12/16/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 1996 Council Member Bergeson noted that there is a wetland at the corner of Main Street and Otter Lake Road. Mr. Powell pointed out several wetlands in this area. He explained that the alignment plan for the new road was based in part on design considerations, including the need to get a 300 -foot minimum depth on the lots to make them more developable. Also, the final plan for the roadway avoided an existing structure on the LaCasse homestead, as well as some wetlands. Mr. Powell explained that the City will be responsible for mitigating any impact on the wetlands as well as for obtaining a permit from the Rice Creek Watershed District. Council Member Bergeson asked why there is a jog in the road realignment near the existing corner. Mr. Powell explained that the new alignment coincides with the existing property line, and the jog is needed to avoid the existing structure as well as to obtain more front footage on the lots that abut Main Street. These lots will be the most marketable from a development standpoint. Council Member Bergeson noted that the sewer and water trunk lines will be going up the new Otter Lake Road, and asked if the trunk lines will go all the way to Main Street. Mr. Powell responded that they will. Council Member Bergeson then asked how the lot at the present corner of Main Street and Otter Lake Road will be assessed, in light of the fact that utilities will be available from two directions. Mr. Powell explained the assessment policy for this type of situation. Council Member Bergeson asked if sewer and water utilities are planned for the old Otter Lake Road. Mr. Powell explained that they were considered as part of the feasibility study. However, the focus was on Phelps Road and the existing Otter Lake Road, and how to best extend sanitary sewer to this area. Mr. Powell referred to three locations of stubs, and explained that the area could be serviced from any one of them. He stated that any extension along the existing Otter Lake Road would require reconstruction of the roadway, and that the most economical way to serve this area would be through stubs that are located at the intersection of Phelps Road if it is extended to the east to the new realigned Otter Lake Road. Council Member Neal asked what direction the new convenience center would face. Mr. Powell said that it would probably face the north, or Main Street, with the structure located in the southeast corner of the lot. Council Member Neal asked if Anoka County has given its permission to realign Otter Lake Road. Mr. Powell said that there have been discussions with Jon Olson, Anoka County Engineer, for some time. He added that the County has reviewed this proposal, and has been firm regarding no access from Main Street. Mr. Ahrens explained that a draft Joint Powers Agreement has been prepared, but must be updated regarding driveway access. When the updated Agreement is completed, it will be forwarded to Mr. Olson at the Anoka County Highway Department. Mr. Ahrens explained that although the County has given a favorable response to the proposed realignment because it would eliminate the close proximity of the old Otter Lake Road to the I -35W off ramp, the Anoka County Board will have to approve the Joint Powers Agreement for the project to go forward. Council Member Neal expressed concern that the City might be "jumping the gun" by proceeding with plans to realign Otter Lake Road without the signed Joint Powers Agreement. Mr. Ahrens stated that the Joint Powers Agreement, which is a formality, addresses primarily the new realigned Otter Lake Road, which runs through the Clearwater Creek development area. This new road will be a County road, and the Joint Powers Agreement details the funding between the County and the City and also addresses driveways off of the new road. The County will pay approximately 90 to 95% of the cost of the new road. The road segment being discussed at this time is a City road, not directly involving the County. 4