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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-12 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION March 12, 2007 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at the Cottage Grove Public Works Facility, 8635 West Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair David Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. 2. ROLL CALL Present: David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Robert Dornsbach, Roger Finnegan, Gary Kjellberg, William Royce Absent: Mackenzie Kelly, Mallory Kelly Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer Also Present: Mark Grossklaus, City Council Member 3. APPROVE MINUTES Upon a motion by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Ken Boyden, the February 12, 2007 minutes were unanimously approved. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS It was noted that due to a change in City policy, the Council Liaison must now make a recommendation to the Council for commission reappointments. The election for Commission Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary will be done at the April 9, 2007 meeting. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Technical Review 6.1 Concept Plan for McHattie Farms Chase Homes will present their concept plan for their proposed subdivision, McHattie Farms, which would be located South of Military Road, east of Jamaica Avenue and north of Rose of Sharon Church. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 2 6.2 Sprint Antenna at 3M – Case CUP07-015 Sprint/Nextel has applied for a conditional use permit to add communication antennas to the stem of the 3M water tower located at 10746 Innovation Road and to place communications equipment inside the existing shelter. 6.3Cottage Grove Dental – Cases ZA07-016, SP07-017, V07-018 Colonial Commons, LLC has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning of th property at 7500 80 Street South from B-1, Limited Business, to B-2, Retail Business; a site plan review of a multi-tenant office/retail building, and a variance to City Code Title 11-10B-6C(1). Lot Requirements in the B-2 Zoning District, to reduce the required 35-foot rear yard setback. City Engineer Jennifer Levitt explained the existing building will be torn down and temporary facilities will be on site while the new facility is constructed. Parking guidelines are being reviewed along with identifying utilities that may need replacement, especially the storm sewer that had some cross easement in need of repair and the attempt to tie into the adjacent property. Levitt went on to state some minor grading will be done on the Police Department side to improve the landscaping on the perimeter. There’s also been a suggestion to place a buffer between the Police Department and the apartment buildings to the rear as residents have experienced headlights shining into apartments. Commission Member Gary Kjellberg inquired whether there would be any landscaping or a fence between the Police Department and dental building to which Levitt responded that the fence would be removed, however, noted some landscaping will be done. The City will allow plants on the City property; however, the building owner will be responsible for maintenance and for relocating our irrigation service around the landscaping. 6.4Norris Marketplace – Cases SP07-019 and CUP07-020 VSI Construction has applied for a site plan review of Norris Marketplace, the commercial portion of the Presbyterian Homes project on the southwest corner of Hadley Avenue and Grange Boulevard, and a conditional use permit to allow a drive- through. Levitt stated this site will be located in front of the Presbyterian Homes facility. Currently there are a number of issues to work out with their engineer in regard to utilities including water line relocation, sanitary and storm sewer work along with turning radiuses going into Fire Station One. Commission Member Ken Boyden hoped the facility exterior configuration will be adequate for the maneuvering of delivery trucks. Levitt commented that turning templates are included in the packet. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 3 Levitt explained the water main will be fairly large with the ability to accommodate a variety of uses, along with being sized for fire suppression for all buildings. The utility design is part of the developer’s agreement; however, the City will be conducting inspections along with all independent testing. 6.5 South Service Center – Case PP07-021 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a preliminary plat for the South Service th Center property, located on Ravine Parkway and 90 Street. B. Commercial and Industrial Stop Sign Recommendations. Levitt indicated there has been some inconsistency with stop signs in the City, many of which are on private property. A process was started to mark signs in need of replacement, however, in the process much discrepancy was discovered not only where stop signs were, but where they were not. There is no policy in place for replacing those signs that are in poor condition so one will be developed to determine when a stop sign should be installed based upon the recommendation of the Public Safety Director, Community Development Director and City Administrator. It is hoped to develop a policy for review by this commission with implementation to take place by summer. Commission Member Boyden believes Public Safety should be dealing with this issue. Levitt answered that decision-making in the placement of many referenced signs such asChildren at Play are now in the hands of the Public Works/Engineering departments. This step will eliminate the emotionalizing of the signs bringing them more to guidelines and standards. Boyden commented that any time a driver exits private property onto a public roadway, the minimum you have is a yield, and he sees no reason what the inconvenience would be to any