03-02-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 2, 2009 APPROVED 123 The council reviewed the area in perspective of the proposed comp plan update and more 124 information was received on what is envisioned in the area. 125 The applicant was advised that he may want to speak with staff about what would be 126 required to expand the business onto the adjacent lot before he actually purchases the 127 property. 128 The council will consider the matter at the upcoming council meeting. 129 3. Police Department Annual Report - Police Chief Pecchia presented the council 130 with a draft annual report that was reviewed and discussed. He highlighted the low Part 1 131 and Part 2 crime rate in the city(lowest in the area), the value of volunteer hours and 132 community oriented policing, involvement in the gang strike force, and succession 133 training. He reviewed the organizational structure and department plans into the future. 134 He noted how problems at the Lakewood Apartments were effectively addressed through 135 the crime free multi housing program. The many police programs that will be continued 136 were noted and are listed in the report. He noted that the council should watch the city's 137 website for maps providing useful information to citizens. Council members are 138 encouraged to contact the chief with any questions or comments. The report will be 139 presented again at the upcoming regular council meeting. 140 4. Strategic Planning Process—This item was removed from the agenda. 141 5. Comprehensive Plan Update—Community Development Director Grochala 142 noted that the council requested more information on possible ordinance amendments to 143 reflect past directions (to control what the city doesn't want to happen). More 144 clarification on that request is needed by staff. He provided the council with updated 145 maps: land use and staging(based on group meeting with the Comp Plan Advisory Panel 146 discussion pulling out previously developed sewer areas), and density(showing the 147 council areas that are being discussed for the next ten years). Basically, the only change 148 in the new plan is adding the North Oaks piece, the Robinson farms site and the Main St. 149 site. 150 Staff anticipates setting a public hearing on the Plan before the Planning and Zoning 151 Board in April. 152 A council member suggested that there was discussion at the group meeting that indicates 153 a desire for change in the 32% density number. The council member suggested he has a 154 desire to contest that number with the Metropolitan Council because the city otherwise 155 will be penalized for how it has developed to this point. To follow through on that, there 156 should be an alternative proposal. Staff questioned whether the challenge is on density 157 or on affordability and the council member responded that the two are linked because of 158 property values—you can't get affordability without density. 159 A council member noted that the approach of utilizing city regulations (ordinances)to 160 guide still seems like the best approach. 4