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COUNCIL MINUTES August 22, 2016 <br />DRAFT <br />6 <br />opposed to high density or low quality development. He recognizes the impact of good development on 212 <br />the city overall. 213 <br />Mr. Stimson asked about the possibility of closing the access point completely at Hokah and moving 214 <br />access to Totem Trail. The mayor responded that is a conversation that should occur when the county is 215 <br />looking at making the change at Hokah. County Engineer Fisher said all options are still on the table as 216 <br />the county moves forward on review but he can say that they are not looking at full access at Totem 217 <br />because there are environmental considerations. While they are looking, all the issues will be discussed 218 <br />and considered. What he is trying to convey from the county’s standpoint is that there is a plan to 219 <br />alleviate traffic as he has presented. 220 <br />Mayor Reinert said the city is trying to make sure people have their voice heard on this matter. He 221 <br />thinks the issue here is what happens in the future. 222 <br />The council discussed postponement; staff explained that the statutory timeline is upon this – a decision 223 <br />must be made at this point. 224 <br />Mr. Parent noted that the information on the city website suggests that there were two different dates for 225 <br />the traffic study data and that the traffic may rise to over 1,000 in consideration. 226 <br />Ms. Larsen noted that the May figures were estimates and was used for the study. There was additional 227 <br />information was put together but the May data was used for that also. Staff confirmed that traffic was 228 <br />not measured in June and that there was speed data collected. 229 <br />Council Member Maher suggested that the city’s comprehensive plan includes a provision that calls for 230 <br />more mixed use to take the burden off of residential taxpayers. She doesn’t see that part of the 231 <br />Comprehensive Plan supporting this development. 232 <br />Mayor Reinert noted that he will probably be voting for this; he doesn’t prefer the length of the cul-de-233 <br />sac but sees mitigation with the access trail; the Birch Street change is a factor out there; he noted the 234 <br />size of 35 homes and lots. 235 <br />The council directed staff to continue to work with Anoka County on their future roadway plans for the 236 <br />area and to ensure the city’s involvement in those discussions. 237 <br />Council Member Maher noted a memo from the City Engineer regarding storm water concerns and she 238 <br />doesn’t see those concerns addressed in the staff recommendation. Ms. Larsen explained that this is a 239 <br />preliminary plat and it’s not uncommon for that type of matter to be resolved as part of final approval. 240 <br />Mayor Reinert confirmed that the county is on board with the emergency access plan. 241 <br />Council Member Kusterman asked for confirmation that sidewalks couldn’t be added to Sioux Lane and 242 <br />Community Development Director Grochala explained that the addition of sidewalks would be based on 243 <br />cost and location considerations involving the residents. 244 <br />Council Member Kusterman moved to approve Resolution No. 16-78 as presented. Council Member 245 <br />Manthey seconded the motion. 246 <br />Council Member Manthey thanked the residents for their involvement and for providing information. He 247 <br />understands the traffic and safety issues involved and he feels the county is willing to work on the 248 <br />situation and the future will include the involvement of the area and perhaps discussion of sidewalks. 249 <br />Motion carried. Council Member Maher and Rafferty voted no. 250