Minutes - Council - 04/25/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Mitchell replied that Ramsey has a certain amount of land. Figure out what we have and sell that - then it's done. Property values will increase. Residents want development to slow down so the City can stay the way it is. Councilmember Zimmerman stated it's not a matter of "slamming the door shut", it's getting along with neighbors. Our roads are crowded, our parks are crowded, and we should consider the development that's already here. City Attorney Goodrich stated that with regard to the cul-de-sac, it does require a variance so this subdivision could be denied subject to redraft. That is not to say that the City hasn't granted variances in the past; however, we would not be required to grant a variance just because it has been done in the past. He cautioned that there would have to be a rationale for the action taken as Council cannot discriminate. Councilmember Zimmerman remembered that the City did mm a plat down because the cul- de-sac was over the 600 feet. Mr. Goodrich stated that the sketch plan was submitted on February 15, 1995, the preliminary plan on March 20, 1995. State Statutes says you have to approve or deny a preliminary plat within 120 days from its initial application. Thus, action needs to be taken on this plat within 120 days from February 15. He informed Council they could 1) table this and discuss the situation regardirig a variance on the cul-de-sac; 2) discuss perhaps reducing the density; 3) approve as proposed including a variance; or 4) deny plat and recommend Staff draft findings appropriate to the denial. Mark Kleckncr, current owner of the land, stated that he approached the City in June 1994. He was told it was zoned urban transition and that minimum lot size would be 10 acres. He submitted a plat for two 10-acre parcels, with no extension of 151st. He then had conversation with Staff and they were under the opinion he should walt because of the MUSA. He waited, the MUSA was expanded and his property was included. Last June, he was directed by Staff to show plans with the sewer expanded. He stated that 2.5 acres was not allowed last fall - then it was expected to change - we waited - it changed. He added he certainly hopes that the City doesn't make him wait again. Steve Croteau, 5939 - 151st Lane N.W., Ramsey, commented on the 600-foot minimum for cul-de-sacs. When Haubrich Addition was developed, there was a variance needed and it was probably justified because there was only a maximum of five houses. It probably would not be a public safety issue. Mr. Croteau felt that there is a safety concern with Fox Knoll. He believed that the 600-foot minimum is in place because of safety issues and he feels that City Council should not compromise that sort of policy to compensate this development. Once the 22 homes are built, there will be 64 cars coming down the 1/3 mile on 151st Lane. If we are forced to develop our 2.5 acres because of sewer and water, that number will grow to 108 cars. He added that this 600-foot minimum was not discussed at the Planning Commission level. Mr. Murray stated he, for 14 years, has been living in a similar situation. There are 40 homes but no traffic problems. Not all the cars are on the road at the same time. Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to grant preliminary plat approval to Fox Knoll, including a variance for the cul-de-sac. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Peterson and Beahen. Voting No: Councilmember Beyer and Zimmerman. City Council/April 25, 1995 Page 14 of 23