04/11/2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM 6 A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Smyser C. C. MEETING DATE: April 11, 2005 TOPIC: Resolution 05 -51: Authorizing Preparation of Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 BACKGROUND In October 2004, the City Council approved a contract for professional services for determining a preferred development scenario and preparing an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). The study area includes 4600 acres of the eastern portion of Lino Lakes. The process has included extensive research and an advisory panel of study area stakeholders. This advisory panel met eight times to learn about and discuss background information and to assist in the creation of development scenarios. The process also included five meetings with a group of local, state, and federal agencies for input on the background research. As the process evolved, three development scenarios emerged, no single one of which is preferred over the others. Resolution 05 -51 authorizes the preparation of the draft AUAR document. The development scenarios will be analyzed for potential environmental impacts. A mitigation plan will be created to address the environmental impacts. Once it is prepared, the draft AUAR will be brought to the Environmental Board and the advisory panel for discussion and revisions. It then will be brought to the City Council for discussion and revisions. The City Council will authorize the distribution of the draft for public comment. This will begin a 30 -day public comment period. Information Requested at March 29th Special Work Session The City Council discussed project at a special work session on March 29 devoted exclusively to the AUAR. Council members requested additional information or clarifications, as discussed below. Greenways Map of Comprehensive Plan: The comprehensive plan includes a map of conceptual greenways (Exhibit 1). Greenways are corridors of protected open space managed for conservation and recreational purposes. The greenways on the map are conceptual and are to be further defined through environmental inventory and development review process. The City has conducted several environmental inventories in recent years. The parks and open space plan, adopted in 2004, lays out natural environment protection, conservation, and enhancement areas. These areas include the conceptual greenways and add even more areas for conservation attention. Background