1984 04 16
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REGULAR CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 16, 1984
Mayor Hamilton called the meeting to order.
the Pledge to the Flag.
The meeting was opened with
Members Present
Councilman Horn, Councilwoman Watson, Councilman Geving
Members Absent
Councilwoman Swenson
Staff Present
Don Ashworth, Bill Monk, Scott Martin, Bob Waibel
Susan Albee, Planning Commission
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Horn moved to approve the agenda
sented. Motion seconded by Mayor Hamilton. The following voted
Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving.
tive votes. Motion carried.
as pre-
in favor:
No nega-
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilwoman Watson moved to approve the consent agenda
pursuant to the City Manager's recommendations:
a. Approve 1984 P-District Review. Delete Western Hills 1st and 2nd.
b . L a k e Ann Par k E x pan s ion . ~c so I v+ i 0" H - /1 A-
c. 1984/85 LAWCON Grant Applications.
d. Vendor Agreement for Lake Ann Park, Mike Rosenwald.
e. Fireman's Softball Tournament.
f. Engineering Technician. RESOLUTION #84-20.
Motion seconded by Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor: Mayor
Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative
votes. Motion carried.
MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilwoman Watson to note the March 14,
1984, Planning Commission minutes. Motion seconded by Councilman Geving.
The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson,
Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
BILLS: Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the bills as presented: checks
#021372 through #021444 in the amount of $329,780.06, checks #019914
through #020006 in the amount of $108,141.26, and checks to Data Dispatch,
City of White Bear Lake, Port Prior, Albinson's, National Business Systems,
George Donnelly, and Donald Ashworth in the amount of $10,453.73. Motion
seconded by Councilwoman Watson. The following voted in favor: Mayor
Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative
votes. Motion carried.
PHEASANT HILL PRO, TOMKAY BUILDERS: Tom and Kay Klingelhutz, Rick and
Sally KlingeThutz, Mark Koegler, and George Steller were present.
Mark Koegler - Some time ago we were before you with a sketch plan. Since
that time we tried to implement some changes to that plan. Briefly, to
highlight what has changed, the biggest change is the inclusion of the
George Steller property which is about 3! acres. In addition to that we
have done a number of lot shifts. The total unit count is now 82 where
previously it was 92, the gross density is now 2.06 units per acre, pre-
viOUSly is was 2.4. The average lot size gone up from about 13,700 to
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14,932 and we have increased the mlnlmum lot size from around 7,500 to just
under 9,000. In doing that our design philosophy essentially has remained
unchanged. We have stayed with larger lots to the north and getting
smaller as you proceed down towards Lake Lucy Road in what ultimately would I
be the more heavily traveled route. The open space shown on this serves
really two purposes. One is functional, we are going to use that as a part
of the drainage system for the property. There will be a pond on the site
that will constantly have open water on it and additionally, we are using
that as what we feel is an amenity, it is a major draw for the middle of
the property itself. The preliminary plat is very much in keeping with the
site plan. A couple of notations on that, you will notice that we have
established four Outlots (A,B,C, and D), A, B, and C are for drainage pur-
poses and open space purposes, Outlot D has been established due to an
interest by the party that lives next door to purchase that tract from Mr.
Klingelhutz. It's has been established then for transfer to that indivi-
dual. There have been right-of-ways that have been stubbed at a point to
the south, to the east and, based upon staffs recommendation another one to
the north to provide future access either to the north, east or south on
the property. A quick notation on phasing, we have shown the project in
three phases. Phase I, hopefully commencing as soon as possible in Mayor
June. Phase I being in the northerly portion. Phase II is the 1985/1986
which consists of 24 lots and in keeping with staffs original recommen-
dation, we would also submit that this intersection should be a part of
Phase II to connect I and II, and then the final phase, 'Phase III occuring
in 1986/1987. That represents another 24 lots. The grading, we attempted
throughout developing the plans to work with the watershed district and
with Bill Monk. All of the street grades in essense are below 6!% grade.
There is one instance on Raven Circle where we are 8%. The ponding area is I
an integral part of the drainage system. The majority of the water flows
to the center of the site. Some of the peripheral drainage falls away out-
side the property boundaries just as it does presently. We would like to
add three comments this evening with regard to the Planning Commission
recommendation. The first item on our list is, there was discussion before
the commission about a tot lot on the property. We would just like to com-
ment that for the record when we discussed it with the Planning Commission
we brought up some concerns that we thought were considerations with regard
to safety with regard to maintenance and how much the facility would
actually be used. In looking at the property itself we have got plenty of
room to accommodate a tot lot if it is the City's desire within the open
space area. We just wanted to highlight the fact that we think there is
some concerns there, however the site can accommodate it if it is your
desire. The second item, the Planning Commission made a recommendation
that Phase III not be approved until such time as access over to Yosemite
should be put in and to be quite candid, we view this as a little more
serious obstacle. Phase III represents approximately 30% of the total pro-
ject and in todays market if we are not reasonably certain at what point in
time that can be developed it raises some question as to the viability of
the project as a whole. Additionally, we think that there is a potential
for an awkward position from the City. As you are aware from reading the
packet we have petitioned that the project be put in as a public improve-
ment project, including the streets, which would eventually put the City in
the position of awarding the contract for that to go in. If, also, the I
City puts a stipulation on that that could not happen until this connection
is made it may be possible that the onus is somewhat put back on you to
assume that that connection does happen. Either to acquire that or to con-
demn it or whatever. Our position would be to let it sit there until deve-
lopment happens. We think reasonably with an access point to the south,
one to the north, and one to the east, something will occur and we are
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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unsure at what that time frame is and for that reason we have some concerns
about tieing down Phase III until that happens. The final point that we
would like to make with regard to the Planning Commission's recommendation,
they added additionally that Wood Duck Lane in Phase II be put in in asso-
ciation with the work we are doing in Phase I. We would request that you
adhere to the original schedule that we had outlined where that would be a
part of Phase II for a couple of reasons. First of all Phase I will have
two access points, therefore, we don't view that as being an essential ele-
ment. We would rather defer the cost on that until the second phase of the
project. The other reason is we feel if that's put in initially it will
put more traffic onto Lake Lucy Road and as you are aware this is the
unimproved portion or the worst section of Lake Lucy Road. We are not
saying that somehow by the time Phase II comes along that that will be
improved but what we are saying is perhaps we can buy 12 to 14 months to
see what does occur. For those reasons we would ask that the original
phasing be adhered to.
