Minutes - Council - 03/27/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and provided a review of the draft Comprehensive Plan update. He noted that although staff has completed an initial draft of all chapters, not all the chapters are complete and ready to publish for review. He highlighted upcoming dates including an April 9th workshop, May 3rd Planning Commission meeting, and May 22nd City Council meeting. Councilmember Riley referenced the positive learning environment theme, noting that the City does not and cannot make those type of decisions. He stated that even when the City holds land in anticipation, the decision is heard from another group that a middle school will not go in that location in the near future. He referenced the Rum River crossing, noting that is such a distant second to a Mississippi River crossing that it would only become relevant once a Mississippi River crossing is gained. Mayor Strommen stated that the Mississippi River crossing would make sense because it would connect to major infrastructure while a Rum River crossing would not do that. She stated that a Rum River crossing would simply split the congestion with an area that is not prepared to handle that additional traffic and therefore suggested removing the Rum River crossing and focusing instead on elements that will help to achieve goals. Councilmember Kuzma asked if the participants in the Resilient Communities Project (RCP) have contributed to the Comprehensive Plan process. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that the RCP program has helped to collect necessary data for staff to use in updating the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that staff continues to look for additional opportunities. Councilmember Shryock stated that she is generally happy with the progress. She noted that there is still time for residents to look at the draft Comprehensive Plan and provide comments. Community Development Director Gladhill confirmed the consensus of the Council to remove the Rum River crossing from the Plan. He referenced the comment regarding a positive learning environment and noted that while the City does not have control, if this is not in the City's Plan perhaps the School District will not keep that as a focus. He noted that element could be merged more with goals from the Strategic Plan. Mayor Strommen agreed that planning for schools is under the umbrella for smart citizen focused government and perhaps that would be a better theme for that chapter. She provided additional input on recent conversations between herself, staff, and the School District to plan for the future. She stated that this process has been driven by the Ramsey residents and has led to a quality product. She commended staff and the residents that have participated in this process. 7.03: Update on Zoning Verification for Baker White at 6111 Highway 10 NW City Planner Anderson reviewed the staff report and provided an update on the property at 6111 Highway 10 NW. He reviewed the available options and noted that the City Attorney recommends that a zoning amendment would need to be processed before permitting the tenant City Council/March 27,2018 Page 5 of 11