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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-17 PACKET 04.A.ii.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE 10/17/12 ® s 6* ® PREPARED BY Public Works Les Burshten ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Accept and place on file the minutes of the August 13, 2012 Meeting of the Public Works Commission. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve the August 13, 2012 minutes of the Public Works Commission. BUDGET IMPLICATION $ $ BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT FUNDING SOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Approved minutes of the August 13, 2012 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Public Works Commission Meeting 1 Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER DATE REVIEWED APPROVED DENIED ❑ PLANNING 0 El ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ ❑ ❑ ® PUBLIC WORKS 10/8/12 ❑ ® ❑ ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Approved minutes of the August 13, 2012 ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS Public Works Commission Meeting 1 Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER • • 6 • Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at Cottage Grove Public Works, 8635 West Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Commission Chair Gary Kjellberg called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Gary Kjellberg, Jeff Rolling, Matthew Forshee Jeff Podoll Members Absent: Michael Edman Members Excused: Alex Chernyaev Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Gary Orloff, Streets Foreman John Burbank, Senior Planner, Community Development John McCool, Senior Planner, Community Development Also Present: Derrick Lehrke, City Council Member Mike Boex, PE, Bolton & Menk, Inc. Kevin Kielb, PE, Bolton & Menk, Inc. Dave Sanocki, Stantec Upon a motion made by Matt Forshee, seconded by Jeff Podoll, the minutes of the July 9, 2012 meeting were approved. None. Public Works Commission August 13, 2012 — Page 2 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Review Wal -Mart Development Plan —John Burbank John Burbank, Senior Planner, explained the City is focusing on reviewing this plan with the various commissions to respond to questions that are related to their respective commission responsibilities. The Public Works Commission will be looking into the streets, traffic, public utilities, easements, right of way, etc. Burbank intends to give a general overview of the complete project. Burbank reported Wal -Mart Corporation has made application for a 117,000 square foot Super Wal -Mart Center with a pharmacy (including a drive up window), grocery and general retail merchandising. There are five different applications: the site plan review, rezoning, preliminary and final plat along with a conditional use permit for the drive - through and a recycling area. The site of the future store is proposed to be located between the Cottage Grove VFW Red Barn and the existing Cottage View Drive -In Theater site. Burbank explained the East Ravine Master Plan was completed in 2004 and adopted in 2006. The land use in the plan was subsequently incorporated into the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and acted as a guiding basis of how the East Ravine would be developed. Development aspects considered were to make sure development was cohesive, make sure all roads come together and make certain utilities are over sized for additional development that occurs. Proposed for the site are 859 parking spaces along with a new 80 -foot right -of -way off East Point Douglas Road According to the engineers, the widths of the streets' stacking distance and turn lanes proposed as part of that public roadway adhere to the standards as adopted by the City. Additionally, there's a storm water holding pond which related to the overall discussion of how is the area developed. Maintenance requirements will be clarified between the City and the store owner for the pond. Burbank reported there are also two out lots platted for the northern portion of the property and currently two easements in that area: one is a Northern Natural Gas easement containing a gas pipeline. The other is a regional metropolitan sanitary sewer. All told, it's about 110 feet from the out lots to the existing residential properties. One of the aspects identified during the survey were some encroachments along that northern property with the existing condition. The City taking acquisition of that property would require dealing with those encroachments in accordance with our standard open space policies (for the landscaping and vegetation that will occur). Public Works Commission August 13, 2012 — Page 3 The Parks Commission recommended that with the acceptance of those out lots, they be managed as our current trail way corridors. The trail that is proposed is in the City's Comprehensive Plan and funds will be collected from Wal -Mart as part of the development agreement. At the last Planning Commission meeting, Burbank stated the major concern from nearby residents involved noise, buffering and the change in their general perception of what the land behind them will be like. At this time Mr. Burbank displayed drawings of the proposed store to the Commission members. Burbank stated discussion with the Planning Commission involved looking at the outlined