08-13-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 13, 2014 AUGUST 18"' COUNCIL MEETING RAILROAD SAFETY ISSUES PUD PERMIT - 56 LITTLE CANADA ROAD — THOMAS HOMES The City Administrator reminded the general public that the next City Council meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, August 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. The City Administrator reported that Governor Dayton hosted a meeting at Little Canada City Center to discuss the issue of railroad safety. The Administrator reported that Acting Mayor Montour represented the City well and passed on the City's concern on this issue. The Administrator noted that while the Federal Railroad Administration governs railroads, the Governor is bringing communities and organizations together to present a coordinated effort in addressing railroad safety. Montour pointed out that quality of life issues relative to noise were discussed, but railroad safety was the primary topic. The Governor will be coordinating additional discussions of these issues across the State. Montour opened the continued Public Hearing to consider approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Permit to allow a three -unit residential development at 56 Little Canada Road East requested by Thomas Homes. It was noted that the Planning Commission recommended denial of the PUD Permit. The City Planner noted that this request for PUD Permit has been on a couple of the Council's agenda's and was most recently tabled to tonight's meeting to give the Council the opportunity to review and consider information that was submitted by the applicant just prior to the previous meeting. The Planner noted that the original request was for a three -unit residential building and that request was then modified to a two -unit residential house with carriage units over the garage space. The Planner indicated that based on the discussion that occurred at the last meeting, the applicant has indicated that he is now modifying his proposal and will be developing a single-family home on the property. The Planner noted that given the applicant will be replacing the existing single-family home, there is no PUD Permit requirement. The applicant will have to meet all building and zoning requirements for the single-family home, however. The Planner noted his August 8, 2014 report that recommends denial of the PUD Permit for multi -family residential based on the findings outlined in that report. Tom McManus, Thomas Homes, appeared before the Council and indicated that he has discussed the recommendation for denial with the City Planner. McManus reported that his company has a lot of money into this property and indicated that the market for single-family in this area will be difficult. He pointed out that there is other multi -family housing in 2