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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 17, 2014 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br />Council Member Nelson asked if the Comp Plan Amendment was approved, would Outlot P be removed <br />from the conservation easement? Mr. Klatt explained that only the portion that is being modified. <br />Bob Engstrom of Engstrom Real Estate Companies, presented the proposed Wildflower development. He <br />noted the high competition in Lake Elmo and how he has to be unique. He is proposing healthy communities <br />initiative and nature conservancy area. He described the courtyard home concept and proposed open spaces. <br />Jerry Mazzara of Design Forum, further explained the courtyard concept and healthy communities initiative. <br />Mr. Engstrom described the planned trails. <br />Mayor Pearson asked about the conservancy area. Mr. Engstrom explained his hopes for how it would be <br />managed. One option would be to have the City take it over after 3-5 years. Another is to have another <br />conservancy group assume the management. <br />Council Member Reeves asked if Mr. Engstrom expects to be able to accommodate the requested lesser <br />impact on existing neighbors. Mr. Engstrom said that he hopes that the plan will have a positive impact on <br />the City and neighbors. He is open to suggestions, but does not believe that the area in question is a <br />substantial quantity. <br />Mr. Nelson asked about the open space that is currently between the proposal and existing neighbors. Mr. <br />Klatt and Mr. Mazzara explained the various distances for each respective lot. <br />Mayor Pearson read the Mary Jean Dupuis’ (11676 Stillwater Blvd.) letter outlining her demands if the <br />proposal is approved. <br />Jim Ogren, the Fields of St. Croix II property committee chair, reported that FOSCII have reached an <br />agreement. The proposed agreement and conditions was discussed. Mr. Klatt explained that the City does is <br />not directly involved in the agreement between the parties and the treatment of the remaining outlots. City <br />Attorney Snyder explained that staff will have a later opportunity to review and provide input on the future <br />plat proposals. <br />Neil Kreuger spoke in favor of Engstrom developments, but opposed the Comp Plan Amendment due to <br />change in his open space views. He specifically is against the 12 lots located off of Lake Elmo Avenue. <br />Richard Smith 11514 Stillwater Blvd., summarized the letter that he submitted to the city on June 16th. He is <br />opposed to the Comp Plan Amendment. He asserted that three proposed lots directly abut his property. He <br />stated his demands if the proposal is approved. <br />Mr. Nelson asked about the current comp plan buffer. Mr. Klatt explained that there is no set number, but <br />instead a suggested buffer. The previous set distances were removed to accommodate development realities. <br />Bob Eichens 11674 Stillwater Blvd., is very proud of FOSCII as a development and neighbor. He <br />acknowledged that community is developing. He appreciates the efforts Mr. Engstrom and staff have made to <br />accommodate his requests. He stated his demands if the proposal is approved. <br />MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-045, APPROVING A <br />PUD CONCEPT PLAN FOR WILDFLOWER AT LAKE ELMO. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 3-0. <br />Council Member Reeves loves the proposed development plans and concept. He is in favor of moving this forward. He has concerns about the future Village development and respective buffers situation. He hopes that compromises can be made to meet all parties’ needs.