02/24/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Council Member Bergeson commented that two (2) additional officers between now and the year 2000 seems like something that probably would be happening with or without a grant. He stated he looks at this not as two (2) officers beyond what would otherwise be hired but, rather, funding for two officers which would be needed anyway and the grant will allow hiring earlier than may otherwise be possible. He stated he shares Council Member Kuether's concern about additional cost and funding when the grant is over but believes the grant will help fund the position sooner than if the grant is not received. Council Member Neal moved to accept "COPS FAST" grant funds in the amount of $150,000. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. PLANNING AND ZONING REPORT, MARY KAY WYLAND/AL BRIXIUS Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Provide MUSA Designation for Century -Farms Development - North Side of Lilac Street - Mr. Brixius reviewed the history of this project. He stated it was determined the cost of utilities would be borne by the developer, however, the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) is not available at this location. Now, the applicant wishes to pursue MUSA extension over the balance of his property. When previously considered, the Metropolitan Council said the freeway ramps were functioning beyond capacity and before MUSA could be considered, those traffic issues would need to be addressed. Mr. Brixius explained that Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. (NAC) prepared a report and said the City is not in a position to respond to the needed improvements at this intersection from a capital improvement standpoint. He explained staff met with Mr. Uhde and found that Century Development was agreeable to fronting the dollars needed to provide a traffic light at the problematic intersection (exit ramp adjoining Fina/Oasis). The Planning & Zoning Board reviewed the request and Mr. Uhde's financing proposal and recommend approval of the request to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan to include Century Farm Development within the MUSA. He read the motion which was unanimously supported by the Planning & Zoning Board and the two (2) additional conditions he recommended to be included. Council Member Bergeson inquired regarding the number of acres to be added to MUSA. Mr. Brixius advised it would be based on net buildable of 48.4 acres. It was noted the 25 acres of the first phase are already included within MUSA. Council Member Bergeson noted the actual area not previously considered is quite small. Mr. Brixius agreed it is not a large amount of property and noted the condition that if it is approved, utilities will need to be extended. Council Member Lyden stated his support for having policies and procedures in place prior to consideration. He stated it would have been nice if MYJSA had been put into place prior to consideration of the preliminary plat and rezoning request. Mr. Brixius concurred and stated he shares those concerns. He noted there are a lot of forthcoming expenses in this area needed to address traffic and other issues, and the developer has agreed to pay for the cost of the traffic light. Page 4