Minutes - Council - 09/12/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #4: Policy on Exurban Development City Administrator Schroeder stated that discussion for a policy on exurban development came about because Mr. Wilbur Dom approached the City Council with a sketch plan for development of townhomes at the Rum River Hills P.U.D. prior to the availability of municipal sewer and water. He stated that at that time, City Staff recommended denial of the proposal because it conflicted with the Comprehensive Plan, the development regulations in the Rural Transition District, and its precedent-setting nature. Mr. Schroeder stated that Staff presented the Planning Commission and the City Council with a resolution to establish review criteria for development proposals outside the MUSA. Both entities were of the opinion that the proposed resolution would be difficult to interpret and implement. He reported that Staff again met and reviewed the draft resolution. City Attorney Goodrich also met with Staff and it was determined that adoption of a resolution that would consider approval of an exurban development would, at a minimum, require adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Chapter of City Code, and possibly an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Staff also determined that the proposed resolution could open the door for similar development proposals and without sufficient grounds to deny others, the City might be violating the 4 in 40 density policy and jeopardizing pending MUSA expansions critical to important residential and commercial projects. Mr. Schroeder stated that Staff is recommending that these kinds of proposals be dealt with on an ad hoc or case-by-case basis absent a Council Policy or authorizing ordinance. Staff is then recommending that Council direct Mr. Dom to go forward to the preliminary plat stage. Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Mayor Gilbertson that exurban development be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and that Mr. Dorn be directed to submit a preliminary plat of his townhouses for review. Further discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if Metropolitan Council would look unfavorably on the City of Ramsey for adopting this sort of policy. Mr. Schroeder stated that there have been discussions about this exact issue. He suggested the City could adopt this policy by ordinance or resolution. The counsel has recommended we attempt to complete the P.U.D. with it's negative overtones and then move forward as opposed to adopting an ordinance with exceptions. Councilmember Zimmerman commented that this would result in a down-sizing of the actual number of structures to which Mr. Schroeder agreed. Mr. Schroeder stated that the only other development that has similarities is the Northfork development and it has greater density. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Peterson, Hardin and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Beyer. Case #5: Award 153/155 Engineering Contract to RLK for Design Services City Engineer Jankowski stated that at the July 26, 1994 meeting, the City Council received a feasibility report from RLK Associates Inc. concerning the alignment for 153/155 Avenue N.W. between Variolite Street N.W. and Armstrong Boulevard N.W. At this meeting, three alternatives were discussed and the Council selected Alternative C, an alternative which totally avoided any filling of Wetland #111. Mr. Jankowski stated, that as directed by Council, he negotiated a contract with RLK for design services to prepare for the construction of the roadway. He reported that he has reviewed their proposal and finds the scope of work to be appropriate and the associated costs reasonable. He asked that Council authorize Staff to proceed with Task 1 through 3 at this time, which include all tasks necessary to bring the project up to the bidding stage. Included in this work will be obtaining all permits associated with the work and completion of plans and specifications. City Council/September 12, 1994 Page 6 of 10