Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/27/2021

Home

City Planner Chloe McGuire Brigl stated this issue was heavily discussed at the Planning Commission meeting. She added there was overwhelming consensus from the neighborhood to the north that they do not want public access to the property. Mr. Kurak stated many people in that neighborhood have access from their own backyards. He added they don’t want anyone else to go back there, but they have paths from their own properties that lead into the property. Councilmember Heineman asked whether it would make more sense to add a public easement on the southwest corner of Caroline Acres Park. He asked whether a park dedication could be done when the development is completed, to create a park connection. Ms. McGuire Brigl stated the City does not typically take land in lieu of park dedication fees, and wetland is unbuildable. She added the majority of the site to the east is wetland and would not be suitable for park dedication. City Administrator Ulrich stated the Park & Recreation Commission noted that the park dedication for Williams Woods would be satisfied with cash in lieu of land. He added one Commissioner wanted to waive the park dedication fee. He noted the Planning Commission understood the highest and best use of the park dedication money would be for a future community park. Councilmember Specht asked what the City’s position is regarding another way to rectify the problem of this land-locked property. Ms. McGuire Brigl stated City Staff have consulted with the City Attorney and recommend that Mr. Kurak pursues a cartway petition under State statute to determine the best place for a 30-foot driveway to his private property. She added City Staff did not feel it was appropriate to involve the adjacent private property owners, especially if Mr. Kurak decides to develop the land or dedicate it for public purpose. She noted the cartway petition process is preferable to providing a full easement to unbuildable property. City Administrator Ulrich stated this issue will be reviewed by the City Council as a final plat. He encouraged Councilmembers to contact City Staff with any questions or concerns. 2.04: Continued Discussion on 2022 Budget/Levy Diana Lund, Finance Director, stated City Staff were planning to hold a full budget discussion tonight, but due to the late hour, two topics will be addressed: new personnel positions and Councilmember Heineman’s road funding proposal. She noted three new personnel positions are proposed and will be addressed first. Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director, reviewed a potential part-time receptionist/secretary position that is proposed for the Administration Department. The administrative Intern position would be eliminated. This new position would be scheduled Monday – Friday from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the front desk, and would also assist with the Happy Days event, absentee voting, all lunch breaks, and be on hand to cover half of any needed sick time City Council Work Session / July 27, 2021 Page 7 of 10