HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-19 NAC Memorandum to OPHAORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
5775 ayzat a Boulevard, Suite 555, St. Louis Bark., MN 55441
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TO: Kimberly Kamper
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: March 19, 2002
ICE: Oak Park Heights ® McKean Square East
FILE NO: 798.02 02.07
The City Council has asked staff to look at issues related to a joint powers or a shared
services agreement for the McKean square East development proposed in Baytown
Township. As you are aware, VSSA has proposed a continuation of the Boutwells
Landing project in 21.5 acres of the Township to include a 110 independent living facility
and nine one -plea units. The proposal is to leave the area in the Township but serve
the development with utilities from Oak Park Heights. The proposed development
would be totally accessed by existing and proposed streets in Oak Park Heights. It is
unclear to me if VSSA has proposed any sharing of tax revenues between the Township
or city in the joint powers or shared services agreement.
I would offer the following comments related to sharing of services, annexation and land
use.
1. The city should not consider any proposal for providing utilities for properties
within Baytown Township. Once a city has agreed to extend utilities, there is
little incentive for the property owner or the Township to discuss later annexation.
The city should insist on annexation of this parcel before project development.
As a second option, the city could consider a five year orderly annexation
agreement. A copy of the Minnesota Statute sections related to annexation by
ordinance and orderly annexation are attached.
2. Even though the parcel of land is less than 00 acres, the City cannot declare the
land annexed by ordinance unless the property owner petitions for annexation. It
is my understanding that the current property owner is not willing to petition for
annexation or sell the land to vssA if they intend to annex.
3. The statute on annexation by ordinance outlines the formula for sharing of
property taxes between the Township and the City. For orderly annexation, the
Township and city can negotiate a sharing of tax revenues over the annexation
period.
4. All of the access for McKean Square East would be from roadways within oak
Park Heights. Most, if not all of the services, shopping, parks and recreation for
McKean Square East residents would be provided within or by the City of oak
Park Heights. The City should not agree to a joint powers or shared services
agreement whereby all of the tax benefits would go to the Township and all of the
expense of servicing the property and its residents would be borne by the City.
5. From a land use perspective that ignores jurisdictional borders, the proposed site
plan is favorable. The setting proposed for the independent living facility
provides a natural setting with good proximity to the Autumn Hills Park and the
main campus of the Boutwells Landing development. The trail systems, existing
wetlands and garden plaza will greatly add to the amenities of the entire project
while providing a buffer for Township residents to the east.
PC: Kris Danielson
Mark vierling
ON