08-26-2024 City Council Agenda Packet (2)

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Council Minutes -7- July 8, 2024 moratorium is not required to undertake a Master Pan as outlined in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The moratorium has been targeted from the very beginning to the developer. She stated the only applicant is Zikar Holdings. This is not a procedural issue, but a matter of fairness and justice. Last week, we witnessed a clear denial of due process by a Council that has shown no courtesy as a whole. Yet members of this Council feel entitled to make unwarranted statements about this development without fully understanding all the facts. This is not how a fair and transparent process should work. Decisions today have long term implications not just for the development, but for the community at large. She requested that the Council choose a legacy of fairness, transparency and progress. Dean Dovolis, Madinah Lakes Project Architect, 333 Washington Avenue N., Minneapolis, stated that this is the first time in a long history of working on various Master Plans in which the due process wasn't completed. He stated that at the last City Council Work Session they were not allowed to present their project, even though developer paid his fee for a Concept Plan review. He stated that at that meeting they did have new information to present to the Council. He stated that they wanted to present the project to the Council, before the consideration of the moratorium this evening, however, that was never allowed. He stated that he hoped for future projects, future situations, that the City Council keeps an open mind and allows the developers and proponents to be heard and present their facts. Bridget Robinson, 5301 2206 Avenue NE, Bethel, stated that she has attended a number of City Council meetings and heard over and over again, the residents of Lino Lakes oppose the growth, and that they want to slow it down. She pointed out that those opposing growth are approximately 1,000 people, yet the community is 20,000+ residents. She said that it appears that those opposed to growth live around and surround the sod fields down off Main Street. Ms. Robinson said that in the past, we've all been aware and informed what the definition of a moratorium is. That we've also heard about what the purpose of a Master Planning is. The one thing that she doesn't understand why the moratorium is being proposed on a 150-acre parcel of land, the same amount of acreage with less housing then the previously proposed development plans on the very same site. She stated that the difference between the two projects, is the developer and the prospective buyers. Ms. Robinson said that the initial discussion regarding the moratorium was because the City had a lack of water, and the moratorium was need to determine how to fix the problem. She stated however, if that was the case, the moratorium would be considered on the entire City of Lino lakes, not just on the northwestern quadrant. There have been other developments in the northwest quadrant and no discussions of any Master Planning that was needed. The City had over 18 years do their Master Planning for this area. The City Attorney recently stated that a moratorium is not required for Master Planning. She stated that the reason behind this decision is apparent, and she is not surprised that the Council Members are moving in this direction. The moratorium is clearly being voted to pass to simply stop this development. She stated that the why now is transparent and it's wrongful to target this particular developer. Ms. Robinson stated that Zikar Holdings was on the agenda to present the Madinah Lakes project at the Council Work Session on July 1, 2024. This was tabled and rescheduled for a later date. She said the rescheduled time, was a convenient date well after the vote to pass this moratorium. Because a few of the Council Members were willing to publicly deny the developer to his rights within the development process. Ms. Robinson stated that the City Council references two developers within the area identified for the moratorium, the second being Pulte Homes. She questioned if Pulte Homes was moving forward with their development plans as it has been four months since the City Council toured the Corcoran site with