Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/01/1994

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with the western bridge alignment. With the westerly alignment, there is a 5-acre business in a 300-acre field, and they chose to draw the line right through that business. He commented that the EDC completely ignored the fact that the cloverleaf interchange intersecting at Highway gl0 would force removal of Skelgas, Northern Airgas, Noon's RV, Anoka Ramsey Farm and Garden, etc. He stated that it seemed to be a very blatant skewing of information to support a particular position. Staff is a presenter of data and implementor of policy and council is the creator of policy, and it doesn't seem like data is being presented in a fair and even-handed way. Chairperson Bawden stated it seems that the EDC came up with their decision in a matter of minutes, yet it certainly wasn't that easy for the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission has been studying these issues for many months. Commissioner Thorud felt the EDC seemed to be bothered with having to make a decision; they wanted to hurry up and go on to the next thing. Commissioner Hendriksen stated that the sentiment seemed to be that the bridge wouldn't be happening for at least 20 years in the future, so there is no impact at this time. Commissioner Thorud added that the Planning Commission's plan was to be flexible enough so that if the western bridge alignment couldn't work, the eastern option would still be there because we would have the roads in place. Chairperson Bawden stated that he got the impression from the consultants that the western bridge alignment was more agreeable with the cities of Dayton and Burns, however, the EDC were provided with letters from the two cities which were noncommittal. Commissioner Hendriksen advised that the letter from Burns was not from an official. Commissioner Deemer stated that there seems to be a misconception on the part of Economic Development Coordinator James Gromberg, who seems to believe that the EDC has the power to change this at will. He announced that unless the City Code has been changed, ~n:.7 :~:~.&5.:;_~'~,:_~_:~:;.. _7 the Comprehensive Plan is the mandate of the Planning Commission. City Engineer Jankowski stated that it's the City Council's obligation to listen to all recommendations. Commissioner Hendriksen stated that it would be very beneficial if the City Council held the public hearing on this matter. Commissioner Deemer disagreed, stating that this is the Planning Commission's project and they need to conduct the public hearing. Commissioner Deemer also noted that the EDC seems to be backing off from their recommendation of a north-south collector into Ramsey and have come up with the "original" idea of funnelling the traffic onto County Road #116. 2 ) Cable Taping Commissioner Deemer inquired as to why Cable TV was not present to tape the Planning Commission's meeting, this being election month, giving equal air time to the commissioners who are candidates for City Council offices. This information was unknown at the time. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner LaDue and seconded by Commissioner Thorud to adjourn the meeting. Planning Commission/November 1, 1994 Page 6 of 7