02-03-14 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Commissioner Ortega said that it was just a year ago that the County Board voted to purchase the property; they were pleasantly surprised, and more than happy with what was presented in the Master Plan. Ortega requested a list of all the issues raised by the City Council. Development Director Hutmacher deferred the question to Commissioner Grant, Commissioner Holden or City Administrator Klaers as she was unable to attend the December 26, 2013, City Council work session. Commissioner Grant noted that the City Council wants the public to weigh in at the January 22, 2014 TCAAP Open House. Commissioner Holden clarified that there were actually undefined issues that the Council wanted to monitor and clarify. City Administrator Klaers noted that the City Council’s questions were open‐ended, and that there were areas that needed further discussion. In terms of the roundabout, location, alternatives to a roundabout, size/operation of the roundabout were raised. The City Council did not voice strong opposition, but wanted to hear what the public had to say about it. Chair Sand noted a project in Normal, IL by Hoerr‐Schudt involving a roundabout incorporating a water filtration feature in the middle of the roundabout. It's called "Uptown Normal, IL". Commissioner Holden stated that she was the only Councilmember in favor of the roundabout, and she had a concern about traffic levels, public education about how to use them. Commissioner Grant commented that with only two major access points, and two connections to County Road I, both major access points become critical to the development. He needs to be sold on a roundabout being able to handle traffic and be accepted by those who would want to live there. The marketability of the project is a concern for him. If the roundabout is not appropriate, does not carry the necessary load, or causes increased accidents, it will limit the access to the property. He felt that this is something we need to continue to study. Chair Sand commented that he has not heard any comments at meetings he's attended that address the impact of residential sector on the school system. He asked how the planners are handling this and whether kids are inhibited from getting to the Turtle Lake School without a County Road I connection? He wants to make sure it gets addressed in the plan. Commissioner Grant said that on a periodic basis, the regional administrators, school board and mayors get together and share information. He has shared the TCAAP plan process with the School Board, and will be giving the School Board an update. The initial comment from the Board was that TCAAP was a net positive for the District. He believed there is capacity in the District to accommodate new students due to some recent downsizing of their facilities.