#03 - MUSA Expansion - Laserfiche WebLink

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different areas of the City that may one day be served by public sewer and allow for higher density development. Several questions below are intended to allow for feedback on the future of the MUSA: 1. Should areas south of Stillwater Boulevard (not including the Lake Elmo Park Reserve) be included in the MUSA? Several recent projects and pending developments have been included in the MUSA. Expectations are that urban development pressures continue in this area of the city, staff need to understand where the City Council sees the next Comprehensive Plan guiding sewer service planning efforts. 2. Should the City explore extending the MUSA strategically into portions of the Tri Lakes area (Lakes DeMontreville, Jane, and Olson) to bail out failing septic systems? The City’s public works and engineering departments have received and will likely continue to receive petitions for sewer service in the northwest corner of the community and will need to replace City-owned 201 community systems. Many of the properties were platted in the 1960’s with an average lot size of around an acre per lot. With smaller lot sizes, failing septic systems may pose a threat to water quality in the surrounding lakes. 3. To compensate for additions to the MUSA Area, and to hit the City’s required target of 3.5 units per acre, where or how should the City explore increase density? Which areas of the City should be explored for increases in density and at what levels? This can be accomplished in several ways such as moderate increases across the board or targeted increases in certain areas, or a combination. Discussion Point 2 – Community Engagement: Community Engagement is foundational to a successful planning effort, and almost always cannot be done enough. The 2040 comprehensive planning process was on the lighter side. It included an 11-member Advisory Panel that met periodically throughout the planning process to provide feedback. This was the primary method of engagement with the Community of Lake Elmo. The 2040 planning process also included staff attendance at community events, and at least one survey, and Implementation Survey that led to the creation of the strategies for implementation. The Council is asked to consider which areas of community engagement are most important, and how it would like to show up with the community. 1. Which types of community engagement are most important to the City Council? Multiple types of community engagement will be included as part of the 2050 planning effort, but staff will need to know where to focus their efforts. Should staff plan to hold open house events or attend existing community events? Should staff plan to prepare online surveys or focus on in person engagement? 2. What level of community engagement does the Council want to consider? If the 2040 Planning effort represents a good level of engagement, should the city plan to go for good, better, or best with cost as a factor? Discussion Point 3 – Special Areas of Concern A number of issues have either arisen or evolved since the 2040 comprehensive plan was adopted. The City faces dynamic water quality and quantity questions, urban development pressures continue, and other social, economic, or environmental considerations may be of importance to the City and its residents. Comprehensive public infrastructure plan updates are needed. Existing plans were last completed for the 2030 Comp Plan. Updated Transportation, Drinking Water and Sanitary Sewer Plans are needed for the 2050 Planning horizon.