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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2015 CCMCITY OF LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 14, 2015 PRESENT: Mayor Mike Pearson and Council Members Julie Fliflet, Anne Smith, Justin Bloyer, and Jill Lundgren. Also Present: Washington County Commissioners Weik and Kriesel, Washington County Transit & Planning Mgr Jan Lucke, Washington County … Andy Getzlaf. Wayne Sandberg Staff present: City Administrator Zuleger, Community Development Director Klatt, City Planner Johnson, City Engineer Griffin, Finance Director Bendel, and City Clerk Bell. I. Call to Order - Mayor Pearson Mayor Pearson called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. II. Gateway Corridor Workshop Will Shrorer East Metro Strong explained … Roger Millar, Smart Growth America spoke about the demographics involved. Deena Belzer, President, Strategic Economics spoke about the market. The mode of transit (BRT) was discussed. Fliflet expressed her desire to not have just a parking lot or structure. She would like something better and more attractive. It was explained that the parking is the first part of the long term-plan and can be catalytic in surrounding development and gentrification. The maintenance of parking facilities was discussed. Engstrom asked about driverless cars. Ms. Belzer said that transit will still be needed. Bruce Miller concerned about the 4-5 years of previous planning and how this impacts those plans. It was explained that the development community concerns can be implemented in the planning process. Bloyer would like a staff, council, and developers workshop to work on specifics. Recess at 7:42pm. Reconvened at 7:49pm. III. Municipal Consent on Phase II of the Downtown Street and Utility Project Workshop Frank Ticknor, Washington County presented a summary of where the project is at. He spoke about the public engagement efforts and concerns raised. He summarized the project goals. Presented the design alternative review Area A hwy 5 to 36th st – Area B 36th st to RR Area C RR to 30th St Area D 30th St to Preferred alternatives were explained. Sidewalk with vis-à-vis boulevards and snow removal was discussed. It was asked if the right turn lane could be shortened. Unfortunately, due to the traffic volume, that is not an option. Traffic signals - Construction stating end of may and beginning of June. Area B. state aid standards do not allow for angled parking. Parking was discussed. Area C. 6’ shoulder is minimum for state aid road. The storm water and possible underground water storage options were discussed. Most of everything proposed is within the ROW, so very little to no acquisition. Area D. 30th St differences from LE Ave were explained. Staff recommends sidewalks on the south side based on data obtained and analysis. Johnson explained the project process and council action. Phase II will be brought to council on 4/21/15. Overhead utilities need to decided. Costs were discussed. Total number of homes and properties affected by having to upgrade the electrical service. 15-20? Nick can provide for next meeting. Notice of meeting was discussed. Further opportunities of city involvement was discussed. Workshop adjourned at 9:14pm Call to order at 9:25pm. IV. Wildflower Preliminary Plat; Res. No. 2015-25 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. Wetland overflow; drain field location; proximity of ponds to private wells; number of rain gardens in public ROW; proposed street widths; additional neighbor concerns regarding the trail. Staff recommends adding one condition of allowing The alley streets were discussed. Conservation easements were discussed. Median 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. All have been met. Proposed home size was explained 1500 to 2200 for courtyard homes (garden villas); the other lots include one stories with about 1800 sq ft and two story with about 2200? Staff supports the PUD variances. 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 were discussed. Neil Krueger, 4452 Lake Elmo Ave. concerned about the water issue. Thanked staff for addressing the issue. Richard Smith, on behalf of Mary Jane Dupuis spoke against 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 Mayor Pearson read letter from Mary Jane Dupuis It was confirmed that the courtyard fences would have to be 4 feet max. The accommodations afforded were explained. Fliflet is strongly against adopting the county street naming convention. She is concerned about safety as many of the streets do not extend through. Street naming was discussed. Klatt explained that this is a bigger issue MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to adopt Resolution No. 2015-24, approving the Wildflower at Lake Elmo Preliminary Plat and Preliminary PUD Plan subject to 20 conditions of approval. Council Member Fliflet seconded the motion. Friendly amendment by Council Member fliflet to amend motion to allow 10 foot side yard setback. Accepted by smith Friendly amendment by Council Member fliflet to amend motion to remove the Outlot H loop trail from the plan. Accepted by smith Bloyer opposed to Council restricting use of other’s property. Lundgren Smith Bloyer called to question. 5-0 Main motion fails. 2-3. MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to adopt Resolution No. 2015-24, 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. Fliflet wishes all the developments in LE were like Mr. Engstrom’s. His proposal is exactly what she wants for the Village. She hopes that future developments follow suit Public vs private road maintenance was discussed. Motion to amend: Mayor Pearson wants 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). Bloyer questioned why this development was not questioned as strictly as others. Pearson … Smith friendly amendment to remove condition #12. Lundgren accepted. Roll Call Vote called for by Bloyer: Fliflet: AYE Smith: AYE Pearson: AYE Bloyer: AYE Lundgren: AYE MOTION PASSED 5-0. ADJOURN AT 11:39PM. V. Adjourn