06-24-2024 Council Meeting Packet

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Council Member Ruhland, Summary of Comments June 24, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Item: Consider 1st Reading of Ordinance No. 11-24, Approving Interim Ordinance Prohibiting Subdivision of Land for Residential Purposes Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening. As we convene tonight to discuss the proposed interim ordinance, I want to begin by reiterating my sincere appreciation for everyone in attendance, for those who have voiced their opinions, and for the community engagement we have witnessed. This really showcases the passion and dedication our citizens have for the future of the great City of Lino Lakes. Let me also start by saying I’m speaking for myself as an individual Council Member. As you know, what brings a lot of you here tonight was several weeks ago, I proposed a moratorium on new residential development in the northwest quadrant of our City. Allow me to clarify the essence and intent behind this proposal. In my last speech, I thought I made it clear what my intentions are by suggesting this interim ordinance, but I do realize some may not have been in attendance. I know I have been quoted several times on my initial thought process. I would encourage any outside groups or interest that are in attendance tonight, that prior to making any unfounded accusations, or suggestions on myself or this Council’s prerogative, that you actually do the research on the initial meeting, and subsequent meetings. It’s all either tape recorded, or videotaped, and there are minutes to summarize these meetings as well. It is not, and has never been, an attempt to block any development in our City. Instead, it is a strategic pause to ensure that we plan responsibly and thoughtfully for the future growth of our community. Like I said originally, Lino Lakes has always been slow and methodical in our developments. To reiterate, beyond any potential concerns regarding water infrastructure, traffic, schools, etc. which are addressed in a normal development process, my proposal is deeply rooted in the principles of careful urban planning. Our 2040 Comprehensive Plan explicitly designates this area for a Master Plan. This is a significant step that requires us to consider the long-term impact of developing over 400 acres of land and potentially adding close to a thousand homes, if not more. This area is one of the four gateway entrances to our City, out of over 100 miles of roadway within our City, making it a crucial point of development that demands meticulous planning. We have already initiated a high-level look at this area with projects like the planned roundabout at Sunset, which is central to these developments and currently underway. Proper planning is not just about building; it's about shaping the landscape of our City in a way that benefits all residents. Careful and deliberate planning is something the taxpayers of our great City want, and that means it is my job to provide them with the means to do so. A moratorium is a perfect vehicle for that, and one example of exactly what they are used for. Over the last three years we have done two other moratoriums in Lino Lakes. It is nothing new to our City. The moratorium I proposed reflects our City's long-standing tradition of being slow, methodical, and intentional in how we approach development. It is a temporary measure designed to give us the necessary