Councilman Horn - I was wondering if Mr. Palmer was here, the landowner to
the west.
Tom Klingelhutz - We met with Mr. Palmer. It seems he had some objection.
He wrote a letter objecting to it but after we talked to him he never
showed up at the public hearing or anything so we just assumed perhaps he
doesn't have an objection now.
Bill Monk - I did talk to Mr. Palmer this afternoon. He didn't say
anyth~about the action before the Council with regards to this item. He
seemed much more concerned about the petition for improvements which did
involve his property. Whether he has dropped his objections or not I don't
know but Mr. Klingelhutz is right in that he hasn't voiced any opposition
to this layout in recent meetings with him and he said that he wasn't sure
whether he could attend tonight because of prior commitments.
Councilman Geving - In response first of all to your comments Mark, I don't
believe the onus for the development of this be placed on the City to
improve that Wood Duck Lane. I think this is your development, not ours.
That is an awful long cul-de-sac that I see on the termination of Wood Duck
Lane and who knows when we would eventually link that road up with
Yosemite. It may be many years. My personal feeling is that if we ter-
minate Wood Duck Lane the way I see it here that I would want to see a
completed terminal with a cul-de-sac, just like any other cul-de-sac so
that we would at least be able to run our plows down the road and turn them
around and I would want that cul-de-sac completed just as if it would never
be extended. We have had similar situations in the City where we have done
something like this and they call it kind of temporary but they end up
being extremely permanent. So that is a problem to me. The tot lot that
you mentioned and the Planning Commission felt was desirable, am I to
assume them that 2,000 square feet would be set aside for that by the deve-
loper and, of course, it wouldn't be developed by the developer, it would
be a piece of land that would be designated as a tot lot. I see in here in
the recommendations from t'he Planning Commission, item #4, the inclusion of
the intersection of Wood Duck Lane and Ring Neck Drive in Phase II, do you
have any problem with that?
Tom Klingelhutz - No.
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Councilman Geving - Over the weekend I drove out to the area and coming
into the development off 117, it scares me to think what that access is
going to be like. I suspect that we are going to have to do a lot of I
brushing and clearing, do you have any ideas on that Tom, how that could be
improved?
Mark Koegler - I think we would be in concurrence with Bill's comments on
that. That, that intersection does need some sight distance improvements,
through clearing and grubbing. It is somewhat of a hazard as it sits right
now. We share your concerns as it is a major access point for the project.
Councilman Geving - Is there going to be some signs leading up to the
intersection there so that people know there is a major intersection coming
off Steller Circle? For example, what I see in Lotus Lake Estates and how
they enter onto Highway 101 there. I like that. It's easy to get in and
there is two lanes of traffic there. Something like that is what I had in
mind as a possible entrance to this development. I assume now that all the
roads will be 50 foot right-of-way as suggested by the Engineer. No
question on the acquisition of that small piece of property on Steller
Circle? Is that going to proceed?
Bill Monk - It will have to. Approval should be conditioned upon
acquisition.
Councilman Geving - All the streets will be 28 feet in width. Tell us a
little bit about the water looping and how it will eventually hook up to
West 63rd Street.
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Bill Monk - The existing watermain is in West 63rd Street and Cardinal.
There-wTTl be a connection at this point to the existing system. Also,
there will be a connection at this point which will help this dead end stub
that now exists on Yosemite. That would be stubbed in. It will loop
around and come in and connect to the existing system that presently comes
back in through here and a connection will be made at this point with a
stub to be put down for any future connection or line that would go in Lake
Lucy Road. The only thing still to be looked at as a part of the plans and
specifications would be whether a watermain need come up here but I see
it's very good internal connection as far as watermain. There are three
connection points and no dead end lines except for these short cul-de-sacs.
So everything is looped.
Councilman Geving - What is the size of those?
Bill Monk - Most lines will be 6 inches.
Councilman Geving - You said Mark, that you had a real major concern and
problem with the Manager's comments on page 2.
Mark Koegler - Our concerns were primarily twofold and they were from the
Planning Commission recommendations. The first one had to do with the
timing of Wood Duck Lane and when that would be extended. The second one
had to do with this section of Wood Duck Lane. We felt, as it was proposed I
originally, that that was more appropriate for Phase I than Phase II. It
didn't serve much purpose for Phase II for the reasons that we outlined.
So our concerns were from the Planning Commission recommendations, not from
any of the Manager's reports or comments.
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Don Ashworth - Can I assume, Mark, that the comments that I made are accep-
table to you? All I am basically saying is to return before Phases II or
III start to see if we can resolve those issues.
Mark Koegler - Yes. As long as we have a general understanding about the
timing of the roads, I don't see that that's a procedural problem.
Councilwoman Watson - I guess I still see a lot of lots smaller than I wish
they were. I guess I am having some difficulties getting use to those
little lots. The average lot size is 14,932. That part is okay but I
still see lots at 8,800/9,000 square feet.
Councilman Geving - What would be the possibility of putting in zero 10t1i-
nes on those lots to the west and possibly on the southwest part where you
would leave a large side lot on one side?
