2007-03-28 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council 2007-03-28, 7:45 p.m. Minutes of Work Session Present were Mayor Mary Capra, Council Members Michelle Lakso, Linda Broussard, Tom Lee and Jeff Paar. Also present were City Attorney Kurt Glaser, Engineer Mark Statz and Administrator Dallas Larson. . The Council discussed possible street improvements for 2007. Jeff and Laura Hanzal were present to encourage the Council to improve Old Mill Road which will allow development of their subdivision. They have the Jaques and Bowens petitioning with them for the improvement, unfortunately the property owners across the street are not supportive. Property owners Fruth and Fisher have sent letters in opposition to the improvement. The Council discussed whether it would be helpful to get an appraisal done to measure the benefit to the properties. The attorney will get a proposal for an appraisal. The Council agreed to have the matter placed on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting. The Council discussed the improvement of Sorel Street in the downtown. The street was torn up to make way for sanitary sewer and will need to be restored. Watermain needs to be installed to serve several properties that are still served by wells. The improvement of Sorel will not be able to be fully accomplished until decisions can be made on the grade of Centerville Road in conjunction with downtown redevelopment. The Council considered possible interim measures to make Sorel Street more useable until the full improvement can be accomplished. The engineer will bring some options for consideration to the next Council meeting. Randy Herried of Kendall Howard was present to request Tax Increment Financing in conjunction with a proposal to build 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space in the industrial park. He indicated that he lives in Lino Lakes and prefers the Centerville location to several others he is considering. The Council indicated a willingness to consider TIF assistance, but wanted to see more specifics justifying the need. Mr. Herried will provide the information to the City. The Council discussed the 2009 street improvements and the surface water treatment needs that must be addressed with the project. Engineer Mark Statz identified several locations for infiltration basins (rain gardens). Several locations appeared to occupy front yards. This could be a problem since not everyone considers them to be an amenity worth placing in a front yard. The Council agreed that the engineer’s report could be finalized but made it clear that other alternatives will need to be considered before plans are presented to the public. The schedule for public hearings was discussed. Staff suggested that preliminary plans be presented to the public in an open house or pre-hearing this fall with the understanding that the project will be built in 2009. Some were skeptical as to whether this would soften the public objections. Adjourned at approximately 9:50 p.m. Dallas Larson City Administrator