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Council Minutes -7- June 24, 2024 <br /> <br />attendance tonight, that prior to making any unfounded accusations regarding his or the <br />Council's prerogative they research the initial meeting and subsequent meetings. It's all either <br />tape-recorded or videotaped, and there are minutes to summarize the meetings as well. <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that the moratorium is not, nor never has been an attempt to <br />block any development in our city. Instead, it's a strategic pause to ensure that we plan <br />responsibly and thoughtfully for the future growth of our community. He stated his proposal is <br />deeply rooted in principles of careful urban planning. He referenced that the 2040 <br />Comprehensive Plan explicitly designates this area for a Master Plan. This is a significant step <br />that requires us to consider the long-term impact of developing over 400 acres of land and <br />potentially adding close to 1,000 homes, if not more. This area is one of four gateway entrances <br />to our city, out of over 100 miles of roadway within our city making a crucial point of <br />development that demands meticulous planning. We have already initiated a high-level look at <br />this area with projects like the planned roundabout at sunset, which is which is central to these <br />developments and currently underway. <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that proper planning is not just about building, it's about <br />shaping the landscape of our city in a way that benefits all residents. Careful and deliberate <br />planning is something the taxpayers of our great city want. And that means it's his job to <br />provide them with the means to do so. A moratorium is a perfect vehicle for that and one <br />example of exactly what they're used for. Over the last three years, we have done two other <br />moratoriums in Lino Lakes. The moratorium he proposed reflects the City's long-standing <br />tradition of being slow, methodical, and intentional with how we approach development. It is a <br />temporary measure designed to give us the necessary time to develop a Comprehensive Master <br />Plan that aligns with our Comp Plan, incorporates public input and ensures that we are making <br />decisions that will benefit our community for generations to come. <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that he understands that this proposal has raised concerns and <br />sparked significant discussion within our community, and he wants to address some of these <br />concerns directly, particularly those voiced by members of CAIR-MN as well as the Madinah <br />Lakes project developer. He noted that he has not heard anything from the other developer <br />that would be impacted by this proposed moratorium. He said let me state unequivocally that <br />this moratorium is not and has never been about discrimination. The suggestion that is a mask <br />for Islamophobia, or discrimination in general is completely unfounded and contrary to the <br />values of inclusivity and equality that we uphold in Lino Lakes. He stated that our city is home <br />to a diverse population, and we are committed to ensuring that all residents feel welcome and <br />valued. The moratorium is solely about responsible urban planning and prudent development <br />of our City’s resources. <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that he would also like to set the record straight for those that <br />have been providing erroneous information at various open mic opportunities. He stated that <br />he really hopes this is not the case, but it seems there are those slinging accusations of ill intent <br />to speculatively obtain media attention with the potential goal of pressuring this Council into <br />making decisions that sidestep taxpayer equity and input in such planning. Again, trying to <br />accomplish this by attempting to paint a narrative that is not based on any of the facts.