Minutes - Council - 01/08/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Mundt stated that they are requesting that the City review this because Bunker Lake Boulevard runs along the property and has quite a drop off which would require a very costly trail to be constructed. He stated that if the City requires the trail, some of the costs should be covered by the City, perhaps with TIF funds. He stated that he does not think the trail is needed because it will not connect to any trails on either side and noted that the lifespan of trails is generally 10 to 15 years, so at the time when other trails in the area would be put in, this trail would need to be upgraded. Mayor Gamec stated that he agrees that this would be a difficult area to put in a trail. Associate Planner DaInes stated that this is part of the regional trail corridor, which means the County will eventually install a trail if there is not one in place and the costs will be assessed back to the City. Mayor Gamec suggested that the City collect the trail fees, but not construct the trail. City Engineer Jankowski stated that the engineers that prepared the site plan did not put in a trail, but he spoke with them and they agreed that a trail could be put in, but the biggest cost will be re-grading. He stated that he thinks the City should have a construction easement to allow for a trail to be constructed at a later date. Mayor Gamec stated that he also doesn't think that the City should have a trail put in until Bunker Lake Boulevard is reconstructed. He reiterated that he thinks the City should take the trail fees and wait until the road is improved and then move forward. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that he agreed that the City should collect the trail fees and make sure that the City has the construction easements in place. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to approve the proposed site plan contingent upon compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated November 30, 2007, revised January 3, 2008, specifically addressing the below issues: 1) Collection of satisfactory trail fees and construction easement for future trail construction; 2) Installation of adequate landscaping, as required by the Environmental Coordinator to properly screen the loading dock area from Bunker Lake Boulevard. Further Discussion: Associate Planner DaInes stated that typically the City collects trail fees and requires construction of the trail. She asked whether the motion intended that the City collect standard fees or an escrow for trail construction. Councilmember Elvig stated that he had intended just the standard trail fees. Councilmember Strommen stated that she feels the City should include some construction costs to add on to the trail fee so this is more equitable with what the City has done with other developers. Councilmember Elvig agreed and stated that the City could collect whatever construction costs would be for a regular trail, one without the slope issues that this trail has. City Attorney Goodrich suggested that the original motion be amended to clarify this point. City Council / January 8, 2008 Page 15 of 23