Jane McWilliams, LWV Observer
All council members were present.
There was a full house in the council chambers. Two items on the agenda, a land use revision and annexation request as well as action to initiate work on West First Street drew members of the public concerned with these issues.
Johnson Reiland Construction, Inc. had requested revision of the Comprehensive Plan to permit a housing development on Wall Street Road in Northfield Township and a change in the land designation from “Residential Cluster” to “Lower Density Residential.” Dan Reiland said the company and the city have been in discussion about this project for 16 months and that staff led him to believe that if the company “ did all these things, we will support your annexation request.” Development Director Brian O’Connell said that the staff cautioned that the city would need to be convinced that the comprehensive plan should be to be changed, but that there were no convincing arguments to do so. In January, the Northfield Planning Commission agreed with the developer’s request not to take the proposal to the council until the new comprehensive plan, which he hoped might be more permissive was in place. The request was on the agenda at this meeting because the plan has been approved by the Planning Commission and awaits council review and action. At the same January meeting, the commission held a public hearing and received over 20 written communications. They denied both the land use map change and the annexation request. (The priority growth area has not been revised in the new plan.)
Several citizens spoke in opposition to the project. Staff recommended denial, based on reasoning similar to that of the planning commission: there is more than enough property in the currently drawn priority growth area for development needs until at least 2020; development is this area poses transportation problems; maintenance of the necessary infrastructure improvements would stretch the city’s finances; the development would be a “landlocked” neighborhood, disconnected from existing and future development.
The council discussed the request and voted to deny both the land use change and the annexation request.
The reconstruction of West First Street between the western dead end and Lincoln Street and between Madison Street and Linden Street is scheduled for 2009. In preparation, the council approved the professional services agreement with Bolton & Menk, engineers, to aid city staff in development of a feasibility report, plans and specifications and additional engineering services. This firm provides the best value of service and has a strong working relationship with the city, according to City Engineer, Katy Gehler-Hess, and was favored over two other bidders. The engineering costs are not to exceed $109,320.00
The street is a high priority due to poor quality of all infrastructure, poor pavement condition and problems with the storm sewer. In addition, the project is in line with the adopted Way Park plan, which calls for the street to be closed where it bisects the park.
The council also authorized preparation of a feasibility report for the council as to whether the project is necessary, cost effective and feasible; whether it be made as proposed or with some other improvement; the estimated cost; and the methodology used to calculate individual assessments for affected parcels. A schedule of the project process includes three neighborhood meetings and a tour. At the first meeting on October 30, staff will inform the neighborhood and seek recommendations on the improvements. On November 20, the feasibility report will be presented for input. At the third meeting in February, detailed plans and specifications will be presented, again for input to council. Finally, in April, staff will meet with neighbors one on one to communicate details and answer questions. Estimated final cost is between $700,000 and $1,000,000.
Several citizens spoke to the council on the project and on the closure of the street. David Suderman, a member of the Friends of Way Park, said he was in full support of the project as recommended. He said neighbors support closing First Street, and that opponents had had an opportunity to express their views. “Now is the time to move forward.” Richard Vanasek, Chair of the Park Board said the closure of the street was decided when the council approved the park master plan. While cul de sacs are counter to city policy, closure would result in a fine community park. It is a low traffic street, and a street through the park contradicts its purpose. Judy Swanson, also a Friend of Way Park, thanked the council for approving the park master plan and said that the Friends are ready to do whatever is needed to see the project through. Jane McWilliams, * a Way Park neighbor, spoke in favor of keeping the street open and, instead, restoring the median containing shrubs and plantings to visually unite the two sections of the park. Following questions and comments, the council approved both the engineering agreement and the feasibility study.
The council named Jon Denison the city’s voting delegate to the National League of Cities Conference in November in Orlando, Florida.
Development Director O’Connell distributed a written update report on “The Crossing” (the development at the corner of Second Street and Highway 3). In a later conversation, O’Connell said that while the project has faltered, largely because of the wider economic and financial crisis in the country, taxpayers need not be concerned about incurring expense. The city’s development agreement with Mendota Homes has been set up to assure that protection.
*McWilliams spoke as a citizen, not as LWV Observer.
