Minutes - Council - 02/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he agrees that there is not a sense of urgency with the contingencies still unresolved. He stated that he is open to the idea that the approval could be made without adding the cost-share element but was not convinced that moving forward would be the right action tonight. He stated that he does not support clearing trees when something may never occur. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to table Resolution#17-02-051 until the time when the contingencies are resolved. Further discussion: Councilmember Kuzma asked if the Public Works Committee would also be involved. Councilmember LeTourneau agreed that would be part of the process. Mayor Strommen asked staff to highlight the portion of the staff review letter that references the watermain. Mayor Strommen asked what this motion would do to the timeline of the project, versus granting contingent approval as she was unsure if that would make a difference. City Planner Anderson stated that from a staff perspective, they understand that the applicant was excited to get in ahead of the Oak Wilt season and further developments were made more recently. He stated that staff is confident that the additional narrative staff will provide to the Metropolitan Council will be sufficient. Mayor Strommen asked for a specific difference in the timeline between the two options or whether they would both reach the same end result. City Planner Anderson stated that he would think having the approvals in place and awaiting the approval of the applicant would be preferred rather than awaiting a future City Council meeting after that approval is gained. Ms. Lordge agreed with the comments that it would be beneficial to receive the approval, with the removal of the cost-share language and contingent upon the other items. Councilmember Kuzma stated that it is his opinion that if the cost-share language is removed the developer agrees to fund that expense. Ms. Lordge stated that she would not presume that but they would be willing to come back to the City with that request. She stated that they did not want to remove the option from the table. Councilmember Riley stated that the Council is acting like this is something strange but noted that this is the 8th addition of this neighborhood and this is simply adding homes to the neighborhood. He did not see a reason to delay action. City Council/February 28,2017 Page 7 of 10