HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.23.95 Work Session Minutes
t _.~r...}
~- Ut)
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
(WORKSHOP)
SPECIAL
OCTOBER 23, 1995
1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kuchera at 7:30 P.M..
Members Present: Kuchera, Galler, Ristow, Gamer, Fitch.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: Interim Administrator Finstuen, Finance Director Henneke, HRA Director
Henricks, City Planner Tooker, police Chief Siebenaler, City Engineer
Kaldunski,
2. Councilmember Galler presented population Growth Charts based upon the
Metropolitan Council population Forecast. He also provided ,tax comparisons of
Farmington with other Dakota County cities.
3. The Council discussed the following areas of concern:
Building/Growth
There are approximately 1400 lots available for development. At a rate of 300 lots
per year, within 4 years there will be no lots available. The Council discussed
which area would be the next likely to be developed, Councilmember Fitch questioned
who paid for the interceptors to provide utility services to land which is currently
not serviced.
In order to provide for continued growth, the Comprehensive Plan will need updating,
as well as the City's ordinances, The Comp Plan is developed to give landowners an
idea of how development will occur so that long range planning can be done.
Councilmember Fitch questioned whether there was a need for a moratorium. He
believed the City needed to manage its growth so that we continue to provide the
current level of services. It is necessary to work with developers to keep growth in
tune with the provision of services.
Retail growth and its location were discussed. Areas of concern were maintaining the
downtown retail center or the location of new retail centers when the downtown and
Townsedge Mall were filled.
Discussion on heavy industrial expansion areas and location of proposed sewer
interceptors.
Boundaries
Areas to the north and east of the City will likely become a part of Rosemount.
Member Fitch agreed with a question raised by Dean Johnson, Empire Township Planner,
as to why the City needed to acquire more land when there was still a great deal of
available land within our current boundaries. Member Ristow explained that
acquisition is controlled by demand. Member Galler stated that if the City shoulders
the debt and the responsibility for increased area growth, it should also have the
control over that growth. With this control, planning for infrastructure maintenance
and improvement becomes possible. The Council wondered about the public's opinion on
boundary expansion. Member Ristow felt that the next joint meeting with the
townships should answer some of those questions. Member Fitch questioned whether
there was a need to set an executive session to discuss annexation issues.
Road Improvement/Expansion
It was noted that the County needed to be notified this week as to whether or not
195th Street expansion was to be included in the County CIP. The City's portion had
been included in the City CIP and the County would pay for the portion in the
township. The bridge which would be required over the railroad tracks would be paid
50/50 between the City and County. A concern was raised regarding the availability
of MSA funds since Ash Street improvements and the Pilot Knob extension were both
funded through MSA. It was recognized that in 4 to 5 years there would not be
sufficient funding for major roads. It was noted that with the completion of these
major road expansions and upgrades, there would be no immediate need for MSA funded
roadways and that proper planning now would provide future councils with adequate MSA
funds. It was the consensus of the Council that the County be notified to keep 195th
Street in the County CIP,
It was noted that the Minnesota Livable Communities Act should be discussed at the
next Council work session. There was a consensus that there was a need to provide
diversity in housing values.
4. Consultant James Brimeyer briefly visited with the Council. He made recommended
changes to the timetable for the process of hiring a City Administrator. He also
informed staff of the first steps needed to begin the process, which is scheduling
blocks of time with City Councilmembers, community leaders and staff.
5. MOTION by Fitch, second by Ristow to adjourn at 10:08 P.M.. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Submitted by,
Karen Finstuen
Interim City Administrator
Approved