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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br /> SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 <br /> <br />Page 4 of 7 <br /> <br />Council Member Park inquired whether this was a 1-year extension. Planning Director Klatt stated it was, but the length was flexible. City Administrator Zuleger clarified for council the preliminary plat is required before MnDOT will address the traffic issue. Because Jamaca Court is not a state road it will not be addressed. Discussion was had about the MnDOT process and the traffic engineering process. Council Member Smith stated her preference of a year extension due to the length of time needed to complete many of the required processes. Tammy Malmquist, 20 year small business owner in Lake Elmo, expressed her commitment to the community’s children and seniors, and the development project is to provide a farm school and senior housing for the community. Council Member Park inquired if the 6 months would be adequate time to accomplish everything that needs to be completed to bring back a completed plan. Ms. Malmquist was hesitant to commit to having everything accomplished in only 6 months. Council Member Park suggested a one-year period for bringing back the preliminary plat only. Council Member Emmons expressed concern over the length of the project to date. Ms. Malmquist responded she feels the project has gained much support from developers and they are ready to move forward. Mayor Johnston raised concerns about single point access of the project property. Mayor Johnston inquired whether the developer would be ready to go in 6 months. The developer responded it would take 2-3 months from the preliminary plat submission, but agreed the timeline of 6 months in providing the preliminary plat to council was feasible. He also reminded the Council that the preliminary process is financially significant. Council Member Smith expressed her concerns with the significant time involved between just the preliminary and final plat process. Ms. Smith also pointed out that she has no personal interest in this project with regard to her profession as a real estate agent. City Attorney Snyder explained the process of approving the concept plan is simple but the preliminary plat is more complex and there are specific statutory (max is 120 days) requirements for the application process. He cautioned setting limits on the review period. <br />Public Comments: Ed Neilson, 9498 Stillwater Blvd North, commented that he did not support an extension of the project deadline. He presented a private ‘survey’ of people who do not support the project or the extension of the deadline. He also alleged that the support for the project has declined due to trust issues. John Yarusso, 8282 27th Street North, commented he supports the project, and it is his belief that there is a need in the community for this type of project.