Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/15/2001

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Councih~aember Hendriksen stated that the business owners are going to say that they want the intersection signalized and not closed off. In the absence of a stop light, they need to do something that makes it a safer intersection. Mayor Gamec replied that the pedestrian crossing the intersection scares him more than the car traffic. He felt that the citizens and the businesses need to get more forcefnl with the state regarding the need for stoplights. He noted that he would be willing to set up a meeting. Case #2: Consider Ordinance to Amend Grading Regulations City Engineer Olson stated that on September 19, 2001, the Public Works Committee directed staf'f to draft an ordinance and bring it to the Plmming Commission to address some concerns relating to the current grading ordinance. The proposed ordinance would: Require an elevation survey at the time of a footing and foundation inspection for new buildings. · Not allow modification of the grade of an existing lot that has an approved grading plan except after review and approval of the City Engineer. · Allow the excavation of ponds with restrictions on size and relationship to the surrounding areas. After further review of the wording of the ordinance, staff suggested changing the verbiage to specify that the placement of the spoil material be done off-site or in a manner that would not alter the drainage patterns of the adjacent properties. · Disallow grades of one percent to be used on submitted drainage plans and would allow grades of less than two percent contingent upon the completion of a certificate of grading that certifies that the grading is completed according to the grading plan. Mayor Gamec inquired if the ordinance would cover a plat where there is a final grading plan. City Engineer Olson replied that the ordinance will give the City more ability to make sure the grading was done correctly the first time. Currently there is not performance standards in the current grading plan. Mr. Olson explained that any grade less than 2 percent is where they run into problems and, tinder this ordinance, the City will be giving the developer the option of doing less than 2 percent, but will be required to hire a surveyor after the grading is done and prove it is done according the approved grading plan. The ordinance gives the City more ability to enforce the final grading plan. Mayor Gamec inquired if the City will be doing an inspection once the final grade is completed. City Engineer Olson replied that the changes in the ordinance have not gone to that extent, but could. He explained that the City of Andover requires that every lot gets a certificate of grading, but most cities handle it on a complaint basis, otherwise they assume the grading is Co~Tect. Mayor Gamec stated that he would like to see that when the plat is completed the City not release the grading permit without a bond. Public Works Committee/May 15, 2001 Page 5 of 13