HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-22CITY OF LAKE ELMO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 5, 2022
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Cadenhead called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
PRESENT: Mayor Charles Cadenhead and Councilmembers Katrina Beckstrom, Dale Dorschner,
Jeff Holtz and Lisa McGinn.
Staff present: Administrator Handt, City Attorney Sonsalla, City Engineer Griffin, Planning
Director Just, Fire Chief Kalis, Finance Director Magureanu and City Clerk Johnson
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO APPROVE THE
AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 5 — 0.
ACCEPT MINUTES
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Councilmember McGinn, moved TO ACCEPT THE
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOPAND MARCH15TH 2022
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 5 — 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTSANQUIRIES
None
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Cadenhead presented Lake Elmo Paralympic athlete Sydney Peterson with a Proclamation
recognizing her gold, silver and bronze medal awards in the 2022 Paralympic games in Beijing,
China.
Mayor Cadenhead read a proclamation for Arbor Day and Arbor Month, 2022.
CONSENT AGENDA
2. Approve Payment of Disbursements and Payroll
s. Approve Contract with Matrix Consulting
a. Approve Ordinance Amendments: Fire Department Organization and Open Burning —
Ordinance 2022-01, Resolution 2022-029
5. Approve Easement and ROE Agreements, and Pay Request 41 for the CSAH13 Phase 2
Improvements
6. Accept Bids and Award a Contract for the Parkview-Cardinal Neighborhood Street and
Utility Improvements — Resolution 2022-031
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 5, 2022
7. Approve 2"d Amendment to Northpoint Purchase Agreement
s. Approve Step Increase for Building Official
9. Approve Purchase of Building Department Vehicle
io. Approve Hire of Assistant Public Works Director
Councilmember McGinn, seconded by Councilmember Dorschner, moved TO APPROVE THE
CONSENTAGENDAASPRESENTED. Motion passed 5 -0.
ITEM 11: One Enerev Solar CUP — Solar Farm at 10755 501" St. N.
Planning Director Just provided an update on the status of the application for a solar farm on the
property at 10755 501h Street North.
Kate Larkin, One Energy Solar, spoke on behalf of the applicant, addressing comments and
questions from the previous City Council meeting. Discussion was held concerning landscape
screening.
Rich Day, 11049 50"' Street North, stated his property is considerably higher than the proposed
solar farm and he would have direct sight of the project. Mr. Day questioned if he would be able
to apply for a permit for a solar project on his property if this project is approved.
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Mayor Cadenhead, moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
2022-026, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) AS REQUESTED BY CEF
LAKE ELMO COMMUNITY SOLAR, LLC FOR THE CONSTRUCTIONAND
OPERATION OFA SOLAR FARM ON THE PROPERTYLOCATED AT 10755 50TH
STREET N WITH THE LISTED CONDITIONS BASED ON THE FINDINGS LISTED IN
THE STAFFREPORT. Motion failed. (Beckstrom, Dorschner, McGinn — nay)
Councilmember McGinn, seconded by Councilmember Beckstrom, moved TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION2022-030, DENYING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) AS
REQUESTED BY CEF LAKE ELMO COMMUNITY SOLAR, LLC FOR THE
CONSTR UCTIONAND OPERATION OFA SOLAR FARM ON THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 10755 50" STREET NBASED ON THE FINDINGS OF FACT LISTED IN
THE RESOLUTION WITH FINDING #6 STRICKEN. Motion passed 3 — 2. (Cadenhead,
Holtz — nay)
ITEM 12: Interim Ordinance
Planning Director Just introduced the suggested ordinance and City Administrator Handt
presented information on the city's low pressure zone and its effect on the city's ability to
provide water services to that area.
Page 2 of 6
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 5, 2022
Mayor Cadenhead summarized public comments received in writing prior to the meeting (written
comments attached).
Steve Ach, Lennar, stated he was not aware of the water supply issues and requested that the
City find a solution that will allow development to move forward.
Mario Cocchiarella, Maplewood Development, commented on development plans his company
has in the City.
Terry Emerson, 2204 Legion Lane Cir. N., asked for his property to be excluded from the
moratorium.
