Minutes - Council Work Session - 11/13/2007

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Ms. Gould stated that the NRI could be used to help guide the City in its decision making about development or land preservation. She stated that mapping shows sensitive resources and these could be identified in an ordinance that is sensitive to development possibilities. Councilmember Elvig stated that there are parts of the NRI that he thinks are fabulous but parts that he thinks may be kind of prickly when it starts talking about setbacks and wetland buffering. He asked if this document was accepted by the City what would be the process for people to appeal the setbacks. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that he wanted to make it very clear that this document is only an inventory of what is in the City. He stated that the buffers Councilmember Elvig was referring to are part of the wetland inventory and this document, unless the City wants it to, is not tied to any ordinance or setback. He stated that this is baseline information so the City knows what it has and can be used as part of the comprehensive plan process. He stated that this baseline information is something that the City Council has been asking for, for a long time. He stated that Bonestrooand Associates did include some ideas of possible next steps and ideas on how the City can preserve and enhance what it has, but for now this is informational only. He stated that he views it as a valuable tool, not a roadmap. Councilmember Elvig stated that he understands the need for an inventory and advocated this, but he always thought the inventory was the baseline for determining the quality of a property. He stated that he feels this sets an ordinance that will determine setbacks based on the quality of the property. Councilmember Strommen stated that this is different from the wetland study that is already in place. She stated that she sees this as a tool for staff to use when a plat is reviewed to see what type of natural resources are in place that may be affected by development. Councilmember Elvig stated that he did not want to debate the reasons or benefits of the document, but would like to make sure that there will be an appeal process for residents. Councilmember Strommen stated that there is nothing to appeal because this, at this point, isjust an inventory of what the City has. Councilmember Elvig clarified that this document has nothing to do with the wetland buffers. Mayor Gamec reassured those present that the NRI is only a tool or planning document, not an ordinance. 2) Anoka County Request for Approval of Sunfish Lake Boulevard Design Mayor Gamec announced that County Commissioner Dennis Berg was present to answer questions about the plan for the suggested Sunfish Lake Boulevard Design. Public Works Director Olson stated that a public open house was held in April 2007. At the open house, there was a lot of concern from the business owners about the restricted access at City Council Work Session / November 13, 2007 Page 3 of7