Minutes - Council - 06/11/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

The Council acknowledged that traffic pressure would be generated by 47 additional homes and asked staff to provide information on that aspect (pros and cons) versus tax base. Kent Cunningham, 15211 Helium Street NW, stated support for Alternative A so he can express his concerns in more depth. He stated he remains strongly opposed to a data center. Steve Liekhus, 15000 Helium Street NW, stated he supports Alternative A, opposes a data center at this location, and would like to be part of the discussion. Alison Perry, 15217 Helium Street, stated there are 32 children under seven years of age in this neighborhood, which is very friendly. She feared a data center will take away their "little slice of heaven" and invited the Council to attend a neighborhood picnic so they can see what is at stake should a data center be built. Donna McLain, 15133 Nowthen Boulevard, voiced her concern related to noise generated by a data center, devaluation of property, and excess traffic generated by data center employees. Ms. McLain referred to several news articles addressing noise issues at other data centers and asked what the recourse is for residents. The Council thanked the residents for providing their comments. The Council discussed the options, noting four of the residents who offered comments had favored Alternate A. The point was made that this is a beautiful neighborhood; however, the Council represents the City's 24,000 residents and needs to obtain all of the facts before making a decision. In addition, the issue is less about "yes" or "no" to a data center than exploring the issues and how they can collaboratively be resolved. The consensus of the Council was to not support hiring a consultant to facilitate Alternate A, if approved. As a consensus had been voiced in support of Alternate A, City Administrator Ulrich suggested staff analyze options under Alternative A relating to number of meetings, consultant or not consultant, capacity of staff to deliver, and present additional information for consideration by the Council on June 25, 2013. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to direct staff to refine Alternate A consistent with Council discussion and provide that recommendation at the June 25, 2013, Council meeting. Further discussion: Councilmember Tossey stated he has opposed a data center since the beginning and will oppose the motion as it leaves that option open. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Kuzma, Backous, and Riley. Voting No: Councilmember Tossey. 7.02: Consideration of Authorizing Advertisement for Bids to Pave Wear Course in Ramsey Town Center 8th 9t and 10th Additions City Council / June 11, 2013 Page 5 of 9