Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/06/2008

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Public Works Director Olson stated that it is reasonable to require the 2nd access point when the expansion happens. Councilmember Olson stated that the location of the proposed trail crossing is dangerous and feels it is too close to the hill. Public Works Director Olson stated that this was again an attempt by staff to give other options. He stated that the implication from the church was that they didn't want to pay cash for park dedication, but to provide land. He stated that his understanding from the meeting was that there was not the need or desire to dedicate land instead of cash and they wanted to just concentrate on 5 acres. Councilmember Look stated that he is not a member of this church and understands that there are necessary connections to be made, but thinks it is important to remember that the church brings value to a community. He stated that he feels this should be taken into account and the City shouldn't necessarily hold them to the same requirements that it does a housing development. Councilmember Strommen cautioned that if they are held to a different standard, then a business will come in next week and make the argumentthat they also bring a benefit to the community. She stated that she doesn't want to set this precedent. Community Development Director Miller stated that the church had indicated that they wanted a trail located in the NE area of the land, which is why the trail was shown in that area. She stated that staff cannot support waiving of the park dedication fees. She stated that the Council should keep in mind that this property will be tax exempt. Mayor Pro Tern Elvig stated that although he agrees that churches bring value to a community, the City has already set precedents with other churches and needs to be careful with what it does. He stated that he feels it would make sense to have green space on the west side of property. He asked if there was someone from the church who would like to speak to the Council. Steve Gauphon stated that is the Building Committee Chairperson and that the church, ideally would like to not have to go through the subdivision platting process. He stated that they are being treated as a commercial entity and in order to curtail the costs of sewer, water, parks and trails they were working on a minor subdivision. He stated that while they understand the desire for a 2nd access, the cost of putting it where the City would like it is cost prohibitive and would destroy a lot of nice trees. He stated that they would like to work with the City and not make a decision today on how the land will develop. He suggested that perhaps a natural trail could be constructed rather than a paved trail so the trees won't have to come out. Councilmember Dehen asked why the discussion was focusing on the park near the wetland when the church could just use Central Park. Community Development Director Miller reiterated that the only reason this is shown on the map is because the church indicated a desire to have a park located on that area. She stated that City Council Work Session / May 6, 2008 Page 8 of 13