Dan Regan, Launch Properties, commented on the impact of the moratorium on projects
currently in the works.
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Councilmember Beckstrom, moved to adopt
Ordinance No. 2022-03 and order City staff to study the current and future water needs of the
Water System. Low Pressure Zone during the period of the interim ordinance. Motion passed
5-0.
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Mayor Cadenhead, moved TO RECONSIDER THE
PREVIOUS VOTE. Motion passed 5 — 0.
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Mayor Cadenhead, moved TO EXEPMT THE
EMERSONPROPERTYALONG I-94 FROM THE MORATORIUM. Motion failed 2 — 3.
(Beckstrom, Holtz, McGinn — nay)
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Councilmember Beckstrom, TO ADOPT
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03 AND ORDER CITYSTAFF TO STUDY THE CURRENT AND
FUTURE WATER NEEDS OF THE WATER SYSTEM LOW PRESSURE ZONE DURING
THE PERIOD OF THE INTERIM ORDINANCE. Motion passed 5 — 0.
ITEM 13: Final Alternative Urban Areawide Review for the Cyphers Logistics Park
Planning Director Just presented options for an Alternative Urban Areawide Review for the
Cyphers Logistics Park and including the entire 180 acre area the city acquired from 3M.
Lee Bloomquist, 3597 Iris Avenue N., spoke against industrial development in the area due to
adverse impacts to his neighborhood.
Page 3 of 6
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 5, 2022
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Councilmember McGinn, moved TOAPPROVE
RESOLUTIONNO 2022-033, A RESOLUTIONADOPTING THE FINAL ALTERNATIVE
URBANAREA WIDE REVIEW (A UAR) FORCYPHERS LOGISTICS PARK. Motion
passed 5 — 0.
Councilmember Dorschner, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO DECLARE AUAR
SCENARIO 3 AS THE PREFERRED SCENARIO FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE
CYPHERS LOGISTICS PARK LAND NORTH OF 34' STREET. Motion passed 5 — 0.
Councilmember McGinn, seconded by Mayor Cadenhead, moved TO DIRECT STAFF TO
REVIEW THE ZONING CODE FOR MIXED USE BUSINESS PARK AND MIXED USE
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS AND INCL UDE A REQUIRED PERCENTAGE OF
BUSINESS OR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT INEACH. Motion passed 5 — 0.
ITEM 14• Comp Plan Amendment and MUSA Amendment for Tapestry at Charlotte's
Grove
Planning Director Just presented proposed amendments to the City's Metropolitan Urban Service
Area to add the Tapestry at Charlotte's Grove neighborhood.
Councilmember McGinn, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION2022-035 APPROVINGALL NECESSARYAMENDMENTS TO THE 2040 LAKE
ELMO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (INCLUDING THOSE TO THE LAND USE PLANAND
TO WASTEWATER SERVICES PLAN) TO ADD THE EXISTING 65 SINGLE-FAMILY
PROPERTIES IN THE TAPESTRYAT CHARLOTTE'S GROVE SUBDIVISION TO THE
CITY'S SANITARYSEWER AREA. Motion passed 5 — 0.
Councilmember McGinn, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TOADOPT
RESOLUTION 2022-036 APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLANAMENDMENT RE -
GUIDING THE CITY'S LAND USE PLAN FOR THE TAPESTRYAT CHARLOTTE'S
GROVE SUBDIVISION FROMRAD (RURAL AREA DEVELOPMENT) TO RSFS (RURAL
SINGLE FAMILYSEWERED). Motion passed 5 — 0.
ITEM 15: Crossroads East Development Agreement I` Amendment
Planning Director Just reviewed a proposed amendment to the Crossroads East I" Addition
Development Agreement to allow the developer to proceed with vertical construction prior to
completion of the public improvements in order for the developer to meet a fall deadline for
occupancy.
Page 4 of 6
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 5, 2022
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember, Dorschner, moved TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION 2022-034 APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
DEVELOPMENTAGREEMENTFOR CROSSROADS EAST Is ADDITION. Motion passed
5-0.
