04/23/2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 23, 2003 APPROVED Anoka County has requested that Lino Lakes, Blaine and Columbus participate in the next phase of analysis by contributing $7,000 each to determine which site has the best potential to accommodate the concept plan. KKE Architects will look at each site in relation to the concept plan, and the McComb Group will conduct a market analysis to determine which site is best situated to attract high quality corporate headquarters, hotel conference centers, and the like. The I -35E corridor in Lino Lakes has been identified in the Comprehensive Plan for commercial and industrial land uses to take advantage of the area's visibility and accessibility from 35E. City zoning has established the Rural Business Reserve, which outlines the city's intention for staged expansion of industrial land uses into the area. Development interest is increasing in the area. This study will provide useful information for future planning, whether or not a Lino Lakes site is deemed the most suitable for this particular use. Approving an expenditure for the study does not commit the city to any development, however, not participating will indicate the city is not interested in pursuing this opportunity. Councilmember Reinert stated the study will give the City a lot of useful information but asked how long that information will be applicable. Economic Development Assistant Divine stated she believes the City has the momentum now for development. As things change any study will become outdated. Councilmember O'Donnell asked if Anoka County is participating in the cost. Economic Development Assistant Divine advised the County is anticipating the cost of the study at a minimum of $21,000. The County will fund any costs above that. Councilmember O'Donnell asked if there are funds in the economic development budget to fund the study. Economic Development Assistant Divine stated the funds are in the economic development budget to fund the study. Councilmember Carlson stated that the stadium may go into Blaine and she is concerned the City of Lino Lakes will get the additional traffic with no benefits. Mr. Rod Kukonen, Environmental Board, stated the stadium issue was discussed at the last Environmental Board meeting. One of the concerns is the critical habitat areas within Lino Lakes. He distributed and reviewed information and recommendations relating to the critical habitat area that was printed by the DNR. He stated the stadium would impact those areas. Community Development Director Grochala advised the first potential site is at the northwest intersection of Main and 35E. The other potential site is north of the creek on 80th Avenue. The majority of the area is cropland. If the City got to that point, significant environmental studies would be conducted. •