Agenda - Council - 03/28/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Development Director Trudgeon advised that the ultimate goal is to make a second connection. He stated that preliminary discussions have been had with the property owner to the west to make a connection to Highway #47, and he hopes they can work out a solution. He indicated that from Staff's perspective, since some of the issues have been addressed, and without this development the wanted connection could not be made, they are comfortable making the recommendation for approval. He stated that he cannot say how long it will be before the second connection will be made, but at this point they need to move forward to the City Council with the Planning Commission's recommendation. He indicated that Ramsey's Fire Chief is here, and has some concerns on the variance for cul-de-sac length. Vice Chairperson Johnson asked what is Staff's basis for approval. Community Development Director Tmdgeon indicated that most of the issues have been resolved, and this poses the possibility of improving the area with further connections. He stated that he does want the Fire Chief to.speak. Vice Chairperson Johnson explained the process for the public hearing to the audience, noting that this case will go to the City Council either way. He stated that on the variance that is before the Board of Adjustment they have modestly more authority, where the Board will take final action, however that action can be appealed. Fire Chief Kapler stated he would limit his comments to the public safety concerns. He indicated that through the years, Ramsey has built several developments with access issues. He stated that some have stub streets, where the street was never built, or not for ten or twenty years. He indicated that ail of these situations are concerns. He stated that the plan before the Planning Commission is similar to that scenario. He indicated that the City has been quite aggressive trying to eliminate single-access areas. He stated that the public safety aspects should certainly be ranked high, and that the fire department will have to provide service. Fire Chief Kapler indicated that some areas are hydrated areas, and some are not. He stated that houses can be sprinkled, but there is a cost involved. He indicated that his recommendation would be to not grant the variance to cul-de-sac length. He stated that from a public safety standpoint he would recommend denial. Commissioner Cleveland asked if there are currently homes on this property that have access to a dirt road to Erkium Street. Fire Chief Kapler stated that there is, and that there is no hydrant in the area. Commissioner Van Scoy noted that there have been a lot of comments on the road there, and the sharp mm it takes. Fire Chief Kapler stated that Public Works drivers have voiced a concern about the hill in the winter time. He noted there would definitely be an increase in traffic and traffic back-up here. He indicated that from a safety concern, that is not the major issue. -286-