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Mounds View EDA October 24, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 4 127 Commissioner Thomas asked about arrangements for the compost site and parking for the condo 128 and senior housing area. 129 130 Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated the relocation of the compost site is a 131 policy decision that the EDA will have to make. He stated with this concept plan, he likes the 132 arrangement, noting three solid areas for “selling points”: 1) It does not add additional roads 133 onto Long Lake Road and uses existing right-of-way and roads, which will be attractive to the 134 County as well. 2) It has a lower density and allows for phases in the project. 3) It uses some of 135 the existing infrastructure and builds on existing infrastructure so the City does not have to 136 “recreate the wheel” or relocate utility lines. 137 138 With regard to the location of the compost site, Public Works Director Lee stated that is a policy 139 decision of the Council or EDA about what is the highest and best use for this land. He stated 140 staff could initiate discussions with Ramsey County about the long-range goals for the compost 141 collection site and if they would consider more of a regional compost site. 142 143 Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed that the City Survey indicated a 144 majority want to retain a compost site in Mounds View but some indicated a willingness to take 145 composting material to Shoreview or Arden Hills. He stated residents could be asked what 146 distance they would be willing to drive to an alternate site. 147 148 Commissioner Thomas stated she loves this revised plan which echoes more of what the EDA 149 had in mind. She noted the next step is the EDA’s, to find another location. She stated it is her 150 opinion there should be a location found within the City and she is not comfortable with locating 151 it in the north corner at this time. She stated this is an amenity the City is providing and while it 152 will never be the highest and best use of any property, it is important to her to keep providing this 153 service. She stated she does not want to get in a bind by approving this now and then trying to 154 find an alternate compost site. She reiterated this is the responsibility of the City, Council, and 155 staff, and she is not willing to give up providing that service to the residents. 156 157 Commissioner Gunn stated she assumes this plan can be done in phases to start with the homes 158 first until the alternate compost site is relocated. She pointed out that residents have been asking 159 for senior condos and this plan addresses that need. 160 161 Vice President Stigney agreed that the compost issue definitely needs to be looked at and he 162 wants to know what the developer could do if the compost site is shifted to the north. He asked 163 if this development could encompass that use. 164 165 Mr. Sweitzer stated they have not looked at that option but can do so. 166 167 Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that the compost area covers about one 168