08-08-1994 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDA Minutes August 8, 1994 Page 2 Bill noted that he will contact the owner of the cinema building to see if he is considering improvements to the outside of his building next to the proposed interim park. He stated that he will advise the cinema building owner of funding resources that may be available to him. 7. Consider Update on Western Area Issues Bill Rubin noted that the Western Area Improvements feasibility study was approved following a public hearing at the July 25, 1994, City Council meeting. On August 1, 1994, the Council approved plans and specs and ordered the advertisement for bids. Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on August 24, and considered by the City Council on August 29. Bill emphasized the importance of finalizing land uses in the Western Area. He noted that the Planning Commission recommended that the Country Ridge Partnership 15-acre parcel be rezoned to Planned Unit Development (PUD), rather th'an the requested Land Use Amendment and rezoning to allow townhouses. The City Council also initiated rezoning from PUD (C-2 for Government Center) to B-P, Business Park, for the following parcels: (a) the Country Ridge Partnership tract bounded by the County Fairgrounds, U.S. Highway 10, and the extension of Orono Parkway/183rd; (b) the Bill Gagne parcel; (c) the County Government Center; and, (d) the Hoyt Partners tract immediately west of the Government Center and bounded by U.S. Highway 10 and Waco Street. The Planning Commission will consider this item at its August 23rd meeting and the City Council hearing will be September 19th. Discussion followed regarding previous rezoning requests for parcels in the area. Bill Rubin stated that Council action at the August 1, 1994 meeting was an . attempt to get the zoning map into conformance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Commissioner Holmgren noted that the existing Comprehensive Land Use plan indicates the City's interest in having a Business Park in this area. Bill Rubin stated that the Business Park Task Force is scheduled to meet on August 16th. 8. Task Force on Plan Review and Permittinq President Gongoll explained that a task force was appointed in late 1993 to look at the City's review and permitting process. The Task Force included Pat Dwyer, Hank Duitsman, Bill Rubin, Pat Klaers and himself. President Gongoll explained that their purpose is not to find fault with persons or issues, but look at the process itself for possible improvements. He targeted the following gO,als as part of the group's mission: -providing customer-friendly service -achieving a partnership between public and private sectors -promoting proactive and creative staff, appointed and elected officials -total quality management -support for training, education and workshops