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• <br />• <br />• <br />CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2, 2012 <br />DRAFT <br />91 3. Traffic Signal Project Update — Community Development Director Grochala <br />92 noted that TKDA is finishing up the plans and specifications for the projects and approval <br />93 requests for the different elements of the project will proceed starting in July and <br />94 culminating with construction time in the fall (functional lights in winter). The city <br />95 engineer is speaking with residents and businesses impacted by either acquisition or other <br />96 elements including utilities, and responding to residents' questions as necessary. Mr. <br />97 Grochala explained the plans to deal with right of way at Main Street and Lake Drive and <br />98 how the business will be impacted. <br />99 <br />100 4. Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Landscaping Standards — City Planner <br />101 Bengtson noted that this is not the first time the council has seen this language as it was <br />102 reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Plan process; the language was completed <br />103 previously and reviewed by the council and the Planning & Zoning Board. Staff has <br />104 pared down language that was more suggestion than material in order to reach a standard <br />105 of compliance that is clear. There are still five distinct areas for landscaping: canopy <br />106 coverage, foundation and open area, buffering and screening requirements and boulevard <br />107 trees. <br />108 <br />109 Council Member Roeser suggested that there's been a trend to go more "wild" in <br />110 landscaping but he sees that being more appropriate in some areas than others; do the <br />111 standards address that? Mr. Bengtson noted that separate guidelines will be maintained <br />112 that indicate types of plantings that are acceptable, basically though for commercial and <br />113 industrial, anything in the front is expected to be more manicured. The intent isn't to <br />114 dictate what people will plant in their yards; it's more directed to new development. <br />115 <br />116 The ordinance will be considered for first reading at the next council meeting. <br />117 <br />118 5. Charter Commission Budget Request - The mayor suggested that the <br />119 Commission has about $1,200 left in their 2012 budget. He isn't clear from reading their <br />120 communication why the funding is requested. He attended the commission meeting <br />121 when this was discussed and determination that they would require eight hours of <br />122 attorney work seemed to be arbitrary and the amount seems extensive; it would more <br />123 make sense to get an estimate of the legal costs. <br />124 <br />125 Council Member Roeser added that a bid would be appropriate when considering <br />126 expending public funds. Also he is concerned about granting funds to a group that he <br />127 believes misappropriated funds in the past. He also doesn't understand the need for <br />128 opposing attorneys and suggests that the commission and the council should be getting an <br />129 open and fair opinion from the same attorney; to act otherwise is seeking a differing <br />130 opinion and makes for an awkward and more costly process. <br />131 <br />132 Council Member Rafferty expressed that he is confused about the amount being <br />133 requested. There is a budget in place not fully expended. <br />134 <br />