02-08-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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the Preliminary Plat and additional information from the watershed district at their August 11 meeting and once again recommended approval (5-0) to the City Council. The City Council reviewed the preliminary plat application for a second time at the City Council meeting on August 24th. At that time, the stormwater management plan for the proposed subdivision had not been formally approved by the watershed district. This step is typically completed between the preliminary and final plat approval process. Due to the unique circumstances of this site and the concerns raised by local residents, the City Council tabled the preliminary plat application until more information related to stormwater management was available from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD). Based on the feedback from the City Council and local residents, the developer made several adjustments to the preliminary plat. This included the removal of a majority of the retaining wall along the west side of the site which will reduce the amount of grading and soil correction required. The lots on the west side of the development also include tuck-under garages to reduce grades in that area. One lot was eliminated, reducing the total lots from 8 lots to 7 and decreasing the overall density of the site. An outlot was also created on the north end of the parcel to accommodate stormwater management for the entire site. The street grade was also reduced from 8.0% to 7.5% with a 2.5% grade near the intersection with Edgerton Street. The Watershed District approved the stormwater permit application for the Villas of Gervais Lake subdivision at their meeting on November 5 based on the changes above. The RWMWD was also asked to review proposed changes to reduce the variances and they had no additional comments or concerns. The watershed grading permit remains pending receipt of the following items: 1. The applicant shall submit a copy of the final, signed plans set. 2. The applicant shall submit a copy of the approved Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s NPDES Construction Permit coverage for the project. 3. The applicant shall submit contact information for the trained erosion control coordinator responsible for implementing the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 4. The applicant shall submit the escrow fee of $14,500. The City Council voted to deny the Villas of Gervais Lake Preliminary Plat and variance application at the November 30 City Council meeting. Following this decision, staff met the applicant to discuss potential options for moving forward. The City Attorney also reviewed the City Council action and issued a legal opinion advising the City to review an updated site plan that closer meets the direction of the Council. The proposed site plan will be presented at the workshop for your consideration. On January 11th, City Council met at a workshop to review the background of the Villas of Gervais Lake subdivision and consider potential changes by the developer to the Preliminary Plat that would reduce or eliminate the requested variances. These options included: 1) Revised development proposal with public road & 7 parcels (Variance for 8-foot reduction of Lot Depth from 130 feet to 122 feet) 2) Revised development proposal with private road & 7 parcels (No variances required)