02-09-2012 Planning Comm. Agenda

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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MIN 56422 Telephone: 763. 231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planneisrtanacplaruiind.com MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: February 3, 2012 RE: Little Canada — Subdivision Ordinance Amendments FILE NO: 758.10— 12.01 Background and Analysis The City has proposed some technical amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance that are designed to establish a standard for the installation of sanitary sewer lift stations and a requirement for the looping of watermain. The intent of the ordinance amendments is too add specificity and the weight of ordinance requirement (rather than staff or City Engineer recommendation) to these requirements. For the lift station, the language specifies that the type of equipment will be established by City Council resolution, along with a series of design requirements, and also makes a specific reference to the City's ability to determine when lift stations will be allowed. The reason for this amendment is that lift stations create an extraordinary need for ongoing cost (power) and maintenance which is not necessarily covered by the development installing the equipment. The City typically prefers sanitary sewer design that minimizes the use of lift stations to ensure greater efficiency and lower operating costs over the long term. Developers will sometimes propose lift stations due to lower up -front development costs where the extension of a gravity -based sewer system is more difficult. In some cases, the City will consider these requests, but it is important for the City to have a clear authority over both usage and equipment manufacturer to ensure the best long term design and operation.