CCP 03-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 22, 2000 Dw~AFr . Mayor Probst formally welcomed the Plaillling Commission members and introductions were made. City Administrator Lynch introduced the discussion of the Civic Center Rezoning and original intent of the Vento Re-Use Plan for the benefit and review of those newer Councilmembers and Planning Commission members. Mayor Probst provided a historical perspective over the last ten (10) years related to the Twin Cities Army An1munition Plant (TCAAP) property, the Vento Reutilization Committee, and impacts on the City of Arden Hills and surrounding communities, the school district, and community service agencies. Associate Plailller, Nancy Randall, addressed financial and plaillling considerations as the Plaillling Commission and City Council consider Phase II of the TCAAP zoning exercise and related approval ofthe Comprehensive Plan by the Metropolitan Council. Ms. Randall spoke to scheduling requirements by the Planning Commission for review of Phase II of the TCAAP zoning, as well as a timeframe for the Commission and City Council's review of the seven Neighborhood Business District sites recently zoned. . Discussion items included the military process of land release; zoning unification between the Comprehensive Plan and Civic Center Zoning District Ordinance recently adopted; legal easement covenant to protect preserve area (i.e., future tower construction requests); review of the Town Center option and apparent confusion over the intent of that option; and possible alterations for setback requirements to allow for a more urban downtown approach in the Town Center. Further discussion included the proposed Ramsey County maintenance facility and how it is incorporated into the vision for the property development; incorporation of Civic Center zoning into the TKDA consultant's study for the Ramsey County maintenance facility; possible grant monies for further studies, determination if the City wants to be the receiving party for the land as it comes out, or zoning considerations only; additional input from former consultant ,(Camiros); maintaining a presentable entryway for a town center; ramifications along County Road E and those existing retail businesses; and the level of detail and accuracy of projections. Mayor Probst announced that the City would be in a staff transition period which would impact this project and its schedule, with Ms. Randall leaving the City's employment the end of April and employment advertising currently underway for another Planner. It was the consensus of those present the following schedule needed to be initiated: -- . Development of a basic City philosophy and need for City to be pro-active, not reactive, with zoning, infrastructure, and development of the TCAAP property . Staff completion of outstanding portions of the Comprehensive Plan and --