Minutes - Planning Commission - 03/02/2006

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Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that to the end of the lots is about 800 to 900 feet, and the extra distance is to reach those three existing homes. Vice Chairperson Johnson noted that a variance has already been approved for the end lots, so this is just making improvements to the road that reaches those lots. Commissioner Van Scoy asked if the cul-de-sac will be an adequate size for an emergency turnaround, to which Community Development Director Trudgeon replied that it would be. Commissioner Brauer asked on the septic issue, at what point does the Rum River Watershed District and the Wild and Scenic Overlay District have an impact on this development. City Engineer Jankowski stated that it does not fall into the Overlay District. Fire Chief Kapler reiterated that the City is trying to limit and eliminate single-access developments. He agreed they already have an issue with the two houses on the end, but this will complicate the matter and make it more of an issue. Vice Chairperson Johnson recessed the meeting to the Board of Adjustment meeting at 9:03 p.m. Vice Chairperson Johnson reconvened the Planning Commission meeting at 9:23 p.m. Motion by Commissioner Levine, seconded by Commissioner Shepherd to recommend that the City Council deny preliminary plat request for Shade Tree Creek. Commissioner Van Scoy stated that he believes they are saying the completion of 177th Avenue is necessary so there is a second access. The Commission agreed. Vice Chairperson Johnson stated that the other concern is density on lots 1, 2 and 3. He encouraged the developer to talk with the neighbors about the density issues on those lots, adding it would be helpful to the City Council if those discussion took place before their meeting. Commissioner Brauer indicated that he wanted to say that in terms of engineering, the Commission does need to rely on Staff. He stated that the people here need to know that the Planning Commission has a lot of faith in how this Staff operates. He indicated that if he has ever seen a City Staff that adheres to the rules, it is in Ramsey. Vice Chairperson Johnson asked Staff to make sure the traffic study goes to the City Council. Commissioner Cleveland stated that she knows there are experts on central septic systems, and she knows they are being used, but she is still a little concerned about it. She indicated it would not hurt for the City to have a punchlist for the developers on this, since it is not a standard septic system. She asked if the City had the staff to monitor testing. Planning Commission/March 2, 2006 Page 15 of 31