Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/10/2003

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Principal Planner Trudgeon advised the majority of the Town Center Addition plat is not subject to density transition requirements since the plat is surrounded by County roads and commercial and industrial uses. However, future development of Outlot A will be subject to density transition requirements since they will be abutting existing residential lots. He indicated this will only apply in TC-4A. He indicated Staff feels it is important to look at tree preservation closely due to the size and high visibility of this development. He noted there are some large clusters of existing trees they hope to save, and some less significant ones that they will not try to preserve. He indicated an acceptable tree preservation plan will need to be reviewed and approved prior to City Council approval of the preliminary plat. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated that according to City Code, sidewalks are required on one side of all public non-cul-de-sac streets. It appears from the street sections that this requirement is being met, however Staff would like an exhibit prepared showing the location of all sidewalks and trails within the Town Center since the focus is to be a pedestrian friendly development. He indicated the developer has been meeting with the Ramsey Park and Recreation Commission to discuss the creation of parks within the Town Center developments. He noted the plat of Town Center Addition shows over 35 acres designated as parks, and the Park and Recreation Commission is still reviewing the proposed parks to make a determination on what parks they will accept to meet the park dedication and what park dedication fees, if any, will be charged for the plat. He stated Staff has noted that a lot of the parks are covered with drainage and utility easements for storm water management purposes, which will reduce the effective use of the parks, assuming they are, will, or could be under water. He indicated Staff needs to have a breakdown for each park area that lists the amount of acreage within easements and areas outside of the easements, also. Principal Planner Trudgeon advised that the Development Agreement is usually drafted at final plat, which the Planning Commission does not review, however due to the magnitude of this project Staff felt more comfortable arranging for the Planning Commission to see this one. Commissioner Johnson asked who was working on the Development Agreement. Principal Planner Trudgeon indicated Jim Norman, City Administrator, and Bill Goodrich, City Attorney, as well as others on the list provided to the Planning Commission. Principal Planner Trudgeon introduced Pete Raatikka of Hakanson Anderson who is working for the City in reviewing the engineering plans for Town Center. He indicated Consultant Raatikka has been involved with the project since late last year. Consulting Engineer Raatikka reviewed his memo on the Ramsey Town Center, indicating that many of the points are minor issues, but there are a few that are more significant. He reviewed those points as follows: Drainage and utility easements for public utilities crossing outlots and within private streets were not shown on the preliminary plat. He indicated this is an important one. Planning Commission/July 10, 2003 Page 18 of 21