Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/03/2005

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Councilmember [!lvig indicated his suggestion would be to eliminate approximately 30 percent of the units. They should be replaced with a larger sized and quality unit that would be sold at a higher price. Councilmember Strommen concurred. She explained she does not necessarily have a problem with the detached townhomes, but she does have a problem with this whole development and how it is being laid out. This looks like an R-2 development without any benefits of the PUD to the City. Other concerns are the buffer between the private street and the neighboring properties to the north. She also has concerns regarding Potassium Street, and this should be looked into. Above and beyond that, the Environmental Policy Board discussed the policy of drafting a. wetland buffer ordinance. This ordinance will not apply to this development, but she hopes the developer would be willing to meet some of the aspects of that policy. The wetland is a great feature of this piece of property. Councilmember Cook stated he does not have a problem with the concept ~of the PUD or the detached townhomes. He is concerned that the number of units has been increased. He thinks the reason for the PUD is to help protect the wetlands and the PUD will allow them to utilize this wetland and greenspace. The developer should concentrate on reducing the number of units, providing more greenspace, andproviding some sort of recreational area in the greenspace for the residents. Councilmember Jeffrey stated he agrees regarding the density and the greenspace. His big concern is the location of Potassium Street~ and it should be centered if possible. Assistant Public Works Director Olson clarified the discussion regarding Potassium Street is to shift the road over 33 feet and give 33 feet back to the property owner to the east. Mayor Gamec expressed concern with the length of the Street extending to the cUl-de-sac. This street should be reviewed with the Public Works Department to be sure there are no plowing concerns. He stated he is not concerned with the detached town,homes, but has concern with the density and the buffering. It would be nice to have an area for the residents to get together, possibly with a gazebo. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained the street extending to the cul-de-sac was first' proposed as a private street. Staff had concerns about the length of the street and requested it be a public street. Councilmember Pearson commented he likes the detached townhome concept. He suggested the residents drive around and look at some of the detached townhomes to see how nice some of them are. City Attorney Goodrich advised the next step will be preliminary plat and a public hearing at the Planning Commission. P26 City Council/January 25, 2005 Page 10 of 24