also addresses community use policies, park maintenance, and potential acquisitions, with a phased approach to development and cost estimates.

The assessment hearing covered the 2021 Mill & Overlay and Full Depth Reclamation Improvements Project. Proposed improvements include full depth reclamation and bituminous paving on College Road and Isle Drive, construction of a concrete median on Glory Road, installation of streetlights at the Meredith Drive and Memorywood Drive intersections, and reconstruction of the bike and pedestrian trail entrance to the City trail system at Paris Road Trailhead. The project includes costs for roadway, storm sewer, water, and trail improvements, with assessments on benefitting commercial properties and special projects funded through MnDOT and the Capital Park Fund.

The City of Baxter's Mississippi River Overlook Park Master Plan focuses on enhancing public use of City-owned open space, preserving natural resources, and providing recreational and educational amenities. Key areas of focus include establishing the Camp Ripley Veterans State Trail, identifying future road corridors, assessing potential outtake partners, and developing a community use policy. The plan aims to balance development with conservation, improve river access, expand educational opportunities, and ensure park accessibility for all users.