02/25/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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(As presented by Mayor Bergeson — City Council Meeting of February 25, 2008) State of the City 2008 Each year I have the privilege as mayor to give the residents of Lino Lakes a taste of what was accomplished over the past year. This year, my fellow council members join me in thanking the citizens of Lino Lakes who made 2007 so productive by playing a major role in defining how the city will grow over the next 25 years. This major citizen -driven planning process actually began in 2006. A Quality of Life Survey was followed by a group of residents developing the city's 2030 Vision Plan. This plan is the blueprint for positive change. It defines what the community wants Lino Lakes to be in 25 years, and outlines what must occur to attain this vision. In March of 2007, a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Panel, comprised of a group of about 30 residents, kicked off the 2 -year process for updating the city's Comprehensive Plan. Using the 2030 Vision Plan as its foundation, they are about mid -way into developing this important document to guide our growth. This document determines future development patterns, locations for all types of development, and the staging for when it can occur. Ultimately the Comp Plan Advisory Panel will submit a final draft to the city council for consideration before it is sent on to the Metropolitan Council in late 2008 for final approval. The city council and I have tremendous confidence in our citizens, and expect that this plan will achieve a thorough and balanced set of goals and strategies to implement the city's vision. As part of the Comprehensive Plan, the city is partnering with Rice Creek Watershed District to prepare a resource management plan that covers the entire city. This was a unique opportunity that allows us to identify all the priority uplands and wetlands. Lino Lakes is the first Minnesota city to incorporate a city -wide resource management plan into its Comprehensive Plan. Once again, this puts Lino Lakes on the cutting edge of conservation -based upland and wetland resource management. The city won a 2007 Minnesota Environmental Initiatives Award for its proactive, citizen -driven environmental review process of the I -35E Corridor. We believe the city will continue to be recognized for its progressive ideas in sustainable infrastructure and development. City government provides many services that impact you most personally, and often, are taken the most for granted. Getting the roads plowed after a snowstorm, having someone respond quickly to an emergency, having places to play ball with your kids. It's our job as mayor and council to ensure the best possible services are provided, while keeping the city portion of our property taxes as low as possible. {PAGE }