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Home My WebLink About2004-03-17 MINUTESREQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA •. MEETING ITEM # / / A � � � DATE 03/17/04 � � PREPARED BY: Public Works Les Burshten ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR �...��<�.�..�.,,<...�„��......�...,<��..�.��<�.� COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST: Accept and place on file the minutes of the February 9, 2004 meeting of the Public Works Commission. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the February 9, 2004 minutes of the Public Works Commission. BUDGET IMPLICATION: $ $ BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION: DATE ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY � PUBLIC WORKS ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: 3/8/04 REVIEWED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ APPROVED ❑ ❑ � ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ MEMO/LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: � OTHER: Approved minutes of Public Works Commission meeting on February 9, 2004 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS: I� C/ City Administrator Date �.,..,��......�,....�.�.��.�.,..� ................,<� COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: [�APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION February 9, 2004 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 February 9, 2004 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, David Thiede Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Allan Larson, Public Works Technician Excused: Robert Dornsbach Also Present: Jim Wolcott, City Council Member Tom Boyer, Hillside Trail Resident 3. APPROVE MINUTES One Correction — Item 6A should be South Washington County Bulletin. Upon a motion by David Anderson, seconded by Randy Eckstein, the January 12, 2004 minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS . The reappointments of David Anderson, Randy Eckstein and Roger Finnegan are placed on the Agenda of the February 18, 2004 Council Meeting. • Item C. — Trash Hauler Review is pulled from the agenda. Information is being gathered for a future meeting. Public Works Commission February 9, 2004 — Page 2 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Technical Review 6.1 CASE ICUPO4-004 Greenberg Farrow Architecture, on behalf of The Home Depot, has applied for an interim conditional use permit to allow an outdoor seasonal sales area at their store located at 7200 East Point Douglas Road South. Harry Taylor added that Home Depot is requesting additional outdoor storage this year. Staff is concerned that the traffic loop around the center may be too narrow for fire equipment or emergency vehicles and is recommending denial of the permit. 6.2 CASE VO4-005 Marie Campion has applied for a variance to Title 11-9B-5, Development Standards for the R-2 Residential Estate District, to reduce the required rear yard setback from 50 feet to 34 feet to allow construction of a single-family home at 6250 Preserve Pass in the Homestead at Highland Hills subdivision. Staff is recommending approval of the request. Taylor noted a couple of concerns regarding two drain fields in the area. The drain field located on the northeast corner is fine, however, staff is concerned with the drain field on the northwest corner. The site is a wetland area with a pond and the proposed drain field is in the high water elevation area and should be moved. Public Works Technician Allan Larson commented that a second drain field is needed should the first one fail. 6.3 CASE CUPO4-006 Nextel Communications, Inc. has applied for a conditional use permit to allow the addition of nine new and three future antennas on the existing monopole located at 10475 Kimbro Avenue South and to construct a new equipment shelter. Taylor commented the site is on private property adding the City does promote co- location of cell phone antennas. Planning is supporting this request. 6.4 CASES ZA04-007 and SPO4-008 Eugene Stoltz has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from R-2, Residential Estate, to B-2, Retail Business for property located on the northwest corner of Hardwood Avenue and Harkness Avenue, and for a site plan review of a proposed retail center to be located on that property. Public Works Commission February 9, 2004 — Page 3 Taylor stated the location is immediately north of the new Kohl's. The developer did not submit enough information and was very lax on utility information regarding storm sewers, pipe sizes, sanitary sewer, hydrant locations and things of that nature. Additionally there is concern regarding the proposed trail way on the east side of Harkness. It is recommended that the trail be continued all the way to the north property line. Commission Chair Ken Boyden expressed concern regarding the available parking at the proposed site. Larson responded that parking requirements are met, however, turnaround space for cars is very limited. Boyden added that room must be available for commercial vehicles as well. The commission was in agreement that more information must be provided with the request including what sort of businesses may locate in the center. Commission Member Randy Eckstein inquired about the status of the zoning process to which Wolcott responded that the property has not been rezoned and stated the Planning Commission will meet February 23. Additionally, Boyden was concerned regarding potential heavy traffic at 80 Street and East Point Douglas Road. It is hoped that Public Safety will carefully consider various concerns of this commission including parking, turnaround space for both cars and commercial vehicles and the capability of the area to handle increased