Minutes - Council - 06/14/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Assistant Public Works Director Olson responded in the affirmative. Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated he believes the property owners would prefer not to have any impact, but if there is to be a solution, the 33/33 split would likely be the most acceptable. As far as the impact to the wetland, the requirements are first of all to avoid, then to minimize, and lastly to mitigate. If the City were to proceed with a split other than the 33/33, they would need to demonstrate to the WMO that it is the best alternative, that they are minimizing, and that there is no way to avoid it. Councilmember Elvig stated part of his reluctance is the unknowns about Potassium Street. He noted that some of the Council discussions have included consideration of eminent domain. It is not known what this road access would cost the City, and he is concerned about setting a precedent of buying properties and easements to front projects. He indicated he likes the direction of Option 2, which takes the cul-de-sac and runs it out to CR 5. The area of old CR 5 and Alpine Drive is a problem area and this would mitigate some of those problems. Also, it moves the burden of cost to build the road from the City to the developer. In addition, it will provide a much more accessible traffic area for the residents on both of these projects. He stated there are portions of this project he has never liked, such as Lots 8, 9 and 10. However, he does like the fact that there will be an association. He stated the road issue is a deal stopper in his mind. He suggested the possibility of Option 2 with an exit on the north side of old CR 5, with a right-out. One more option would be to try to negotiate with Will Thompson regarding the large point south of his pond. If they were to close the two cul-de-sacs and turn the north one back as a private road, they could have a potential egress south of Mr. Thompson's pond. Councilmember Olson stated she is not in favor of doing anything with old CR 5 at this time, due to the potential for redevelopment in this area. She asked if it is correct that this area has not been a big issue with accidents. Assistant Public Works Director Olson responded that is correct. However, a problem noted at the public heating for the initial preliminary plat was that the north bound traffic traveling on Nowthen Boulevard puts their signal on and takes a right into the southbound entrance of old CR 5. Westbound drivers assume the vehicles are taking a right on Alpine Drive, and there have been a lot of near misses. Councilmember Jeffrey stated the intersection of old CR 5, CR 5 and Alpine Drive is a disaster waiting to happen. He indicated he likes Option 2 with the cul-de-sac to the one end and the right-out on the north end, as Councilmember Elvig suggested. He likes the potential of a new entrance onto CR 5 into this development to reduce some of the traffic on Potassium Street. He agrees they need to close off the one end of old Nowthen Boulevard because of safety hazards, and likes the road that is proposed to go out to CR 5, but there is not a good resolve on Potassium Street. Councilmember Elvig indicated he agrees with Councilmember Olson that this area is ripe for redevelopment. He suggested the City may want to be proactive on this and could try to negotiate a first right of refusal on properties in this area. City Council / June 14, 2005 Page 9 of 29