Agenda - Council - 08/23/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Northstar Commuter Rail Station — Site Plan July 29, 2011, Revised August 17, 2011 Page 2 of 2 on Sheet C116. Ramsey City Code requires four (4) inches of Premium Topsoil Borrow (MN DOT Spec 3877) over all disturbed areas not otherwise improved and to remain consistent with all projects, the use of this material should be incorporated for all areas being established with turf. Staff will be asking for direction from City Council regarding the extensive use of a residential seed mix and the proposed limited areas of irrigation. Whether the irrigation limits remain as proposed or are expanded, the plans indicate connection to the municipal water supply. While there is no issue with this approach, it is important to note that this water is extremely hard and its' use will most likely result in staining of the concrete surfaces. All concrete surfaces should be sealed to prevent such staining. Architectural Standards: The exterior finish of the proposed rail station includes a combination of cast -in - place concrete, metal paneling and glass. The structure includes sun shades on each of the enclosed elevator/stair towers as well. Height of the structure is roughly forty (40) feet. There is a proposed radio antenna located on the roof of the pedestrian bridge and it is unclear from the plans what the height of this antenna will be. Please provide clarification on the antenna height. Signage: The plans also include a sign package for the rail station. Most of the signage will be located on the platforms and appear to be instructional. Two ground signs, SA.2 and SA.4 as labeled on Sheet C119, will identify the site as the Ramsey Station and will be positioned on the south side of Civic Center Drive near the entrances to the station. The details submitted for the signage have been reviewed and are sufficient enough that no additional sign permit will be required. Any future signs noted on the plan will be subject to review by the City and may potentially require a sign permit. Fencing: A six (6) foot tall chain link fence is shown between the inbound and outbound tracks as well as around the southern edge of the station site (on the City -owned parcel). The proposed fencing complies with current fence regulations. The use of vinyl (or other material) slats for screening purposes shall not be permitted. Drainage and Grading: Staff has reviewed the drainage and grading plans and any previous concerns and/or comments have been addressed in the final plans. Access: The rail station will not have direct vehicle access. Parking for the rail station will be accommodated by the municipal parking structure across Civic Center Dr NW. There are two pedestrian entrances for the station at the east and west ends of the outbound platform. City Staff has reviewed these accesses and finds them acceptable. The City Council will be meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at the Ramsey Municipal Center, 7550 Sunwood Dr NW, to review the proposed site plan. You or your representative may want to be present to answer any questions that may arise. Thank you for your cooperation in this process. If you have any questions, please call us at (763) 427-1410. Respectfully, CITY OF RAMSEY Chris Anderson Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator