05/07/2007 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 7, 2007 APPROVED 46 •47 Senior Planner Smyser noted his discussion with the Minnesota Department of Natural 48 Resources (DNR) and reported his response to questions raised at the last work session regarding 49 this matter. He reviewed the DNR policy regarding crossing public waters as well as the 50 potential environmental impact issues of a road vs. bridge situation. Also it was noted that the 51 deadline for submittal of final plans under the city's zoning ordinance has expired. The city 52 attorney has verified that the city is under no obligation to accept or approve a development 53 proposal for the property in question. Regarding dedication of parkland on the island, Senior 54 Planner Smyser reported that the Public Services Director indicated that he would prefer park 55 dedication funds that could be utilized to development existing parkland in the area. 56 57 Senior Planner reported that the staff recommendation has not changed as staff doesn't feel it 58 would be in the city's interest to pursue a road to this island; public purpose would have to be 59 proven to the DNR and the ability to do that is doubtful. 60 61 There was no Council interest in initiating construction of a public road or bridge. 62 63 SPIRIT HILLS PARKING 64 65 Associate Planner Bengtson reported that questions were posed to the city by tenants of the Spirit 66 Hills Commercial Center regarding inadequate parking at the center. In response those 67 questions, he prepared a detailed parking analysis and an evaluation of how the current parking •68 complies with city ordinance. The concerned tenants requested that the city put an immediate 69 hold on further leasing of space in the center. The current number of parking spaces was found 70 to be in compliance but only with the vacancies that now exist at the center and not allowing for 71 consideration of shared spaces. Options to address the situation are to hold off on further leasing 72 or to allow occupancy only within certain requirements. 73 74 Community Development Director Grochala added that parking on the area streets is not a 75 problem as there is no real spillover. The city could encourage the businesses to work together to 76 deal with the parking problems. Any consideration of a reserved parking plan should be initiated 77 only by the businesses. 78 79 The Council indicated their desire to ensure that City requirements are met. The leasing 80 company for the center should be informed that there will not be any additional occupancy 81 allowed and they need to help deal with the problem. 82 83 LAKE DRIVE/1-35W INTERCHANGE PROJECT 84 85 Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the bids received on the project; the bids 86 came in 10.5% over the engineer's estimate. The Minnesota Department of Transportation 87 (MnDOT) reviewed the bids and found the variance acceptable. Staff has reevaluated the project 88 and has worked with Springsted and Kennedy & Graven on a solution that involves a workable 89 finance plan. Options on the project were presented as follows: terminate the project but with the • 90 understanding that some basic improvements to the interchange would still be required and 2