12/07/1994 - City Council Special
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
December 7, 1994
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Wednesday, December 7, 1994 at 5:00
p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. Present were Mayor Egan and Councilmembers Wachter, Awada,
Hunter and Masin. Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Community Development Director
Peggy Reichert, Director of Public Works Tom Colbert, and Community Development Director Peggy
Reichert.
CONSIDERATION/DIRECTION FOR A CENTRAL AREA PLANNING TASK FORCE
Administrator Hedges gave a brief recap of the developments resulting from the concepts for the
O'Neil property. He noted that originally, the City Council Intended to hold a public hearing on this Issue
on November 29. At that time it was decided that a public hearing was premature and that perhaps it would
be best If a task force were formed to provide public Input to the Council regarding a vision for development
of this property.
Community Development Director Reichert discussed the need to proceed with the concept and
composition of the Task Force and recommended that its first meeting be scheduled for January 9. She
further stated that the developer has designed and planned a retail use for this property and is very anxious
to get City approval and begin development. She stressed the need for the City Council and staff to remain
noncommittal regarding the current proposals for this property. She further stated that the developer may
try to pressure the City with a 'take it or leave it' approach by claiming a limited window of opportunity
exists in which this development may occur. City Councilmembers stated that the City needs to develop
a vision and plan for this area, rather than focusing on environmental/zoning guidelines In discussions
regarding this area.
Mayor Egan relayed his Impressions of the City's needs and vision for this area. He stated that he
does not believe there is public support for more retail stores like K-Mart. There was consensus that a
development along the lines of a Lund's or Byerly's would best fit the needs of the City.
Discussion about composition of the Task Force followed. All agreed that membership should
Include representatives of the City Council, Economic Development Commission, Advisory Parks, Recreation
& Natural Resources Commission, Advisory Planning Commission, and members of the community.
Members of the Task Force would serve as liaison to the various advisory bodies and the community at-
large, and thus should be people capable of building support and consensus for the vision. Public Works
Director Colbert suggested that perhaps it would be wise to Include a county representative In the Task
Force. It was also suggested that someone representing the school district be involved.
The meeting adjourned to executive session at 5:45 p.m.
December 7, 1994 'U~
Date City Clerk