Mayor Cadenhead, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO DIRECT CITYSTAFF TO
STUDY CITYDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AS IT REFLECTS TO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF VERTICAL ASSIGNMENTS IN COMMERCIAL VERSUS
RESIDENIAL AND IF THIS IS SOMETHING THE CITYSHOULD ADOPT MOVING
FORWARD. Motion passed 5 — 0.
ITEM 16: Zoning Text Amendment — MDR and HDR Minimum Lot Area and Density
Planning Director Just presented proposed updates to the City's zoning ordinance to bring the
ordinance into compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember McGinn, moved TO ADOPT
ORDINANCE 2 022- 02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AS
PROPOSED BY CITY STAFFAND RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION. Motion passed 5 — 0.
Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember McGinn, moved TOAPPROVE
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 2202-02 (THE ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS) WITHAPPROVAL OFRESOLUTION2022-032. Motion passed 5-0.
Councilmember McGinn, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO DIRECT STAFF TO
REVIEW THE SETBACKS INMEDIUMAND HIGH DENSITY DISTRICTS AND BRING
PROPOSED CHANGES THROUGH THE PLANNING COMMISSIONAND COUNCIL.
Motion passed 5 — 0.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Cadenhead: Reminded Council about the upcoming League of MN Cities conference.
Councilmember McGinn: Expressed condolences for the family of Pete Orput.
STAFF REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Administrator Handt: Announced the Local Board of Appeals meeting on April 20°i, tree
giveaway at Public Works on April 23`d and the City Center groundbreaking ceremony on April
30th.
Finance Director Magureanu: Quarterly utility bills will be mailed out soon with storm water
charges added quarterly going forward.
Page 5 of 6
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 5, 2022
Fire Chief Kalis: Commented on Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Planning Director Just: New City Planner starting on April 1 I to
City Engineer Griffin: Holding preconstruction meetings with neighborhoods.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 pm.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST: 1
ar es Ca enhead, Mayor
Ju tJ hnson, C it Clerk
Page 6 of 6
April 4, 2022
Honorable Mayor Charles Cadenhead
Honorable Council Member Katrina Beckstrom
Honorable Council Member Dale Dorschner
Honorable Council Member Jeff Holtz
Honorable Council Member Lisa McGinn
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Ave North
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
RE: Public Comment- Moratorium- Water System Low Pressure Zone
Dear Mayor Cadenhead and Members of the City Council:
I am writing this letter on behalf of the Peltier family to formally object to the proposed Ordinance No.
2022-03, which would establish a moratorium on platted development with the water system low
pressure zone. The Peltier family owns an approximately 60 acre tract of land located on the northwest
corner of Hudson Blvd and Lake Elmo Ave (PID Numbers: 35.029.21.44.0006 & 35.029.21.43.0001). We
respectfully ask Mayor Cadenhead and members of City Council to either not adopt the moratorium or
amend the moratorium to allow our property to continue with the City Entitlement process based on the
below information.
Early in 2021, the Peltier family entered into a dialog with the City of Lake Elmo regarding a
development path for the above mentioned land. It was our understanding that the land was able to be
developed on the condition that a water tower location that wa§ acceptable to the city be met. So we
agreed to work with the city on an agreeable water tower location while also identifying Tamarack Land
Development as a good partner moving forward. A purchase agreement with Tamarack Land
Development was signed in May of 2021 and the process continued with the city. Tamarack has worked
with city staff for the past 10 months on developing plans that would satisfy the city but also lead to a
successful development that all can be proud of. The concept has changed a number of times based on
city feedback and we've continued to be a good partner throughout. Tamarack has spent a great deal of
time and a sizable amount of money on the project to date.
During the beginning stages of the development process with the city, the city identified a portion of the
Peltier family property as the ideal location for the future water tower. Although this location is not
ideal for us, we decided to be good partners and ultimately agreed to sell the site for $50,000, which is
well below what current values are for this property if sold to a developer. But in the interest of moving
forward with the city and in turn helping solve a significant issue, we agreed to the price and the
location. The water tower site was recently sold and we received the moratorium letter the very next
day. The potential for a moratorium was never mentioned during any of the water tower discussions
and the city continued to tell us that if the water tower solution was met, we could continue down the
development path.
