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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 E. Case No. OPC/96-33 Open Space Concept Plan on 126 Acre parcel. Applicant: Robert Engstrom See location in 8D. Robert Engstrom presented an open space development for a 46 unit, mixed residential use subdivision and preservation of approximately 55.7 acres of buildable land of which 45 acres will remain in agricultural use. Some of the remaining open space will be prairie (3.7 acres), orchard (2.5 acres), open field (3.5 acres) and a village common (1 acre). The 126 acre parcel is located west of Lake Elmo Avenue north of the "Old Village". Council member Johnston voiced her concern that some of the lots do not meet the minimum lot size district requirements exclusive of the easement area. M/S/P DeLapp/Hunt - to approve Case No. OPC/96-33 Open Space Concept Plan on 126 acre parcel presented by Robert Engstrom based on the findings presented along with a recommendation that the preliminary plat be processed conditioned upon successful approval by the Council on the amendments to the Open Space Ordinance which permits greater flexibility provided the intent of the ordinance is met. (Motion passed 5-0). F. PUBLIC HEARING: Case No. V/96-28 Variances for modification to an existing home at 10899 32nd St. N. Applicant: Mike Downs The public hearing notice was published in the August 2, 1996 Stillwater Gazette and the adjoining property owners within 350' have been notified. The council received written responses from neighbors, Colleen Osborne, G.H. Hays, Dan & Jill Martin, John & Deb Prokosch and Scott and Sara Knudson, voicing no objection to the plans submitted by Mike Downs. Mike Downs, 10899 32nd St. N., has proposed an expansion to the rear of the home, a second story addition and an attached garage. The existing home is in need of major repairs and the existing septic system is located on the lake side. The proposal includes replacing the septic system to the rear of the home. City Planner Terwedo reported the staff prepared a land use overview/lot size of the lots on the north shore of Lake Elmo and the average lot size in this area is 26,357 sq.ft. This lot is one of the smallest lots in the area. Most of the lots on the north shore were constructed as cabins prior to the zoning regulations and the lots don't conform to the existing shoreland regulations. Based on the existing shoreland regulations, Terwedo recommended denial of this proposal. Molly Shodeen, DNR, reviewed the proposal and verbally commented she had no problems with the proposal. Shodeen recommended additional trees be planted within the shoreline area. M/S/P Conlin/Hunt - to approve the variances requested by Mike Downs, 10899 32nd St. N., based on the findings according to the planner's report, with the conditions of approval that additional trees be planted between the home and shoreline, the existing septic system shall be inspected while it is being removed from the shoreline area, the septic system site shall be inspected and approved prior to issuing a building permit and the existing garage be torn down. (Motion passed 4-1:DeLapp:no hardship was provided by the applicant.) G. Street Widths (Recommendations from Planning Commission) At their August 26, 1996 meeting, the Planning Commission discussed street widths and recommended the open space ordinance be amended to reduce the width of two-way streets from 26 feet to 24 feet based on leaving room for snow storage. Council member DeLapp suggested the width of 22 feet. Administrator Kueffner suggested that street widths be part of the increased flexibility when the Council reviews each Open Space Development Plan. The proposal was acceptable to the City Council.