Minutes - Council - 03/27/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Engineer Jankowski replied the easement IS not included In the current Rum River Meadows development agreement. Councilmember Jeffrey noted the Council did have that discussion with the developer of Rum River Meadows. He inquired about the possibility of the developer choosing not to dedicate the easement as the easement is not included in the development agreement. Public Works Director Olson stated the connection was mentioned in all the minutes with the discussion of the 1,300 foot cul-de-sac, and that the street connection would be needed to allow the development to move forward. He is confident the developer will agree to the connection. The developer will have a decreased cost in the construction of a cul-de-sac, so the street connection will be of some benefit to them. Also, if for some reason this particular developer does not move forward the process would start over again, and the City could easily require the right-of-way with a new developer. Councilmember Elvig stated he was never in great agreement of this project with the long cul- de-sac, but this raises issues in looking at what it truly costs the City to do projects of this nature. This is a very challenged piece of property, and to shoehorn development into a piece of property like this the City needs to be cognizant of the cost potentials in the future to manage projects like this. He stated this is what happens with 2-Y2 acre developments; they are very challenged projects that are difficult to put together. He has listened to Mr. Hendricksen's concerns, which did not sound like strong opposition, and has also talked to two other properties in this area since the Public Works Committee meeting. These residents would rather keep the status quo, but understand the need for connection points and are quite open to the thought. Sirice the Committee meeting as he has considered this, he has become concerned about setting a precedent of making a stance against extended cul-de-sacs from a public safety standpoint and then being willing to buy properties to make a project work. Mayor Gamec commented this was a unique situation with Potassium Street and the widening of the road. To be truthful, many of the councilmembers would likely prefer that they do not have any cul-de-sacs due to the plowing and the difficulty in dealing with it. He stated this situation with Potassium Street was so unique he does not see how it would set a precedent. They need to merit each particular subdivision based on their handicaps and advantages. Councilmember Olson stated this development was not refused based on the cul-de-sac. There was a lot of discussion regarding the cul-de-sac, but the end result was that the development was approved. The fact that the development was approved would negate Councilmember Elvig's concern. It is always better to have a connection and the Council responded to that by saying this property should be purchased if it ever comes up for sale. It was not that they were trying to railroad this road through; it is that they recognized that for public safety considerations the connection would be better. There are other long cul-de-sacs they have discussed trying to find a connection for, but she does not see that they would do that just to make a development happen. Councilmember Look requested information regarding the benefits of this street connection. City Council I March 27, 2007 Page 12 or 19