Minutes - Council - 04/08/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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strong and consistent, Staff has directed the AUAR document to be revised accordingly. While the document may seem to be overwhelming and the impacts described substantial, it should be stated that in the end, the AUAR will give the City a better understanding of the impact of the Town Center and put the City in a better position to anticipate and plan for changes when the Ramsey Town Center begins the approval process. Nothing in the AUAR commits the City to expend funds for the Town Center project. It does, however, describe in great detail what will need to occur (i.e. infrastructure construction) before the development can proceed to full build out. Whether the improvements and mitigation elements will be funded by the City, the Developer, or a combination of both, will be determined at the appropriate time. Staff recommended approval of the resolution authorizing the release of the Draft AUAR for comment and review. Principal City Engineer Olson briefly reviewed infrastructure issues starting with the projected water demands that will be created by the Town Center development. He explained that the City would be looking at an additional 420 million gallons of water per year, which will require three additional wells and an increase in the next water tower to 1.6 million gallons instead of one million as previously projected. He noted that in the City's five year Capital Improvement Plan the City had anticipated two new wells and a one million gallon water tower. The sanitary sewer infrastructure needs are very insignificant because there is already a 27-inch line to the site. Councihnember Elvig stated that the City is looking at three more wells and a water tower by 2007, in order for the Town Center to occur; that doesn't seem to leave the City with much negotiating power. The Town Center is a very significant development and will impact the system significantly. Principal City Engineer Olson noted that in regards to sanitary sewer, the available capacity the City has with the Met Council could he a problem in the future. The City is currently allocated 3.8 million gallons per day and the Town Center could use a good portion of that capacity. This could be a problem because the City has always anticipated having sewer service ability up to the Trott Brook. He noted that there is the potential that the City could gain more capacity from the Met Council, but they will first have to get the City's comprehensive sewer plan updated. City Administrator Norman stated that the Town Center does not use the entire capacity but does impact the future capacity, which gives importance to updating the comprehensive sewer study. Principal City Engineer Olson reviewed the transportation issues related to the Town Center noting that the plan will require signalization of many intersections and lane modifications. They are currently researching many funding sources to assist in making the necessary road improvements. Councilmember Elvig inquired as to how the document will be made available to the public. Principal Planner Trudgeon explained that the document will be published in the EQB, a press release will be included in the Anoka County Union explaining that the document is available at City Hall. City Council/April 8, 2003 Page 9 of 17