10/19/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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s • SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 19, 1998 guidelines in the Plan. Al explained that the Plan does not change land use, however, in the future when an opportunity comes, the City at that point can consider a Plan amendment. Jeff Reinert, from the audience asked how the Plan is amended. Al explained. Chris felt that John's comment regarding land use should be the issue and than the number 147 was dangerous. What happens if the all residential units are filled in three (3) years rather than 10 years? Does the City stop new home construction entirely for seven (7) years? John explained that the Plan is not the only method of control. If the City has banked MUSA, the City has control. Andy asked if any consideration had been given to annexation? Al said no. Fritz Johnson, 230 Woodridge Lane, from the audience said he is also a local business owner and expressed interest in economic growth. He asked that the Council keep in mind that this is a plan, not a contract. He said that the Council should factor into the plan the fact that children grow up and move out of the area. He explained how the City of Columbia Heights grew and is now in a declining mode. He felt the proposals for the Plan from Chris and Caroline would put the City in a situation where they may have to defend the Plan in court. He also said he wanted his tax dollar spent to fund snow plows, etc. not defending the Plan. Mr. Johnson said that it was his opinion that the citizens wanted some growth. Mr. Johnson read a Dr. Seuss book regarding two (2) people who would not compromise. Kim referred to Chris and Caroline's 13 point list and then stated her understanding of how the meeting went with Chris, Caroline, JP Houchins and Paul Montain. She explained that when the Planning and Zoning Board Chairman, Jamie Schaps was informed of the results of the meeting it was determined that what Chris and Caroline want in the Plan is very different from what is in the Plan and there was no place to negotiate. With that understanding, Jamie felt that another meeting of the Task Force would not serve any purpose. Chris read a prepared statement regarding his expectation of how the Plan should be done and that the Plan cannot be presented to the Metropolitan Council with a 3/5th vote. He felt that the current Plan is based on the status quo. Kim explained that it is not illegal to send the Plan to the Metropolitan Council without a 4/5th vote. Chris said the first issue the Council must deal with is legality which means that the Plan must have a 4/5ths vote. He said in the past 27 years the Metropolitan Council has not taken a city to court because it did not present a plan with a 4/5th vote. However, unless there is a Council directive to abide by the law and get a 4/5th vote, he would not negotiate on any issue. Kim said that it was her intent to abide by the law but she would not be held hostage on the issue. Chris said that he would not be a party to an illegal act. PAGE 7