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

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Mr. Karst stated that he thinks this is the most stupid thing Ramsey has ever done. He indicated that no one wants this type of development. He asked if there is a way to put it to a public vote this fall rather than have it shoved down their throats. Vice Chairperson Johnson indicated that the City charter does not allow for that type of vote. He stated that the City Council is trying to do what it thinks is right. He indicated that people can disagree with what they did, but he knows the Council put a lot of thought into this. He stated they did talk to people. He indicated that they know they represent you, and they are hearing these comments. He stated that the Council watches the Planning Commission meetings, and gets the minutes from them. Len Hinton, 17610 Argon Street, stated that they keep hearing that at this point the property does not meet ail of the criteria that a cluster development was intended to have. He indicated that he is sure the Planning Commission has sensed the agitation with the proposal, so he questions why the Planning Commission says its hands are tied if it does not meet the requirements. He asked if that did not give the Planning Commission the ability to deny. Vice Chairperson Johnson stated that the Planning Commission's hands are tied in regard to the ordinance, but not in their recommendation. Mr. Hinton stated that he does not know how they will do the septic system. He indicated there is not a house in the area that has not had to replace their septic at least once. He stated the soil is the worst around in terms of the "perc" test. He indicated that he has a triple system just to be safe, and he does not understand how they intend to put sixteen homes into one system. Mr. Hinton stated that this property centers itself on a wetland, and where they have lots platted, some are under water. He indicated that he does not know how they can build these homes without filling in the wetlands. He stated he sees a lot of things that are not right, but he keeps getting the idea that the Planning Commission's hands are tied and the resident's opinions do not matter. Leon Opatz, with Pioneer Engineering, stated that to the question on mn off and raising the pads, there are areas where .they will be raising it and areas where they will lower it. He indicated they are hoping for a balance of dirt when they are done. He stated that most of the grading is to get the proper drainage pattern. He indicated that he thinks the main concern is that drainage is not going onto the neighbor's property. He stated they have a drainage plan submitted to the City that shows how run off will be handled. He indicated it makes sure they are not discharging more water onto others' properties than is currently there. He added that the drainage plan is not only reviewed by City Staffbut also by the MPCA and the Watershed District. Megan Wald, representing ShadeTree Construction, stated that in regard to the cul-de-sac length, regardless of how this property developed they would need a variance because of -292-