SUNFISH LAKE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MAY
8, 2007
ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
HIGHWAY 100 & CHARLTON ROAD
7:00 P.M.
Attendants:
Mayor: Molly Park
Councilmembers:
Richard Williams.
City Clerk: Cathy
Iago
Planner: Laurie
Shives
Task Force Members:
Scott and Don Spaeth, Peggy Rabuse, Ed and Ann Kelly, and Todd Kellogg.
Absent: Councilmembers Joel Bennett, Cathy DeCourcy, and Judy MacManus,
1. CALL TO
ORDER: Mayor Molly Park called the meeting to order at
7:05 p.m. The Mayor declared that there was not a quorum present at this time.
She stated that discussion would take place with the two Council representatives
and the Task Force regarding candidates for hire as special legal counsel to
represent the City regarding land use issues near Hornbeam Lake as proposed by
the City of Inver Grove Heights in their Northwest Area Plan.
2. DISCUSS HIRING SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL: The Mayor asked the residents in
attendance to comment on what they perceive the role of the attorney to be
regarding this matter.
Scott Spaeth explained that he believes the attorney should be knowledgeable in
land use issues and would guide the residents and the City through the process
by offering an opinion and options available to deter the proposed high density
land use in the area.
Peggy Rabuse agreed that the attorney should be familiar with this type of land
use issue and have experience working with municipal government on such matters.
Councilmember Williams stated he believes there are three separate issues; he
noted that the Comprehensive Plan change appears to be the immediate issue and
if the change is approved by Inver Grove Heights, he believes the next issue
would be the density for the site and the last issue would be the proposed
interchange in the area. He explained that it would be preferable to have
representation from the onset of these issues and to establish a plan of action.
He noted the first item of concern would be the approval of the Comprehensive
Plan and that he is unsure if another letter of opposition from the City would
be appropriate or if some other type of action would be necessary. He agreed
that the attorney should be knowledgeable on land use issues. He commented that
he believes this will be a long process and that it is a good idea to retain the
attorney throughout the process and to draft a long-range plan; he noted that
there maybe other land use issues that arise where the attorney might also be of
assistance.
Peggy Rabuse suggested that it would be preferable that the attorney have
knowledge of who to contact at other agencies such as the DNR and with
legislators.
Councilmember Williams suggested they discuss potential candidates. He stated he
contacted Tad Lightfoot, who was suggested by Alex Klass, but he was advised
that this is not Mr. Lightfoot’s area of expertise. He explained that Alex Klass
also recommended a former law student, Sarah Peterson, who had been a member of
the Golden Valley Planning Commission. He commented that he believes there may
be a problem with hiring an attorney from a larger firm because the firm is so
diverse there may be a conflict of interest. He suggested placing all the names
in a pool and attempting to come to a group consensus.
Mayor Park pointed out that there appears to be an immediate time deadline since
the City of Inver Grove Heights would be discussing the matter on May 29. She
agreed that the group should identify persons of interest and attempt to
schedule interviews. She distributed information on two attorneys that Planner
Shives had provided.
Scott Spaeth stated he brought information for distribution on a number of
attorneys that appear to be experienced with land use issues; he noted that some
are from large firms and some from smaller firms. He noted that the attorneys
look good on paper, but he believes it would be better to interview the
candidates to determine which one would be best suited for the job.
Councilmember Williams commented that the Campbell Knutson firm is dedicated to
land use issues.
Planner Shives explained that she is not recommending either firm, but that she
was provided the information on Campbell Knutson from her boss who has worked
with Mr. Knutson on such issues.
Councilmember Williams commented that Walt Rockenstein of the Faegre Benson
Office is a former member of the Minneapolis City Council and may have
experience with land use matters.
Scott Spaeth recommended Peter Coyle or William Griffith of the Larkin Hoffman
firm.
Todd Kellogg questioned if there would be sufficient time for interviews and
preparation of a response to Inver Grove Heights by May 29.
Planner Shives clarified
that the Inver Grove Heights meeting on May 29 is related to the AUAR and would
be to consider establishing a Zoning Overlay District with special density for
the entire Northwest Area; she noted that this meeting would be before the
Planning Commission. She clarified that the City of Sunfish Lake is on record
making comments related to the AUAR. She also explained that there is a meeting
on May 14 to consider the second reading of an ordinance that establishes a
Stormwater District in the area, not rezoning the area and that the matter would
be sent to Council for consideration on May 29. She noted that it is important
for residents and the City to voice opinions on these issues, but she pointed
out that the Comprehensive Plan change would not be considered until later in
the summer.
Councilmember Williams asked if the formal comment period on the Comprehensive
Plan for Inver Grove Heights is still open and Planner Shives responded yes.
Mayor Park explained that the Sunfish Lake Comprehensive Plan update must be
completed in 2008 and that the City is seeking a Rural Residential designation
which does not coincide with the high density proposal in Inver Grove Heights.
City Clerk Iago pointed out that there was still not a quorum and suggested that
the Special Meeting be closed and further discussion be continued as a Task
Force meeting.
3.
ADJOURN: Mayor Park stated that the Special Council meeting would be
adjourned due to the lack of a quorum. She stated that the discussion with the
Task Force and Council representatives would continue and anyone present was
welcome to stay. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Molly Park,
Mayor Catherine Iago, City
Clerk
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