02/12/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• Planning & Zoning Board February 12, 1997 Page 14 Mr. Brixius stated that staff's original recommendation was to suggest tabling action in anticipation that within a month the City would be able to determine whether or not the signal improvement would be undertaken. However, staff has no objections to Mr. Uhde's offer to prefund the signal knowing that the City does not know where the funding will come from. The urgency presented by Mr. Uhde may be an opportunity from which the City would like to take advantage. Mr. Johnson noted that the signal is in a tax increment financing (TIF) district. He asked if staff envisions TIF funding to be used for improvements like this one. Mr. Wessel stated that not all of the intersections are in a TIF district. TIF is primarily used for areas zoned light industry. The City has to be careful how TIF funding is used, and it is not a source of funding for this type of project. He stated that the master plan for the village development was approved two weeks ago, and review of the first project in the village is expected within the next two months. This signal is an improvement that the City must address for the village development to go forward. He believes Mr. Uhde's offer is a good way to initiate a resolution for Behms and for the village project. Chair Schaps asked if the City Council is aware of Mr. Uhde's offer. Mr. Wessel stated that discussion of it only took place that afternoon. The Planning Board's recommendation is needed for the Council to make its own assessment. Mr. Johnson stated that there are no written recommendations to approve this offer. He would feel more comfortable with a written proposal. Chair Schaps stated that it appears somewhat risky to the City in the way it has been outlined. Mr. Wessel responded that Mr. Uhde has made an interesting offer to which he responds positively. The key question is engineering and the traffic issue. Mr. Ahrens stated that many of the engineering and traffic issues are addressed with the growth on Lake Drive and plans for the village development. He agreed that this is a good opportunity to capture funds that the City would not otherwise receive. With the signal, the intersection will be improved to a level B service operation. Without it, the level of service is F, which is a failed system. Mr. Johnson asked when the signal would be installed. Mr. Ahrens stated that if the Council approves, a justification report will be submitted to the state and county for installation this year. Mr. Johnson made a MOTION to close the public hearing at 9:02 p.m. and was supported by Herr. Motion carried unanimously, 6 -0.