HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2015 SCMCITY OF LAKE ELMO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2015 Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 9:25pm.
PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Julie Fliflet, Anne Smith, Justin Bloyer, and Jill Lundgren.
Staff present: City Administrator Zuleger, Community Development Director Klatt, City Engineer Griffin,
Finance Director Bendel, and City Clerk Bell.
PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE
Approval of agenda by consensus
WILDFLOWER PRELIMINARY PLAT; RES. NO. 2015-23
Community Development Director Klatt provided summary of the proposed PUD development and the
process for a PUD. He explained the minor changes from the concept plan approved on 6/17/2014. The
flexibility that a PUD affords was explained. Mr. Klatt went over the critical path issues and provided an
update on issues identified during the Planning Commission public hearing. Staff recommends adding one
additional condition of allowing 10 foot side yard setbacks.
The alley streets were discussed. Conservation easements were discussed. Median maintenance and rain
gardens were discussed. Street naming was discussed. The sanitary sewer construction from 30th St lift station
to 39th St. was explained.
The previously discussed conditions placed on the Concept Plan and Comp Plan amendment were discussed.
Staff reported that all conditions have been met.
The proposed home size was explained to be about 1500 to 2200 for courtyard homes (Garden Villas); the
other lots include one stories with about 1800 sq ft and two stories with about 2200 sq ft. It was noted that
there are design standards in place, but they are not mandated by the City.
Staff supports the proposed PUD variances. It was pointed out that the 6ft fences in courtyard homes have
not been specifically reviewed, but if allowed they will be outside of the current fence regulations.
The plantings in the development were discussed.
Neil Krueger, 4452 Lake Elmo Ave, is concerned about the water issue. He thanked staff for addressing the
issue.
Richard Smith, 11514 Stillwater Blvd, spoke on behalf of Mary Jane Dupuis. He spoke in opposition to the
walking trail on Outlot H. It was noted that the HOA could create a trail at any later time if it was removed
from the plans.
Bob Engstrom, developer, spoke about the proposal and its unique features.
Mayor Pearson read letter from Mary Jane Dupuis. See Exhibit 20150414A
It was confirmed that the courtyard fences would have to be 4 feet max, but interior privacy fencing could be
allowed.
The accommodations afforded the surrounding property owners by the developer were explained.
Council Member Fliflet is strongly against adopting the County street naming convention. She is concerned
about safety as many of the streets do not extend through and it can cause confusion for emergency services.
Street naming was further discussed. Mr. Klatt explained that this is a bigger issue that needs resolution for
future developments.
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to adopt Resolution No. 2015-23, approving the Wildflower at
Lake Elmo Preliminary Plat and Preliminary PUD Plan subject to 20 conditions of approval. Council
Member Fliflet seconded the motion.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015
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Friendly amendment by Council Member fliflet to amend motion to allow 10 foot side yard setback.
Accepted by Council Member Smith
Friendly amendment by Council Member Fliflet to amend motion to remove the Outlot H loop trail
from the plan. Accepted by Council Member Smith.
The existence of the loop trail and what ability the city has to restrict the use of the property were discussed.
Council Member Bloyer is opposed to Council restricting use of other parties’ property. Lundgren supported
Council Member Bloyer called the question. CALL TO QUESTION PASSED 5-0
MAIN MOTION FAILS. 2-3 (Pearson, Bloyer, and Lundgren).
MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to adopt Resolution No. 2015-23, approving the Wildflower at
Lake Elmo Preliminary Plat and Preliminary PUD Plan subject to 20 conditions of approval and
allow 10 foot side yard setback. Council Member Lundgren seconded the motion.
Council Member Fliflet wishes all the developments in Lake Elmo were like Mr. Engstrom’s. His proposal is
exactly what she wants for the Village, and she hopes that future developments follow suit.
Public versus private road maintenance was discussed.
MOTION TO AMEND: Mayor Pearson moved to AMEND THE MOTION THAT THE ALLEYWAYS
BE PRIVATELY MAINTAINED. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion. MOTION TO AMEND
FAILS 1-4 (Fliflet, Smith, Bloyer, and Lundgren – Nay).
Council Member Bloyer questioned why this development was not scrutinized strictly as others. Mayor
Pearson voiced his support for the proposal despite it not being completely perfect as it brings diversity in
development. He expressed his desire that all developments can be treated with fair scrutiny despite not being
perfect.
Friendly amendment by Council Member Smith to remove condition #12. Accepted by Council
Member Lundgren.
Roll Call Vote called for by Council Member Bloyer
Fliflet: YEA
Smith: YEA
Pearson: YEA
Bloyer: YEA
Lundgren: YEA
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
Mayor Pearson Adjourned the meeting at 11:39 pm.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
______________________________ Mike Pearson, Mayor _______________________________
Adam R. Bell, City Clerk