09-26-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 It was noted that the City Planner and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the above subject to compliance with the recommendations of the City Planner and the City Engineer. The City Planner indicated that St. Jude Medical is proposing to purchase 10 acres of property that is adjacent to their Lillehei campus. In addition to the request for rezoning to PUD to match the zoning of the Lillehei campus property, St. Jude is requesting a Development Stage PUD Permit to allow the expansion of their existing office, research, and manufacturing campus. St. Jude will process a Final Stage PUD at a later date. The Planner noted that as part of the EAW process, the City is also being asked to find no significant environmental effects of this expansion. The Planner noted that comments on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet have been received from the DNR, MN DOT, PCA, Ramsey County, and the Metropolitan Council. The Planner indicated that the only significant comment on the St. Jude project is for the enhancement of plantings along the south boundary. St. Jude has submitted an alternative landscaping plan showing a stronger buffer for the Cobblestone Village properties. The Final PUD will show more specifics. The Planner also noted that the City is also proposing the creation of a Tax Increment Financing District in this area in order to proceed with public improvements that would benefit both St. Jude as well as the greater area. A hearing on the creation of the TIF District will be held at the October 10`" Council meeting. Steve Dorgan, CresaPartners, representing St. Jude, appeared before the Council. He indicated that St. Jude is excited about the expansion of their facility within Little Canada. The expansion as proposed will provide for St. Jude's needs for the next 20 years and the first phase is estimated to create 450 new jobs. Dorgan reported that St. Jude is in agreement with the recommendations of the City Planner and the City Engineer, and it is their goal to address the concerns raised by the Cobblestone Village residents. Kerry Brendelin, Architectural Alliance, representing St. Jude, described the existing St. Jude campus which consists of 37 acres and noted the additional 10 acres to the west that St. Jude is proposing to purchase. Brendelin reported that as part of this project, one of St. Jude's goals is to preserve and expand on the natural amenities of the site. He indicated that St. Jude is proposing a two phased project. The first phase is planned to begin in the fall and would add 175,000 square feet. The building would be constructed at the edge of the existing woods and would preserve the 2