Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/09/2015

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Councilmember Development Director Gladhill reviewed the policy questions open for Council direction and asked whether staff should explore options related to Highway 47. Councilmember Kuzma asked if the access is closed, would the City have to acquire property. Community Development Director Gladhill answered in the affirmative and used a slide to point out the private property that would need to be acquired for right-of-way purposes under both driveway alignment options. He explained that property owner has indicated the asking price would be approximately $65,000 for that parcel. Councilmember Riley noted that would be to access a building the City does not intend to use beyond a year or two. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that is correct; however, there are utilities in that temporary access easement that would have to be relocated or abandoned. Councilmember Riley stated the Park and Recreation Commission has consistently recommended no City park in this project, which he supports. Councilmember Johns concurred, noting the close location of Solstice Park. She stated that `park' may mean a trail or other amenity. Councilmember Shryock concurred. Mayor Strommen stated she does not necessarily disagree with that recommendation but at this point in time, the neighborhood has a lot of small children and there is no place for them to go on their own. She agreed that will change over time, but felt it was worth discussion in how to provide opportunities for children to have outdoor play time without a scheduled visit accompanied by an adult. She asked if the Council wants to provide those opportunities or if that is being provided in another way. Councilmember Shryock stated she lives off Emerald Pond Park in an urban area where a lot of residents, because they are busy, have their own play equipment so children play in that way. She felt it was almost an automatic given that people provide their own play equipment in their yards. She stated there is other infrastructure to be considered, such as trails, noting most of the proposed yards will be of reasonable size and able to accommodate private play structures. Councilmember Shryock felt that should suffice at this point, so she does not support requiring a dedicated City park within this development. Planning Commission Chair Levine stated the Planning Commission wrestled with that point and came up with the same conclusion and that the Elementary School is across the street and provides a larger -sized play area for younger and up through teen -aged children. He noted the school has vey nice play equipment.