08-07-2017 Council Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED August 7, 2017 174 do allow for some diversity. City Planner Larsen reviewed the Mattamy proposal briefly. 175 It was a large first phase but staff understands the mayor's concern; she added that the 176 build out on the area is and has been estimated at ten years. 177 178 Council Member Maher asked if the park shown in Phase 1 is the plan and Mr. Jablonski 179 said not this year but in Phase one, yes. 180 181 Council Member Kusterman remarked that this is a reputable firm who wants to work 182 with the city. He wonders if the risk is not greater with a smaller piece starting this year 183 than having half of the development done and then walk away. 184 185 Council Member Rafferty noted the example of NorthPointe and the size of the phases 186 that worked there — they were quite small. He is leaning to an understanding that the 187 smaller phases can work. 188 189 Council Member Manthey said he is looking at the investment involved here; he would 190 like to have a whole project as well but isn't understanding how that can be guaranteed. 191 192 Council Member Maher asked why Lennar hasn't purchased the entire site and Mr. 193 Jablonski said their business plan doesn't call for those huge purchases and financially it 194 isn't feasible. The business' purchase agreement is for the whole property and they are 195 requesting approval of the plan for the whole thing. He added that Lennar is the biggest 196 homebuilder in the area so he'd wonder if there would be a company that could take on a 197 larger commitment than them. He is being honest about plans. He noted the park and 198 suggested that if it was built first, there would be no one to utilize it not to mention that 199 getting input on what people want in their park is an option if you wait until the people 200 are there. 201 202 City Planner Larsen explained Mattamy's first phase plan in comparison to the Lennar 203 proposal. 204 205 Staff explained that the purpose of the discussion was to receive council comments on the 206 Lennar plans; they will take the comments received and more information will be 207 forthcoming. 208 5. City Paths and Planning for Them- Council Member Rafferty noted that the 209 council recently received a letter from some citizens who reside along a path in the city. 210 There was concern about plant growth along the path. He thought that it would be 211 appropriate to have an update about that type of vegetation situation from responsible city 212 staff. He's also suggesting communication to developers who include paths in their work 213 to clarifiy what's required. 214 215 Public Services Director DeGardner introduced Mike Hoffman, Parks Supervisor. 216 Director DeGardner noted that there are 30 miles of trails in the city and they are 217 inspected at least twice a year. There are some situations inherent to trails where 5