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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, October 01, 2008 Page 11 Park System Chair Bakeman noted that the City’s Parks and Recreation Department held periodic Buckthorn eradication opportunities, and encouraged residents to volunteer with the department to provide assistance. Commissioner Doherty, as a member of the Steering Committee as well as Chair Bakeman, reiterated that the group had worked very hard to incorporate walking and bicycle pathways throughout the entire document. Implications that the 100,000-square-foot language had been incorporated at the “last minute” Chair Bakeman responded to allegations that the 100,000-square-foot provision had been an “eleventh hour” addition; and encouraged Steering Committee members, as well as members of the public, to review meeting minutes and discussions throughout the process. Chair Bakeman concurred that, while discussions were held throughout, there was not early consensus, thus causing this topic of conversation to be left until the final meeting, at which time a vote was taken. Chair Bakeman noted that Mr. Roe appeared to be indicating, from the audience, his agreement with her perception of meeting discussions and the process. Commissioner Doherty, also serving on the Steering Committee, concurred with Chair Bakeman’s comments; noting that decisions on difficult issues were delayed until the final meeting, with no alternative available other than seek majority approval, absent consensus. Traffic Issues Chair Bakeman noted that, always evident in the minds of everyone serving on the Steering Committee, was the City’s position as a first-ring suburb, and continuing development north of Roseville that impacts the City. Chair Bakeman opined that, as long as land remained less expensive in suburbs or areas north of Roseville, there would continue to be further traffic congestion forced upon and impacting the City’s residents, infrastructure and traffic patterns, as people commuted to either downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis. Chair Bakeman used Snelling Avenue as a prime example, as it was exceeding capacity. Chair Bakeman advised that the Steering Committee had attempted to build into the Comprehensive Plan increased opportunities and relationships with MnDOT, Ramsey County and other communities in addressing traffic issues cooperatively and make improvements. Chair Bakeman noted the improvements made at County Road B and Snelling Avenue when Target was redeveloped, and cost-sharing by various entities, as well as the developer. Chair Bakeman noted that similar cost allocations would be borne by developers adjacent to Twin Lakes Parkway for infrastructure and roadway construction and/or improvements (i.e., park and ride facility by Metro Transit). Chair Bakeman advised that the Comprehensive Plan provides a great deal of guidance in considering alternative travel modes; and assured citizens that the Steering Committee attempted to take their concerns into consideration. Commissioner Doherty concurred with Chair Bakeman’s comments; and noted that most of the items addressed in the Comprehensive Plan achieved consensus after productive discussion; however, noted that those few items not achieving consensus were now before the Commission as detailed in staff’s report on page 3: ? The role of master plans within the plan; ? The definition of the Community Business future land use category; and ? The future land use designation of the HarMar Mall and SuperTarget.