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COUNCIL MINUTES August 22, 2016 <br />DRAFT <br />5 <br />call for the traffic changes; based on its own criteria the city doesn’t have any bearing or rationale to call 171 <br />for the developer to fund changes. Council Member Maher suggested that in her view the goals of the 172 <br />city’s comprehensive plan (that calls for connectivity) isn’t met with this development. Ms. Larsen 173 <br />explained that connectivity is a basic part of planning and is always a consideration. Pedestrian 174 <br />connectivity is included in the plans for this development and that has been a major requirement included 175 <br />in the plans. The roadway changes could be the next phase of this development, based upon the 176 <br />comments of the county. 177 <br />Ms. Larsen continued her presentation by reviewing the variance request. It relates to the length of the 178 <br />cul-de-sac and the city requirements on length relate to access to emergency services. That concern is 179 <br />mitigated in the plans by requiring the special emergency access trail. Council Member Maher asked if 180 <br />the mitigation of the cul-de-sac situation is related to the development directly; she doesn’t necessarily 181 <br />support continuing the practice of granting a variance for a lengthy cul-de-sac. Further economic 182 <br />consideration so that a developer can include more lots shouldn’t be a part of variance consideration. 183 <br />Mayor Reinert suggested that the right in/right out is driving the issue. 184 <br />Mayor Reinert opened the floor for resident comment. 185 <br />David Parent, 6629 Sioux Lane, concurs with the right in/right out being the heart of the issue. He has a 186 <br />family and children on this street. The question of 1,000 trips comes to mind and is 1001 different. He 187 <br />feels that the traffic study numbers are relative to such thing as time of year – trips can vary. He 188 <br />appreciates that the council is taking the matter seriously and looking at how it will impact the 189 <br />neighborhood. 190 <br />Melissa Manthey, 6606 Sioux Lane, agrees with Mr. Parent’s comments about the timing of a traffic 191 <br />study. There are more trips at different times of the year. She hears about walkability being a 192 <br />consideration but she feels this takes away that ability from the existing neighborhood. She would like 193 <br />the council to consider a development that meets the needs of the area. More options are available for 194 <br />development that will fit better. 195 <br />City Engineer Hankee noted that the trip generation data was actually developed with factoring in times 196 <br />of the year. The WSB and Associates traffic engineer added that the traffic counts were done in early 197 <br />May and that data is adjusted. 198 <br />Colleen Brewster, 6591 Hokah Drive, noted that Hokah Drive wasn’t intended to be so long for such an 199 <br />extended period. Other access was planned but didn’t happen. She goes through Spirit Hills because 200 <br />she doesn’t like to make a left hand turn onto Hokah. So she does add to traffic in the neighborhood but 201 <br />she respects the area by keeping her speed low and driving safely. She requests that the council not base 202 <br />the decision on Hokah Drive. 203 <br />Jeremy Stimson, 6621 Sioux Lane, used the presentation materials to point out an option that would 204 <br />improve traffic for his street. Residents are looking to move away from the 1,000 trips per day. It’s too 205 <br />many when you’re living on that street with children. Most people are traveling within a few hours each 206 <br />day so that’s a lot during peak periods. He asks the council to be mindful of the issues surrounding this 207 <br />and of the city charter. He feels the city could require more through the variance. 208 <br />Mayor Reinert noted that his philosophy on development in the city is based on liberty – but that means 209 <br />consideration on both sides of the discussion. One person lives there and another person owns the land. 210 <br />The addition of tax base for the city is the last thing on his mind. He isn’t against development but is 211