Minutes - Council - 12/12/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #6: Request for Preliminary Plat Approval of Northfork Itasca Shores; Case of North Fork, Inc. Mayor Hardin announced he would abstain from discussing and voting on this issue. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that North Fork, Inc. is requesting preliminary plat approval of another portion of the Northfork P.U.D. They are proposing to plat 11 more lots just north of Lake Itasca. The lots are proposed to receive public access from an 1,100 foot cul-de-sac proposed to be named Itasca Circle, which is a deviation from the grid pattern and requires Council approval. With regard to the cul-de-sac length, staff is recommending approval with a landscaped center island constructed in the bubble to facilitate the movement of larger vehicles to the cul-de-sac bubble and around the center island and back out of the neighborhood again without the need for stopping and backing up to achieve the radius necessary to exit the area. The landscaped center island provides additional area for runoff and snow storage and aesthetically breaks up the expanse of the blacktop. Staff is proposing that the Homeowner's Association be responsible for maintenance of the landscaped center island. In lieu of no alternative or second access to the neighborhood, the developer has agreed to provide an easement extending south from the cul-de-sac bubble to intersect with the trail easement within the power line easement to the south. The combined use of these easements can provide an alternate access to 153rd Avenue in an emergency situation. Staff is recommending that a nine-foot wide bituminous path be constructed in the easement running south off the bubble and west to 153rd Avenue. Staff is also recommending that the developer pave the trail to the east to connect with the existing nail system. The developer would be reimbursed for trail construction running east to connect with the existing trail system at a rate of $6 per foot. Ms. Frolik reported that the Planning Commission voted 6 to 1 to recommend preliminary plat approval. The opposition vote was based on the extended length of the cul-de-sac and the lack of substantial justification for it, other than monetary gain for the developer. Staff is recommending preliminary plat approval. Dennis Peck, Director of Development at Northfork, stated there is no problem with the easements. He stated that the request for the changed street name was for Itasca Shores Circle or Court; however, Ben Deemer had suggested Andrie Court. Councilmember Beyer stated she did not have a problem with the change in the street name providing they stay with street names that are already in the plat. Mr. Peck stated that Andrie is acceptable. Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to grant preliminary plat approval to Northfork Itasca Shores contingent upon developer compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated November 29, 1995, and upon favorable review by the Park and Recreation Commission, and that Council authorizes the name of the street to be Andrie Court or Andrie Circle. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Peterson, Beyer, Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Abstain: Mayor Hardin. Further discussion: Councilmember Beyer felt that the cul-de-sac lengths need to be addressed. Mr. Schroeder stated that it has been understood and stated in the development agreement that we are varying from the City Code. He did not know if there were any issues by Council taking a separate issue. City Attorney Goodrich informed Council that this would not be an issue from a legal standpoint. A public hearing was held and the variance has been presented to the public. However Council decides to do this is fine. City Council/December 12, 1995 Page 7 of 17