HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995.04.24 CC Minutes - Special meeting re Woods of Bald EagleMINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AFFIL 24, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fran Miron at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT: Barnes. Goiffon, LaValle, Leroux, Miron
City Administrator, Robert MUseus
City Attorney, Greg Galler
City Engineer, Joel Dresel
This meeting was called to discuss the proposed Woods of Bald Eagle
subdivision. Mayor Miron suggested that the Council consider the list of
issues prepared by the City Administrator and City Attorney from the
Council meeting of April 3, 1995, and then allow for discussion by the
developer and the public.
The first issue discussed was the proposed townhomes along 130th Street.
The Council had concerns regarding the quality of the townhomes to be
constructed in this area. The developer stated that they would be willing
to provide the City detailed specifications for the townhomes, which could
be included in the Development Agreement.
The Council next discussed the potential lack of buildable areas on some
of the lots. Specifically, Barnes mentioned four lots in Block 2 and a
couple of lots in Block 3, which may not provide future homeowners
sufficient space to construct desired amenities such as patios, decks,
sheds, and other such typical residential accessories. Barnes stated that
she believed that 8,000 square foot buildable should be a minimum lot size
required. Mayor Miron indicated that, perhaps, covenants could be applied
that would restrict the type of house to be placed on these lots,
decreasing the foot prints to allow more room for amenities.
The existing utility lines running across the property were discussed,
with Jim Merila, engineer representing the developers, stating that he
felt these lines could be buried as part of the development project.
The Council discussed the drainage and soil issues, specifically, the
mitigation pond proposed along the property line with the Oak Shore Park
subdivision, which would require the removal of a number of mature trees
in the area. The Council felt that trees should be preserved wherever
possible, and that, perhaps, the mitigation ponds could be moved off-site
to an area that would support the City's drainage plan for the Clearwater
Creek watershed. The Council also indicated an interest in reviewing the
Environmental Assessment Worksheet prior to making a final decision on the
development. Mr. Duffy, the attorney representing the developers, stated
that preliminary plat approval was required prior to submitting the EAW to
the Board of Soil and Water Resources for final approval.
Interest had been expressed at past meetings in piping the stormwater flow
through the existing ditch between Blocks 5 and b of the plat. Mr. Duffy
had indicated that the developer had no objection to a pipe in this
location, but they would expect its cost to be borne by the City. The
City's attorney indicated this was a matter for negotiation, and the
Council felt that this matter should be pursued by the City.
There was some discussion regarding the adequacy of the 11 1/2 acres
proposed by the developer for City park use, and how this land could be
developed to best serve the City's interests. Council members LaValle
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and Barnes both indicated that the existing homeowners' park on the south
side of the development would be a better location for a neighborhood park
area, and that the City should enter into negotiations with the
Homeowners' Association to acquire this land.
Traffic concerns on the proposed 127th Street were discussed. The
proposed road width and sidewalks were issues that the City Engineer needs
to review.
The Council indicated an interest in using the easement for Falcon Avenue,
between Wilson Tool and proposed development as a buffer between the
development and adjacent industrial uses. The City Attorney stated that
the easement document providing the roadway to the City should be reviewed
to insure that the Council could use the area for this purpose. Mr. Duffy
stated that the road easement was provided to the City, by the developer,
and the developer had no objection for its use as a buffer, and will work
with the City to make the buffering possible. The developer also
indicated that the would be willing to plant trees along the easement to
reduce the conflict between Wilson Tool and the proposed adjacent
residential properties.
Mayor Miron brought up the issue of the tile line running through the
homeowners' park. which needs to be protected during construction work,
and that there may be other tile lines crossing the property at unknown
locations. The Council felt that the Development Agreement for this
project should place the responsibility of locating and protecting these
lines on the developer.
Mr. Pete Pedersen, representing the homeowners in the area, presented some
issues to the Council as follows:
1. The 20 conditions recommended by the Planning Commission should be
included in the Development Agreement.
2. The homeowners have recently signed new covenants regarding
maintenance of the homeowners' park, and the park was recorded on the
ownership of 50 separate deeds.
3. Requested that the City give consideration to moving the location of
the proposed lift station on Ethan Avenue from the lot line to protect
adjacent residents from its noise.
4. The homeowners were supportive of moving the mitigation area from the
property line of Oak Shore Park to another location.
5. The City needs to seriously consider the appropriate construction
standards and road widths for 127th Street given the expected traffic.
6. He indicated Planning Commission responsibilities in subdivision
approval and development need to be clarified.
7. He stated concern regarding the drainage problems in the Bald Eagle
Estates and Lake Air Estates developments, and that the City should
insure that similar problems are not created by the new development.
8. The proposed location of the 11 1/2 acre park may be better suited to
some sort of commercial activity surrounding the proposed bike trail
along Highway 61, and that the homeowners were opposed to lights in
the ball park.
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9. The homeowners have concerns regarding the exit from 17.0th Street onto
T.H. 61, and that traffic, if blocked at this intersection, may shift
south west towards the lake and have a negative impact on their
properties.
10. The homeowners supported burying a pipe to replace the drainage ditch
between Blocks 5 and 6 in the proposed development.
Mr. Duffy then spoke stating that:
1. The developer will provide the City with designs and architectural
plans for the proposed townhomes.
2. The developer will be providing the protective covenants for the
development.
3. The ditch between Blocks 5 and 6 could be reprofiled to provide a
safer facility for adjacent residents, and there was also another
option of providing a low -flow pipe through the area with a swale to
handle storm runoff.
4. The 11 1/2 acres proposed for park development was a good location for
this use, and that the developers have not seen, in the past 25 odd
years, a great demand for industrial development in this location.
5. The developer was willing to work with the City in providing buffering
from incompatible land uses and providing site amenities to the
development.
Council member Miron proposed to have the City staff work with the
homeowners and the developer to resolve the issues discussed this evening,
and Fete Pedersen indicated that the homeowners will appoint
representatives to meet City staff to work on solutions to these issues.
Council indicated that this was an appropriate course of action, and that
staff should work with the concerned individuals and report to the
Council.
Leroux made motion, Goiffon seconded, to adjourn at 10-30 PM.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Robert A. MUseUS
City Administrator