Mark Koegler - When we have gone through the citing for the individual
building pads, we are assured that they will meet all of the R-1 setbacks.
So there minimua11y will be 20 feet between units. Tom has come up with
some floor plans and I think we had some representative samples in the
packet of some units which will be somewhat smaller on those lots and to
kind of tone down the scale. We indicated previously to you that our
intent is diversity in price and I can assure you from what we know right
now we don't reach that goal by putting a large house on that lot.
Councilwoman Watson - Will you be building those houses on those lots?
Tom K1inge1hutz - Not all of them. I am going to sell some lots. I am
going to control the houses that go on those lots. These particular four
or five lots here, we have this other problem, there is this remodeled
chicken coup that's back here and I guess that kind of bothers me quite a
bit. I didn't want to put my nicest lots back there. I think this is kind
of a trade off in that respect. I didn't want to criticize anybody for
having that building there but it does hurt my property a little bit.
Councilwoman Watson - I am just concerned about with the small lot, what
kind of a house can go on it.
Councilman Horn - I disagree with one of Dale's cmments about the cu1-de-
sac. Hard1y-anything is ever planned to be temporary. Besides that, the
initial problem was snowp10wing the cul-de-sac. I think a "T" turn around
makes a lot more sense. It doesn't give the look of permanence and it
accomplishes the same thing.
Mayor Hamilton - I agree with that. The last time this was reviewed there
was a lot of discussion about the size of the lots and I think we need to
adjust our thinking along with the times and when Mr. Waldrip was here
looking for a development that was a different time and a different
situation. We have asked Mr. K1inge1hutz to change the size of the lots,
he has done that. Everybody in the world does not want to live on a 15,000
or 30,000 square foot lot. Affordable housing, that also means the piece
of ground that they sit on. We have to adjust our thinking to that. I
think it's a beautiful development. It would certainly be an asset to the
community. The Planning Commission reviewed this item and certainly did
their homework and made some very good recommendations. I think item 6,
that Phase III not be approved until a suitable connection of Wood Duck
Lane to Yosemite is made, I don't agree with that. What is your position
on that?
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Mark Koegler - Our concern is that is that Phase III gets dragged out to
four or five years, what will be happening at that point in time. It is in
that regard that we have an objection to that comment.
Councilwoman Watson - I understand responding to what is going on in the
marketplace. Not very many years ago had we responded to what was being
done in the marketplace at that time we would be a community of four-plexes
and eight-plexes. They haven't proved to last all that long. There are
still some going up but now we are seeing this so we still have to take
care, even when we are responding to the market we have to be very careful
that we are sure what that market is and whether it is going to last.
Mayor Hamilton - What we are seeing is single family housing.
Councilman Geving - The Planning Commission in their last comment mentioned
suitable vegetation be provided along Lake Lucy Road, do you have any
thoughts on that Tom?
Tom Klingelhutz - We are planning on planting evergreens and trees quite
heavily along Lake Lucy Road.
Councilman Geving - Will there be any burming?
Mark Koegler - The lots at that point are actually fairly well above the
street grade.
Councilman Geving - So you don't any problem with that recommendation?
Tom Klingelhutz - No.
Councilman Geving - The only reason that I made that comment, it appears
now and for some time at least, the City is going to maintain that part of
Lake Lucy Road as a gravel road.
Councilman Horn - Your concern about the completion of Wood Duck Lane to
Lake Lucy R~in Phase I is that the traffic will cut through the develop-
ment and go on the gravel portion?
Mark Koegler - It is not that so much. Probably the primary concern is
that given the project itself, that first of all it's not needed in Phase
I. There are two different ways out in Phase I and we feel that that
stretch is most appropriately, the cost of that should be born with Phase
II. Our comment on the traffic was that, that is the gravel stretch of
Lake Lucy Road and Don mentioned in his report that there is a time frame
of two to five years maybe, for Lake Lucy Road. Who knows really and our
only other comment was that perhaps if we don't do that until Phase II it
buys us 12 more months go see what happens with Lake Lucy Road before we
put traffic on to it.
Mayor Hamilton - Is there anyone here from the public that wants to make
comment on this particular item?
Will Johnson - What traffic will you put on West 63rd Street?
Mark Koegler - We have not done a study. Basically we anticipate a con-
venience factor basically for West 63rd Street. Probably, just ballpark,
ten to 15 lots in that area which is probably going to be maybe 80 to 120
cars a day total.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Councilman Horn - Would completion of Wood Duck Lane prevent the traffic
from going over on this street?
Mark Koegler - I think it will to a point. I think still it's going to be
somewhat of a convenience to the lots that are closest to West 63rd Street
and Cardinal will probably continue to use West 63rd. As Lake Lucy is
improved and it becomes more feasible for more traffic to generate to the
south I would assume it would.
Councilman Horn - I guess that would be the main argument that I would have
to complete Wood Duck Lane down to Lake Lucy Road in Phase I which was the
Planning Commission recommendation.
Councilman Geving - If the City puts in the road, we put them all in at one
time more than likely. If this becomes a public improvement project we
would install all of the streets in one shot.
~ Monk - No. The proposal is to petition for improvements for only
Phase I. Staff's thinking when we originally agreed with Phase I was that
the two link ups would generate traffic on West 63rd and of course the
County Road but that because it was limited in nature, how many lots are
actually in Phase I?
Mark Koegler - There is 36 all together, eight of which are Mr. Steller's.
Bill Monk - That 36 lots would not throw the traffic balance off signifi-
cantl~If Phases I and II, 50/60/70 lots were being put on those streets
then we would be concerned, but with only that number of lots we thought
that with the quick timing phase that's being talked about now that it
would not be detrimental to the neighborhood.
Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the preliminary and final development plan
review for the Pheasant Hill PRD including the Planning Commission's recom-
mendations:
1. Additional right-of-way and improvement plan as recommended by the
City Engineer for Steller Circle and the Pheasant Drive connection to
County Road 117.
2. Location of tot lot facilities.
3. Dedicated right-of-way to the property north of Lot 25, Block 2.
4. A revised location for the right-of-way line between Lot 1, Block 4 and
Lot 8, Block 3 as determined by soil conditions.
5. That suitable vegetation be provided along Lake Lucy Road.
and including the City Engineer's recommendations in his memorandum dated
March 22, 1984 and April 11, 1984. Motion seconded by Councilman Geving.
The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson,
Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
Councilman Geving - I heard a minute ago that the petition was just for
Phase I, but I don't see that in the petition. I see this as for the deve-
lopment of Pheasant Hill PRD which is the entire thing.
Bill Monk - The developer's request has been fine tuned and he is here to
answer-QUestions, but it has been revised to Phase I only and that's
included in the map. That question did come up. We probably should have
the petition revised and made more explicit but it is just for Phase I.
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Councilman Geving - When we go to Chapter 429 Public Improvement Project,
the city puts in these public improvements for the developer. We go out
and get a bond and sell the bond. We do all the work. We do all the I
administration of the project. We eventually assess the project back to
benefitting property owners. We carry this on our books for years and
years and years. Tonight we looked at some projects that I recognized are
12 or 13 years old or more and my question is, what does it cost the City
to carry these kinds of projects over that period of time? Is there an
administrative cost that we do not recover?
Don Ashworth - The City does incur costs, yes. The charge ranges from 3%
to 5%, it goes against the development. It is put into a special fund.
That's the Administrative Trust Fund that the City allocates each year to
literally pay for the costs the City has incurred over this 15-20 year
period of time. Without question, it is a significant cost to the City.
It is a burden each year to carry that out. We are carrying out normal
accounting so it's not a matter of numerous days, a few hours each year
count up. On the other side of the coin, projects such as this would put
in an average of about $20,000.
Councilman Geving - If you looked at 15 or 20 projects that we have on the
books now, would you say that over the life of these projects the City does
not incur any costs that we do not recover?
Don Ashworth - Any costs asssociated with bonding, engineering, anything
while the project is active is charged directly to the project. The 3% to
5% going into Administrative Trust is solely for future costs incurred by
the City. This has provided a means by which the City can supplement the
General Fund Budget each year.
Councilman Geving - The reason that I am commenting on this is that we have
in the past approved many of these public improvement projects and we do
it, of course, to have an incentive to the developer to get a project like
this moving. We like to see a nice project like this proceed and I see
nothing wrong with that. There are times though that we have to look at
the total picture and how much money we have got out there on these kinds
of projects and just how it impacts the City in terms of its bond rating.
I have watched our bond rating over the last eight years drop significantly
and I would like to have you address this.
Don Ashworth - The overall debt is approximately $20 million. That is
relatively high for a community of our size. Our bond rating is Baa.
Juran and Moody stated that that represented a least an average rating for
a community of our size. Each time you sell an issue, the more debt you
incur there is a potential of a reduction in the bond rating. The ability
of the City to sell is not really questioned. The City has been able to
sell and will continue to be able to sell. The bond market recognizes that
these are special assessment bonds. They are going against individual par-
cels and where the bonding people have been very favorable is where the City
has a letter of credit equal to 100% of the cost of the improvement. That
has been received very favorably by Moody's. In a case like this we would
continue to look to that 100% letter of credit to make sure that the City
did not reduce it's bond rating further. Nobody can guarantee where it
will be because there is no exact science in the bond rating area. The
drop in bond rating has really been more of a change in criteria used by
Moody's more so than a percentage change that we have made. Our bond debt
in comparison to total valuation is about the same as it was three, four
years ago but Moody's has taken a different view.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Councilman Geving - Are we going to handle both of these issues as one.
The Waldrip thing is a secondary item to this issue.
Mayor Hamilton - I want to be sure that should be approve this or whatever
bonding that we would approve that the public realize that each issue would
have to be looked at individually. Just because we approve one does not
mean that we would approve all of them.
Councilwoman Watson - It says that the atached petition is in $400,000
range and that is Phase I.
Bill Monk - That is Phase I of the Klingelhutz proposal and all of the
Waldr~ddition.
Councilwoman Watson - What is the Klingelhutz proposal as a separate issue?
Bill Monk - About $340,000.
Councilwoman Watson - When you go on to Phase II and III what are you going
to do about that?
Bill Monk - They will have to petition.
RESOLUTION #84-21: Mayor Hamilton moved the adoption of a resolution
directing staff to prepare a feasibility study for Phase I, Fheasant Hill
Addition, TomKay Builders, and a portion of Waldrip's Second Addition.
Resolution seconded by Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor:
Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No nega-
tive votes. Motion carried.
SUBDIVISION REQUEST, 7705 WEST 78TH STREET, DONREED PROPERTIES:
DonReed Propeties, in-r980:-spl~nd sold a portion of their property
lying approximately 700 feet east of the intersection of West 78th Street
and Dakota on the north side of Highway 5. This split was recorded in
Hennepin County. The previous owner, Don Reed Properties, is requesting the
City's consent authorizing Hennepin County to reassign the tax obligations
to the present owner, Conform Building Systems, Inc.
Councilman Geving moved to direct staff to send a letter to Hennepin County
to split this property for tax purposes as suggested in the City Planner's
memorandum dated March 22, 1984. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Watson.
The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson,
Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
BEACHLOT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, CANOE RACKS, LOTUS LAKE BETTERMENT ASSN.
The Colonial Grove Homeowners Association is seeking-approval to construct
two canoe racks on Outlot A, Colonial Grove. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the request. Charles Hirt, President, was present.
