Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/15/2002

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City Administrator Norman replied that Mr. Levine he has been meeting with the MnDOT Right- of-Way employee. Mr. Levine will be coming to a work session to give an update. He stated that even though the motion by the EDA and Town Center Task Force recommends the moratorium up to Armstrong Boulevard staff recommended that it be extended to the City limits. Councilmember Kurak stated that she has some reservations about the moratorium. She inquired if the City would have to pay for the environmental impact study. City Administrator Norman replied that it was his understanding that MnDOT was responsible for that cost. Councilmember Kurak inquired if the environmental impact study was being required because MnDOT is contemplating moving the Highway. Principal City Engineer Olson replied that MnDOT needs to know that what is being proposed is the best alignment. Councilmember Kurak stated that Mr. Hickman, the owner of Plants and Things, did purchase the property to develop it and inquired as to what legal ramifications does the City face with not · allowing that development to occur. City Administrator Norman replied that it might be perceived by Mr. Hickman that it is cruel, but the moratorium would provide for better for growth and would be in the best interest of the community. Councilmember Kurak stated that at a past meeting a City of Anoka Planner had indicated that if - a city starts the official mapping process than they better be prepared to start condemning the property. She inquired as to how that is perceived along Highway #10. City Administrator Norman replied that that is one of the things that Mr. Levine has been working on. In the few conversations he has been involved with he has been made aware that in past cases if a city had gone through the official mapping process MnDOT has purchased the land every time. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he thought they were discussing just the moratorium at this time to study whether mapping would be appropriate or not~ The question on the table is, is there adequate information to move forward with the moratorium. His concern has to do with the length of time of the moratorium and the possibility of overlapping moratoriums. He stated that he would like to know from the City Attorney if they are overlapping any moratoriums and if the clock has already began running since there is already a moratorium on section 29. He also inquired if the City starts the clock running would it preclude them from doing a different moratorium for a different purpose. City Administrator Norman replied that he would pass the questions on to the City Attorney. Public Works Committee/October 15, 2002 Page 9 of 11