2009.04.20 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Minutes for April 20, 2009 Page 9 of 11 Discussion on Finn -Daniels Concept Plan for City -Owned Propertv Over the past several months, architects from Finn -Daniels Architects have been discussing with the Economic Development Authority and the Planning Commission concept plans for the redevelopment of the property on the east side of TH61 next to Egg Lake. After several designs and concepts presented to the EDA and Planning Commission, the architects wanted to make a concept presentation to the Hugo City Council for suggestions to improve the concept plan design as well as next steps in order to proceed with the redevelopment of the City -owned property. Associate Planner Rachel Simone presented the plan to the Council and discussed with Council the building placement, open space with views to Egg Lake, and building architect. Developers Mark Finnemann and Richard Fischer attended the meeting, and Mark explained the phasing of the project and the need for a future access to Highway 61 for the second phase, which would include the senior complex. No formal action was taken. Discussion on Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms Included in its 2009 City Focus Goals, the Hugo City Council agreed to review the request made from residents living in the Waters Edge neighborhood in the townhomes, which were constructed on concrete slabs without basements. Council directed staff to review statutory obligations for municipalities regarding storm shelters and safe rooms. Community Development Director Bryan Bear shared with Council the research completed by the Building Department in regard to storm shelters and safe rooms, which are a concern to residents during the severe weather and tornadoes in the spring and summer. According to State Building Codes, storm shelters are a requirement for manufactured home parks only, and safe rooms are not contemplated in the Code. Hugo staff surveyed other cities, and of the 30 cities that responded, only the City of Lakeville requires safe rooms in their zoning ordinance, which are required to be constructed to FEMA guidelines. Betty Zuettel, 5164 128th Street North, attended the meeting and had provided the Council a petition signed by 30 neighbors requesting the City work with the school district to designate a person, or persons, to be responsible to open the doors for neighborhood residents in the case of an emergency. Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to direct staff to initiate discussion with the White Bear Lake School District and the Hugo Fire Department to open Oneka Elementary School as a safe haven in a storm event. All Ayes. Motion carried. Miron made motion, Weidt seconded, to direct staff to draft language to promote and encourage developers to provide safe room options. All Ayes. Motion carried. Miron made motion, Klein seconded to engage the fire department and Washington County Emergency Management in discussions with the community on what to do in the case of severe weather if there was no basement. All Ayes. Motion carried.