07/27/1992 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING JULY 27, 1992 Mr. Brixius explained that the request for a rezone would require a policy decision by the City Council. He questioned if the proposed plat was compatible with the current Comprehensive Land Use Plan. He noted that the current use is Rural which encourages staged and orderly development. The plat proposed by Mr. Birch would consume all of the sewer capacity available for the entire area. There is also a concern with wetlands and lake protection. Mr. Brixius noted concern regarding a fairly concentrated population in a small area and explained that there would be increased costs, increased emergency response time and traffic congestion on 20th Avenue. Council Member Bergeson noted that when the matter was referred to the magistrate, there was a list of technical items such as setbacks, street width, right -of -way and the cul -de -sac which were of concern. Mr. Brixius said that the plat would be a Planned Development Overlay (PDO) and setback requirements, parking arrangements and other such items would be reviewed in this context. Mr. Brixius noted that he had not looked at the storm water drainage plan. Mayor Reinert said the density issue has not been addressed and thought that the magistrate had asked for something better from Mr. Birch. Mr. Brixius said that the proposal is very different in nature from the original proposal. The original proposal consisted of 85 units on about 20 acres as compared to the present 240 units. In addition, Mr. Birch had proposed expensive townhomes and now is no longer proposing the expensive units. Council Member Kuether said she preferred the higher priced units. Mr. Brixius said he felt that this proposal is way out of line when compared to the balance of the community. The current proposal is a concentrated development and the City Council has had a strong philosophy of staged growth. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Brixius what he thought was the best use of this area. Mr. Brixius said that the proposal is not inappropriate but is premature in time. He noted that since the area is so close to I35E, higher density housing is a good use. However, at this time, he would suggest leaving the area at the four (4) units per 40 acres density. Mr. Schumacher explained that the City must respond to Mr. Birch's proposal by August 7, 1992. Another meeting with the magistrate is scheduled August 31, 1992. Mr. Schumacher said that the magistrate expressed a desire to negotiate a climax to this situation. However, he felt that the magistrate was not PAGE 2 1