Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/10/2006

Home

Mr. Murphy replied there are extreme limitations on the land use with the Mississippi River Overlay District. Mayor Pro Tem Elvig noted this will be an issue with a commercial site as well, and there would also be parking needed on the site. Councilmember Strommen expressed concern with six units being placed on the site. She explained part of her concern is the appearance of a front of garages due to the way the units are laid out. Mr. Murphy provided information on the planned use of colors, shakes and gables, with trees in the background that would provide a natural barrier between the other housing developments. He indicated conceptual art could be provided to give a better feel for what is planned. Mayor Pro Tern Elvig indicated he does not like the idea of six units on this site, but there may not be much choice to make a feasible piece of property that is viable and cost effective. He requested the developer to look further at the design to determine if there is a design that would give a more singular, mansion style appearance. He suggested the use of three different colors, rather than six, with the unit appearing more substantial, rather than as six separate units. He suggested the developer provide better renderings of the elevations when this comes back before the Council. Ass't Community Development Dir/HRA Executive Dir. Frolik indicated this will be included on the agenda of the October 24,2006 City Council meeting. Mr. Murphy stated the elevations will be submitted to Associate Planner Geisler next week so she can distribute them to the Council. Councilmember Olson suggested the use of stone with the exterior materials planned for the units. Councilmember Strommen stressed that she is not convinced about fitting six units on this site, but she is willing to review the elevations. Mayor Gamec arrived at 6:23 p.m. 2) Discretionary & Appropriate Expenses City Administrator Norman reviewed that a handout regarding a list of items that meet the definition of public purpose expenditures was handed out to the Council at a work session. Council did not have an opportunity to discuss or provide direction for the list of public purpose expenditures. Staff would like input from the Council to begin laying out a policy regarding the draft Public Purpose Expenditures Policy that has been submitted. Finance Officer Lund indicated the draft policy should include a line stating this policy needs to be part of the yearly annual adopted budget. City Council Work Session / October 10, 2006 Page 3 of 6