04/21/1993 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 21, 1993 current street standards which states that there shall be no center islands in cul-de-sacs. Mr. Volk told the Council that center islands with plantings are a safety concern. Plantings create blind spots. In addition center islands create maintenance problems especially with snow plowing. Council Member Kuether noted that plantings in center islands look nice and wondered if lower plantings would solve the problem. Mr. Schumacher also explained that Mr. Uhde has told him that the new residents will not be happy because staff has changed criteria for cul-de-sacs. Council Member Bergeson said that if the staff feels strongly about this issue, it should be made part of the City Code. Mr. Volk explained that Mr. Uhde is asking for three (3) more cul-de-sacs with center island planting. Mr. Schneider noted that Mr. Uhde made the cul-de-sacs smaller in the 4th and 5th Additions and both were approved without center islands. Mr. Uhde was aware of this situation and presented the final plat knowing that the cul-de-sacs would be different in these two (2) additions. The policy change for cul-de-sacs occurred two (2) years ago and Mr. Uhde was aware of the change. Council Member Bergeson asked why these things are part of the design standards rather than formally written in an ordinance? Mr. Schneider explained that flexibility is the concern. There may be instances when it is not reasonable to follow the design standards. If this were written in an ordinance, a variance would be required and they are difficult to justify. Mr. Schumacher noted that Mr. Uhde will be informed that the City Council concurred with the staff recommendation. Redevelopment of Ross' Corner Mr. Schumacher explained that Ron Batty had indicated that a section of the state statutes could cause a problem for the redevelopment of Ross's Corner. The concern is that a new redevelopment district must be in place before the buildings are razed. Mr. Schumacher suggested that the City enter into an agreement with Anoka County through the Economic Development Authority whereby the County would raze the buildings after the new TIF district is in place. The City would then have three (3) years to actually develop the parcel. Mr. Schumacher has talked to both Mr. Ross and the County and this proposal appears to be agreeable with both parties. Mr. Schumacher recommended that Mr. Batty come before the City Council and then he be given the authorization to put together a redevelopment TIF district. An PAGE 5 1 1