Minutes - Council - 11/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Norman stated the conversations have not been directly with the School Board, other than about three years ago when the Council met with the School Board. Staff has met with the Facilities Committee. A 40 acre piece would be desired, but because of economies of scale and the closeness to the elementary school there could be a lower amount of acres. The School Board cannot go on record at this time to hold a site for a school due to the recent bond. It is the City's determination on whether to hold land so it is available when the school district is ready to look at a middle school. Councilmember Elvig stated he is in support of holding this land for a school, but he wants to be certain all of the homework has been done before locking into this PUD. He noted another concern was to have a school with access on a county road, which is why he likes the idea of the school access on Alpine Drive. As Councilmember Cook pointed out, the synergy was to have two schools across the street, and sharing ballparks and grounds and things of that nature is a good move. He stated this is an excellent site for this purpose. He questioned if this is able to be passed at this point without going through due process on a hearing in relation to the land swap. City Attorney Goodrich reviewed City Charter Section 12.5. He advised introduction and passage of an ordinance will be required before anything is conveyed. It is a gray area whether to approve preliminary plat, property is not being conveyed, but they would be hard pressed not to convey it once the preliminary plat is approved. Councilmember Elvig questioned if this preliminary plat can be moved forward at this time. City Attorney Goodrich advised the preliminary plat approval can be made contingent upon the requirements of City Charter Section 12.5 being met. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide the possibility for members of the public to petition against the sale. Councilmember Cook stated the alternative to moving forward is to lose the opportunity for this land swap, and the developer will then come back with a plan for development. Motion by Councilmember Cook to adopt a resolution authorizing staff to submit the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Metropolitan Council. The motion died for lack of a second. Community Development Director Trudgeon advised the Comprehensive Plan Amendment will go into effect once Council. way the resolution is drafted; the it is adopted by the Metropolitan Councilmember Strommen stressed the need to consider the interim policy for Comprehensive Plan amendments in these types of considerations. City Administrator Norman indicated when staff first approached the Council regarding this concept the Council directed staff to negotiate with the developer to try to move the public/quasi- public land into the area being discussed. The developer currently has land that can be City Council / November 22, 2005 Page 15 of 23