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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-11 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION November 11, 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 November 11, 2002 at 7:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. ROLL CALL David Anderson, Ken Boyden, Randy Eckstein, Roger Finnegan, Dan Massarotti, Jan Wuorenma Members Absent: Steve Ingram Staff Present: Allan Larson, Public Works Technician 3. APPROVE MINUTES On a motion by Dan Massarotti, and seconded by Jan Wuorenma, the October 14, 2002, minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS Solid Waste Meetinq Commission Member Dan Massarotti reported he attended the October 28� workshop hosted by the Oakdale Environmental Management Commission. He explained the meeting did not deal primarily with the issue of solid waste but dealt with making recommendations concerning environmental issues. Massarotti added representatives from approximately six surrounding communities were also in attendance. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Technical Review 6.1 CASES ZA02-072 and PP02-073 (continued from 9/23/02 meeting) 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. (This plan is being revised and will be available for Advisory Commission Review). Public Works Commission November 11, 2002 — Page 2 6.2 CASE SP02-074 (continued from 9/23/02 meeting) 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 on the proposed Mississippi Dunes Estates subdivision, which would be located on the southwest corner of g5� Street and Hadley Avenue. (This plan is being revised and will be available for Advisory Commission Review) Public Works Technician AI Larson reported the two above-noted cases are still in the plan review stage. 6.3 CASE ZA02-081 and PP02-082 Pulte Homes of Minnesota applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from AG-2, Agriculture, to R-2.5, Residential and a preliminary plat for Timber Ridge 4th Addition which would consist of 61 single-family homes to be located on the northwest corner of 70 Street and Harkness Avenue. Larson had an enlarged map plan of the above location to get a better perspective of the area in question and noted there is only one way in and out of this Timber Ridge Development on Hardwood Avenue. Future in/out access is dependent on the completion of the Pine Summit Lodges 2 Addition in the future. Staff is concerned with Hardwood Avenue as it connects to 70� Street due to the proposed placement of a large single median at the intersection of Hardwood and 7p` Street. In the future Washington County may be raising 70� Street as part of their upgrade program and should this work take place, iYs not recommended that the island/median be constructed at this time. Commission Chair Ken Boyden expressed concern with the single access to the area with 70 Street not being an easy street to work with. From a public safety perspective, a cleaner, more direct route would be preferable. Commission Member Jan Wuorenma inquired at this point whether Public Safety would also be involved in this discussion to which Allan Larson responded they are addressing this issue as well. Commission Member Randy Eckstein commented iYs unlikely the area will have two entrances onto 70` Street to which Boyden inquired whether an access is planned for 65 Street. Larson responded that he is not aware of any definite plans for a future access at that location. Eckstein assumed that Pulte is planning on, (if they haven't already), purchasing property north of the area which would have access from 65' Street. Eckstein questioned at this point whether some form of recommendation should come forth from this commission regarding the placement of the median/islands on 7p� Street, to which Larson responded that this would be appropriate. It was further stated by Eckstein that a recommendation be made for access from 65� Street as soon as it becomes available for continuity of flow, Public Works Commission November 11, 2002 — Page 3 MOTION WAS MADE BY RANDY ECKSTEIN, SECONDED BY DAVID ANDERSON: ��FOR THE SAKE OF CONSISTENCY, IF THE CITY DECIDES NOT TO PLACE AN ISLAND IN ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF 7OTH STREET, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PULTE HOMES NOT PLACE AN ISLAND ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 70TH STREET.�� MOTION WAS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY WITH NO DISCUSSION FOLLOWING. 