Mayor Hamilton - My only comment is that I think that before the request
was even made by the Lotus Lake Betterment Association there should have
been a transfer of property from Bloomberg to their association. We are
approving something to be built on someone elses property that is not even
requesting it and I am not should even deal with it.
Charles Hirt - I talked with Bill McRostie and he stated that had been
deeded over to the association about two weeks ago. We talked about that
at the Planning Commission meeting.
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Councilman Geving moved to approve the conditional use permit request from
the Lotus Lake Betterment Association to construct two canoe racks having a
capacity of six canoes each on Outlot A, Colonial Grove at Lotus Lake on
the condition that the property is, in fact, deeded over to the Betterment
Association. Motion seconded by Mayor Hamilton. The following voted in
favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving.
No negative votes. Motion carried.
REPLAT REQUEST, LOTS 3 AND 4, BLOCK 5, CHANHASSEN LAKES BUSINESS PARK:
Opus Corporation-rs-requestTng to resubdivide to provide an additional 65
feet on the easterly side lotline of Lot 4, Block 5 for additional parking
needs for the Chanhassen Lakes Business Center located on Lots 4 and 5,
Block 5 Chanhassen Lakes Business Park. The first phase of parking will
produce approximately 65 additional spaces with the second phase poten-
tially added onto the southwesterly portion of the building of approxima-
tely 25 spaces. Dimensions of Lot 3, after subdivision, would be
comparable or greater to that as found of Lots 6 and 7, immediately to the
west. Staff recommended approval for a metes and bounds split for Lots 3
and 4, Block 5, with the condition that the applicant submit an indemnity
agreement holding the City harmless for any costs associated with the
restoration of parking and driving areas on the area lying over the utility
between the existing Lots 3 and 4 and that the applicant install
landscaping along the new easterly side lot line consistent with the origi-
nally approved site plan Chanhassen Lakes Business Center.
Robert Worthington - Opus Corporation. I am here to indicate that we con-
cur with the Planning Commission's recommendations.
Councilman Horn - This proposal apparently met the parking requirements
initially. -OO-we have an adequate parking requirements for other
proposals?
Bob Waibel - This has been a question that has always come up ever since
Chanhassen has experienced its first office/warehouse building. In conver-
sation with other communities has indicated they have found no reasonable
methods in which to assure that the proper number of parking spaces are
allocated. The only sure method, I believe, is by maintaining the policy
like we have in all the site plan approvals which is that all parking shall
be maintained within the area so designated on the plan. It's a self-
policing measure. The applicant should be advised that sufficient land
should be set aside or proper tenancy should be maintained on the property
to make sure that parking is maintained on premises.
Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the replat request for Lots 3 and 4, Block
5, Chanhassen Lakes Business Park, Opus Corporation, with the recommen-
dations of staff and Planning Commission. Motion seconded by Councilman
Geving. The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman
Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
ZONING ORDINANCE, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT REQUEST, LANDSCAPE
CONTRACTING BUSINESS, MINNETON~WEST: Jim Jones, Minnetonka School
District, and Tom Wartman, Gardeneer, Inc. were present.
Bob Waibel - Essentially it is a request to amend the conditional use per-
mit and the Zoning Ordinance to allow for open storage for the adaptive
reuse of Minnetonka West Junior High School. The applicant has submitted a
plan showing open storage of plant material on the south side and southwest
side of the existing school building and vehicle parking on the southeast
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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corner of the building. Staff has reviewed the site and finds that
everything south and southwest of the building is totally screened from
public view from surrounding properties. The only portion that is any part
at all visible to surrounding properties is the area shown on the plan as
vehicle parking area and that would only be visible from the properties
approximately a quarter of a mile to the notheast. Staff is recommending
approval of the attached proposed amended conditional use permit and Zoning
Ordinance and also approval would be conditioned upon the applicant con-
ducting the outside storage activities on the property as shown in staff
recommended outside storage plan, attachment 3a. Essentially all that does
is, displaces the vehicle parking area to the plant material storage area
directly south of the building. That would have less of a visual impact in
the fact that the plant material would be stored in the most visual area of
the property.
Councilman Geving - Gardeneer is proposing to build a temporary building,
could you tell me what the construction of that building will be?
Tom Wartman - The construction will be pretty much along the lines of a
pole barn building only the exterior will be a masonite siding and it will
have a pitched roof.~~at comes forward and it's basically in the vicinity
of a westerly' backboard that was left from the old hockey rink. The site
vision from all of the homes is totally s.c,re~nedl unless someone comes
around to the front of the building. It has"a"inetal roof on it.
Councilman Geving - On attachment 4, I would like to add a clause that
would include temporary buildings and what we are going to do with those
temporary buildings when they terminate. I would like to build into this
conditional use permit a clause that says that that building will be either
reused for another purpose or that it would be dismantled and carted away.
Tom Wartman - In our basic agreement with the school district it would be
dismantled and removed.
Bob Waibel - The Planning Commission did recommend approval as per staff's
recommendation with the addition that the permit be subject to review and
reconsideration three years after the execution of an agreement with the
City and Minnetonka School District and Gardeneer.
Tom Wartman - I did go around and personally knock on almost every
adjoining property owner that was adjacent to the general school area and
had only favorable comments on the use and the fact that this was for all
their intents and purposes screened. At the public hearing nobody showed
with the exception of the two gentlemen that were across 41 and they were
not at all opposed to the project they were just concerned as to why they
had not been notified a year ago.
Mayor Hamil~on mov~d to approve the Zoning Ordinance and Conditional Use
Permit ameridm~nt r~~uests for landscaping, contracting business at
Minnetonka West incorporating the Planning Commission recommendations, spe-
cifically, that ~t the end of three years th~ pe~mit would be renegotiated
also that the outside storage would be also be negotiated. Further con-
ditioned that outside storage activities be conducted as shown in attach-
ment 3A. Motion seconded by Councilman Geving. The following voted in
favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving.
