06/12/1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CLOSED CITY COUNCIL SESSION FEBRUARY 22, 1993 side. Mr. Hawkins was asked how the neighborhood group feels about a proposal for a mix of single family homes and townhomes. Mr. Hawkins explained that the number of total units would have to justify the dollars to be spent on the improvement. He also noted that there appears to no longer be a market for the more expensive townhomes. Council Member Kuether asked how the City stands with Mr. Art Hawkins. It was explained that Mr. Hawkins has his own attorney and the staff has not had the opportunity to get back to the neighborhood group for the second meeting to discuss the proposal for mixed housing. Mr. Radio explained that it is important that the City continue acting as a mediator between the developer and the neighborhood group. He also explained that it has come to the point that the City has to negotiate for what is in the best interest of the City in terms of long range planning. The City cannot afford to fight a battle to defend a neighborhood. He explained that the neighborhood group should not be allowed to dictate any of the terms of settlement. The City must consider the larger issues involved. Mr. Radio suggested that the City wait until Mr. Schumacher and Mayor Reinert give their deposition and then sit down with Mr. Birch and try to negotiate. Mr. Radio explained that all depositions should be completed by May 1, 1993 and all motions in the case should be completed by September 1, 1993. A trial date will probably be set for November, 1993. He noted that if the City wishes to avoid a trial, the lawsuit should not be allowed to go to far because momentum builds in favor of a lawsuit as the matter proceeds. Mayor Reinert noted that he had read all the minutes on the Amelia Lake Estates matter as it proceeded through the City Council. He feels that the City Council was in part mislead by the former City Planner and noted that the matter of zoning should have been resolved before any other matter was addressed. He also noted that there was nothing wrong with looking at a feasibility plan in the beginning. Mayor Reinert felt that the entire matter was presented to the City Council in a piecemeal manner. Council Member Kuether asked if the former City Planner is at fault, is this still a problem of the City? Mr. Radio explained the final question is would a reasonable Council person have reasonable grounds for denial of the rezone request. He noted that the resolution did outline objective reasons. However, this PAGE 2