We understand and appreciate that water is a valuable resource and this portion of the city has water
pressure issues. We would respectfully ask that since we've been in the development/sale process for
over a year and provided a solution to the water tower that this property be exempt from the moratorium.
We understand that no certificates of occupancy will be issued until a viable water solution is found. We
would like the opportunity to continue to work on our development process and have it be conditioned
on the water solution that is currently in place,
In summary, we respectfully request that if this interim ordinance is going to be approved, that it be
approved with amendments allowing for our development to proceed.
We thank you for your time and willingness to listen to our request.
Sincerely,
B�r�ce �eG�ie�
Bruce Peltier
TAMARACK
LAND Dl.?VPLOPNIF,NT
April 4, 2022
Honorable Mayor Charles Cadenhead
Honorable Council Member Katrina Beckstrom
Honorable Council Member Dale Dorschner
Honorable Council Member Jeff Holtz
Honorable Council Member Lisa McGinn
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Ave North
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
RE: Public Comment- Moratorium- Water System Low Pressure Zone
Dear Mayor Cadenhead and Members of the City Council:
On behalf of Tamarack Land, LLC (d/b/a Tamarack Land Development) I write today to provide
commentary on the proposed Ordinance No. 2022-03, which would establish a moratorium on platted
development with the water system low pressure zone. We ask that you either do not adopt the
moratorium or amend it prior to adoption.
Tamarack Land Development has a purchase agreement for a 57 acre parcel at the NW quadrant of Lake
Elmo Blvd and Hudson Road adjacent to the Water Tower 3 location. The property is owned by the Peltier
Family Trust. Our development team has been working with the city staff (past and present), city engineer
and the Valley Branch Watershed since May 2021 regarding a residential development on the property.
The proposed development on the property consists of approximately 415 residential units and is
consistent with Lake Elmo's 2040 comprehensive plan. Our project sits within one of the three MU-C
zoning districts. Our proposed development surrounds 9 acres of existing commercial use. Tamarack Land
Development has incurred significant cost and effort as part of its due diligence and predevelopment work
as it prepares this site for development.
As we have been actively engaged in the planning of this property with the City, it has come as a surprise
that the City is contemplating a development moratorium. As recently as February 11, we had a zoom
meeting with the City Administrator, City Planner, and City Engineer regarding our latest concept plan that
includes an apartment component to the development in order to meet the minimum residential density
unit requirements. Since then the development team has had multiple email and voice conversations
with staff regarding our pending development application. All along, we were aware of the water tower
construction and implications of when we could "turn on the water". We were led to believe that once
the water tower came online, the low pressure issues would be resolved.
Lake Elmo's approval process for developments is rather lengthy. Significant input and review by city staff
and its commissions ensures value is added to the community, and we respect that. However, the added
delay a moratorium would add could put all of our development work to date at risk if we are not able to
continue on with the application process. We request that the City, at a minimum, amend the proposed
ordinance to allow us to continue the application process, gather more inputs from the City, address any
concerns and prepare our development plans such that we can maintain the project schedule which
allowed for some home construction to start in the fall of 2023. This date is consistent with the contract
712 Vista Blvd #303, Waconia NIN 55387
completion date for the water tower project. Our goal is to get preliminary plat approval this year with
final plat approval for our first phase early next spring allowing for utility and street construction in the
summer/fall of 2023. Approval of the final plat next year would coincide with the end of the moratorium.
We fully understand that certificates of occupancy may not be available'during the fall of 2023, however,
completing construction and allowing builders to construction model homes at that time, while awaiting
the water being turned on at the property is critical to our development timeline. This can certainly be
done through conditional approvals or covenants contained in a development agreement rather than a
full-blown moratorium on platting.
Therefore, we respectfully request that if this interim ordinance is going to be approved, that it be
approved with amendments allowing for our development to proceed.
We appreciate your review of the above and consideration of our request.
Sin
Daniell. Willen mg
Vice -President
Tamarack Land Development
Cc: Jake Grassel, Grassel Law, PLLC
Tamarack Land Development, LLC
712 Vista Blvd #303, Waconia MN 55387
TamarackLand.com
yry; 1 , ff
t
�_ .'.
