HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.11.95 Work Session Minutes
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 11, 1995
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor at 8:00a.m.
Present: City Council Members Kuchera, Fitch, Galler, Gamer, Ristow
Planning Commission Members Schlawin, Gramentz, Thelen, Strachan
Park and Rec Commission Members Johnson, Schlawin, Smithson, Gerten
Water Board Members Shirley, Wier
HPC Members Tharaldson, Thelen and Ex-Officio Member Schreier
Also Present: Staff members Kaldunski, Asher, Henricks and Finstuen
Councilman Galler spoke to the group about changing needs in housing and how demographics
cause a changing life cycle in housing. Farmington currently has within MUSA, 440 platted
lots, 815 lots within PUD's and a possibility of 160 yet to be platted, a total of approximately
1415 lots. Beyond these lots the Metropolitan Council will likely limit the number of housing
units built each year by its regulation of MUSA.
Public Works Director Kaldunski discussed the need for a new water reservoir, its location and
the its appearance along with the Wellhead Protection Program. He updated the group on the
following subjects:
Intention of the County to straighten Pilot Knob in the year 1996
The need for a large interceptor when the northwestern portion of the city develops
An interceptor is planned for the eastern portion of Farmington
The Storm Water Management Plan will need to be looked at because of more
detailed water management policies.
C.S.A.H. 50 will become 4 lanes from Co. Rd 31 west in 1995
The bridge on Elm Street will be replaced in 1995
The reconstruction of Ash street will be completed by the County upon resolution
of the S.E. Area Storm Sewer Project
The reconstruction ofC.S.A.H. 50 from Division street to T.H. 3 will be completed
prior to 1999
195th Street is being evaluated at this time
City Planner Tooker gave a detailed presentation of the proposed Thoroughfare Plan, Land
Use Plan and the MUSA sequencing Plan. He explained the importance of Farmington
maintaining its "Freestanding Growth Center" status. The group discussed the expansion of the
downtown area and the extension of Spruce Street west to allow for commercial expansion.
They also discussed the extension of housing into the land owned by Dufferin within the central
area of the city.
The Highway 3 corridor was discussed along with the effect of strip developments. Commercial
developments that skip around in an area tend to decrease the value of residential property.
Highway 3 has been determined to have very low traffic and does not require all of the current
turn lanes. This road could be narrowed to create more green space. The Congregate Care
facility that is currently being built near the hospital gives a possibility of adding multiple units
in and around that facility.
The subject of a moratorium was discussed by the council. It was determined that a moratorium
cannot legally be placed on building permits and that most of the land left in MUSA is already
in the process of developing. The lackofMUSA will control growth into the future. There was
a concern that a moratorium would hurt future commercial development.
The East Farmington Development was discussed. Harbee Tharaldson commended the council
for their foresight in approving a development that he feels will aid in the expansion and well
being of the downtown area.
Harbee Tharaldson and Dave Schreier discussed with the Council and Park and Recreation
Commission the possibility of placing commemorative plaques in the downtown, their desire to
name parks after historical figures, and the possibility of a war memorial being placed in a city
park. No decisions were made. '
The City Council discussed briefly the financial condition of the Arena, Swimming Pool, Senior
Center and need for additional ballfields within the City of Farmington and the impact that the
surrounding community has on these facilities.
Motion by Ristow, second by Gamer to adjourn at 12:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen F instuen
Administrative Assistant
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