08-22-2016 Council Meeting Minutes

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COUNCIL MINUTES August 22, 2016 APPROVED 212 opposed to high density or low quality development. He recognizes the impact of good development on 213 the city overall. 214 Mr. Stimson asked about the possibility of closing the access point completely at Hokah and moving 215 access to Totem Trail. The mayor responded that is a conversation that should occur when the county is 216 looking at making the change at Hokah. County Engineer Fisher said all options are still on the table as 217 the county moves forward on review but he can say that they are not looking at full access at Totem 218 because there are environmental considerations. While they are looking, all the issues will be discussed 219 and considered. What he is trying to convey from the county's standpoint is that there is a plan to 220 alleviate traffic as he has presented. 221 Mayor Reinert said the city is trying to make sure people have their voice heard on this matter. He 222 thinks the issue here is what happens in the future. 223 The council discussed postponement; staff explained that the statutory timeline is upon this — a decision 224 must be made at this point. 225 Mr. Parent noted that the information on the city website suggests that there were two different dates for 226 the traffic study data and that the traffic may rise to over 1,000 in consideration. 227 Ms. Larsen noted that the May figures were estimates and was used for the study. There was additional 228 information was put together but the May data was used for that also. Staff confirmed that traffic was 229 not measured in June and that there was speed data collected. 230 Council Member Maher suggested that the city's comprehensive plan includes a provision that calls for 231 more mixed use to take the burden off of residential taxpayers. She doesn't see that part of the 232 Comprehensive Plan supporting this development. 233 Mayor Reinert noted that he will probably be voting for this; he doesn't prefer the length of the cul-de- 234 sac but sees mitigation with the access trail; the Birch Street change is a factor out there; he noted the 235 size of 35 homes and lots. 236 The council directed staff to continue to work with Anoka County on their future roadway plans for the 237 area and to ensure the city's involvement in those discussions. 238 Council Member Maher noted a memo from the City Engineer regarding storm water concerns and she 239 doesn't see those concerns addressed in the staff recommendation. Ms. Larsen explained that this is a 240 preliminary plat and it's not uncommon for that type of matter to be resolved as part of final approval. 241 Mayor Reinert confirmed that the county is on board with the emergency access plan. 242 Council Member Kusterman asked for confirmation that sidewalks couldn't be added to Sioux Lane and 243 Community Development Director Grochala explained that the addition of sidewalks would be based on 244 cost and location considerations involving the residents. 245 Council Member Kusterman moved to approve Resolution No. 16-78 as presented. Council Member 246 Manthey seconded the motion. 247 Council Member Manthey thanked the residents for their involvement and for providing information. He 248 understands the traffic and safety issues involved and he feels the county is willing to work on the 249 situation and the future will include the involvement of the area and perhaps discussion of sidewalks. 250 Motion carried. Council Member Maher and Rafferty voted no.