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• <br />Planning & Zoning Board <br />November 13, 2013 <br />Page 5 <br />Sharon Gervais, 890 Old Birch St, stated concerns with speed of traffic and increased <br />traffic. She stated that there needs to be a speed limit sign on Old Birch Street as drivers <br />go faster than the speed limit. She said that traffic needs to slow down. She is not in <br />favor of the proposed development. <br />Jason Wedel, City Engineer, acknowledged that there needs to be further analysis of <br />traffic on Old Birch Street. The city will continue to work with Anoka County to analyze <br />site distance and traffic safety for accessing Old Birch Street. The issue is not resolved <br />and will be further addressed. The city will continue to review the best options for the <br />north/south section of Old Birch St. Staff will bring back considerations for the board to <br />review at a future meeting. <br />Chair Tralle addressed the concerns of the residents, including: <br />• The city posted signs alerting residents of the future connection of Fox Road <br />• Interconnection of neighborhoods is necessary for emergency vehicle access <br />• This area is able to develop now due to access to utilities that were not available <br />in the past <br />• The board will do their best to address traffic concerns <br />• An installation of a speed limit sign on Old Birch Street should be feasible <br />• The board is working in favor of the residents and will strive to achieve the best <br />possible outcome for everyone <br />• The engineering report is typical of any development <br />• Staff will make the engineering report accessible to the public via the city website <br />Linda Dawson said that the connection of Fox Road was being proposed sooner than she <br />was expecting. She asked about potential development of neighboring properties. Staff <br />addressed the neighboring properties as shown on the public hearing notice and explained <br />areas of wetlands and areas for potential future development. <br />Ms. Dawson was concerned with the amount of money that goes into developments. She <br />appreciates the conservation wetland developments. She stated issues with taxpayers <br />paying for road improvements. <br />Michael Grochala, Community Development Director, clarified that the developer will be <br />paying for 100% of the costs of the improvements on this project. The developer would <br />pay for all new roads and utilities for this development. The developer would pay a park <br />dedication fee per lot, of which the city would credit back for any park improvements <br />such as trails. Any improvements to Old Birch Street necessitated by this development <br />would be the responsibility of the developer, such as disturbances due to utility extension. <br />Mr. Grochala reiterated that no assessments are being proposed to any of the properties <br />abutting this project. Staff explained how the trunk area fee is collected by the city. <br />DRAFT MINUTES <br />