area and working with the Metropolitan Council as to what development can occur and what cannot occur along with installing the trail with the existing utilities. The funds for that landscaping in the northern easement area would come from the Tree Mitigation Fund funded by Wal -Mart. The City ordinance allows a certain percentage of trees be removed as part of development. Anything above and beyond that would be replaced in kind with a formula established in the ordinance, or paid by the City's Tree Preservation Fund. Concerns of nearby residents regarding noise are being addressed by improving on the berming area and additional density of the vegetation. It would also be the City's recommendation to fund cul -de -sac improvements. Wal -Mart submitted a traffic study which was also reviewed by Bolton & Menk. They worked with Washington County and their engineers to fine tune that traffic study. In addition to the new right -of -way that is going into the store entrance would be a Phase Two Road Improvement along East Point Douglas along with a re- alignment in accordance with the County's South Washington Southeast Transportation Study that was completed several years ago. This would eventually become the Ravine Parkway as it ends up on 90 Street by the Public Safety City Hall. The Phase One Traffic Study portion includes the addition of a turn lane at East Point Douglas and Keats Avenue that would handle the traffic generated by Wal -Mart. Phase 2 would involve the completion of roadway improvements. Any additional development that would come to this area would trigger this Phase 2 development. The Planning Commission also looked at some of the concerns with the additional traffic down by Cub Foods (East Pt. Douglas and Jamaica Avenue). Kevin Kielb of Bolton & Menk stated that SEH just completed a traffic study for that area and as a part of that study; they recommended coordinating the signal systems at Public Works Commission August 13, 2012 — Page 4 East Point Douglas and Jamaica and at Jamaica and 90 Street so the signals all work together. Northbound and southbound Jamaica were also evaluated and motorists can now make left turns with flashing yellow arrows. Kielb went on to state that on East Pt. Douglas (near Taco Bell and Holiday Station) the 'westbound through', `westbound left',' southbound left', result in a "whole bunch of individual failing signal movements ". The signal system as a whole was operating at a Grade C and Grade D . SEH recommendations indicate the system should be operating as a Grade B. The failing movement, however, is still going to be that westbound lane on E. Point Douglas road where there is one lane that goes through AND left and you have another left turn only lane. "The majority of `left turners' want to stay way over to the right so they can get on 61 northbound ". It is still anticipated; however, the majority of Wal -Mart customers will be entering from Highway 61 and Keats rather than going through the East Point Douglas area. "The scenarios were looked at two ways: one analysis was a heavy distribution off County Road 19 and another was a heavier traffic volume coming off Jamaica, so we feel we are a little conservative on either end of it ", stated Kielb. Kielb reported, "One recommendation is to continue to watch Jamaica and East Point Douglas and perhaps make some other improvements that could be made other than just the signal. As you come across the area of Cottage Grove Plaza (near Taco Bell), there's that little bit of a knob that blocks motorists so perhaps some modifications could be made in that area." Kielb went on to state that they were in that area about 6:30 pm tonight before the meeting which is peak rush hour and that same issue was observed. Mike Boex stated they will wait and see if the improvements are doing what they want and then, he believes, some of the subsequent improvements will reduce some of the issues out there. Burbank stated there will be a Phase 3 which will include bridgework improvements. A grant was applied for a few years ago, however, nothing came of that. If there are additional expenses, benefitting properties would share in the cost. Senior Planner John McCool indicated Phase 1 includes the extension of three lanes and two turns into the Wal -Mart site with sidewalk on both sides. Burbank indicated from a planning perspective, he's putting his faith in staff members from Stantec as well as Bolten & Menk because they are signing their names to these reports. His recommendations to the various commissions and Council are based on their recommendations. Public Works Commission August 13, 2012 — Page 5 Storm water design has been put in place. It was also indicated there will be a specific entrance for truck traffic that comes in with the appropriate grade. There also will be a "No Idling" policy put in place for truck traffic. Trucks cannot idle for longer than five minutes. Commission Member Jeff Podoll questioned if the sanitary will go the interceptor? Burbank responded they are proposing this; however, an application process must take place with the Metropolitan Council. Further, staff is gathering more information with the existing utilities and then again our plan for water looping connection with our standard City policies. Burbank reported, "If you look at the City's Regional Water Management Plan, there is a regional pond in this area. From