Abby Nadeau
Staff Writer

Street improvements were at the top of everyoneís list last night as the Forest Lake city council heard two separate public hearings for Jeffrey Ave., Fondant Ave., and 216th St. North.

While many people agreed with the council that work had to be done on the debilitated roads, people questioned to what extent improvements needed to be made.

On Jeffrey Ave., which is located on the north side of third lake, the city is looking to pay $174,500 on a $319,000 project. Much of the city money would come from the city street fund and maintenance fund. The rest would be assessed to the property owners along the road.

City engineer Phil Gravel estimated 18 people would be charged $9,000 for access to the road.

Although cost was an issue, many people were concerned with usage, dust, erosion and maintenance.

Resident Bill House agreed that the road should be totally tarred and guttered, but he questioned the drainage that flows right into Cranberry Lake and asked what would be done about erosion. Gravel stated the city is evaluating the erosion issue and what can be done in the most cost effective manner.

Gravel noted that the improvements being made would at least last 10 to 15 years, but ìthere isnít anything to say this couldnít last 20 to 25 years.î

The council tackled each question about the roads and agreed with the residents that all the improvements would be made and maintained by the city.

Soon after, a public hearing was held for the improvements to be made on Fondant Ave. and 216th St.

Again, residents approached the council about their concerns for the erosion along the road, culverts and a bus turn around, all of which the council stated would be worked out as the project moves along.

Council member Susan Young made the motion to move along and request the engineering signs and specs for both projects. However, she modified the order in which the council will move along with the project.

ìI want to change it so that we have the assessment hearing before we award the contract and the council is going to be notified when we know when the exact cost is going to be...î

Both motions were approved 5-0.

Other business

The council agreed to settle their suit with the Forest Lake Community Association.

Paul Merwin, from the League of Minnesota Cities stated that ìall parties agreed to dismiss all claims.î

Because the two agreed outside of court, there were no settlement costs to the suit.

The FLCA filed suit against the city questioning their approval process for Duffy Developmentís affordable housing complex, Forest Ridge-.

The city also changed their zoning ordinance to add information on signage.

Community Developer Director Doug Borglund presented an example of a propertyís possible development sign.

An example of the sign would read ìPublic Notice. This property is proposed for development. For further information please contact the City of Forest Lake.î

ìThe sign could go up very early in the process, as soon as the city accepts the concept plansî Borglund said. ìPeople would have the knowledge that something might occur and itís one way with identifying with citizenry.î

Council members agreed that the additional communication was needed.

ìI prefer this, this informs the public eye,î said council member Rick Ashbach. ìThey can contact the developer and itís a nice way to let people know before a preliminary plat.î

The changes to the zoning ordinance were made on a 3-2 vote. Mayor Terry Smith, Ashbach voted no while Young, Judy Bull and Greg Ochs voted yes.

The city council also voted to approve the hiring of Trena Blume as the new receptionist/intermediate accounting position. The council voted 4-0, with Young abstaining.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605