City of Lake Elmo
Molly Just, Planning Direct
3800 Laverne Avenue North
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Dear Molly Just:
Thank you for sending the notice and allowing us an opportunity to comment on the City Council's
consideration of an Interim Ordinance placing a one-year moratorium on all new platted development.
This notice to consider a moratorium is a surprise to Lennar since no one has ever mentioned during the
past 18 months we have been discussing our proposed development plans that a water study may be
necessary. As you know, we have two property owners under contract — Knappogue Farm and
Kasperson - which together is 116 acres. The concept plan application we submitted in the middle of
March will be brought before the City Council at their May workshop meeting.
Over the past 18 months, Lennar has had several meetings with city staff, county highway department
and watershed district to understand the issues associated with city review and development of the
property. We have been working through several of the challenges including one of the critical issues
that needed to be resolved prior to the city approving our preliminary plat application is construction of
a water tower to serve the area. We worked with the city and landowner/developer/broker of the
Peltier property at Lake Elmo Avenue and Hudson Road to facilitate the current location of the water
tower site. It is my understanding the city has closed within the fast week on the property for the water
tower and is moving forward to construct the tower with an expected completion date in the fall of
2023.
As we discussed in a previous meeting with staff, we understood no occupancy permits would be
permitted until the water tower is fully complete and operational. However, it was agreed between
now and the fall of 2023, our schedule to work through the city approval process in 2022 and be
prepared to start land development work in the spring of 2023 while the water tower is being
constructed is an acceptable approach. This would give us an opportunity to begin home construction
late fall of 2023 when the water tower is complete.
Now we are facing a moratorium to study the water usage which we all thought was on a path to being
resolved with construction of the water tower. More importantly, the moratorium would prevent us
from submitting planning applications for staff, planning commission and city council review. This
provision will impact our schedule moving city approvals to 2023 and land development activity to 2024
— this delay has a significant impact for Lennar and the landowners.
Lennar is interested in cooperating with the city to make sure the necessary infrastructure is in place to
support any development proposal. However, not being able to submit applications during the one-year
moratorium has a tremendous impact on our proposed plans that we have been working on for the past
18 months and decisions our sellers must consider given the circumstances. Based on this, we would
request staff and city council consider the following:
16305 36th Avenue North 6 Suite 600 • Plymouth, MN 55446 • Phone: 952-249-300u- Fax: 952-249-3075
1) During the moratorium, the city would continue to meet with Lennar to review our proposed
plans, accept preliminary plat applications, allow planning commission and city council to review
our applications and provide action on the applications conditioned upon termination of the
moratorium with a result of the study supporting adequate water pressure and usage for the
development area.
In summary, we understand the need for the city to perform studies to ensure adequate infrastructure
to support development. However, to shelf the past 18 months of work we have perform and have no
activity for one year is tremendous hardship. We would appreciate the city council consider our request
so we can continue working with staff on our proposed plans with the expectation the water study will
have favorable result to support our proposed development.
Thankyou for your consideration.
Steve Ach
Lennar - Director of Acquisition
16305 361h Avenue North a Suite 600 • Plymouth, MN SS446 • Phone: 952-24990oo• Fax: 950-249.3075
L.Er4F*JAR.C:OM
Julie Johnson
From: Rick Schroeder <rickschroe@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 2, 2022 11:10 AM
To: Molly Just
Subject: comment on Water System Low Pressure Zone
Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution.
Hello -
I live in the subject Zone, and support the plan to have a moratorium on all (residential and commercial) new
platted development in the Water System Low Pressure Zone. It is the prudent thing to do, so that the issue can
be studied thoroughly. Then, future decisions can be based on a more accurate set of data and knowledge.
Sincerely,
Richard Schroeder
11347 30th St N
Lake Elmo
Julie Johnson
From: djbucheck@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, April 2, 2022 4:41 PM
To: Molly Just; Charles Cadenhead; Jeff Holtz; Lisa McGinn; Katrina Beckstrom
Subject: Water System Low Pressure Zone Moratorium
Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution.
Mayor and City Council members,
I urge you to not only vote in favor of the one-year moratorium on development in the designated
Water System Low Pressure Zone, but that you will also include all the land in the city of Lake Elmo.