No negative votes. Motion carried.
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
-12-
SUBDIVISION AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST, MCI CORPORATION: Bill
Roberge and Jerry Bialecki were present seeking subdivision variance appro-
val and conditional use permit approval to erect a 300 foot radio com-
munication tower facility at the southwest corner of Audubon Road and the
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad crossing.
Councilman Geving moved to approve a subdivision lot area variance and con-
ditional use permit for the construction of a cellular radio communication
facility and tower as presented in Planning Case 84-3 Subdivision and 84-1
Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions:
1. That a revised site plan be submitted showing the placement of the
tower in a location more central to the proposed property line.
2. That the plans submitted for building permit approval be certified
by an architect or engineer registered in the State of Minnesota.
3. That an on-site soils investigation be conducted in accordance with
the recommendation of the Soil Conservation Office.
4. That the tower be protected to discourage climbing of the tower by
unauthorized persons.
5. That the applicant obtain all necessary local, state, and federal
agency permits and approvals.
6. That the subdivision be recorded in the form of a plat.
7. That the fenced in area be screened using thick, dense landscape
materia1s~
Motion seconded by Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor: Mayor
Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Counci1menHo~n'and Geving. No negative
votes. Motion carried.
FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW, FOX HOLLOW PRD, B-T LAND COMPANY: Rick
Murray and Rick Sather were present.
Bob Waibel - This is a final plan revision. The Council, in 1982, approved
a-p1an showing 140 four-p1ex and eight-p1ex units on the property. The
applicant now is requesting to divide the same portion of area into 95
single family detached lots. The plan here is similar to the plan which
was approved in 1982 in that it shows the wetland area on the property to
be virtually undeveloped. The proposal shows 25 foot front yard setbacks
with five foot side yard setbacks on side lot lines which would have a
garage constructed on it. A blanket construction easement is proposed to
be granted over to the City along the edge of the wetlands for trai1way
purposes. Such is also consistent with previous approvals. The plan
reflects the provision of access to surrounding properties with the excep-
tion of the Hulett property in the northwest corner of the project area.
At this point in time Staff finds that access to this property is most
likely to be located in the vicinity of Lot 21, however, the applicant has
indicated to us that they would like to leave this portion of the plat
in an outlot fashion until we find out more about what kind of streets this
is going to be to the west, taking into account the park plan as well the
property the City is talking with Bloomberg about. As it stands today it
appears that some sort of access would come to the west and curve to
Pleasant View Road and then some form of access should be dedicated tin the
vicinity of Lot 21 to' reach the Hulett property. The Department of
Transportation has given us a letter since the writing of this report indi-
cating that the applicant should be constructing right in access lanes and
by-pass lanes along Highway 101. The City Engineer has recommended that
all non-cu1-de-sac rights-of-way be 50 feet in width. This has been
discussed at length by Staff since the Planning Commission meeting and we
find that 50 foot rights-of-way should be consistently maintained
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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throughout the development area. For administrative purposes it would also
be required in the straight lengths of the cul-de-sac. The standard that
Staff is recommending at this point in time is 50 foot rights-of-way on all
streets, street sections, the only difference being the bubbles and
allowance for 25 foot front yard setback. Staff recommends that if the
Council approves the final development plan amendment for Fox Hollow PRO
that a condition be that the applicant submit a revised final plan showing
the proposed street names consistent with the theme for this portion of the
City, increased rights-of-way at 50 feet, right turn lanes off Trunk
Highway 101 and by-pass lanes as recommended by MnDOT and the access to the
Richard Kartak property being dedicated as a right-of-way. The second con-
dition is that the final plat show the area in the northwesterly portion of
the property as an outlot until more information is available concerning
the transportation system to the park land to the west. The Planning
Commission did adopt these same recommentations with the exception that the
final plat area shown in the northwesterly portion of the property to be
put in outlot include Lots 17-23, Block 1. I assume that that's also
included in the Staff recommended area of Lots 26-28 also down in this
area. Incidentally, the applicant has submitted a petition and inadver-
tently it was not copied for the Council but he can elaborate on that
during his presentation as far as the consent of the number of adjoining
homeowners that they had obtained prior to the public hearing.
Councilwoman Watson - The problem with access, the one street that ends up
in the park and the one that goes to 101, the one that goes to the park
really goes nowhere.
Rick Murray - That's correct. That really doesn't go any there yet. The
City is working on a plan with Mr. Bloomberg that this would continue and
be connected. That was part of the discussion that I had with Bill and
Dawn Hulett that without knowing where that road was and without showing
that right-of-way, it was just as reasonable to think their access could be
some place to the west as it was to think that their access could come
through our property. Right now, there is no proposal on where that road
is going to be aligned.
Mayor Hamilton - Richard Kartak has an access onto Highway 101, how far is
that from where you are proposing your street access onto 101?
Rick Murray - Approximately 270 feet from where his driveway is right now.
Mayor Hamilton - Next to Outlot A in the northeast corner, you have got an
easement.
Rick Murray - That's a 50 foot road easement. The City has requested that
that be a 50 foot road right-of-way to provide access to Kartak property is
he would subdivide in the future.
Mayor Hamilton - Have to talked to Mr. Kartak?
Rick Murray - He wasn't home the evening that I circulated the petition. I
talked to Mr. Kartak and I think he signed the previous petition which also
showed this access at that point.
Councilman Horn - Doesn't the right turn lane start right in the middle of
his drivewa~
Rick Murray - I suppose it will intersect his driveway at some point.
