10/26/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 26, 1998 a number of policies were embraced to protect active farms. The question is how to define permanent agriculture. 13. All references to the Metropolitan Council will be removed from the Lino Lakes Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Brixius stated he does not necessarily agree but it can be done. Mr. Brixius stated the final element is adjustments of MUSA. He reviewed a graph showing the projected MUSA expansion for 1999 through 2009 at a 1.5 X land and 1.25 X land method. Mr. Brixius stated all MUSA will be held in a MUSA reserve. The growth rate of the City can be controlled by protecting the MUSA. Mayor Sullivan told the audience that she would like to have a balanced discussion regarding citizen input. She explained that she would acknowledge a speaker for the Plan and then a speaker opposed to the Plan and would continue the alternate point of view until all the speakers have make their comments. Ms. Pat Rickaby, 59 North Road, came forward and stated the comments made on the CALL flyer were incorrect. The City will set standards for high density. School Districts do need growth to be maintained. The 147 figure is a slower growth rate. Changes to the Plan by Council Members Lyden and Dahl will not slow the tax rate. The tax rate is currently high because of road improvements. No commercial growth will not lower the tax rate. The Economic Development Department was put in place to encourage Commercial/Industrial development. Many citizens are in favor of more Commercial/Industrial development to help the school district. Ms. Rickaby thanked the Comprehensive Plan Task Force for the courage to not give in to special interest groups. She asked the Council to show the same courage and pass the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Gerald Clausen, 6198 Baldwin Lake Drive, indicated he has lived in Lino Lakes since 1952. He explained that in the 1960's things were slow. The Centennial School District gave away a school. The City was quiet, tax rate smooth, and the City had a police department. Then someone decided the City needed to grow. Development increased and the tax base increased year after year. A new elementary and middle school were needed. Mr. Clausen said high density causes more stuff on the roads, more police, more fireman, more snow plows, and too many streets. He indicated he owns three (3) acres. Life is no longer the same in Lino Lakes. Cluster homes add more problems and taxes. Mr. Clausen said industry is good. He stated he likes having 3-5 acre lots. Mr. Clausen indicated he agrees with Council Members Dahl and Lyden. He suggested letting the City sit still for awhile. Council Member Dahl excused herself at 7:50 p.m. Ms. Sharon Lane, 532 West 77th Street, stated she supports slower growth. The City survey indicated citizens want to preserve rural open areas of the City. She stated she would like to see a better tax rate. Lino Lakes is unique because of the two (2) major freeways. The City will draw from commuters. She stated she made the deliberate decision to not comment on the Plan at the Planning & Zoning meeting. She stated she has witnessed inappropriate behavior at other 6