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Center City Council met August 4 for a regular meeting.  All members were present. There were 38 people in attendance.

Council began the meeting with an open forum to address a potential variance approval and approval of a zoning map change and a possible approval of a plat for four new homes on the existing old jail site which is currently zoned commercial (2 lots).

Resident Mychale Hinners spoke first asking why the city would consider splitting two lots into four.  Hinners told the council they should uphold current ordinances.

Resident Ken Nordstrom presented a petition with 53 signatures to the council from citizens opposing the future four home development.

Sarah Johnson, who lives across Main Street from the proposed project, told council she would love new neighbors, but was saddened the new homes would create a wall blocking view of the lake.  Johnson also voiced her concerns about parking issues along Main Street.

Council later during the meeting had a lengthy discussion about the development where council member Mark Wolcott asked if the city could hold one more public hearing to hear more citizens' thoughts.  

Council member Sally Swanson thanked all who spoke.  Swanson reminded the audience the city has indeed given out variances in the past so this is not new.  Swanson said in 2009 the city’s comp plan stated that parcel(s) should be kept commercial.  Swanson said the city has since deemed that a commercial business could pose traffic issues.  “The city can not make this a park, we do need taxes,” Swanson added.  Swanson also told the audience the county had received no serious offers in three years. Council agreed the property could be zoned for anyone who showed concrete interest in the property.  “I am in favor of zoning R-1 which is single family homes instead of R-2 which would include apartment buildings) Swanson said.

Council member Lloyd Vetter added he agreed that R-1 is a good fit for the property.

Wolcott asked developer Don Skelly if he was seeking city assistance such as tax abatement for the project.  Skelly answered he was seeking $25,000 to help with costs of the project.  Skelly pointed out that he did the same with his developments in Chisago City.  Wolcott added that he thought a park dedication fee for the project of $32,000 was excessive.

Council then voted 4-1 with Wolcott voting against to change the zoning to R-1.

On a motion by Swanson the council voted in favor of  a variance to reduce the minimal lot size from 9,236 to 9,184 and lessening the lot widths to 55 feet.  The motion passed 3-2 with Wolcott and Vetter voting against.

On a motion by Swanson council granted approval of the preliminary plat to be known as North Center Lake Villas.  The motion again passed by a margin of 3-2 with Wolcott and Vetter voting against.

Council next discussed Hursh Ironworks and their plan to relocate to Taylors Falls.  City clerk Dana Miron told council she was told the building permit applications have been submitted to the County but due to the ongoing strike the turnaround for approval is anywhere from three to five weeks. 

In the Public Works report Maintenance supervisor Jeff Andersen told council he was getting a quote to fix some bad bearings in the lift station  nearest the county jail.  A temporary used pump is currently installed and functioning.

Andersen told the council he had received three bids for replacing playground timbers in Water Tower Park and installing new mulch.  Andersen told the council the bids varied from $15,200 to $24,900.  Council agreed to hire Finish Line Landscaping for $15,647 because their bid included composite timbers which have a lifespan of 30-40 years.

Council adjourned at 8:39pm.

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