07-19-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 15 July 19, 2004 Linda $chmeling, 18753 Cleveland Street-Stated she would like certain property located on the east side of County Road 40 to be included in the urban service district. She stated she would like to develop this property and donate land to the School District for an elementary school. Dr. Alan Jenson, Elk River District #728 School Superintendent-Stated the property east of County Road 40 would be a good location for an elementary school due to the growth in east Elk River. He stated the District has done some preliminary work on the property and would like to begin construction as soon as possible before construction costs increase. Ed Dulak, Dellwoood Minnesota-Provided a handout of the proposed development for this property. He stated he would be willing to have the development project phase in as late as 2010. He stated he would have approximately 500 single family residential units on 260 acres. Lot sizes would be between 8,000-11,000 sq. ft. Councilmember Motin stated there are some communication concerns between the developer and the property owner. He stated this property should be a large lot development. He stated he considers 14,000 sq. ft. to be minimum lot size in a large lot urban development. Councilmember Motin stated there has been confusion on the number of lots being proposed. He stated he has heard 150 to 500 single family homes. Mr. Dulak stated he considers 12,000 sq. ft. to be a large single family lot in a sewer and water development. Councilmember Tveite stated he is willing to go with a smaller lot size because this proposed development would not be very dense due to the wetlands. He stated he calculated the development would most likely have less than 250 single family residential units. Councilmember Dietz questioned what the developer's intentions were for park dedication fees. Mr. Dulak stated city staff indicated that some consideration for a reduction in the standard requirements could be discussed by the Parks and Recreation Commission based on the donation of land to the School District. Councilmember Dietz questioned Dr. Jenson as to whether the District is still looking for other possible sites for schools. He is concerned about the School District asking the city to include 500 homes into the Urban Service District which is going to bring in more kids and fall most of the new school. He stated past school boards have been critical of cities for adding developments and growth. Dr. Jenson stated that the District is not afraid of growth but is expecting it and the Elk River School District is projected to be the fastest growing District in the state for the next 20 years. Dr. Jenson stated the new school would be completed by 2006 but the developer wouldn't begin until later. Councilmember Tveite stated the Council heard if they don't take action on this item within 60-90 days, then the School District will build in Otsego. He stated he would like to see a school built in east Elk River. Dr. Jenson stated that what the Council heard was not true but he can't predict what the School Board will do.