02/07/2007 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 7, 2007 APPROVED 91 pointed out the seven goals identified by his group. Specifically in the area of housing, 92 the group understood that the senior element is on the way and life cycle housing should 93 be planned. They also recognized survey results that indicate a need for single family 94 affordable housing. The group discussed but didn't reach a conclusion on the question of 95 whether it is the role of the community to shape housing or provide what the market 96 demands. 97 98 Economic and Commercial Development — Mr. Granquist reviewed the four goals 99 developed by his group. He pointed out that in the area of attracting and encouraging 100 high tech development, the council may notice that attraction of heavy industrial is 101 missing because from a quality of life viewpoint that type of development is not seen as 102 desirable to the citizens. The work group did highlight that there are many young 103 children in the community that will soon grow into teens who will need 104 entertainment/leisure opportunities. There was recognition that developments should not 105 be on one side of the city or another but should be located so as to join the city. There 106 was also recognition of the importance of tax lowering development but not to the point 107 where people expect to be able to work in the city. Commercial development that fits the 108 residential character of the area is preferred. The challenge is to achieve a change in 109 culture and the perception that Lino Lakes is not "business friendly" and to inspire 110 residents to utilize the businesses that locate in the city. On the matter of tax incentives 111 for desired development, it is an area that is not real understandable to the general public 112 and education would be helpful. 113 114 Roads and Transportation — Mr. Brown outlined the work of this group that dealt with 115 transportation including streets but also related items such as trails, carpool lots and 116 access to open spaces. Road reconstruction is an issue and the group recognized that the 117 city must be able to fix and maintain its streets and the council should be able to direct 118 that process. The city's pavement management plan sets forth the needs but they are not 119 being met and the problem will drop onto the city at once. 120 121 The council suggested that the information received from the group presents an 122 opportunity to use citizen input and set goals to move forward on the issue of road 123 reconstruction. The city charter contains language on the road reconstruction process and 124 since the charter is a citizens' document, it seems appropriate to start looking at the 125 process through the citizenry. A citizens group could work independently and gather 126 information to report back to the city leadership. 127 (See staff direction at the conclusion of the minutes) 128 129 Community Amenities and Natural Resources — Ms. Brunner reviewed the goals 130 established by the group. She noted discussion about how to build community support 131 for development of a multi -use recreation facility. The group recognized that most new 132 amenities would require tax funding or leveraging of outside dollars and that is a 133 challenge. There was discussion about involving a private entity such as a sponsor or 134 working with surrounding communities. 135