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Commission approves representatives to meet township after Buffalo Ridge development; sheds discussed
Summary
Commission discussed a resident’s shed at 64 Central Ave, confirmed a public-works inspection allowed the requested shed after removing an existing shed, and approved sending Commissioners Ken Gertken and Chuck Merten to meet with the township about the Buffalo Ridge development; Commissioner Jim Hemmesch proposed a one-mile no-development buffer in the comprehensive plan to protect the city’s water source.
At its Oct. 23 meeting, the City of Richmond Planning Commission addressed miscellaneous development matters including a residential shed at 64 Central Ave and the recently approved Buffalo Ridge development in Stearns County.
Commissioner Jim Hemmesch reported that a resident at 64 Central Ave inquired about placing a new shed. The public works director (referred to as Gordie in the record) inspected the property and determined the proposed new shed could be installed if an existing shed were removed. Hemmesch told the commission the initial view from public works was that the yard was too small, but that inspection changed that assessment.
Hemmesch also reported that the Buffalo Ridge development received approval from Stearns County and that road construction is expected soon. He said the city needs better communication with the township and proposed adding language to the comprehensive plan prohibiting development within one mile outside city limits to protect Richmond’s water source. That proposal was discussed but not adopted; it remains a suggestion for the comprehensive plan.
Commissioner Hemmesch moved to authorize Commissioners Ken Gertken and Chuck Merten to meet with the township; Commissioner Jon Person seconded the motion, and it passed. The commission did not adopt new comprehensive-plan language at this meeting; the action was limited to authorizing the representatives to discuss the matters with township officials.
City Administrator Stacy Kalthoff reviewed the permit list for September and October during the meeting packet review. The commission set its next meeting for Nov. 20, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