80� Street and East Point Douqlas Intersection (Future Kohl's site) Ken Boyden questioned whether or not a right exit only could be incorporated from the parking area near the bank to alleviate additional congestion at the East Point Douglas and 80� Street intersection. Eckstein commented that this suggestion has been addressed, however, there was a reason it couldn't be done. Hardwood Avenue — Conduit for Future Streetliqhts Allan Larson reported a sidewalk will be constructed along Hardwood Avenue beginning at 80 Street, past the Kohl's site, ending at 70� Street, however, streetlights are planned only up to the Kohl's site at this time. Larson went on to explain that the sidewalk will likely become used more and more and suggested that conduit be put in place for future street lighting all the way to 70' Street. Wuorenma also agreed with this option and wished to make a recommendation to have the conduit installed. MOTION MADE BY JAN WUORENMA, SECONDED BY DAVID ANDERSON SUGGESTING THAT CONDUIT BE PUT IN PLACE FROM THE KOHL'S SITE TO 70TH STREET SHOULD STREETLIGHTS BE DESIRED AT A FUTURE TIME. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED WITH NO FURTHER DISCUSSION. B. Hidden OaksITimber Ridge Third Addition Connection AI Larson gave a brief synopsis on the situation of the above-noted connection. He explained that the issue involved connecting the Timber Ridge Addition to Hidden Oaks. The debate is that the cross-link between the two residential areas was not appealing and there should be some way of softening it. Larson wanted this issue to be brought to the attention of this commission for a recommendation on whether the connection should be a through street or a one-way street from Hidden Oaks to Timber Woods or vice versa. Planning has also suggested connecting the two areas with the construction of a calming landscape. Larson went on to state that the calming landscape would consist of island-like areas that motorists drive around, explaining it would be a serpentine pattern that would slow traffic. Larson stressed that the connection be accessible by emergency vehicles to travel from Hidden Oaks to Timber Ridge or vice versa and suggested the following options for the connection be discussed: 1. Traffic calming pattern 2. City standard 2-way roadway 3. One-way street allowing traffic to travel from Hidden Oaks to Timber Ridge only. Boyden stated that whichever option is chosen, the roadway width must allow sufficient space for multiple emergency vehicles. Larson stated he felt the connection should be a standard city street. Public Works Commission November 11, 2002 — Page 4 Commission Member David Anderson agreed that he would prefer this connection to be a straight city street and not to mess with an island because past experience has shown that these traffic slowing methods don't work unless you're on a hill, (citing "Roller Coaster Road" as an example). Anderson further stated if the calming is placed in a platted area, iYs looked upon as a challenge for some younger drivers to drive as fast as they can through the pattern. Jan Wuorenma inquired whether Anderson was making a motion, to which Anderson responded, "I'll make a motion — straight city street." Boyden asked if there was other discussion. Member Randy Eckstein stated he understands how the residents felt regarding the potential road and agreed if he were a resident in Hidden Oaks he probably wouldn't want the additional traffic (with emergency vehicles being the exception). While empathizing with residents in the area, Eckstein also thinks the City has every right and should have some kind of access through the area for emergency vehicles. He added there likely will be another entrance within a year or so for the people in this development. Anderson stated he felt there should be total access to the area and thaYs why he's suggesting a straight roadway. He indicated the roadway could be narrowed with signs posted stating the road is to be used by residents and emergency vehicles only. Wuorenma agreed, stating signage would allow fewer people to use the roadway, however, Boyden reminded that many people often pay no attention to signs. Eckstein clarified that if the motion was made for a city street, whatever the definition of that would be, it would allow access between the two developments by the general public and didn't want to encourage the use of this roadway as another access between the two areas due to the residents wanting to keep the area quiet. Eckstein also commented he didn't think the calming would be necessary to which Boyden agreed the calming effect would be restrictive in the winter since it would be too narrow making plowing more difficult for Public Works. He also agreed with Anderson that the islands would be viewed by younger drivers as challenges and may speed up traffic rather than slowing it down in some cases. Boyden suggested signage be implemented, perhaps posting "No Through StreeY' signs on both ends of the roadway. Eckstein inquired whether the access could be a 10'-12' bituminous trail that has some obstacles, however, would allow a fire truck through which would discourage other drivers from using the roadway. Larson responded that fire codes state a roadway must be a minimum of 21-feet wide so a 12-foot lane would be in violation. Wuorenma asked if the road could be made a minimal width, within fire code