Laserfiche WebLink
a <br />~lk Ri <br />FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator <br />DATE: October 2, 1995 <br />~, <br />SUBJECT: Development With' the Urban Service <br />District <br />This memo is offered as an overview and cover memo to the City Planner's <br />report. As I understand the situation, the Council received a request on 9/18 <br />to change our city ordinance and policy as it relates to development within <br />the urban service district. <br />As much as we would like to see developers and landowners do anything <br />within reason on their property, staff must recommend denial of this request. <br />To change our development approach would be a major shift in city policy <br />and would have tremendous long range implications when the east Elk River <br />area receives sewer and water extensions. <br />• As the Council knows from experience, in spite of everyone's understanding <br />that sewer and water is coming, it is extremely difficult to install utilities <br />and force hook ups and assessments on property owners that have just <br />recently developed. Likewise, if there are no rules to control "leap frog" <br />development in the urban service district, why would anyone, unless <br />absolutely necessary, develop where utilities are available and where the <br />property is more expensive? The current policy discourages leap frog <br />development, encourages orderly growth from the core village out, <br />encourages orderly and cost effective extension of utilities, and also <br />encourages full utilization of existing facilities and buildings before new ones <br />are constructed. <br />In addition to the points listed in the City Planner's report, this type of <br />development issue can also affect long range transportation plans. This <br />specific proposal may have an impact on Highway 10 access points, an Elk <br />River bridge crossing location, and the Highway 10 frontage road system. <br />If the Council decides to allow this project to move forward, it would be the <br />recommendation of staff that this area be excluded from the sewer and water <br />district rather than having the city try to create a rationale for why this <br />development should be allowed within the sewer and water district and why <br />others may not be allowed. However, if this area west of Waco is excluded <br />ITEM 5.2. <br />MEMORANDUM <br />V~~ TO: Mayor & City Council <br />13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425 <br />