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<br />City Engineer Jankowski stated the biggest benefit is public safety. Without this connection <br />there will be 23 units depending on a single access; that situation would be entirely eliminated <br />with this street going through. In addition, there would be another access for the River Pines <br />subdivision to go south, so there would be a decrease in traffic that would otherwise go onto <br />Highway 47. They will be able to loop the watermain through that lot and provide better <br />circulation and fire protection in that area. Also, they would be able to eliminate the lift station <br />located on the property immediately to the east utilizing the flow of gravity. This would <br />eliminate the hazards and dangers of relying on mechanical equipment and eliminate potential <br />sewer backups. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated regarding the public safety issue, he recalls a fair amount of <br />discussion on this development going in off of Quicksilver. There were a lot of residents <br />concerned about this. There was the threat of eminent domain and the lawsuit concerning public <br />right-of-way. His impression at that time was that this development was encouraged to go <br />ahead. He stated this proposed connection will be a net cost to the City of $339,000 because of <br />this development and that there is now a public safety concern. Councilmember Look stated it <br />would be his hope that everything is taken into account while considering developments in the <br />future. When there is a public safety concern and the City is looking at a $339,000 bill, that it <br />should be looked at prior to a development going in and assessed to that builder if it makes sense <br />financially; if it does not make sense it is a part of land speculation. He does not know that they <br />have an option but to approve this purchase. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen questioned why Neon Street was not extended to the southern <br />boundary in the original River Pines plat. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied when River Pines was adopted there was not the same <br />philosophy held regarding long roads. There were a couple other subdivisions that also were in a <br />unique situation such as this property where there were not other options. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig suggested a policy be adopted in the future to ensure that these types of <br />costs are attributable to the development going in and are not bared by the City. He believes this <br />purchase is the right move for this property, and does not know that they have an option other <br />than to move forward. However, creating a policy in relation to these types of costs should <br />protect them from setting a precedent with this purchase. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey expressed concern that staff has not been able to make contact with the <br />developer of Rum River Meadows. He questioned what the plans will be for this property if the <br />connection is not needed in the near term. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson indicated this would be brought back to the Council in the future. <br />Options could include renting the house in the short term, taking the house down and leaving it <br />as open space, and constructing the road. He advised if the current Rum River Meadows project <br />does not go forward construction of the road could be required with a future development. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked what language is included in this case that helps ensure the position <br />of the neighbors' concerns and what they are expecting from the City, such as rights to the <br /> <br />City Council I March 27, 2007 <br />Page 13 or 19 <br />