standards, with signage posted to minimize traffic in the area. Boyden stated he did not think the City should put itself in a position to stop traffic from going through, unless there is a specific set of circumstances, noting that these situations are rare. Larson said that when the subdivision was built, the area was roughed in for a future road. Boyden suggested that perhaps when people built in the area and were advised of the future access possibly felt the proposed roadway was so far in the future that it would not take place (at least while they lived there). Public Works Commission November 11, 2002 — Page 5 A brief discussion took place regarding the earlier motion made by Anderson, however, it was realized that the motion was not seconded. Due to this situation, the motion was discussed, brought forth, seconded and carried unanimously. Following the meeting, a telephone poll was conducted by Chair Ken Boyden to clarify the position of the members of the Public Works Commission in attendance at the November 11 meeting on the Timber Ridge/Hidden Oaks Connection. Motion is as follows: "MOTION MADE BY RANDY ECKSTEIN, SECONDED BY DAVID ANDERSON : THAT THE TIMBER RIDGE/HIDDEN OAKS CONNECTION BE CONSTRUCTED AS A CITY STANDARD 2-WAY ROADWAY". MOTION WAS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. C. Stormwater Utility and Stormwater Guide Plan Larson reported that he recently took parts in a Stormwater Guide Plan Workshop attended by representatives of approximately 50 different Minnesota communities. Each community has been directed to draft a self-assessment of their particular storm water situation. Larson noted Cottage Grove ordinances will have to be modified and City code must be developed as far as what the best management practices will be. These assessments will then be submitted to the federal government by March of 2003. Larson advised he will keep the commission updated as this process progresses. Boyden also noted this process will affect the City's standard detail plates already in place regarding style and criteria of ponds 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Pavement Management Update Larson reported Phase One of the project is just about complete with all areas being blacktopped and curbed. The dormant seed areas will be evaluated next spring along with other areas of restoration. 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Streets Department: Pothole patching continues. Utilities — Water and Sewer Fire hydrants in the pavement management area are being raised. Regarding hydrants, Commission Member Massarotti inquired whether all City hydrants will receive flags as he is concerned that a hydrant on his street is less than 24 inches from the curb and may be hit by a snowplow. Larson stated he will check into the situation. Massarotti also wondered if the hydrant flushing scheduled differed this year as he lost water pressure in his home while hydrant flushing occurred. Larson was not aware of any schedule or procedure changes. Public Works Commission November 11, 2002 — Page 6 Parks Department Mike Rygh recently donated trees from the area of Hinton and 70 Street to the City of Cottage Grove. The trees were transplanted in parks and other areas within the City. Culverts in Pine Coulee Area Replacement of 35-foot diameter culverts on Layton Avenue was recently completed. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE None. 9. ENGINEER'S REPORT No discussion 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Rainbow Pond Ken Boyden observed openings in the wrought iron fence recently installed around the Rainbow Pond and inquired whether those gaps would be closed for safety reasons. Larson noted he was aware of the 32-inch wide spaces and stated that as far as he knows, the plantings and work in the area is complete. Hearthside Park Slidinq Area Massarotti noted that a fence has been installed and trees planted in the area of Hearthside Park to the rear of his property. Larson responded that the intent is to eliminate the sliding area to avoid potential injury to kids using the hill for sledding. Massarotti felt the area was safe, far enough away from the street, was unaware of any probiems and sees no justification for the action taken. Commission Packets A comment was made by Massarotti that he appreciated the additional information contained in this month's packet. Wuorenma agreed, stating she also appreciated getting feedback and follow up on issues previously discussed by this Commission. Maps Boyden commented that he would like to see large wall maps available for Commission use in the Conference Room. The maps contained in the packets are small and difficult to read adding that larger scale maps would ease in discussion of the various areas in the City. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Randy Eckstein seconded by David Anderson Motion was carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby