Laserfiche WebLink
and issue for over 18 months. She asked what would be stopping the City from vacating the St. <br />Claires' portion of the easement and allowing any future needs to be accommodated by the other <br />property if that property wants to develop. She commented that the St. Claires have done a lot in <br />trying to make things work and follow the path they are directed upon. <br />Chairperson Riley commented that the variance has been issued and clarified that the issue <br />remaining is related to the vacation of the easement. <br />City Engineer Westby identified the right-of-way that would be necessary for a full cul-de-sac, <br />which would go way into the driveway and therefore would not be an option. He stated that staff <br />has discussed this and decided to take that off the menu because it would not work. He stated that <br />in order to allow the other property to develop, perhaps four or five lots could be created on that <br />other property. He stated that if that property owner wanted to retain the existing home, they <br />would need to ensure the setbacks work. He stated that they are attempting to avoid issues in the <br />future without knowing what would happen in the future. He stated that they want to ensure that <br />whatever is done, the property could be served by the roadway. He stated that staff could work <br />with the St. Claires to develop the solution. <br />Mr. St. Claire confirmed that they are willing to work with staff. <br />Chairperson Riley asked the benefit that this would provide to the City. <br />City Engineer Westby replied that he does not have an answer for that. <br />Chairperson Riley asked if it would be a mistake to let the easement go and then need it back in <br />the future. <br />City Engineer Westby confirmed that would complicate future development if that were to occur. <br />Mr. St. Claire commented that Ramsey Elementary has a wetland preservation teaching path and <br />walkway through the back of the school and the area behind his home. He stated that they have <br />zero artificial light in the back of the property, which is home to several different types of wildlife. <br />He stated that homes do not have to be built everywhere. He stated that the neighborhood is all <br />old houses, and it would not make sense to develop new homes on the same road. He noted that <br />if the other property is developed, it could be served by a private road. <br />Mrs. St. Claire commented that if there were a road put in, it would change the character and use <br />of their property. <br />Mr. St. Claire commented that whatever the City wants to do, it would need to take over a section <br />of their property. He commented on the landscaping, trees, and boulders on their property. <br />Mrs. St. Claire commented that they have been in a spot where they do not know what will happen <br />and has put them in the position twice to have conversations with their neighbor which they do not <br />want to have as they have not been pleasant. <br />Public Works Committee / October 19, 2021 <br />Page 11 of 18 <br />