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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-09 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION September 9, 2002 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at the Public Works Garage, 8635 West Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on September 9, 2002 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Randy Eckstein, Roger Finnegan, Dan Massarotti, Steve Ingram, Members Tardy: Jan Wuorenma Also Present: Jim Wolcott Staff Present: Allan Larson, Public Works Technician Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor 3. APPROVE MINUTES On a motion by Dan Massarotti, and seconded by Randy Eckstein, the August 12, 2002 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS 1. Area Behind Proposed Kohl's Deqartment Store Commission Member Dan Massarotti stated this commission had previously discussed roads, utilities and stop signs relative to the above area. He added if this group is going to function efficiently, iYs necessary for the input of this commission to be made known to other City commissions. Massarotti went on to state he is concerned with access from 80� Street to the proposed Kohl's department store believing that the current intersection is not adequate to handle traffic turning left from 80� Street to the new retail store site. Commission Public Works Commission September 9, 2002 — Page 2 Member Steve Ingram added, however, that much of the traffic for the new Kohl's may be coming from Jamaica Avenue and other directions which would relieve some of the traffic at eastbound 80�" Street and E. Pt. Douglas Road. Joint Public Safety/Public Works Commission Public Works Supervisor Harry Taylor inquired whether this group has any interest in merging with the Public Safety Commission thereby creating one joint commission. This idea was suggested due to both commissions reviewing similar topics and issues. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the group that although issues are similarly addressed to both groups, the members preferred the Public Works Commission to remain as is and not merge with the Public Safety Commission at this time. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Technical Review 6.1 CASE V02-071 Michael J. and Judith A. Blitz have applied for a variance to Title 11-3-3E, Accessory Structures, to allow construction of a 14-foot by 12-foot shed in front of the principal structure at 6899 Lamar Ave. S. Allan Larson explained this request is for a garage extension. Larson added that in this particular location, iYs preferable to have the garage placed in front of the home. 6.2 CASES ZA02-068, SP02-069 and V02-070 (continued from 8/26/02 meetinq) Roger A. Jensen has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from B-1, Limited Business, to B-2, Retail Business and a site plan review with variance for parking setbacks for a proposed office/retail development to be located at 7420 80 Street South. Allan Larson distributed updated drawings of the proposed Kohl's site and realignment of Hardwood Avenue to the commission members. He explained that there are actually two structures that the developer wishes to place on this particular site (Oakwood Square). Larson went on to state there are some issues that should be explored: 1. Water service to the home currently existing on the site is residential. If this area is expanded to commercial property, the water line would have to be upgraded to 6 inch pipe. The closest utilities to the area are on 80 Street. If utilities are extended to the site from 80`" Street, a retaining wall, sidewalks and 80� Street would have to be disturbed. Part of the development of the Kohl's site is a frontage road going past Burnet Realty and up to this particular development where the sewer and water could be extended from the rear of the property versus coming off of 80� Street. Public Works Commission September 9, 2002 — Page 3 It was noted at this time that utility costs would be the responsibility of the developer. Ingram reminded the group that property to the rear of the proposed commercial site would to be torn up as well and the costs may be prohibitive to the developer, however Taylor stated this issue is still in the preliminary stages. Commission Chair Ken Boyden inquired what the setbacks are for the new buildings, to which Larson responded the proposed buildings will be slightly closer to 80 Street than the existing home on the property and that the retaining wall would remain as is. After discussion, it was the consensus of the group to obtain utility access for the new building site from the rear of the area. AT THIS TIME A MOTION WAS MADE BY STEVE INGRAM, SECONDED BY KEN BOYDEN, THAT THE PROPOSED OFFICE/RETAIL DEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED 7420 80 STREET NOT HAVE ACCESS FROM HO STREET BUT RATHER FROM THE REAR OF THE BUSINESS. MOTION WAS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commission Member Randy Eckstein inquired at this point whether this motion and the decision of this commission would be passed on to the Planning Commission. Larson indicated that the information would be fonvarded to Planning. Massarrotti commented that this commission is not always informed on Planning Commission issues and that information often is not made known to this group until after a decision has been made. Boyden agreed that this commission has made recommendations in the past and have not been made aware of results until after the fact. Public Works Commission Member Jan Wuorenma inquired if anyone has a recommendation on how the communication could be improved between City commissions and staff. Eckstein added that is why he asked the question — if this commission has any concerns regarding development proposals before the City, the members should have an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions before an item goes before the Council. Council Member Wolcott suggested a staff report be completed with the recommendations of this Commission. This information would then be forwarded to Planning staff. He also suggested that copies of the Planning Commission's report be sent to Public Works Commission members for discussion at their next monthly meeting. Larson stated that any motions carried by this commission would be forwarded to the appropriate commission (Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission, etc.). Wuorenma inquired if it would advantageous for a member of this commission to attend Planning Commission meetings as an observer in order to be more informed of what has transpired versus reading about issues after the fact. Wolcott agreed attendance by a PW Commission member to a Planning Commission meeting (should an issue need clarification) is a great idea. Public Works Commission September 9, 2002 — Page 4 Ingram commented that in past years, commission chairs attended meetings of other City commissions to obtain first-hand information on current issues. At this time Massarotti suggested that since a system is in place to forward ideas and recommendations to the appropriate group, that this process be attempted. If the system fails, a change in this procedure will be made. Taylor commented that this commission has brought up many good points and these comments have been forwarded to Planning many times over the year and are taken into consideration. 