HomeMy Public PortalAbout10/25/05 Joint Mtg CCM331
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF MEDINA CITY COUNCIL, MEDINA
PLANNING COMMISSION AND MEDINA PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 2005, 6:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m., Hamel Community Building
Mayor Workman called the joint meeting to order at 6:10 PM.
Those present: Council Members: Bruce Workman, Carolyn Smith, Randy Brinkman,
and Elizabeth Weir. Planning Commission Members: Dick Picard, Leonard Leuer,
Marilyn Fortin, Mary Verbick, and Tom Supel. Park Commission Members: Gerald
Dykhoff, Tom Gregor, and Randy Hughes.
Those absent: Councilor Joe Cavanaugh, Planning Commission member Tom Crosby,
and Park Commission members Galen Bruer, Brad Kvanbek, and Robin Reid.
Also present were Chad Adams, City Administrator; Rose Lorsung, City Planner; Jim
Dillman, Public Works Director; Sarah Schield, Planning Consultant; and Janet Olson,
Administrative Assistant
Rose Lorsung provided an overview of the Open Space Planning topic and introduced
speaker Julie Westerlund, Communications and Education Director for Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District.
Westerlund presented information on the need for vision in comprehensive planning and
introduced the concept of Natural Resource Based Land Use Planning that incorporates
Open Space Planning and Preservation. Natural Resource Base Land Use Planning is a
process that identifies natural resources at the beginning of the planning process.
Westerlund acknowledged that Medina is fortunate because in 2003 a complete Natural
Resource Inventory was completed. The presentation entailed the Natural Resource
Based Land Use Process and how the process provides a foundation for rational decisions
and community involvement.
Discussion occurred on the presentation. Discussion included where do we start first and
how does the city incorporate such planning with the issue of the moratorium that is
currently in place and how to develop a committee to look at the moratorium and open
space planning. There was a consensus that the purpose of this meeting is not to set up
committees. Staff will provide a timeline for the Comprehensive Plan review that is to
begin early 2006 and be presented to the Met Council by September 2008. The City
Council will form the committee that will look at the issues facing the moratorium.
Mayor Workman asked those Council Members, Commissioners, and the public for their
ideas on what their thoughts on what is one of the important issues that are facing
planning in the city of Medina. Topics that were discussed included:
• clearly define what is meant by `rural character' and open space,
• seek more input and representation from `long term' residents in
development of land
332
• the need to protect natural resources and rewards to developers that come
on board with our planning
• the need to focus on other issues of land use such as commercial and
industrial
• the need for community involvement and input in the planning process
• to be careful what is being asked for and what the elected officials put
forth with their actions
• during the planning process look at how water- runoff impacts other
properties
City Administrator Chad Adams summarized a new process for vacancies on
Commissions. He suggested looking into a committee that would screen the applicants
for their qualifications. An article will be in the next newsletter that will outline the
vacancies, the process for applying for the positions, and the time frame for the
appointments. Discussion occurred on how to involve community members. The
council will review this process at an upcoming meeting.
Adams discussed the 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan Process. The Comprehensive
Planning Process will begin in February or March 2006, with the goal to have a plan
proposed to the Met Council by September 2008. Open Space Planning and response to
the moratorium will begin sooner.
It was suggested that the Park Commission look at ideas for future parks and that the
Planning Commission look at future areas of growth before the process begins.
Mayor Workman adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
332