Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/01/2005

Home

Organization is responsible for the administration of the Wetland Conservation Act, and the grading and drainage plan will also have to be reviewed and approved by LRRWMO. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik indicated that although the City's pending wetland buffer ordinance has not yet been adopted, the plans include a voluntary wetland buffer ranging in width from 5 feet to 25 feet. She stated that because more than 80 acres of agricultural, native prairie, forest, or naturally vegetated land is being converted to residential use, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet was required.. She indicated the draft EAW was completed and City Council released the draft for the 30 day public comment period. She advised that it is anticipated that the Council will be making a determination on the need for an enviromnental impact statement on August 9th, Assistant Community Development Director Frolik explained that it is City Staff's opinion that the existing wetland along the north boundary of the plat serves as an adequate transition between the urban lots and the rural sized lots to the north. She indicated it is also Staff's opinion that the proposed Conservation Easement along the south plat boundary line is an adequate transition between the urban lots and the rural sized lots to the south. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated that a traffic analysis was prepared as a part of the required Environmental Assessment Worksheet. She indicated that all of the intersections are anticipated to function at acceptable levels of service. She noted that the plat has been designed to include a significant trail link between Central Park and Elmcrest Park, and the development also includes construction of a trail along Variolite Street, south to Alpine Drive. Public Hearing / Chairperson Nixt opened the public hearing at 8:35 p.m. Mr. Peterson indicated that the biggest issues are the trails, which have moved around in the last 10 days. He stated the second issue is the neighbors to the south. He indicated there is strong opposition to Traprock Street going to the south. Mr. Passe stated that Outlot B would be an outlot for a future home site and part of the future street construction for Traprock. He n°ted that a trail on the south boundary, which would put it through Outlot B and make it completely undevelopabie. Mr. Peterson stated a trail along the easterly wetland would destroy the back yards of some of the lots. Commissioner Johnson agreed, adding it would also create law enforcement issues. Bob Hamburg, 15557 Traprock, asked where Staff is on their opinion of the cul-de-sac on Traprock. PlO Planning Commission/August 8, 2005 Page 10 of 26