Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/31/2006

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Planning Commission expressed a great deal of concern with the potential impact an increase on density would have on the integrity of this tmique piece of property. In the opinion of the Commission, the sketch plan did not meet the intent of the PUD ordinance as far as preserving and enhancing the natural features of the land, and was being used to get a density bonus. Ms. Frolik advised subsequently, the developer has revised the sketch plan to 170 single family lots. The sketch plan proposes connection to Sodium Street N.W. in Fox Ridge, an access at Sunfish Lake Blvd, and an access at Sunwood Drive. A connection with 148th Avenue N.W. to the east should also be planned. There are some double frontage lots that will be revised prior to the sketch plan going before the Planning Commission at their regular meeting in March. Mayor Gamec expressed his preference for the single family sketch plan being presented, rather than the previously submitted PUD sketch plan. Councilmember Strommen inquired if there are plans for a trail along the lake that would connect into the greenway. Mr. Feges replied there was discussion about a trail connection on the lake, but there seemed to be a lot of controversy from The Village of Sunfish Lakes in regards to trails in the back of people's homes. So, they have looked at trying to connect the trail system on the west side of the lake, and to bring that trail system as a circulation inside, connecting to Sunwood Drive. In addition, there are access points of open area to get down to the lake and move through the community as well. Councilmember Strommen stated there is an opportunity to create public amenity on this lake with the trail being put in before the homes are purchased. Once the homes are built there would be controversy regarding the trail. Mayor Gamec stated he disagrees. He likes the idea of a trail, but these will likely be very nice homes and it would be a hindrance to have a trail going through the yards. Mr. Feges suggested options be explored with the park system to ensure that the circulation of the trail ties together with the regional system and is complimentary to the design of the project. Conncilmember Elvig suggested the trail remain parallel with the lake and nm out to the street, rather than up into the neighborhood. Conncilmember Pearson asked if there will be sidewalks on both sides of the streets. Mr. Feges responded in the affirmative. The consensus of the Council was of general agreement with the sketch plan as presented, with the developer to work on the details of the trail plan with staff. 2) CMAQ Grant Process City Administrator Norman reviewed that the City of Ramsey applied for a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant in the fall of 2005. It had been reported last week that the Funding and Programming Committee of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) had City Council Work Session / January 31, 2006 Page 2 of 7