01/13/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 13, 1997 A resident asked if the Council will receive public input. Mayor Landers explained the public hearing has been closed for some time. Council Member Lyden stated he is concerned about limited access, potential devaluation, and orientation of buildings. He questioned the possibility of increasing lot depth and making the roadway alignment straight across, which would require cooperation of both landowners. Mr. Ahrens advised that both he and Mr. Wessel have mentioned this, several times, to the property owners but that is out of the City's "hands." The City has to provide a roadway that abuts the south edge of the property and a shift in alignment could be accomplished up until the point that the roadway is staked out. In response to Council Member Neal, Mr. Ahrens advised a property owner could ask Anoka County for access from Main Street but he doubts such a request would be successful. Council Member Bergeson stated it appears one audience member would like to present information, even if the public hearing is closed. Council Member Kuether was excused from the meeting at 8:30 P.M. Mr. Hawkins reminded the Council that a 4/5 vote of the entire Council is required for passage of the motion currently on the floor. Council Member Lyden reviewed again his vision of this corner and requested the property owners in attendance be allowed to indicate whether this is possible. Mayor Landers requested limited comment from residents. Richard Schreier, property owner, stated the "nuts and bolts" is basically that the City has negotiated a resolution with Anoka County and the County wants the rest of the roadway. He noted that old Otter Lake Road will be returned to the City and the service road will also be a City road so Anoka County is only interested in the realignment. Mr. Schreier stated his property has all the access frontage and utilities he needs on County Road 14 and he does not believe the City can prove a benefit of $435,000 to realign the County Road. He stated this assessment against his property is to provide access to the corner lot which he does not own and restated he does not think the City can prove benefit. Council Member Lyden asked Mr. Schreier what the answer is. Mr. Schreier stated he has no reason to add to his competition. He noted there is a fair amount of wetlands to deal with and he does not know if the City will mitigate some of the wetlands. He stated he does not believe the City can prove that short road will benefit his property by $435,000 when he already has access. Mr. Schreier stated he did not see the proposed assessment roll until his attorney called the City Engineer to request a copy and he will contest this assessment. Mayor Landers asked Mr. Wessel if he would like this matter voted on tonight or tabled to the January 27, 1997 meeting. Mr. Wessel advised that Anoka County was clear about the PAGE 12