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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2,2012 <br /> APPROVED <br /> 91 3. Traffic Signal Project Update—Community Development Director Grochala <br /> 92 noted that TKDA is finishing up the plans and specifications for the projects and approval <br /> 93 requests for the different elements of the project will proceed starting in July and <br /> 94 culminating with construction time in the fall (functional lights in winter). The city <br /> 95 engineer is speaking with residents and businesses impacted by either acquisition or other <br /> 96 elements including utilities, and responding to residents' questions as necessary. Mr. <br /> 97 Grochala explained the plans to deal with right of way at Main Street and Lake Drive and <br /> 98 how the business will be impacted. <br /> 99 <br /> 100 4. Zoning Ordinance Amendment—Landscaping Standards—City Planner <br /> 101 Bengtson noted that this is not the first time the council has seen this language as it was <br /> 102 reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Plan process; the language was completed <br /> 103 previously and reviewed by the council and the Planning&Zoning Board. Staff has <br /> 104 pared down language that was more suggestion than material in order to reach a standard <br /> 105 of compliance that is clear. There are still five distinct areas for landscaping: canopy <br /> 106 coverage, foundation and open area, buffering and screening requirements and boulevard <br /> 107 trees. <br /> 108 <br /> 109 Council Member Roeser suggested that there's been a trend to go more "wild" in <br /> 110 landscaping but he-sees that being more appropriate in some areas than others; do the <br /> 111 standards address that? Mr. Bengtson noted that separate guidelines will be maintained <br /> 112 that indicate types of plantings that are acceptable, basically though for commercial and <br /> 113 industrial, anything in the front is expected to be more manicured. The intent isn't to <br /> 114 dictate what people will plant in their yards; it's more directed to new development. <br /> 115 <br /> 116 The ordinance will be considered for first reading at the next council meeting. <br /> 117 <br /> 118 5. Charter Commission Budget Request- The mayor suggested that the <br /> 119 Commission has about$1,200 left in their 2012 budget. He isn't clear from reading their <br /> 120 communication why the funding is requested. He attended the commission meeting <br /> 121 when this was discussed and determination that they would require eight hours of <br /> 122 attorney work seemed to be arbitrary and the amount seems extensive; it would more <br /> 123 make sense to get an estimate of the legal costs. <br /> 124 <br /> 125 Council Member Roeser added that a bid would be appropriate when considering <br /> 126 expending public funds. Also he is concerned about granting funds to a group that he <br /> 127 believes misappropriated funds in the past. He also doesn't understand the need for <br /> 128 opposing attorneys and suggests that the commission and the council should be getting an <br /> 129 open and fair opinion from the same attorney;to act otherwise is seeking a differing <br /> 130 opinion and makes for an awkward and more costly process. <br /> 131 <br /> 132 Council Member Rafferty expressed that he is confused about the amount being <br /> 133 requested. There is a budget in place not fully expended. <br /> 134 <br /> 3 <br />