10/16/79 Workshop - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regarding Item 7, "Reducing road standards for decreased development costs", Gerald Zimmerman said that sewer and water could not be installed in sand with a 50 foot right of way, that people's lawns wilt fall in, gas lines could get tied up, and in general more taxpayer money is spent in the long nm. He feels we should have the proper right of way to start with. Ben Deemer stated that he did not feel it would reduce development costs that much. That the developer would gain about one extra building site. However, when sewer and water is available, it may be feasible at that time to consider only a 50 foot right of way. Comments were made regarding front setbacks, and that if anything is reduced, it s~uld be that. Regarding Page 4, Item 8, it was noted that the City doesn't require blacktopping in the urban area at this time. However, it is the developers who wish to put in the suburban type street because it takes care of the drainage and requires less space than a rural section. Also, because of the cost involved in escrowing monies to pay for this down the line, which they do not care to do. Engineer Raatikka commented that a 50 foot right of way did not leave enough room to install sewer and water facilities without considerable problems in the sandy soil conditions. He noted that if the front yard setback is reduced it may create problems for those persons who install their septic systems and drainfields in the front of their homes because it will cut down on the room necessary for this type of installation. Engineer Raatikka presented the map which he and Dexter roughed up on the transportation plan. He presented the City ~A maps. Chairman Paterson questioned if it is feasible to put streets through these areas because of the low land, housing etc., as proposed on this transportation plan. Ben Deemer suggested some alternative east/west street patterns. Discussion held that the City already limits access on collector streets by City ordinance (Page 3, Item 4, under Plan). Chairman Paterson suggested the City consider taking additional right of way for pedestrian and non-m~torized vehicles of about six feet of pavement along one side of some o~f the City streets. Administrator Schnelle suggested that the P & Z Commission meet with the Council about the possibility of floating a bond issue for the cost of striping and marking and signing these trails. Chairman Peterson asked Street Superintendent Mevissen if cul de sacs were giving the street department any problems, if there were too many. Mr. Mevissen said that cUl de sacs make snow removal a problem because there is twice as much s~ow and there is no place to put it except in people's driveways and yards. P & Z WORKSHOP 10/16/79 Pg, 5