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
-14-
Councilman Geving - Let's talk about the conservation easement and how this
is going to affect, it said in here construction easement and I am not so
sure that that's correct. On the Staff report on page 3 down at the bottom, I
"A blanket construction easment is proposed to be granted to the City of
Chanhassen along the edge of the wetlands for trailway purposes," are we
talking about a blanket conservation easement?
Rick Murray - Right now we have a development contract with the City that
spells out the kind of easement and the restrictions that go on this. I
guess our petition does not ask to change that at all. All we are asking
for is a land use change.
Councilman Geving - As long as it doesn't affect the contract with the
City. I think there is an awful lot of traffic that is going to be
generated on a one access egress from a development like this. It just
seems like we just keep piling traffic onto 101. When you construct that
entrance to your development, will it be an entrance like you have now for
Lotus Lake Estates?
Rick Murray - With the exception of the center island. The planting and
landscaping wi.llbe around the pond at the entrance.
Councilman Geving - Let's go all the way over to the west then. How are
you going to terminate that road?
Rick Murray - It will be a temporary cul-de-sac for the time being.
Councilman Geving - Earlier we had a discussion between Clark and I on a I
cul-de-sac versus a "T". I suspect that will come up again. Clark is an
advocate of "T's" and I like the cul-de-sac. In either event it will be a
temporary one.
Rick Murray - We are looking at it being temporary. At one time the Staff
indicated that they may have some definitive ideas of what's going on here.
Councilman Geving - In this case you may have to put the cul-de-sac in
there because if you look at some of the other cul-de-sacs you will see
that they are 45 and 40 feet, if you look at some of these other cul-de-
sacs that's exactly what you have got, 45 foot entrance to your property.
Rick Murray - This portion right here is what we are talking about creating
an-Dutlot out of at this time and I think probably the most reasonable
solution would be to run this bubble to the north for the time being until
that access is resolved. Hopefully, by that time the City will have
planned or have some ideas for a plan on what's going on to the west.
Bob Waibel - Another point about that particular question is that access is
designed to perhaps angling in a manner to allow for creating distance bet-
ween this point
Rick Murray - To anticipate a question if this was put in, Bob was saying
he wanted to anticipate that this cul-de-sac wasn't locked in unless there I
was a reasonable lot arrangement that could be worked out there. Now I am
not sure that this is exactly where the thing would go but as you can see
it does work out so that a reasonable lot layout. What we had originally
proposed was that Lots 20-23 would be left as an outlot and that we would
be able to plat that cul-de-sac. What the Planning Commission had recom-
mended was that we could plat half the cul-de-sac. It would be a very high
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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cost road until something happens out here to the west. We had a sketch
done to show how we could provide access to the north and if this is all we
ever had that's what we would end up with. We would end up with a lot con-
figuration like this. We wouldn't have to change the road.
Councilman Geving - I think that the long range aspect of what's going to
happen to the west is very unpredictable. There are just too many things
that have to happen to put that together.
Mayor Hamilton - The J. E. Nichols property to the north of your property,
that appears to be landlocked.
Bob Waibel - That's correct. His property is on a private access easement.
There is a home on that property. Two years ago, Mr. Murphy, who lived
next to the Nichols property, wanted to find out about subdividing his pro-
perty but the Council did not approve a variance to subdivide because there
was no public street access coming in here. It is landlocked in the essense
that he only has a private access easement to get to Pleasant View Road.
Rick Murray - Is that peculiar to his property alone or are there several
properties?
Bob Waibel - There are several properties.
Mayor Hamilton - What is the overall density?
Bob Waibel - 2.00 units per acre gross.
Councilwoman Watson - I understand the market but for someone who is not
real crazy about small lots I am getting on big dose of small lots tonight.
Sixty-five foot frontages, 851s, Lot 23 is about big enough for a cul-de-
sac. Some of these lots are really small and when you figure the gross
density and take the wetland out of it the 2.0 looks good but you realize
the average lot is 12,000 square feet. I am gradually adjusting to the
small lot but these are really small lots.
Councilman Horn - Just to help you out, would you rather have 140 four-plex
units on the-5ame piece of ground?
Councilwoman Watson - I am not going to compare the two issues. I
understand what you are saying but that really doesn't make me more comfor-
table.
Councilman Horn - Just the number of living units is what I was comparing
not the type of construction. You are going from 140 living units to 95
living units.
Councilwoman Watson - That's not making the lot bigger. It sounds
terrific, 140 down to 95, it sounds like there should be lots of land but
the lots are very small.
Mayor Hamilton - Tax wise, the City is much more benefitted with single
family detached homes than 140 four-plexes.
Councilwoman Watson - I like the single family homes much better.
just getting an awfully big dose of 8,000 square foot lots and we
all our small lot business in a very short time. We don't really
lot to compare it to.
I am
have got
have a
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
-16-
Councilman Geving - I think the true density on this is about 3.0.
Rick Murray - It's 3.95.
Councilman Geving - You have got 60 acres, at least, in outlots. That's
pretty hefty.
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Rick Murray - It's within your low density.
Councilman Geving - I know. I sat on this Council for a long time and if
this plat had been presented several years ago it wouldn't have flown at
all. Of course the time has changed. The market has changed.
Mayor Hamilton - Rick, can you give me some idea on a typical 8,500 square
foot lot, the type of home that you would propose to put on there and where
you may position it so we can get a better flavor for how that lot is going
to look.
Rick Murray - That plan shows a 25 foot setback. We were basing that around
a 40 foot street width. The Planning Commission had approved a 50 foot
street width but had suggested a 20 foot setback. There are other cities
right now with that as an ordinance. Be that as it may, it's not here yet.
