Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/20/2014

Home

Assistant to the City Administrator Brama presented the Findings Report: Mitigation Summary as contained on Page 10 of 42, identifying the proposal before the Study Group to file a Comprehensive Plan amendment, base level R1- Residential, and whether to have an `Overlay District.' It was noted that an Overlay District would allow the use of the OMC for a data center via a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Specific mitigation proposals identified by the OMC Study Group would be incorporated into the Performance Standards section of the City's Zoning Ordinance. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama presented details of the Mitigation Summary as contained on Page 11 of 42, addressing noise, site layout/building design, spot zoning, safety, traffic, and land values. Mayor Strommen asked about the difference between environmental hazards and safety hazards. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama explained it could be in separate categories but if a use causes environmental hazards, it could become a safety hazard. The concerns related to things like stray voltage, razor wire fencing, stormwater ponds, and electrical magnetic fields. Mayor Strommen noted those are safety issues but would not be covered in an environmental review, which addresses site conditions. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated that is a good clarification and concurred those two issues could be separated. Mayor Strommen stated she wants to assure the concern is matched with a tool /technique that would mitigate that concern. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama presented overall general survey results asked of the eleven OMC Study Group members eligible to vote as reflected on Pages 12 and 13 of 42 in the Findings Report. He then displayed slides of concept maps and indicated the level of support for each. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama provided a brief overview of the updated Feasibility Report, noting it contains three separate sections relating to a single data center user, two data center users, and potential residential user. He also reviewed estimated revenues and expenditures for each option and impact of Fiscal Disparities. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama presented the comments and recommendation of the EDA, which met on May 8, 2014, indicating support to allow a window of time for staff to market the site for a data center development. If not a successful initiative, the EDA and Council will discuss the future use of this property. He described the options before the Council and stood for questions. City Administrator Ulrich complimented Assistant to the City Administrator Brama and Development Services Manager Gladhill for conducting a thorough public input process that resulted in a better understanding of what is being proposed and how the City can mitigate, through Zoning regulation, concerns relating to a data center use if it is placed in this area. City Council Work Session / May 20, 2014 Page 2 of 8