The City of Owen Planning Committee met on Thursday, February 6 to discuss possible land sales and a plan for street extension in Countryside Estates.

Jake Brunette, acting as an attorney for Forward Bank, was present at the meeting. HCDC, a subsidiary of the bank, would like to purchase two lots in Countryside Estates. Brunette had met with DPW Chad Smith and Mayor Scott Jalling, along with the builder to look at possible sites. They plan to build two affordable HUD homes. Brunette said they are looking at building quality homes that will qualify for low to moderate income buyers. They are interested in Lots 15 and 16 on Cedar Street. They will not purchase the properties without being able to get a variance to the covenants, both in regard to home size and front yard setbacks. They would go through the process of requesting any needed variances if they purchase the properties. Committee member John Mauel said he is not happy with the covenants. Committee chair Ray Kilty said he had talked to the city attorney and no changes can be made to the covenants for 30 years or around 2039. Variances can be granted for hardship, etc. Brunette said they would also want any variances that might be granted to stay with the land. Brunette said they are willing to look at other property available for purchase from the city if the variances can’t be granted.

Ray Kilty wishes to purchase Lots 21 and 36. He would meet all the requirements for the covenants. He also said that any developer’s agreement should contain the following: the land can’t be resold, construction must start within two years, and construction must be completed six months after starting. If not, the property will be assessed as if it was completed. If construction isn’t started within the time allowed, the property will be forfeited back to the city. The lot prices are set at $3,000 each. The committee agreed to the additional requirements.

Kilty’s offer to purchase will be forwarded to the city council for approval. Forward Bank’s offer will be discussed at the council meeting. Kilty is trying to get a definition of hardship in regard to granting a variance.

They also talked about a possible needed street extension sometime in the next few years. Kilty said they need to start planning for that now so that when the current lots are sold they can extend the street to give access to more lots. Ideas discussed were a curb and gutter assessment and raising lot prices, or possibly putting away a little money each year. The committee agreed to forward a recommendation to the city council to add a $3 per month curb and gutter assessment to the water bill. This will be a separate charge like garbage or fire protection, not a part of the water or sewer charge.