12-06-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council J\finutes December 6, 2004 Page 8 Linda Schmeling, 18753 Cleveland Street - Stated that development is going to happen and she would like to see everyone work together. She would also like the area designed so that all property owners that wish to develop are able to. Mayor Klinzing reiterated that she is not in favor of any more townhomes. She stated that the comments made regarding transportation issues are good but from what she is hearing, most of the issues are with County Roads. She encouraged the citizens that have transportation issues to express these issues at the County Board meetings. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the city is working with the county to get them to address the County Road issues. Mayor Klinzing also noted that some of the transportation issues discussed tonight deal with State Highway 169, which the State makes the improvement decisions for. She indicated that the city has asked MnDot to go to the next level of study for Highway 169, which includes the review of overpasses. She stated that the reason that Otsego is getting the overpasses is not because Elk River does not want them but because MnDot is phasing in the overpasses beginning south and working north. Councilmember Motin stated that the City Council has in front of them a letter dated December 2,2004 from Dr. Alan Jenson, Independent School District #728 Superintendent, which states that the Elk River Area Schools is in full support of the proposed River Park development as presented and that the proposed school site will allow numerous opportunities for access, views, playing fields, and security. Councilmember Motin acknowledged that the development has been improved significantly from the original proposal but stated that there are still too many concerns. He stated that the street connection to Sunset Ridge would not be safe. He also stated that this area cannot handle this added transportation volume at this time.Councilmember Motin stated that he is not in support of the R1d zoning in this area because it is a safety issue and that the Council should place a one-year moratorium for development south of County Road 13 and north of County Road 12. Councilmember Tveite complimented the developer for working with the city, Council, and school on this development. He stated that he has some traffic concerns but he will be supporting the proposal. Councilmember Dietz questioned why Dr. Bratlie stated that the Miske property would not be a good location for the school site when the Council has a letter in front of tl1em from Superintendent Dr. Alan Jensen stating that the School District is in full support of the proposal. He noted that by having the land donated for the school, it is saving the taxpayers approximately $1 million and that the money for the new school was already approved in a previous bond referendum. NIt. Bratlie stated that the opinions he expressed were his personal opinions. Councilmember Dietz stated that Council has approved the Comprehensive Plan which did not extend the Urban Service District east of County Road 40 and that issue has nothing to do with this development proposal. He stated that if those citizens wish to have sewer and water extended they can petition the City Council in the future. Councilmember Dietz also stated that he doesn't feel that development in the city should cease because of the transportation issues. He indicated that he is in support of the development as presented and noted that he would be comfortable with an emergency break-away barrier between this development and the Sunset Ridge development.