HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2013 CCW
Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services
in a Fiscally Responsible Manner While Preserving
the City’s Open Space Character
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Avenue North
City Council Workshop
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 6:30 P.M.
Present: Mayor Pearson, Nelson, Bloyer, and Reeves. Smith arrived at 6:35pm. Also present: Klatt, Bendel, and Bell
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 6:30PM
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member ____nelson_____moved TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 12,
2013 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA. Council Member ___reeves___ seconded
the motion. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
D. DESIGN STANDARDS
1. Standards Manual
Planning Director Klatt provided overview of the design standard manual. Went through
all the specific changes.
• Removed all references to rain gardens. Smith noted that rain gardens were part of
plan to…
• Pg 15(b) building design. – changed to no blank facades. It as clarified that lots
with zero lot line buildings would not be subject to rule.
Pg 16- cast in place concrete and tilt up concrete panels were removed. Samples are no
longer reqd to be submitted to city.
High density residential devs still require all four facades to have architectural treatment.
Discussion of builders not wanting to place doors or windows or move closets. Changed
to are “discouraged.”
• Manual should include examples of simulated materials. Reeves noted that the
manual should be used as guidance as opposed to absolutes. Discussion. Klatt
noted that the council may want to change the name from stds to guidelines. The
engineers have stds and they cannot be varied from. “Including but not limited
to...”
• Parking- allowing only certain percentage. Mayor stated that he thinks the
commercial would be better if the businesses could show off customers or
activity. Thinks it would be better for businesses in the commercial. “are
encouraged not to exceed” for commercial and business park.
• Discussion again about the nature of the document. Klatt stated that it is important
that if the council wants any provisions that are critical need to be codified if the
document is only a guideline. Smith commented that developers have stated their
willingness to abide by the stds, but need to know what the guidelines are. Reeves
noted that having the guidelines ready and available are more welcoming to
• Building materials in the zoning code. Nelson said that builders want the
requirements to be known. Klatt noted that the manual is easier to update when
needed.
• Staff review. Anything permitted will not go through the comm. or council. The
• Discussion of site plan review amendment. Klatt explained the rationale for
eliminating it in the near future. Noted that the council is the appeal body for any
application. Bloyer stated that the intent of the VMX ord was only if the footprint
was expanded.
• Building placement stds apply to I94.
• Lighting, trees, and signs. It was noted that the lighting amendment was on the
plate to be addressed in the near future.
• “Lake Elmo design guidelines and standards”
• If any conflicting provisions are found, they will be addressed. The more strict
provisions will control.
• Smith asked that the highest level pictures be used.
• Nelson asked about pg10(h)
• Bloyer asked about the village mixed use. He has concerns about being able to fill
it. He wants the businesses supported and draw people in. concerned about biting
off more than we can chew. Smith noted that the market will determine whether it
will work. The nature of the village and VMX was discussed.
2. Review Ordinance
Klatt explained the intent of the ordinance.
E. 2014 BUDGET WORKSHOP/ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Bendel provided overview of the changes since the last CIP/2014 budget workshop.
Overview of the budget to date. ~$39K. most depts. were on track.
Went through the budget book. Cathy asked what the council wanted to see. Smith asked for the month to month updates. Mayor asked if quarterly would be better. Discussion of
how much work it would be to provide. Quarterly enterprise update is sufficient. Reeves
asked to see an executive summary that would flag the items that would be damaging.
Mayor - All of it includes risk. So does doing nothing.
Bloyer wants to see the cost to taxpayers for each project.
Smith wants to make sure that staff time is accounted for during time spent on the library.
Exempt staff spending time (council retreat – admin not getting paid…)
RAD2 –not focused on Malmquist. Development plans for northern part of the city. What
requirements should there be? Would it be possible to develop 2.5 or 5 acre parcels on a 10 acre lot?
F. ADJOURN
Mayor Pearson adjourned the meeting at 8:36PM