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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JUNT; 23, 2004 <br />1"ahey noted that there are several sites in Little Canada owned by the <br />City, and the decision has been made to dispose of any properties that the <br />City does not have a use for. Fahey indicated that if the Watershed <br />proposal does not go forward, the neighborhood would be wrong in <br />assuming that the property would be kept as open space as there is no <br />good City use of the property. <br />Cliff Aichinger, Watershed District, indicated that it was not his intent to <br />get into a full debate of the project this evening, acid thought a public <br />hearing would be scheduled at a later time to do that. Aichinger indicated <br />that the diagrams the Council has before them are schematics and not what <br />wilt happen on the site. Aichinger stated that the Watershed would like to <br />see the property rezoned to B-3 and indicated that they would be able to <br />live within the setbacks of the B-3 Zoning District It is also their <br />intention to refine their intent and concept for the building. Aichinger <br />anticipated the next steps as updating their findings, reviewing additional <br />information, obtaining feedback on the building layout and design, and <br />then hiring an architect. If the City is agreeable on the conceptual design <br />for the building, the Watershed would begin to work on the factual <br />information. Aichinger indicated that they would also put together some <br />computer-generated photographs to show what the building would look <br />like and how it would ft on the site. Aichinger stated that it was the <br />Watershed's understanding that Cheir use is acceptable to the City if it is <br />done right. <br />Aichinger stated that he would like to assure the neighborhood that the <br />Watershed would be a good neighbor and owner and operator in Little <br />Canada. Aichinger stated that it is fitting with their purpose that they <br />locate on a site like this, and they would demonstrate the right way to do <br />public building. Aichinger indicated that the building would have a <br />natural feel and rustic design and that native plantings would be used on <br />the site. <br />Aichinger described the results of soil borings of the property and that <br />there is approximately four to five feet of peat that will have to be <br />excavated out of the site in the area where the building would be <br />constructed. Aichinger indicated that the Phase I Environmental <br />Assessment has indicated potential problems with the site and they should <br />have results of the Phase II reports within the next few weeks. Aichinger <br />indicated that the Watershed would make whatever soil corrections <br />necessary as they want to ensure the marketability of the building in the <br />future. A development management firm would be hired to help them <br />throughout the process. <br />Aichinger indicated that he has met with the City Administrator and the <br />City Pla~mer and have identified setback issues, and Aichinger believed <br />they could comply with the B-3 setbacks. His desire would be to get this <br />