Agenda - Council - 02/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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alternative drainage and utility easements in connection with the proposed lots in that area which have been deemed satisfactory by the City Engineer. The Final Plat submitted to the City on January 27th, 2017 is generally consistent with the approved Preliminary Plat with changes in the Plat corresponding with requests from the preliminary plat Staff Review Letter dated September 30th, 2016. Generally speaking, the proposed development appears to comply with the minimum standards of the R-1 Residential (MUSA) District. This is based on approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zoning Amendment, and Variances (previously approved by the Planning Commission). The Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on October 6, 2016, and there were no written or verbal comments received. Engineering comments indicate the need to connect an eight (8) inch watermain to the watermain under 166th avenue. The Applicant is aware of this utility comment and that a potential arrangement for a 50/50 cost share approach to complete this improvement may be available. The looping of the watermain will assist with water quality rather than having a long, dead end pipe at the end of the cul-de-sac. It will also assist with minimizing the number of impacted properties as a result of a break in the line. The Applicant has stated a desire to commence with tree clearing and grading activities in advance of recording the plat. The Applicant would like to begin work as soon as possible related to tree clearing due to the restriction on this activity after April 15th due to the concern of potentially introducing Oak Wilt to the area. The Applicant and the City would enter into a second Development Agreement upon the recording of the Final Plat that would cover the remaining public improvements. Both agreements are attached for consideration. Alternatives Alternative 1: Approve the Easement Vacations for the existing trial easement and the drainage and utility easement and approve the Final Plat, contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter dated February 24, 2017. Staff believes that the proposed development is reasonable, compatible with the character of the surrounding Brookfield development, and minimizes impacts to higher quality woodlands (there is an existing Conservation and Trail Easement in place over portions of all lots that abutting Trott Brook) and wetlands. Staff supports Alternative 1. Alternative 2: Deny the Easement Vacations for the existing trail easement and the drainage and utility easement and deny the Final Plat. While the proposed development is similar in nature to the surrounding Brookfield development and is separated from the larger lots to the south and west by a large wetland complex, if the City Council does not support the Final Plat it should deny the Applicant's request. However, the Final Plat is generally in compliance with the approved Preliminary Plat and thus, Staff is not supportive of this alternative. Funding Source: All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant. The project does include consideration of a cost share to complete a watermain loop as noted above. The final amount will be brought forward at a future date for final consideration. Approval of this step does not obligate the City to a financial contribution, but agrees to in concept. If the final costs ultimately are outside of current estimates, the City will be able to re-evaluate at that time. Recommendation: Staff recommends adoption of Resolution # 17-02-051: Vacation of Trail and Drainage and Utility Easements, Final Plat Approval for Brookfield 8th Addition, and entering into a Tree Clearing and Grading Agreement and a Development Agreement, contingent upon review and approval as to legal form by the City Attorney and confirmation of street light charges by Connexus Energy. Action: