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