12-20-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 20, 2006 wildlife than people walking through on a trail. Sculley hoped that the City would be vigilant on the drainage issues that he has raised, and asked that if the drainage does not work from north to south as proposed, that the City would step in and correct the problem. Allan felt that that the vegetation in the area was not ideal for percolation into the soils, and asked if the City could require rain gardens in the backyards of the proposed homes. The City Engineer reported that he has reviewed the drainage calculations for water coming from the site to ensure that current conditions are being maintained. The Engineer suggested that the additional water that is flowing onto the Sculley property is likely the result of development that occurred in the 1970's when there were no rules about the discharge of storm water. The Engineer pointed out the development along County Road D as an example. The Engineer also noted that as part of the Unweave the Weave project, the City has been working with MN DOT to take some of this water into their storm water ponding system. The Engineer stated that this development will not add to Mr. Sculley's drainage problems. Dave Himelbach suggested that the Watershed provide landscaping suggestions. Allan pointed out that the Watershed could provide these suggestions, but the developer would have to agree to it. Montour noted that Little Canada has been diligent and has worked hard to put together a trail system within the City. A number of residents use the trails and enjoy them. Montour did not think trails brought trouble to a community. He also noted the potential to link Little Canada's trails in this area to those in adjacent cities. Keis indicated that this plat provides an opportunity to obtain a trail easement that the City would not otherwise have. Blesener suggested that the Council approve The Preliminary Plat subject to the recommendation of the Parks Commission to obtain the trail easement. The specific details of the easement can be worked out between now and Final Plat. Blesener suggested that some of the issues to be considered would be the impact of a trail easement through the Miranda property and whether such an easement would impact the ability of Mr. Miranda to subdivide his lot, whether or not trails bring crime into an area, and the specific location of a trail in respect to the Maplewood properties. Blesener noted that the trail easement would likely be 25 to 30 feet in width, with the trail itself at an 8-foot width. Miranda stated that he was told the trail would be on the property line or within 10 feet. Miranda again stated that a 30 foot trail easement would cause him to not be able to develop his property. Miranda pointed out that