02-14-2005 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council NIinutes February 14, 2005 Page 3 . everyone is looking for a means of funding transportation. She feels that we need to be pro- active not only with this project, but with many other transportation issues within the City of Elk River. She stated that she believes the City will be successful if we work at this. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL WITH THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ONE YEAR AT A COST OF $40,000 TO $55,000. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. (Councilmember Farber was out of the room.) 6.2. Council Open Forum Councilmember Farber questioned when the City would start the process of hiring a cable assistant. Finance and Administrative Services Director Lori Johnson explained that staff has put in place a plan with goals and deadlines and wishes to review this prior to hiring this position. This process will give an indication whether this position should be in a full-time capacity or one of fewer hours. She explained that Kristin Thomas currendy has help and even with the addition of the school board meetings she is not working more than her 40- hour-per-week time span. . Councilmember Motin inquired about the area south of J 75th Avenue as it related to a proposed townhome development. He was concerned of the intent to have townhouses or apartments in this location. He also stated his concerns of someone willing to pay fair market value for one parcel and then perhaps a different price for another parcel in the same area. Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that the Planning Commission had looked at this issue in January and felt it appropriate for high-density residential in this area. The Commission felt the whole area should be included in the Urban Service District. They had studied how the area could redevelop. Councilmember Motin was concerned that there may be a non-fit and end up as a piecemeal project. Mayor Klinzing inquired as to how we would keep that from happening. Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that the Council could take it out of the high-density land use. Council could also facilitate some type of redevelopment and/or say "no" to zone change requests until a developer has met the objectives of Council. Councilmember Motin inquired as to what would be an appropriate zone change. Michele McPherson stated that Council could initiate a process to change the zoning to R4, multi-family. She stated that if it was left in place the market will drive the development, it's a question of timing and whed1er Council wished to wait and discuss how to develop this area. She stated d1at Council does have the control. It was the consensus of the Council to look at this item again in the future. Councilmember Farber stated that he would be gone the third Monday of March and Councilmembers Gumphrey and Motin stated that they will be gone the third Monday of April. .