Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/05/2004

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homestead an~ one for. the applicants' daughter and son-in-law. The subject area is located outside the MUSA and is zoned R-1 Rural Developing. The subject property is also located within the Ruin River Scenic River Overlay District. The proposed plat meets the requirements set forth for tills district. Additionally, staffhas received comments from the DNR, wlfich has no major concerr~ about the proposed plat. The applicant was granted a variance to the subdivision standards (put~lic road access requirements) by the Board of Adjustment on October 2, 2003. There is no ~ublic road that accesses the proposed plat. Staff was recommending that the development agreement for the plat include language that outlines the applicants and the City's responsibilih~ for upgrading the private road easement to public road standards. Both lots will be served by sbpti¢ systems. Park dedication, trail fees, and stormwater management fees will be collected for the additional lot. Councilmemb~er Elvig stated that he did not have any concerns with-the sPlit of the lot, but he did have a conce~ with the park dedication recommendation. The City has been discussing the idea of implementihg a Greenways plan and perhaps this was an opportunity to negotiate with the property own~ for a greenway access or an easement for a trail. Councilmemb~r Cook noted that there is grant money available to protect some of the green- spaces in the ~, ity. He stated that it may be beneficial to cover the Piece of land to protect it as a natural area. ~ Councilmember Strommen agreed that this would be a perfect opportunity to initiate a project. Motion by COuncilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to table action to allow for mor~ discussion on the Greenway opp0rmnities. Further discusS,Sion: Councilmember Elvig noted that he was not suggeSting that the city was going to put a itrail through the property, but the City may be willing to compensate the property owner to place, an easement on the property to prevent building from occurring on certain areas. Wayne MelO¢~e, 17400 Erkium Street NW, Ramsey, explained that this matter was discussed greatly with t~e Mr. Riverblood, and other members of staff. The process is not done as far as they are conc{rned, but the agreement had been made to move forward with the payment of $1,800 in parl~ dedication because the area identified for the trail is above his land. He may be interested in thre dedication of some of the low land near the Trott Brook. Mr. Meloche stated that staff had advised him to work with his attorney to determine what the best option would be and assured hltn that there were no time constramts. It was his goal to keep the land in its natural state. CounCl .l~ember Cook inquired if Mr. Meloche would consider placing an easement on his property forla iGreenway. Mr. Meloche replied that he was not sure an easement was the fight word. Coun~:ilmember Strommen explained Mr. Meloche was talking about a perpetual conservation oasement, which severs the development fights from land ownership to a private land trust so treat Mr. Meloche would receive a tax benefit. Councilmember Elvig stated that it sounded as if!they were on the same page and that is why he was suggesting that they table action so theY~ could get a better understanding of what would need to occur. Mr. Meloche replied that th,at was problematic to them because this has already been a long process and they would like to t~reak ground. City Administrator Norman noted that a letter is being sent to all of the property qwners along the .Trott Brook corridor explaining the Greenways project. City Attorney Goqdrich inquired if there were any~60-day timeline concerns. Community Development Director Frolik replied no. Councilmember Elvig inquired if there was any type of City Council/December 9, 2003 Page 7 of 21 P55