Agenda - Council - 10/27/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I growth. Mr. Zitzloff stated that Mr. Kurkowski estimated growth of' 1% per year, or 25% additional. He stated the property to the west has seven acres which would not be adequate to accommodate the 25% growth anyway. Mr. Zitzloff stated he is confused about how the technical school will be able to accommodate their proposed building and anticipated growth of' 25% in 25 years. He stated another problem is that the technical school is very unsure what they will do and may not know until the year 2000. Mr. Zitzloff stated he does not know what to do since he has invested a lot of money in purchasing this property. He commented on the other projects he has developed in various communities and offered to provide references. Mayor Gamec explained that the City is in the same situation. He stated that he is not questioning that Mr. ZitzloWs project wouldn't be very nice but there is a problem. He explained the timing for the technical school to bond for financing and prepare this project and, in the mean time, the City does not want a business to locate in a way that prevents their construction. Mr. Zitzloff stated if' the technical school is planning a 25-year project and estimate a need for 25% expansion, they do not have enough land at this site to accommodate that size of building and expansion. He commented that the technical school may have an alternate site but it appears they still have many questions and unresolved issues. Councilmember Haas Steffen reviewed the language of the proposed ordinance regarding the term of the moratorium and opportunity for an extension. She suggested that Mr. Zitzloffjoin the City when they make their argument that if'the school was expanded there is no place for a parking lot on the north side of the railroad tracks. She explained the idea of the Northstar Corridor Study is to keep traffic off T.H. #10 and there is no corridor to allow that except for C.R. #116. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated it appears there is not enough room available for the technical school to expand as they are anticipating. She commented on the presence of two moratoriums, should this one be adopted, and pointed out that there are businesses located on this property. Councilmember Haas Steffen reviewed the process which was followed with the moratorium and stated that she will vote against the moratorium tonight. City Administrator Norman explained that as the technical school expansion proposal moves along, the concerns expressed by Mr. Zitzloff have become apparent. He explained that after a lengthy review of their proposal, the City was asked to place the moratorium since the technical school expansion may place a newly constructed business in a position of being condemned by the State and removed. Mr. Norman stated that Mr. Kurkowski asked the City to consider this moratorium. He stated the six-month time period would probably be adequate to address the site selection issues. Mr. Zitzloff stated that he could live with the six-month time period but he is concerned that Mr. Kurkowski could not provide any additional project or decision dates. He commented again on the desire of the technical school to be able to accommodate anticipated growth and the inability to do so on this site. Mr. Zitzloff stated he is also facing the situation where his current building owner may find a new tenant once he learns of his interest to relocate to Ramsey. Councilmember Haas Steffen explained that Mr. Kurkowski is uncertain because funding is dependent on the State Legislature. City Council/October 13, 1998 Page 13 of 22