07-05-2005 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 5, 2005 6 Planner suggested a City Council Workshop be scheduled for the Council to discuss with Mr. Thorbeck what the Council’s expectations would be for the Master Planner. The Administrator suggested two ways to do this: 1. Facilitate an RFP and 2. Look at Thorbeck Alternative. Council member DeLapp said he didn’t want to see four landowners coming up with a plan they agreed upon and suggested using Bob Engstrom as the Village Area Master Planner. Council member Johnson stated because time is short and it is important to share more details, the City should pursue Thorbeck option which would save us a lot of time. M/S/ Johnson/Smith – to authorize staff to move in the direction of hiring Dewey Thorbeck as the Village Area Master Planner for the process of completing the Village Area Plan. Council member Smith said she second the motion to speak against the motion. Council member Smith states that as Council member-elect last November, the previous Council along with the Council-elect decided to hire a Master Planner for the Old Village. She is concerned with four developers and their differing views on the perfect plan for the Old Village. She likens this to a four piece puzzle and feels that there needs to be someone to oversee this whole process. Council member Smith said Mr. Thorbeck is an architect and said she thought the City should use Bob Engstrom, who has developed The Fields, a development the City wants, or someone of his caliber. Mayor Johnston said if we really want a master planner we let six months go by. He said the landowners have indicated they will cooperate and the City is not looking for a master planner that conflict with our plan. Council member DeLapp stated he had been checking with staff at least monthly since February to get a Master Planner. Council member Smith pointed out that the four developers are not in agreement. Council member Conlin wants more information on costs, would like to look at all options, and would like to get bids from all interested parties for the master Planner position. Council member Johnson asks if we need sealed bids for an RFQ. Attorney Filla responds no we do not.