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City Council Minutes <br />January 10, 2023 <br />Page 5 <br />Councilmember Westgaard sought clarification as to whether the city had agreed to <br />expand the Urban Services District to serve the entire proposed development in the <br />northwest area. <br />Mr. Femrite responded that there is a small section of the study outside the district as <br />established by the Comprehensive Plan and there has been no agreement to expand. <br />It was explained that the project proposal includes a request from the developer to <br />expand the district in order serve the entire project. <br />Councilmember Westgaard wanted that clarified so that incorrect information was <br />not publicized. <br />Councilmember Wagner shared that she did not have any interest in changing the <br />zoning in the northwest area from 2.5 acres. <br />Regarding remaining cost neutral, she noted that there will be residual effects such as <br />increased park and trail services that will make it difficult to remain cost neutral. <br />Mr. Femrite sought consensus from the joint body as to whether they wanted to <br />maintain the requirement for developments to have both water and sewer service. <br />Councilmember Westgaard shared his opinion that it makes the most sense to <br />continue to require developments in the Urban Services District to install both sewer <br />and water service. <br />Councilmember Beyer shared his opinion that water and sewer service should both <br />be required for developments in the Urban Services District. <br />Councilmember Grupa shared his opinion the two services should go together. <br />Mr. Femrite requested perspective from the joint body on how they would prefer to <br />see Elk River continue to develop. <br />Councilmember Westgaard stated his opinion that projects should be driven by <br />development as requests are received. <br />Mr. Femrite asked the joint body if conversations with developers should look at the <br />first funding option presented by Ms. Cook, namely cost sharing between them and <br />the city. <br />Mayor Dietz and Councilmember Westgaard stated their agreement with that <br />approach. <br />Commissioner Stewart asked if there are state regulations that will help keep these <br />developments from having failed independent systems like those who needed to <br />connect to the sewer system. <br />.11 <br />