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City Council Study Session -10/16/06 Minutes - Page 14 Discussion ensued regarding a map provided by staff; and attempts were made to frame the problems. Councilmember Ihlan noted recent contentious issues with subdivisions over the last few years, and referenced the City of Bloomington's example in being proactive in attempting to find compatibility and preservation of surrounding neighborhoods. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of a moratorium while the City considers potential policy changes, in an effort to preserve the status. Mayor Klausing noted that, as a first-ring suburb, the City offered limited development opportunities; and further noted that the City continues to talk about affordable housing, and an unintended consequence of a tree preservation ordinance would drive up the cost of property. Mayor Klausing opined the need for the discussion to factor in all the consequences - intended or unintended - for the Council to provide a flexible policy without making onerous restrictions that would deter development within the community. Councilmember Maschka concurred with Mayor Klausing's observations. Mr. Stark opined that the problem needed definition prior to solutions being sought; and suggested that the Council await the results of the visioning process, due to the many related issues involved in a discussion of lot sizes, tree preservation and other considerations. Additional discussion included property owner rights and expectations; Metropolitan Council's determination of future housing unit provisions; the need to involve the HRA and Planning Commission, as part of their Comprehensive Plan Update, while factoring in the statutory requirements of the Metropolitan Council, as recommended by Councilmember Pust. Concluding discussion included overall and city-wide contentious issues versus immediate neighbor concerns;