HomeMy WebLinkAbout9B - Jeffers Pond Process
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 20, 2001
AGENDA #: 9B
PREPARED BY: Frank Boyles, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REPORT SUGGESTING A PROCESS FOR
ADDRESSING THE JEFFER'S PROPERTY CONCEPT PLAN.
DISCUSSION: History: Representatives of the Jeffer's Pond development were present at the
City Council forum on August 6th. The development team is diverse, consisting of
Mr. Paul Oberg (executor and attorney of the estate of Mr. Bob Jeffers), Warren
Jeffers (Bob Jeffers nephew), Kelly Murray (representing Wensmann as one
developer), Jim Deanovich (the other developer on the project). Also present was
the development team's architect.
The development team shared some concept plans with the City Council. They
indicated that the total property for development is 348 acres of which 122 acres
are wetland and 50 acres are forested. The property is to be developed as a
multiple Planned Unit Development consisting of up to 1000 dwelling units
including multi-family for seniors, town homes and single-family. The petition will
involve re-zoning the property and, because of the size of the development, is
likely to involve significant environmental examination. Part of the property is to
become an interpretive center possibly operated by the County park system.
The developers to date have discussed the project with Scott County, the
Watershed District, Department of Natural Resources, City and Scott-Hennepin
Parks.
Current Circumstances: The developer has prepared very general conceptual
drawings of the proposed development. For example, they do not identify
structures, utilities or streets. The developer has asked the City Council a series
of questions about the development. The Council did not provide responses both
because of the general nature of the information provided, and the time available
to discuss the matter.
The staff was directed to propose how these questions can be answered so the
developer can proceed knowing the expectations of each party.
Conclusion: The proposed Jeffers Pond project is potentially more complex and
environmentally sensitive than either The Wilds project (580 acres and 656
dwelling units) or Deerfield (222 acres and 540 dwelling units). The proposed
housing is diverse and density considerable. The nature center proposal raises
policy questions the City Council has not considered.
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
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I recommend that the City Council appoint two Council members (I suggest Mayor
Mader and Councilmember Gundlach) who will work with the City's Development
Review Committee from concept through final plan for this development. Two
Councilmembers cannot speak on behalf of the Council. Nor is it appropriate that
they assume the staff's role. But, the two Councilmembers could monitor and
communicate the status of the project and clarify policy issues as appropriate. By
being present at the DRC meetings, they will be familiar with the project in detail.
This familiarity will facilitate a better decision-making process.
I believe the first step toward moving this project forward is for the City to
convene a single meeting involving all parties. At the meeting the developers
could review their concepts and respond to questions from the various agencies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, each agency can then identify for the
developers the minimum information they require to address the policy issues
raised by the developers.
Once the developers respond to such information requests, the respective bodies
can consider the questions posed and in a subsequent meeting, share their
responses with the developers. With these key questions answered, the
developer can then decide if they wish to complete and submit a petition for
development.
ISSUES: Given the size, complexity and questions raised by this development, all parties
are best served if the Council and staff work together to address key policy
issues. In addition to expediting the process, a better development will be
possible and the land can be better protected.
ALTERNATIVES: (1) Appoint a City Council subcommittee to work with the Development Review
Committee on the Jeffer's Pond project.
(2) Direct the staff to convene a meeting of all parties to identify information
which is needed to address the policy issues raised by the developers.
(3) Take no action and direct the staff to prepare other alternatives.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
REVIEWED BY:
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