With Austin's industrial park on the city's northeast side nearly full, the need for similar space has caused the city to act on developing the Cook Farm property.

The 152-acre property is located to the east of U.S. Highway 218 and north of Kmart. According to a city memo, city council members will be discussing the need to further develop the property during a council retreat 4 p.m. Tuesday at the J.C. Hormel Nature Center.

"The City of Austin's intended use of this property is to be used as a future industrial/business park," the memo said. "At the time of acquisition, there was not an immediate need for this type of use, as there were still remaining lots in the Austin Industrial Park Northeast. Over the last years the Austin Industrial Park Northeast has reached 95 percent capacity with approximately six acres remaining. In order to develop the Cook Farm, infrastructure consisting of sanitary sewer and water needs to be extended to the site."

For off-site infrastructure improvements, the memo states that a sanitary sewer line "would have to be extended from the south. The extension of the sanitary sewer would allow for development to occur rapidly to meet the needs of any future industry."

Internal infrastructure improvements would include water, sanity sewer lines, storm sewer lines, curb and gutters, streets, lighting and trails.

The council will be asked to consider a schedule that would enable the project to be completed in five separate phases.

In other matters scheduled for the meeting:

n The council is expected to hear from James Brimeyer, a consultant hired by the city to help conduct the search to replace City Administrator Patrick McGarvey.

Brimeyer is expected to give a presentation on the Carver governance model. Following the presentation, there will be time for discussion, comments and questions.

n The council is expected to discuss the state budget situation and will address its own budget reduction plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

n The council plans to discuss issues relating to the Austin Municipal Airport, capital projects through the public works department, storm water management and possible additional trails for the future.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at :mailto:dan.fields@austindailyherald.com