11/23/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1998 Staff recommended Council approve the contracts for the completion of the objectives of the Livable Communities grant funding. Council Member Neal asked what is being redesigned. Mr. Wessel stated the master plan of the project served the City well. Now the City needs to integrate activity in all quadrants and develop a transportation plan. Council Member Neal asked if the people who originally designed the project will still be used. Mr. Wessel indicated the original designers will provide their input. Mayor Sullivan explained that the next step is to refine the process. Some types of housing need to be looked at. The proposed consultants have specific qualifications and will work with the Town Center Committee. Mr. Wessel noted that Dennis is not going away. International consultants are needed for a fresh look and they have a special expertise. Mayor Sullivan stated Lino Lakes is so far ahead of other cities by using the experts to preserve open space and the environment. Council Member Neal asked how much the consultants will cost. Mr. Wessel stated the grant is for $220,000. If there are additional costs the City will get additional funding. Council Member Neal asked about the cost to the City. Mr. Wessel stated there will be no cost to the City. The City will get the money back. Experts have to be hired. The Council makes the final decision regarding housing. Mayor Sullivan stated very dense single family or senior housing is being looked into. Council Member Bergeson asked if the City Attorney has reviewed the contracts. He stated he wants to make sure that if the funding for this dries up the City is not stuck with the bill. Mr. Hawkins stated he has reviewed the contracts. The contracts can be terminated on short notice. He indicated he does have some revisions to give to Mr. Wessel. Council Member Lyden stated he wants to make sure the Metropolitan Council does not have any strings attached or expectations regarding the amount of rental properties in Lino Lakes. Mr. Wessel stated that at the next Council meeting, the goals for Livable Communities will be reviewed. He stated that three (3) years ago the City committed to participating if the program. If the City does not proceed with the program or the goals are not accepted, the Metropolitan Council will review the grant. Council Member Lyden stated the contracts are premature and he cannot support them until the goals are determined. Mr. Wessel noted the expectation of Council is that the City continues to participate in the program. Council Member Neal stated the Metropolitan Council issued low income housing deals in Willow Ponds and the deals were not accepted. Mr. Wessel stated a discussion regarding the 26