04/22/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL MARCH 25, 1996 building of 265,000 square feet. The portion of the building where some classrooms can be opened for the sixth grade students is the first priority. Mr. Snyder said he was hoping to get the approvals in an orderly manner and as quickly as possible. If the project is delayed even one month it would mean that there will be no students in the building in the fall of 1997. Council Member Kuether said she does share Council Member Lyden's concerns. She felt that the Council must feel comfortable about proceeding. Mr. Schumacher reminded the City Council that they made the recommendation to the Centennial School District to preserve the industrial area. Mr. Wessel has been working with the School District to preserve this prime industrial property so that in the future it can be developed for industrial uses. Mr. Schumacher explained that the School District did go and acquire the needed parcels in the Residential District. The minor subdivision is a technical issue that must be addressed and the conditional use permit and the site plan may evoke additional questions from the City Council. Council Member Lyden said that this school will be beautiful and the community will be proud of it. He said he will be supportive of the school. However, part of the reason he is not in support of the rezoning is the placement of the ball field. He said he would not put a ball field in the front yard. He would put it on the industrial site. Council Member Lyden said he hoped that the ball field will someday have lights which makes relocating the ballfield even more important. Mr. McClellan explained that none of the School District's ballfields have lighting. He also noted that he would like to form an arrangement similar to the arrangement at Rice Lake Elementary School regarding use of the ballfields. Council Member Neal said he was opposed to blocking off Elm Street and the proposed cul-de-sac and wanted lights on all ballfields. Council Member Bergeson asked if parking lots are lighted. Mr. McClellan explained that they are until 11:00 P.M. They are on a timer since the custodial personnel have gone home at that time. The situation at the new middle school will be different in that there will probably be around the clock custodial service. Council Member Bergeson said he had heard that not all of the athletic ballfields will be built immediately. Mr. McClellan said that would depend on the budget. Bids may not be low enough to insure that all ballfields will be ready by the fall of 1997. The track and tennis courts may be constructed later. However, this year the site will have to be seeded and a sprinkler system installed by this fall. Mr. McClellan noted that there is an immense amount of work to be done and the School District is trying toproceed in an orderly fashion. Mayor Landers noted that there is nothing noted that the site plan does not identify handicapped parking. He asked that handicapped parking be made part of the conditions for approval of the site plan. Mayor Landers explained that he has talked to Mr. Ahrens PAGE 18