2001-197 Council Resolution-Minutes

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COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 17, 2001 City Planner Smyser indicated that the wording of his report is not identical to the Resolution language. He indicated that Section 3(E) of the Resolution specifies what the moratorium does not apply to. Paragraph 4 of that Section states that the moratorium would not apply to applications for preliminary plats for commercial, industrial, or other non-residential development. Councilmember Reinert noted that the City Council has discussed this topic in a few short meetings. He stated that at first he wondered if the intent of the City could be accomplished without a moratorium. He stated that after learning more about the reasons why a moratorium would be needed and the possible legal ramifications of not having a moratorium while working on the ordinances, he has come to understand the reasons for needing one. However, he noted that staff has indicated there are a total of 143 different issues that need to be discussed and addressed on this topic and at this point he does not know what these issues are. He felt that without this information he would be voting in the dark and he wondered if all 143 issues needed to be included on the list. He questioned whether some of the issues could be dealt with outside the moratorium. Councilmember Reinert was not certain whether he should vote for this issue this evening. He acknowledged that at some point the City will need a moratorium for some amount of time to update its ordinances. However, he would prefer to know more about the 143 topics before voting on the moratorium. Councilmember Reinert stated he was primarily concerned about the process that would be followed. He felt that the process will determine whether or not this issue is handled smoothly and at this point he was not convinced that the process has been finalized. He felt that establishing a moratorium before the process is established is putting the cart before the horse. Councilmember Reinert noted the intent of the moratorium was to allow City staff to develop ordinances that will allow the City to achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan. He indicated the moratorium is not intended to stop or to control growth. Rather, the moratorium will provide the City with the tools to control growth in the future. Councilmember Reinert stated that he had thought long and hard on whether he could vote on this issue tonight. He felt that more work needed to be put into establishing the process of updating the City's codes prior to approving a moratorium. He felt that voting on this issue this evening would be premature since the Council has not considered everything that needs to be considered to begin the process. Councilmember Reinert stated that he intended to vote for the proposed moratorium at some point but he would like more information in order to ensure that the work will be completed within one year so the moratorium will not need to be extended. Councilmember Reinert moved to table consideration of the FIRST READING of Ordinance No. 23- 01 to the January 14, 2002 City Council meeting. 10