08-04-25 - City Council Work Session Minutes

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involvement of study area stakeholders and review by the City advisory boards and City Council. Three development scenarios originally emerged, one being the existing 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Each scenario maintained essentially the same residential unit count with a mix of land use types but provided for different design alternatives. Through the design process scenarios 2 and 3 merged into Scenario 2.1, which establishes a gateway into the City at the border with Blaine. Scenario 1 and Scenario 2.1 are proposed to be carried through the environmental review process. The Environmental Board reviewed the AUAR at their July 30 meeting and recommended approval of the AUAR by City Council. 5. Otter Lake Road Extension Improvement Project Update The Community Development Director reported that the City Council authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for the Otter Lake Road Extension Project in August of 2023. Design work has been ongoing, and final design is at the 60% stage. WSB Inc. was retained in September of 2024 to handle right-of-way acquisition for the City. The project will require acquisition of permanent right-of-way, utility and drainage easements as well as temporary construction easements. Approximately 8 parcels are affected by the project. Appraisals preparation for the individual parcels is nearing completion, and staff expect to be ready to make offers in September. The Community Development Director reported that while we are anticipating completing acquisition through direct purchase with property owners the City will initiate eminent domain proceedings, in part, to establish a possession date to allow for project construction. Staff are working with the City Attorney to set up the schedule for this process. Staff will likely be requesting City Council consideration to authorize staff to make offers in late August. Consideration to proceed with eminent domain proceedings would follow likely in September 6. Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization (VLAMO) JPA Amendments / Updates The Community Development Director reported that Since the early 1980's, communities in the metropolitan area have been required to manage surface water in accordance with the Metropolitan Water Management Program set out in Minnesota Statutes, sections 10313.201 through 10313.253 ("Act"). To address that requirement, the City, together with the other communities in the watershed, adopted a joint powers agreement in 1983 to form the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization ("VLAWMO"). VLAWMO is a joint powers watershed management organization under Minnesota Statutes, section 10313.211 and is authorized to carry out the duties under the Act. Page 2 of 4