03-26-2018 Council Meeting Packet

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 5, 2018 DRAFT 2 47 Ms. Lindahl pointed out on a map the mixed use that was included in the last update and 48 those that would be new in the proposed plan (a map comparison from 2030 Plan and 49 2040 proposed plan was included). She also pointed out that, in her experience, 50 developers don’t actually prefer a mixed use scenario (they want the quickest path to 51 approval and that designation doesn’t necessarily provide that). 52 53 Council Member Rafferty asked about the request that’s been received on the Waldoch 54 property. Mr. Grochala responded that the request relates to moving up in staging. 55 56 Ms. Lindahl then reviewed how staff proposes that the 2040 Comp Plan update is 57 scheduled to move forward to the implementation stage. Staff is requesting now that they 58 get confirmation of the ten existing mixed use guided areas and the two new proposed 59 mixed use areas. 60 61 Mayor Reinert said he’d like to eliminate mixed use and discuss a more specific 62 designation. He doesn’t like to see questions marks on the map to avoid future surprises 63 for the council and residents. 64 65 Community Development Director Grochala noted the table included in the land use plan; 66 for each mixed use area, there is identification and further specifics, including a vision for 67 each of the areas. 68 69 Council Member Manthey suggested that he has a similar concern about what could 70 occur. For instance what about acreage that remains after development of a portion of a 71 mixed use area – what could happen there? He asked if the city will meet its density 72 requirements for the Met Council if changes are made in the Plan now. 73 74 Director Grochala noted the figure of 3-5 units per acre and that he always keeps that as 75 low as possible. Also noted is that density is calculated only on areas with sewer. 76 77 The mayor asked if the City will have to go higher density because of what exists now. 78 Ms. Lindahl explained that current low density (that isn’t changing) doesn’t have to 79 count. The density calculation is based on moving forward. 80 81 Mayor Reinert said he’s asked for information and wants to use that for further study. 82 His gut tells him the plan is moving toward more density and he doesn’t approve. 83 84 Council Member Stoesz asked if the City can change designations in the future or add a 85 new designation based on their decision at that time. Director Grochala explained how 86 zoning can be changed by ordinance, including by creating a mixed use based on the 87 specifics of the site. The comp plan is intended only to guide. 88 89 Mayor Reinert said he isn’t comfortable with 650 acres being a free for all. Director 90 Grochala pointed out that a big part of that is the Watermark land and then the Winter 91 property. 92