08/14/1989 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 14, 1989 in the future, Sunrise Drive could be cul -de -saced near the south end and this would force traffic to use Second Avenue. Mr. Sargent asked why the Council could not force the developers to develop larger lots? Mr. Stahlberg explained that the City Code defines how large lots must be for each zone. The Council has to abide by the City Code. Mrs. Fenno said she agreed with Mr. Sargent and noted that when they moved in the lots were platted in one acre parcels. She said if the Council would listen to the residents they would understand that this is the kind of town that they want to live in. Nobody is against development, however larger lots are wanted. Mayor Benson said that developers cannot develop into one acre lots. The Metropolitan Council has dictated that the lots in Lino Lakes be either ten (10) acres or urban sized sewered lots. Lino Lakes can no longer be developed as it was in the Ulmer's Rice Lake Estates area. Mrs. Skinner said that she is frightened for the children and that she moved out here for piece and quiet. She asked that the Council make new developments accommodate the current landowners. Mr. Hawkins noted that there is a legal question as to whether or not the City can make a developer pay for improvements that do not directly benefit their property and brings some benefit to current residents. Mayor Benson noted that the Charter does not allow the Council to assess any property that is not proportionally benefited. Mrs. Skinner said then that if she wanted to make her road safer then she would be responsible for a portion of the cost. Mrs. Skinner asked why St. Joseph's Church sold their property. She was told that they received an offer they could not refuse. Mr. Tom Smith, 874 Oak Lane noted that development is paid for with City credit. He asked what would happen if a development does not sell. It was explained that the City is protected with a letter of credit for three years of assessment payments. During that three years the City has the ability to take the property and sell it and pay off the bonds. Residents are protected from having to pick up any of the development costs. Mr. Smith suggested that development be completed in phases to allow the City to determine if there will be any forfeitures. Mayor Benson also noted that the City Charter does not allow the City to pay any development costs (put costs on property taxes). Mr. Hawkins explained that the City has taken a very conservative approach to development financing. Mayor Benson explained that the City is looking at the overall growth of the City. This is done each year. Mr. 1 1 1