6.3. CASES ZA02-072 and PP02-073 Cheetah Properties, LLC have applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from AG-1, Agricultural Preserve„ to R-2-5, Residential, R-5, Medium Density Residential, and R-6, High Density Residential; and a preliminary plat for a subdivision to be called Mississippi Dunes Estates, which would consist of 185 single-family homes, 137 town homes and 78 senior housing units. This proposed subdivision would be located on the southwest corner of Hadley Avenue and 95` Street. Boyden inquired whether any commercial development was in the works for the area to which Wolcott responded that neighborhood commercial development is included in the comprehensive plan, which may include a convenience-type store. Eckstein asked whether the comprehensive plan addressed access down to Grey Cloud anywhere in this area. Wolcott replied that it does not and added that land in the area is going through an annexation hearing where it will either go to St. Paul Park, Cottage Grove, or split between the two but mentioned there are opportunities for access. Case is pending as revisions must be made. 6.4 CASE SP02-074 Silver Creek Real Estate Development Ltd., LLC has applied for a site plan review of a 78-unit three-story senior housing complex to be located in the proposed Mississippi Dunes Estates subdivision, which would be located on the southwest corner of 95th Street and Hadley Avenue. Larson indicated this is for proposed senior housing. 6.5 CASE CP02-075 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use from low density residential to commercial and to expand the MUSA boundary for property located at 7750 Harkness Ave. South. 6.6 CASES CP02-076 and ZA02-077 The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use from low density residential to commercial and to expand the MUSA ' Public Works Commission ' September 9, 2002 — Page 5 boundary and a zoning amendment to change the zoning from R-2, Residential Estate, to B-2 Retail Business, for property located in Oakwood Park. At this point, discussion turned back to the proposed development on 95�' Street and Hadley Avenue. Due to traffic concerns, the following motion was made: MOTION MADE BY KEN BOYDEN, SECONDED BY STEVE INGRAM THAT J5 STREET STAY ALIGNED AND APPROPRIATE WITH THE EXISTING 95 STREET TO THE EAST OF THE APPROPRIATE RIGHT-OF-WAY. IN ADDITION, TRAFFIC IN AND OUT OF THIS SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BE MADE SEPARATE FROM ACCESS TO OTHER AREAS OF THE DEVELOPMENT. MOTION WAS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Right of Way Ordinance Allan Larson commented there are currently right-of-way issues existing that this commission should be aware of, some of which include: • Retaining walls are being placed right up to the base of curbs, around mailboxes and around planters. • Residents are painting fire hydrants the color of their choice ■ Landscaping is being placed around utility boxes for screening purposes, as well as right up to curb lines Boyden added that one reason residents place landscaping areas close to the curb is they believe the City snowplow drivers will not place snow in that particular area. It is believed the issue of mailbox standards was discussed at earlier meetings of this commission. Ingram suggested that staff meet with post office officials to be made aware of their regulations. Larson indicated he is looking for direction from this commission regarding the enforcement of right-of-way ordinance issues. Wuorenma inquired whether the City has the time money and energy to enforce these laws to which Larson responded we did not. Taylor added that it isn't just Public Works that deals with these issues, but Community Development as well. The City has looked into the possibility of hiring an employee strictly to enforce these right-of-way issues, as well as tall grass and other code violations. Ingram mentioned that residents need to be informed of city ordinances and other pertinent information. Boyden suggested that all new residents to the area be given information regarding setbacks, utilities, etc Wuorenma suggested this information be placed in the Cottage Grove Reports and Bulletin. She added that staff write a letter to the editor of the Bulletin regarding right-of-way rules and she would sign it as a member of the Public Works Commission. Regarding the pavement management area, it was determined that all items located in the first nine feet of the right-of-way would be removed for the reconstruction and only mailboxes would be replaced. Public Works Commission September 9, 2002 — Page 6 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Pavement Management Update Larson indicated work continues in the area south of 85 Street as well as Belden and Scott Boulevards. Wear course has been applied in all other areas. B. Street Construction Process It is the consensus of staff that bituminous curb be installed initially in new areas and concrete at a later date. Ingram had a concern that when temporary bituminous curbs are put in, residents will sod up to them and this sod will become damaged once the permanent concrete curbs are poured. Taylor responded that the temporary curb will be placed out 12 inches further as to not disturb sod or sprinkler heads and replacement will be accomplished with the least amount of damage. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Golf Course Pathwavs Paving has been completed on the new trailways at the River Oaks. Hvdrant Flushinq Fall hydrant flushing has started. Residents may be noticing some discolored water. 103 Street The area has once again become flooded after the heavy rains. Chain Saw Seminar The League of Minnesota Cities will be presenting a Chain Saw Safety Seminar at Public Works on September 1g All-Citv Meetinq The All-City meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 25� at River Oaks Golf Course. Two sessions will be presented with the first one starting at 7:30 am and a second session at 10:30 am. The commission was invited to attend. 8, CITY COUNCIL UPDATE No discussion. � Public Works Commission '' September 9, 2002 — Page 7 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT No discussion. 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Steve Ingram, seconded by Randy Eckstein. Motion was carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned. RespectFully submitted, Patricia Storby