Agenda - Council - 11/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Development Director Gladhill took credit for the confusion on the vote at the Planning Commission. He stated that the Planning Commission is supportive of the project, although they potentially would have liked a different location. He recognized that the plans for infrastructure in this area have changed and may continue to change. He stated that as he looks at what is allowed, the surrounding area would still be developable. He stated that trunk fees would be used to finance the extension of the sewer and water services. Councilmember Kuzma stated that this parcel is the plan that Connexus has decided on and confirmed that the Connexus owned site has been ruled out as a possibility. Mr. Angra asked why staff cannot provide an estimate of the impact to property values, similar to what is done with street projects. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that staff could follow up with Anoka County, who completes the assessing. He noted that there are other projects that have not had negative impacts on property values. Mr. Angra asked the vote from the Planning Commission. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that he could verify the minutes from the meeting but advised that the Planning Commission is a recommending body, and the ultimate decision is made by the City Council. Mayor Strommen stated that she read the minutes from the Planning Commission meeting and watched the video. She acknowledged that it was confusing which reflects the challenge the Commission had with the issue. She stated that she has struggled with the discussion regarding location, but the application tonight is for this site and therefore the Council needs to act on this proposal. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that there were five votes in favor and two against on this topic at the Planning Commission. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he has been trying to come to a position on this issue, attempting to use his philosophy to be open to the idea that there might be an opinion that may sway his decision. He stated that he attempts to gather as much information as possible but acknowledged that this is a complex issue. He stated that he considers the opinions of his colleagues on the Council but also those on other Boards and Commissions within the City and their opinions. He stated that he also considers the input received from the public with an eye to be objective rather than subjective. He stated that he has been struggling with how to make a choice. He stated that there is a philosophy on the Council that the market will dictate the type of development that occurs, and the City needs to be open to what the market will bring. He stated that this is a viable use for that property that passes the test of all the other Commissions but also leaves open some questions as to what will happen. He stated that if the City were to say they do not want one thing and wait for something else, that day may never come and therefore the City needs to be organic. He stated that he wants to move forward with the project, City Council / November 14, 2017 Page 10 of 14