04-05-2005 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

LAKE ELO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 5, 2005 5 The City Planner drafted a report for the March 14th Public Hearing held by the Planning Commission. At that meeting, the Planning Commission recommended denial of the Conditional Use Permit for a Public Works/Park Maintenance Building and a Water Storage Tower in Sunfish Park. The City Engineer reported when he and the City Administrator met with the officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency they were told a water storage tank on legs could be built, but no new buildings would be allowed on the City owned property within the closed landfill site. Ed Nielsen added that he talked with Judith Hunter, Washington County, where her area is the Lake Jane Landfill. Mr. Nielsen advised the Council they may want to purchase this property at a reasonable price. The Council asked staff to continue to review the tower sites proposed and to look at alternate sites for the water tower location. B. Public Works/Parks Facility, CUP and Variance The City Administrator presented background on the history of the City purchasing Sunfish Lake Park. He reported he had talked to Jim Lugar, Washington County, about placing a maintenance facility next to the County’s garage in the Regional Park, but the County was not interested. Susan Dunn asked the City to consider placing the park into the Minnesota Land Trust because Mr. Friedrich wanted this land protected. She suggested the Council look at a commercial area for the location of the maintenance garage and review the minutes of why the residents did not want the facility in the Old Village area. Mayor Johnston stated the entire concept to place a facility in Sunfish Park came from the old council and this Council is following through with the suggestion. Council member Conlin said she was on the council 10 years ago and there was discussion about needing a maintenance facility then. There was a need then for a building and the residents didn’t want it in the location that was suggested. There is a real need now and again; the people don’t want it in this location. Conlin said she did not believe this is a good use for park land. As the city grows, it will need all its parks later. Council member Smith stated the park should be used for parks purposes only. She said she could not in good conscience vote to place the maintenance facility there. Council member Johnson didn’t think the staff had all the homework in place because they did not look at commercial property. M/S/P Conlin/Smith - to adopt Resolution No. 2005-035, to deny granting a Conditional Use Permit and Variance for a Public Works Facility located in Sunfish Park. (Motion passed 3-1Johnston:He would rather the City have a solid site identified before a vote was cast)