09-09-24 - City Council Agenda Packet

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Council Minutes -6- June 24, 2024 The City Administrator read into the record a letter from Scott Robinson, 817 94th Avenue Lino Lakes. The letter stated I regret that I cannot attend tonight's council meeting. I am spending a short week backpacking with two of my grandsons and my son. I hope and pray in the future I will be allowed to do more of it. As I ponder the reasons for a moratorium, I can find no logical one. The Planning and Zoning Board and the Council have worked diligently for decades to ensure that the growth of Lino Lakes has been thoughtful and purposeful. The Council can and should decide to have an AUAR performed in the area proposed, to aid in Master Planning the approximate 900 acres encompassed in the area recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board at its June 17, 2024 meeting. The letter continued, I encourage all the property owners encompassed in the area to be involved in the process affecting their property and the future allowed uses and restrictions the AUAR and subsequent Master Plan will impose on their properties. There does not need to be a moratorium in place to do so. I have confidence in the skills of our city staff to coordinate with landowners, potential developers, and related government agencies, boards, and councils. I need to hear from city staff that they are overwhelmed with residential development in an area that does not have residential development. Currently, there is not one new construction or obvious remodel occurring in the proposed area. This is a perfect time to coordinate with the developers who are at the table right now on the properties they have contracts to purchase. This Council has precedence in doing exactly that. At the October 2, 2006 meeting, this Council approved moving forward with Master Planning the approximately 655 acres proposed by Bancor Group without instituting a moratorium. The consensus is recorded in the approved minutes of that meeting on page 3, lines nine and ten. You will need to read from page 2, line 12, but the action and intention are clear. I attended that meeting, I remember a vote. Councilmember Carlson voted against, all others for. The minutes do not reflect the voice vote. That is why when you vote on this issue, I request a roll call vote so there will be no mistake as to how and who voted. I think Lino Lakes voters deserve to know where the council and mayor stand on issues. The letter concluded, just one final thought, What is one year of your life worth to you? I turn 63 this fall. My wife and my family want to start a new chapter in our lives, but we are being held hostage to those who just scoffed. I asked you how patient you would be if you were in our shoes. 1990, the City has been kicking this can down the road since 1990. Enough of the hand-wringing, vote for the AUAR and no on a moratorium. Sincerely, Scott Robinson. Councilmember Ruhland asked for some time to address the Council and began by expressing his 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 our great City of Lino Lakes. He clarified that at this moment he is speaking for himself as an individual council member. He stated that what brings a lot of people here tonight was several weeks ago, he proposed a moratorium on new residential development in the northwest quadrant of the city. He asked for the opportunity to clarify the essence and intent behind this proposal. He stated that in his last speech, he thought he made it clear what his intentions are by suggesting this interim ordinance, but he realizes some may not have been in attendance. He said he has been quoted several times on his initial thought process, and he would encourage any outside groups or interests that are in