traffic from the proposed commercial development. B. Stop Sign Request — Hillside and 85 Tom Boyer, a resident of Hillside Trail, was in attendance at tonighYs meeting to participate in the discussion regarding the request for a stop sign at the above intersection. Mr. Boyer distributed a survey, signed by approximately 50 residents of the area, which stated the following concern: "We the residents of Hillside Trail and adjacent residences seek consideration and action by the City Council of Cottage Grove on a matter of considerable concern over the tra�c conditions on Hillside Trail. There are a great number of speed limit violations starting from 7 AM to 11 PM and at times even later. We the undersigned request not only consideration of this concern but action to solve the constant problem." `The Citizens for Hillside Trail Safety". Mr. Boyer stated the following: • He has spoken with the Police Department regarding squad cars sitting on Hillside Trail to enforce the speed laws. • Indicated residents are concerned about the possibility of major accidents occurring due to the high speeds of some motorists on Hillside Trail • Stated there are a large number of walkers, bikers and roller bladers that use Hillside Trail, adding there is no sidewalk. Public Works Commission Chair Ken Boyden indicated that from his experience, iYs often found some of the biggest speeding offenders are neighborhood residents, Public Works Commission February 9, 2004 — Page 4 however, this is not always the case. He added that in some instances, however, stationary patrol is effective in discouraging speeders, especially when iYs known that citations have been issued. Mr. Boyer stated that he understands the need to move traffic, however safety needs to be improved as well and indicated there have been a number of close calls. Boyden stated police reports show only one accident in three years involving a single vehicle. Public Works Director Les Burshten clarified that stop signs are not used to control speed. Boyer asked about the possibility of speed bumps being installed, to which Burshten responded that this would not be recommended. Council Member Jim Wolcott stated that nearly every neighborhood in Cottage Grove has had a traffic speed issue at one time or another adding iYs an enforcement issue. When motorist are tagged, it helps for a while, however there are only so many police officers. Placing additional stop signs will likely not stop the problem. Burshten added that every city commission recommended that a sidewalk be installed on Hiliside Trail; however this recommendation was rejected by area residents. Boyden suggested that this commission request the Public Safety Department to try some stationary radar on Hillside Trail to see if this may help the problem. Mr. Boyer thanked the commission for listening to his concerns. MOTION MADE BY RANDY ECKSTEIN, SECONDED BY DAVID ANDERSON, DENYING THE REQUEST FOR A STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF 85 STREET AND HILLSIDE TRAIL. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. A. Stop Sign Request -Jenner/Jewel Lane and Hillside Trail Public Safety Commissioner Bruce Gengnagel suggested that a stop sign be placed at the intersections of Jenner Lane & Hillside Trail and Jewel Lane & Hillside Trail so that these intersections would be consistent with others in the neighborhood. Allan Larson stated that it appears that the intent was to make Hillside Trail a local through street and traffic collector for easUwest traffic to Jamaica Avenue. Any traffic on Hillside Trail would assume a through street condition and not expect normal right-of-way rules at an uncontrolled intersection to apply, which may create a traffic safety concern. MOTION MADE BY DAVID THIEDE, SECONDED BY DAVID ANDERSON, TO APPROVE THE PLACEMENT OF STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF JENNER LANE & HILLSIDE TRAIL AND JEWEL LANE & HILLSIDE TRAIL. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. C. Review Trash Hauler Ordinance — Item was removed from agenda D. Standard Road Width - discussion Allan Larson stated that there is a standard road width for existing public roadways; however, the standard does not apply to private streets. Public Works Commission February 9, 2004 — Page 5 Larson suggested that the Public Works Commission meet with other city commissions in order to express their concerns regarding road standards. Included with this month's packet is information gathered from other cities regarding roadway widths. It has been found in other cities, approximately 90% of roadways are 32 feet back-of-curb to back- of-curb with very few less than that. Roadways that are too narrow can be a hindrance for a variety of reasons. As an example, the snowplow driver in the Pine Coulee area of the City has to literally wait in a driveway should oncoming cars approach so they can get by him. Larson stated information like this should be brought forward in order to avoid problems in the future as new areas are built. Public Works Director Burshten stated roadway width is an awareness issue. As an example, people traveling on the private roadway near the Super 8 Motel can see how narrow the road has become, particularly during the winter months with snow storage making it difficult for cars to meet and pass. Wolcott added another area of concern are the private roadways in the Auburn Woods Town Home development located off Hinton Avenue. He stated the roads are just 28 feet wide with the driving surface being only 23 '/z feet. Commission members were encouraged to drive both of these areas in order to envision and compare them to other city streets. Additionally, there have been drainage issues in the Auburn Woods area with some