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tax dollars across the metropolitan area. Ms. McGehee further opined that the City's residents absorbed the bills, and experienced a highertax base accordingly. Ms. McGehee spoke in support to the written comments read by Mr. Roe related to "Community Business (CB)" land use description revised language. Ms. McGehee spoke in support of planning for the future to make the community livable for its residents, but not a great feast for developers. Karen Schaffer Ms. Schaffer addressed the second portion of the minority report dated September 24, 2008 related to Master Plans as part of the Comprehensive Plan; and spoke in support of including all or part of the current and future land use master plans prepared by the City in the Comprehensive Plan, as detailed in those written comments. Chair Bakeman closed the Public Hearing at approximately 9:16 p.m. Discussion Chair Bakeman addressed several comments. Concrete barriers on Snelling Chair Bakeman recognized public comments related to recent improvements and installation of the barrier wall along Snelling Avenue by MnDOT; and advised that the City had note been notified and was without recourse in this situation. Commissioner Gottfried, as an employee of MnDOT, encouraged public comment via the MnDOT website directly to that specific project manager in order to hear MnDOT's rationale for their installation. Public Comment related to making the City more pedestrian and bicycle friendly Chair Bakeman advised that, throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update, there were numerous and consistent notations to encourage making the City more walkable, including access and connections for multi-family and single-family residences. 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 poherty, 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 ineeting discussions and the process. Commissioner poherty, 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. i