The city is within five miles of White Bear Lake and until there is a resolution to the water questions
no new development should be allowed. I hope the city is advising and keeping those
persons/companies who are in the process of building abreast of the information as it becomes
available as they may wish to slow their development. Water is not only important, but essential to
those who presently live in Lake Elmo, but also to those who will be occupying any new kind of
structure in the city.
Ann Bucheck
2301 Legion Ave N
Lake Elmo MN 55042
Larkin Hoflinan
8300 Norman CeuLer Drive
&IkC 1000
Minneapolis, MN 55437-1060
General: 952-8.35-3800
Fax: 952-896-3333
Web: wwwAarkinho(Pman.caro
April 5, 2022
Lake Elmo Mayor Charles Cadenhead Via Email
and Lake Elmo City Council Mayor Charles Cadenhead at ccadenhead@lakeehno.org
3880 Laverne Avenue North Dale Dorschner at ddorschner@lakeelmo.org
Suite 100 Lisa McGinn at lmeginn@lalceehno.org
Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Jeff Holtz at jholtz@laleelmo.org
Katrina Beckstrom at kbeckstrom@lakeelmo.org
Re: EN Properties, LLC — Exemption from Moratorium
Dear Mayor Cadenhead and City Council Members:
We represent EN Properties, LLC, the owner of approximately 53 acres of land, located at the
northwest quadrant of Manning Avenue and Interstate 94 (collectively, the "Property") in the
City of Lake Elmo ("City"). On behalf of EN Properties, we object to the proposed moratorium
("Moratorium") on platted development within the City's Water System Low Pressure Zone
("Low -Pressure Zone") and request that the Property be exempted from the Moratorium.
In 2014, EN Properties entered into a WAC Prepayment Agreement ("Agreement") to prepay
water accessibility charges. Under the Agreement, EN Properties agreed to prepay $500,000 in
water accessibility charges over 10 years. hi exchange, the City agreed to extend the water main
from approximately 30' Street North to Hudson Boulevard North. EN Properties then extended
the utilities through 6 different properties to the property line of Property at cost of more than
$1 million dollars. EN Properties did have Preliminary Plat approvals and was ready for Final
Plat, but could not record the Final Plat because the State owned a small parcel of land and
would not sign the Final Plat. The City was aware of this but refused to grant an extension and
the City unilaterally vacated the Preliminary Plat. EN Properties has complied with the terms of
the Agreement and paid $350,000 over the last 7 years and is committed to paying all amounts
due under the Agreement. If the City adopts the Moratorium, it will render the Property
undevelopable for a year or longer, in direct conflict with the Agreement and the commitment
made by the City to allow the development of the Property. Such action would constitute a
breach of the Agreement.
It is apparent that the City's intent is not to preclude development of the Low -Pressure Zone, but
rather delay new development while a new water tower is built. The City has been aware of the
low water pressure since 2015 and has had a water tower in the capital improvement plan for
several years and is only now commencing construction, and thus shifting the burden to
landowners. The Moratorium is misdirected in that it precludes platting, which does not increase
demand on the water system. Rather, the City should allow properties to be replatted for
development but impose a moratorium on the issuance of new certificate of occupancy until the
Mayor Cadenhead
and Lake Elmo City Council
April 5, 2022
Page 2
low water pressure can be addressed. This would achieve the City's goals, and preserve the
rights of properly owners without breaching the terms of the Agreement.
EN Properties requests that the City exempt the Property from the Moratorium due to unique and
extenuating circumstances. Not only has EN Properties fulfilled its obligations under the
Agreement, but the final plat approved for the Property was vacated on the City's own volition.
The failure to exempt the Property from the Moratorium would deprive EN Properties of its
contractual right to develop the Property and impose an undue hardship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions
Sincerely,
r4
Peter J. Coyle, for
Larkin Hoffman
Direct Dial: (952) 896-3214
Direct Pax: (952) 841-1704
Email: pcoyle@larkinhoffman.com
cc: Terry Emerson at tse03@comoast.net
Jacob Steen atjsteen@larkinhoffinan.com
nan.com
Molly Just at mjust@lakeelmo.org
4861-1035-0618, v.2