residents asking "Why would the City allow this to happen?" pertaining to the narrow roads. It is felt that the city should look out for the best interest of residents. There was a consensus amongst the commission that the standard road widths be discussed by all city departments and commissions so future problems can be avoided due to problems caused by roadways that are too narrow. With a new trend being "the new urbanism" with developments such as Liberty Lake in Stillwater (narrower roads, sidewalks, front porches), this issue is especially timely. Developers of communities such as these are convincing cities they can have other amenities such as more open space by narrowing the streets. Burshten stated additional information will be gathered and will be discussed at the March meeting. In April, the Public Safety Commission, Planning Commission and Council Members will be invited to the Public Works Commission meeting to further discuss the road standards. Regarding the Summerhill Addition, the Planning Commission did not go along with the recommendation from the Public Works Commission regarding road width minimums. 6. OLD BUSINESS None 7. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE. Well Number 11 Burshten reported drilling has started on the new well. No complaints have been made by nearby residents. Public Works Commission February 9, 2004- Page 6 Snowfall/Plowinq Burshten reported 18 inches of snowfall last week. The average for the year is 49 inches bringing us above average. Water Main Break The water main break occurred at 7312 Iden Avenue. Burshten reported there was approximately 4 inches of frost, however, the break was repaired in record time. 8. EAST RAVINE UPDATE Commission Member David Thiede explained that there are essentially two areas — "Neighborhood One" and "Neighborhood Two". Illustrations of the area include the following information provided by the consulting group: • Development Constrained Land — includes public parks, easements, open water and wetlands • Environmental Influences — open water, wetlands, flood prone soils, slopes . Site Analysis — illustrates culturally/historically significant sites, existing potential pedestrian connections. . Market Data — stating "single family home demand is likely to be 50% or less in fufure years, multi-family 50% or more. Twin Homes and town homes will represent about 85% of multi-family demand and high density multi-family is estimated at 15%" - Projected Summaries of the Cottage View Trade Area and the Cedarhursf Trade Area Land Use Typology (Development Character) • Less than 1 unit per acre — clustered housing development creafes a feeling of neighborhood while maintaining low overall density and preserving the maximum amount of open space and rural character • 1 to 5 units per acre — Value in residential neighborhoods is created through a combination of diversity of housing style and lot sizes, proximity to high quality amenities and quality/character of housing stock. It is important that streets not be overly wide nor dominated by garages and that all 4 sides of houses get equal levels of �nish/workmanship . 6-12 units per acre: In today's busy world, many people do not want to worry about property and exterior building maintenance. Attached housing comes in many shapes and sizes that represent a rapidly growing segment of the owner- occupied housing market. Public Works Commission February 9, 2004 — Page 7 . More than 12 units per acre — Higher density housing reduces local traffic volumes by concentrating population in relatively small areas. This greater concentration of population supports commercial uses and preserves open space at the same time it offers housing to a wide range of ages and income levels • Mixed Use — A popular trend in.today's market is mixing uses — residential or office above commercial. It is an e�cient use of valuable land that concentrates activity and reinforces a sense of place and community, creating an identity that makes a place unique . Commercial/Retail: Commercial buildings come in all shapes and sizes from small footprint "main streeY' type shops to large footprint `big box" retail. While there is room and demand in the market place for each, creating a safe and inviting experience for pedestrians and building structures with high quality design and materials will create a place that lasts and is continually successful. Thiede stated the next citizen's advisory meeting regarding the East Ravine will be February 24 at the Public Works Building. He added that if inembers have additional thoughts or comments on the area, they should give him a call. 9. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Wolcott reported the following meeting highlights: . Police Officer/Paramedic Bryce Wanek was sworn in . A liquor license was approved for MGM Liquor. They will be moving to the retail space next to Home Depot in March. . The City entered into an agreement to purchase land (north of SO� Street to the St. Paul Park exit- (west side)-between fhe railroad tracks and the highway) for the price of $1 dollar to help in addressing storm water concerns. . Council passed an ordinance regulating who can sell fireworks in the City . A Workshop took place discussing the hiring of a City Engineer 10. ENGINEERS REPORT Engineering meetings will begin next week. A report will be included in the March meeting packet. 11. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Randy Eckstein commented Public Works has done a fine job of plowing the streets. 12. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by David Thiede, seconded by Roger Finnegan. Motion was unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:47 pm. Respectfully submitted, �a.tri,ai.a� Sto rlry