business if motorists must stop before entering a public roadway. Should no stop sign be present at the exit of a business, Levitt explained that drivers may still be cited for failure to yield at right of way if they pull out into traffic, even if no stop sign is present. The Chief felt this wasn’t compromising his ability to ticket a motorist jurisdictionally. Levitt noted another key point is considering the classification of the road as another indicator where stop signs will be placed. Boyden suggested there be input from multiple city and county attorneys with interpretation of the traffic law. As an example, the Rush on West Point Douglas does not have a stop sign, however the parking volume may warrant one. Kjellberg wondered if there was any information available for accidents related to people not stopping at these businesses without signs. Levitt responded that she may be able to get the information from the PD if they are able to pull cases by type. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 4 6. OLD BUSINESS A.East Ravine Parkway Design Levitt explained this month’s packet includes the feasibility report that has been done for the East Ravine. Homes by Chase will likely come before the Council in April. Originally, the feasibility report only included sanitary sewer to get to the Homes by Chase Project. With Reiland Homes coming in, the City needs to figure out how to get sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer to them. The City is working on purchasing easements from Goebel for a section of the sanitary sewer line. The sanitary sewer line will then follow the alignment of the parkway to this point on Jamaica. Levitt explained there is some difficulty because the City needs to service Reiland through Homes by Chase and we don’t necessarily have the alignment. The Homes by Chase plat is not yet complete, nor approved. As shown in the feasibility report, the City is fronting the money until development arrives to pay for it. When the feasibility report was first done last summer, it was thought an existing residence would be vacant, therefore, it was decided to open cut the 50-foot deep sewer. This plan, however, fell through so the pressure was off for us to install the pipe. Commission Chair Anderson commented he’s driven by the residence in question often and doesn’t feel anyone is living in the home. He doesn’t think anyone will be disturbed by an open cut. Levitt stated that the problem is that Reiland has easements. If the City is allowed the easement, the City must pay. Staff is moving ahead with the plans and specs as far as possible, however, there’s a rumor the development might come in so it wouldn’t be wise to pay for design and jacking the roadway if in the end it’ll all be open cut. th Water for the development will be coming from 70 Street with the construction of a water line in the boulevard area of Jamaica. For now, the extension will go as far as Reiland Homes. The City is having some difficulty because the County has four projects detouring through this area. The County is not allowing the City to close the intersection down so we will most definitely be jacking under the road because we can’t have any closure at that interchange. The water issue will be dealt with at a future date unless we are petitioned by the developer Boyden inquired whether the water and sewer costs will be paid for by the developer. Levitt responded they will pay eventually. If their area charges aren’t enough to cover it, the City will front the money from funds in our area charges. As the rest of the area builds up, the area fund will be replenished. Boyden asked once the developer completes the development, how long does it take to pay the City back? Levitt replied that the time frame is typically three years with the City receiving 70-80% the first year with the remainder being paid in the next two years. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 5 th Kjellberg asked when Jamaica Avenue, north of 70 Street, will be reconstructed. Levitt responded the feasibility report is being finished. Council has instructed staff to proceed bidding the project due to the fact funds are being expended for trunk utilities. The City’s match from the County won’t come in until 2010. One issue is the fact there’s no emergency overflow for the area so we must pipe one all the way to the Washington County watershed property. When the developer had his plan approved, he was told he would hook up to a pipe on Jamaica Avenue. Jamaica Avenue is not being reconstructed now so there is no pipe. The developer was approved with no easements for the discharge. Levitt explained the problem lies in putting the pipe in road that is not currently there and the right-of-way must be sought from the property owner. If one whole lane of Jamaica is to be torn up it may as well be reconstructed. How do we service this developer and provide for his development? Boyden inquired whether development has begun to which Levitt replied that he was approved so he’ll probably start in 30 days. A meeting has been scheduled with the developer to resolve the issue. Kjellberg stated in the future, these types of issues should be worked on ahead of time so it doesn’t put the City at a disadvantage. B. East Ravine Parkway Trunk Utilities Levitt explained the section of roadway specifically being addressed is located between Jamaica Avenue to Keats. Since it’s not a scenic drive, the City must create an amenity that isn’t naturally there. One way to create the amenity was to split the roadway into a larger open area in between as an attempt to create some different landscaping features. Various entrance concepts are being considered. Limestone outcroppings would possibly be utilized as aesthetic treatments. Additionally, a portion of the design includes a bituminous trail and sidewalk in the boulevard areas. The boulevard areas would be heavily landscaped and feature a landscaped median section. Kjellberg inquired whether irrigation would be part of the plan. Levitt responded the area will likely be association owned and maintained. Levitt stated the parkway would consist of an eastbound and westbound lane. The sidewalk section will follow the eastbound portion and the westbound lane will feature a bituminous trail. Staff tried to incorporate a variety of water features for a wet pond and some dry ponds. The old Military Road will be obliterated as part of the project. Some interpretive features are being considered to commemorate the old Military Road. It is anticipated to utilize the box culvert installed a couple of years ago between the watershed and the County to use as an underpass for bikes not necessarily having to cross at grade. One additional box culvert may need to be installed on the westbound lane. Speaking of an interpretive center, David Anderson inquired whether this would include simply a plaque or an entire building. Jennifer responded that perhaps a retaining wall, an interpretive sign, a bench or plantings would be placed in the area. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 6 The topic of road widths was discussed and it’s anticipated the new Ravine Parkway will be about 34 feet – our standard residential base of curb to base of curb. The one-way roadway would be 19 feet base of curb to base of curb. Boyden inquired whether there would be adequate space for snow storage. Levitt answered that there would be less of a problem than they currently have on Jamaica adding there will be plenty of storage. 7. ENGINEER’S REPORT A. Transportation Comp. Plan Levitt explained the City is working with Washington County on an actual county-wide traffic model and Cottage Grove is going to be partnering. The Planning Commission and Task Force have been working on the transportation comp plan component. th The County no longer wants 95 Street as a county road. Provisions have already been made to Mississippi Dunes for a county road segment especially if development comes th in on the west side of Hadley. 100 Street is potentially being looked at as a county rd road which puts the City in a bad position due to the 103 Street Bridge to be under construction this summer. The County desires the road to be widened. One rationale is the desire for a county route to a future county park on the island. In the process, the City will look at preliminary layouts and designs for that interchange on Keats and Highway 61 and how the frontage roads come together. The City would also desire to go with the funding federally for that project once we have a design. Kjellberg inquired if the issues with the road will be completed before construction rd begins on the 103 Street Bridge. Levitt replied we won’t have an answer until nine months from now when the bridge is already done. Gary asked whether or not the transportation comp plan information will be forwarded to this committee. Levitt responded the actual information on the modeling results will not be available until September. B. Hamlet Pond Update Levitt explained that activity will be starting in this area soon. A neighborhood meeting st is scheduled for March 21 at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers to bring people up to speed about what they are going to see in this area. The trail will be obliterated in some sections. It should be noted that all the trails around Hamlet Park will be closed this spring during construction due to its use as a haul route from the south. The contractor will be using the trail as their access route as they clear, grub and excavate the area. th Additional ponding is being done to alleviate the flooding that occurs on the 80 Street ramp on Highway 61. The City is receiving cross participation from the DOT for this project which should be completed by June 1. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 7 8. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Short Elliott is preparing plans and specs for the Grange water tower painting. th The project will be bid May 24 and awarded on June 7 Road restrictions are now on, just going into effect last night Potholes are being patched Hearthside and Hamlet Park buildings are being re-roofed Equipment has recently been successfully sold on eBay. Advertising has begun for the hiring of a Stormwater employee th The 80 Street Streetlights will be replaced. This process should begin sometime in April or May and take a couple of months to change out all the streetlights 9. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Mark Grossklaus reported: The Johnson-Reiland Housing Project has gone through as part of Phase 1 of the East Ravine Development. There has been a controversy with advisory commission appointments. A formal process will be put in place where liaisons from each commission will make a recommendation. In this way, appointments can be taken back after one term if the Council feels it necessary to do so. 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS It was requested that a current roster with members and term dates be included in the next packet. Gary Kjellberg wished to go on record and thank Public Works crews for snow removal during the last snowfall. He was very impressed with how quickly the job was done. Kjellberg also requested the minutes from the Public Works Commission be placed on the website. It was noted that Brian Voelker would be able to post the minutes on the site. With construction on the roundabouts to be started shortly, Kjellberg suggested the th company transporting vehicles bypass the construction area via 100 Street East to Highway 61. Levitt noted there will be a meeting in April with these businesses to discuss alternate routes. Public Works Commission March 12, 2007 – Page 8 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Robert Dornsbach, seconded by Gary Kjellberg, Motion was unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, íÜÉËÔÚÔÜêÉÎËÛÄ