a storm water standpoint, it's meeting the criteria. From our water utility standpoint, it's meeting the criteria. In the past, we had capacity issues with our sanitary sewer but that's not the case here so, we're really not taxing, we're improving our water utility services to these people and to the VFW. Right now they have a water main stubbed in because they have a septic system." McCool stated all these utility services will be getting a dedicated right -of -way easement for all utility extensions. Burbank went on to state, "if you look at this from a parking /setback standpoint; it is in compliance with everything. The ordinance requires a 75 foot setback from residential properties and they are at 220 feet. The new road that is being dedicated addresses future access from this parcel and limits the number of road cuts we have on East. Pt. Douglas which is a result of our planning process ". In order to alleviate some of the concerns with nearby neighbors who are not happy with the proposed development, the Mayor will hold a Neighborhood Meeting on Friday, August 17 at 6:00 pm. Regarding the proposed plan, the Parks Commission has reviewed it, the Historic Preservation Committee has reviewed it and now, the Public Works Commission has had an opportunity to review it. At this point, Senior Planner Burbank asked for a recommendation of this group to pass onto the City Council regarding their response of the review of this project. Chairman Kjellberg indicated he is in favor of the plan. He is looking at the potential tax base for the City, the ability to have an area developed and believes it's a plus. Public Works Commission August 13, 2012 — Page 6 Senior Planner John Burbank requested the Public Works Commission make a recommendation to the City Council resulting from the review of the Wal -Mart Development Plan as presented this evening. Motion made by Jeff Podoll, seconded by Matthew Forshee to accept the Plans and Specifications for the Wal -Mart Development Plan as presented tonight. Motion was unanimously carried. Public Works Director Les Burshten explained there was a storm in the area on Friday, August 3 rd where approximately 20 trees went down. As a result, there was quite a bit of branch and debris cleanup along with a substantial amount of hanging branches to be trimmed. Cleanup is now just about complete. • Street striping generally occurs a couple times per year: once in the spring and again midway through summer. The summer striping has just been completed on the roads that were recently seal coated. There are still some catch basin repairs occurring. Street Foreman Gary Orloff indicated six repairs took place this week. A number of the 8- foot -wide trails were seal coated last week. • Staff is in the process of sealing exposed and stamped concrete which must be done on a three year cycle. The last phase for this year will be up on go Street going into the Ravine Parkway. • Hydrant painting and maintenance continues. a Fleet Maintenance is preparing vehicles for the winter season. Council approved the sale of some older equipment on eBay. The Emerald Ash Borer Program is continuing this year with another 350 trees to be removed and replaced next year. 7. ENGINEER'S REPORT Frattalone Companies is completing a draw down at the Gateway Pond which will ultimately take approximately four weeks to complete. Public Works Commission August 13, 2012 — Page 7 Work at the Belden Railroad Crossing is completed. In order for the Quiet Zone to commence, a 60 day period must take place after the Notice of Intent has been sent to CP Rail, MnDOT, Amtrak and Burlington - Northern Santa Fe Railroads. The Quiet Zone will become officially established on October 1, 2012. Pond and trail improvements are taking place at Woodridge Park. Minnesota Dirt Works is the project contractor. Plans and specifications were approved at the last Council meeting for the 80 Street Box Culvert. The project bid date is August 30 and bid is scheduled to be awarded at the September 5 th Council meeting. Additional drainage improvement work is scheduled to be completed on North Lamar. Storm sewer improvements will also be taking place in the Langley Avenue area of Old Cottage Grove. Both projects will be awarded at the September 5 Council Meeting. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Council Member Derrick Lehrke reported the budget has been a major focus for the City Council over the last couple of weeks. A Budget Open House will take place on Wednesday evening, August 22 At the last council meeting, the Council adopted, without change, the IMTF report that the Public Works Commission and former IMTF members worked on for the last few months. 9. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Les Burshten reported there were a number of traffic control changes that took place in the area of 80 Street/East Point Douglas and Hardwood Avenue. He reported some residents were not "overly excited" about these changes. For the time being, we will take a `wait and see' to approach to determine how traffic is working in the area. The City will be installing additional flags and warnings to alert motorists of the changes. 10. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn was made by Jeff Rolling, seconded by Matthew Forshee. Motion was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm. Respectfully submitted, Pa h-i Ca S arb-y