04-03-2012 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROVED AS AMENDED APRIL 17, 2012 and one alignment along the west ditch. County participation would continue to be pursued as part of the Report. Council discussed the Feasibility Study and the costs and asked questions about future sewer extensions beyond the scope of this initial sewer extension, including policy issues related to properties connecting to Oakdale sewer. Council Member Smith asked about a fairness equity policy, assessment to all regardless of a hook-up or not, and a compliance deferment option for residents. Mayor Johnston and Engineer Griffin were advocates for the infrastructure to be in place, and the Feasibility Study is the opportunity to get the facts and address the resident's concerns. Council Member Smith asked if the costs could be offset if the infrastructure was in place. Council Member Pearson agreed that a Feasibility Study was needed as there were too many unknowns. Tony Haider, 4575 Olson Trail, spoke in favor of the sewer system. MOTION: Mayor Johnston moved to authorize an approximate $4,000.00 expenditure for a Feasibility Study for a joint sanitary sewer extension project with the City of Oakdale with the costs to be assessed back to property owners if the project goes ahead; and requested the City Engineer to further review additional potential service areas from 50th Street to 4415 Olson Lake Road. Council Member Park seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. LOT AREA (SIZE) AND WIDTH VARIANCE — 5577 LAKE ELMO AVENUE Planning Director Klatt updated the Council about the variance request to subdivide the 5.11 acre lot into two new smaller lots. The property is currently zoned Rural Residential which requires a minimum of 10 acres. The Planning Commission supported the draft findings to deny the request based on the following: The proposed lot split is not a reasonable use of property and does not represent practical difficulties for the applicant, any practical difficulties that exist were created by the landowner, and the proposed variances would take an existing non -conforming lot and create two non -conforming lots. Council Members and Planning Director Klatt discussed the potential for consolidation of driveways that could address access and safety concerns; however, Klatt noted that existing easements would likely not allow for additional private or public access. Mayor Johnston discussed that the plan allowed for two acres per house and that the proposed variance would be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Smith asked about the City's water infrastructure and the Open Space Developments that will support it in the future. James Delaplain 16230 4`h Ave. N., Plymouth, attorney representing applicant, questioned the "practical difficulties" and noted that they were not applicable as stated in the Findings of Fact. The lot split would be a reasonable use of the property, but the applicant would need to request driveway approval from the Council. Steven Weber, 5577 Lake Elmo Ave., commented that it had been his parent's intent to split the lot and preserve the rural characteristics of the area. Eileen Bergmann, 5500 Lake Elmo Ave., reviewed the history of the property stating she and husband sold the property to the applicant's father, Ron Weber, in 1975. At that time, the City's zoning code required a minimum of five acres. She expressed concern about the City setting precedent for other rural property owners. iKE O CITY COUNCIL MINUTES , P ,. 2012