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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/28/2008 EDAC MinutesApproved CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, August 28, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT: B. Combs, J. Helgemoe, K. Corson, K. Lodico, D. Roeser, J. Schwartz, M, Keller MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Milbauer, J. Stranik OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, M. Grochala GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes Minutes for June 5, 2008 were approved. Comprehensive Plan Update Community Development Director Mike Grochala presented a summary of the draft Comprehensive Plan to the committee. He noted that an open house will be held on September 3, and the Planning & Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on September 10. He presented the population forecast that was used to determine the amount and type of growth that was planned for, noting that the city’s forecasts are higher than the Metropolitan Council’s, which were based on the city’s current comp plan that called for a cap of 147 lots per year. The new comp plan uses a market based projection for the next 20 years. Mr. Grochala explained the Resource Management Plan (RMP), which is unique statewide, and the Land Use Plan. Those two maps are the basis of the comp plan. He explained that the implementation of the RMP would be through the ability of developers and land owners to use wetland credits and banking. The Metropolitan Council density requirements call for an average of 3-5 housing units per acre, the city is at 3.5. A sizable area of the city is designated Urban Reserve, which is a “holding zone” that will eventually get sewer after 2030. Housing will be 1 per 40 acres in this reserve. A small Permanent Rural area will never likely get sewer, and is set at 1 house per 10 acres, or cluster development with community septic. Mr. Grochala noted that one-half of the city, including the regional park, will never be developed. Members discussed the Economic Development Plan, which includes a goal for redevelopment of Lake Drive. There was discussion about finding funding sources to purchase parcels that have outdated uses when they come up for sale. 1 2 Mr. Grochala noted that the city and Anoka County would be conducting studies for Birch Street and for County Road J. A Birch Street extension over 35E would likely be included in the study, even though that extension is not called out in the Traffic Plan. A new interchange at 35E and 80th Street is called out, but likely will not occur for at least 20 years. Mr. Corson moved to recommend that the City Council adopt the draft Comprehensive Plan and send it forward to the Metropolitan Council. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. EDAC members discussed the role of EDAC in implementing the Economic Development portion of the Comprehensive Plan. One continuing issue is the establishment of an EDA that includes members of EDAC as well as city council representatives. There was also discussion of the City Council goal to meet with EDAC to discuss economic development goals. Staff said they would try to see if that could happen yet this year. Ms. Schwartz and Ms. Keller, who participated on the Citizen’s Comprehensive Plan Advisory Panel stated that they were pleased with the outcome of the plan, and with the way a diverse group of people were able to find consensus on such a wide variety of issues. Ms. Schwartz noted that this plan was “cutting edge.” City Charter Ms. Divine updated the members on the city charter amendment, noting that the Charter Commission rejected the city council’s proposal to put the Citizen’s Task Force amendment on the ballot in November. The city has also received a petition from residents to change Chapter 8 of the charter to conform with state law. This means that road reconstruction will not go to referendum, instead, the city council will be given the power to determine whether a road gets reconstructed, and will pay for it through levy and special assessments. When a petition is submitted, it must go to referendum. The council has not decided whether to also add the Citizen’s Task Force amendment. The council is still considering whether to hire a consulting firm to provide information about the amendment(s), and has until September 8 to submit ballot question(s) to the county. EDAC members discussed their role in supporting a charter change. Ms. Divine suggested that the communications firm should work with EDAC to prepare a letter for publication by the October meeting, once it is determined what the ballot question will be. Blue Heron Days Ms. Divine thanked Bill Combs for his heading up the parade again this year. The next EDAC meeting will be October 2. Meeting adjourned.