Minutes - 1999/03/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 8, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Coughlin reported that State Representative Barbara Haake, in conjunction with other members of the Local Government Committee, had moved her Airport Bill through the first hurdle. He explained that this Bill is an attempt to assist at the Blaine-Anoka Airport, as well as some of the other airports, in dealing with runway lengths, and other issues pertinent to minor and intermediate-use airports. Mayor Coughlin noted he had never seen someone work as tenaciously as Representative Haake, who was an "absolute tiger" when it comes to this issue. He commented that Representative Haake is probably only getting a couple of hours of sleep each night, having only been at the Capitol for a short time, and facing so many lobbyists who are opposed to this Bill. He indicated it would be good to see the Bill passed, and he would be testifying again, on behalf of their Coalition next Thursday. Mayor Coughlin expressed his appreciation to Gina Wesson, of Action Press, who facilitated a tour of the Blaine-Anoka Airport, which he, along with members of the Blaine City Council, had attended. He indicated this was an interesting tour, with many interesting items that he had not been previously aware of, and he would be discussing this further in the future. Mayor Coughlin reported that Representative Haake would be holding a Town Meeting at City Hall on March 18, at 7:00 p.m., and has invited anyone who has any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the airport, and the issues surrounding that subject, to attend. He indicated that Representative Haake would address the issues brought forward, as well as discuss the bill that she has authored in this regard. Council Member Stigney stated at the last meeting of the Planning Commission there was discussion pertaining to the Linders Greenhouse, Inc. Conditional Use Permit, and how to resolve this on an ongoing basis. He indicated much time was spent on the review of the Bylaws, in terms of what they currently indicate how they came to that point, and the rationale behind that. He stated some changes to the Bylaws were proposed, and this matter would be coming back before the Planning Commission at their next meeting. He advised that the proposed changes related primarily to changing Special Meetings to Regular Meetings, rather than Agenda Meetings. Council Member Stigney stated the Planning Commission also discussed the Comprehensive Plan, and Community Development Director Jopke provided an overview of the basic function of the document, in terms of what they are attempting to accomplish by a specific date. He stated this matter would also be coming back before the Planning Commission at the next meeting. City Administrator Whiting stated the Chamber of Commerce would be holding a spring after- hours event at the Community Center, on March 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. He indicated that admission to this event is free, and this would be a good opportunity to meet some of the business people in the community, as well as members of the Chamber. City Administrator Whiting reported that staff has had some discussions with the Metropolitan • Airport Commission regarding airports. He indicated that one of the items that came out of these discussions, was a meeting that he hosted that date, at City Hall, with five representatives from the Metropolitan Airport Commission, and the City Administrator from Circle Pines. He stated they had reviewed a portion of the legislation of concern, and discussed creating a sound-