Our proposal with the reduced setback in the front yard was, instead of, on
a small lot you have to have a very controlled situation. If you do
control the situation you can end up with a very nice house. We put
samples of the housing styles in the back of our brochure. We have three
contractors for sure and possibly a fourth contractor which are designing
homes for these lots. Each contractor has to come in with his set of
blueprints. Those blueprints are what he can build in this subdivision.
If he wants to change those after we initially approve them as a group,
there will be five of us on the architectual review committee, he has to
get a majority of the group which means he has to convince two of his peers
or myself that it's best for the subdivision to allow him to change his
approved design. That is there to protect everyones investment. Our idea
in having a reduced setback was, on a small lot it is very easy to come up
with two small unusable areas, front yard and back yard. We thought that
by positioning the house forward on the lot you do a couple of things,
reduce the cost to the homeowner and cost effective housing is one of the
things that these lots were designed around. That extra five feet in the
setback depth is about $1,800 to the homeowner in the cost of the lot.
That's sewer and water connection, sod, landscaping, and driveways.
Besides that, if you analyze the lot like you would a house you would say
that this area right here would be the front yard is more or less the
living room for the lot. The backyard is where you put the swing sets, the
sand box, that's where the kids play, that's where you barbecue. We have
designed it so the house is pulled forward so there would be more space in
the backyard. Hopefully, more usable space back there.
Mayor Hamilton - What is the side yard?
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Rick Murray - Five feet on the garage side and ten feet on the living space
STde. We are not certain right now if we would allow them to put garages I
together. Fire protection is generally the reason why you don't want ten
feet. You only have ten feet possibly on one side. You can still get a
fire truck down the other side.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Councilman Geving - What's the square footage of the homes that would be on
the smaller lots?
Rick Murray - The smallest plan that I have seen so far is 928 square feet.
Councilman Geving - What is the price of that kind of home?
Rick Murray - That was not the least expensive. $81,900 was the least that
we have had.
Councilman Geving - You are going to offer a range of homes based upon the
lot styles, would that be your lowest range then?
Rick Murray - I would say $80,000 to $115,000.
Mayor Hamilton - If you want the people to live here that are going to be
employed here then you have to be able to have homes that they can afford.
Councilman Geving - I agree with that.
Rick Murray - I would like to make one comment on the department of
transportation which Bill and I talked about. I called for Mr. Green and I
talked his secretary and we are arranging a meeting next week. Originally
when this was proposed there were no turn lanes or acceleration lanes. I
could build this project right now with 140 condominiums without any of
that and I was a little put back to find out that now not only do I have to
improve turn lanes which I find attractive and an amenity to my property so
I don't mind doing that but I have to go to the other side of the road and
improve a state highway which I am sure they have got a lot more money than
I do. What really irritates me is if you will look at your sketch, the
gentleman who is doing this piece right here on Highway 101 doesn't have to
do anything across the highway. The Eden Prairie developer just puts one
slow down lane down and that's it. I have a discussion planned for Mr.
Green. We would like to have that lifted as a requirement for access.
Councilman Geving - How about that holding pond there, how much water will
be in there at anyone time? The one in the middle of the development.
Rick Sather - What we have shown is we would dig it out five feet below the
elevation that we would let the water run out at. The pipe elevation, we
would go another five feet. Both of those southerly ponds would be very
close to the elevation of the marsh and I think the permanent ground water
level is about at that same elevation. I can't imagine where we would have
less than four feet of water in there which is enough to keep the weed
growth out of the center. We would intent that the slopes into the pond
would be three to one, a pretty gentle slope so that you would have to wade
out about ten feet to a child's height. We are not going to build a drop-
off.
Councilman Horn moved to approve the preliminary and final development plan
for Fox Hollow PRO, B-T Land Company conditioned that Mr. Murray work with
Mr. Kartak to make certain the right turn lane will not interfere with his
driveway and with the following Planning Commission conditions:
1. That the applicant submit a revised final plan showing proposed street
names consistent with the theme for this portion of the City, increased
rights-of-way of 50 feet for all non cul-de-sac streets, right turn
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
-18-
lane off of Highway 101 as recommended by MnDOT and the access to the
Richard Kartak property being dedicated as a right-of-way.
2. That the final plat show the area in the northwesterly most portion
of the property (Lots 17-23, Block 1) as an outlot until more
information is available concerning the transportation system for the
park land to the west.
Further conditioned on the Engineer's comments in his memorandum dated
March 22, 1984. Motion seconded by Mayor Hamilton.
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Scott Martin - The Planning Commission is recommending that the rights-of-
way be at 50 feet. As far as I know this plan does have some at 40. Your
typical lot shows a 25 foot setback. Neither of those, given in light of
the Planning Commission recommendation which is now in this motion are con-
sistent with what I think your desires are. As I understand it you are
willing to accept a 50 foot right of way but then you would like to have
the setback reduced another five foot to 20 foot.
Bob Waibel - I believe it was 20 foot for the 50 foot right-of-way sections
and 25 foot for 40 foot sections.
Scott Martin - Just so the Council is aware of that. You are making a
rather substantial change in policy for setbacks.
Councilman Geving - I never heard before this came up that this would move
the setbacks back another five feet.
Scott Martin - On our typical street section, a 28 foot street, 50 foot
right-of-way, and you only require a 30 foot front yard, we have reduced I
that in the case of Near Mountain to 25 foot and Mr. Murray is asking you
go another five foot. It doesn't come out that clear. There has been a lot
of conversation between staff and Rick and I think it might be clear to us
but I don't think it is clear in the report. That is his intent.
Rick Murray - Your difference between asphalt and front of house between
what I was proposing with a 50 foot and 20 foot setback is identical to
what Mr. Pflaum has with a 40 foot right-of-way and 25 foot setback.
Councilman Geving - If I park my 19 foot car in my driveway in your deve-
lopment.
Rick Murray - You would be 11 feet behind the curb.
Councilman Horn - The only difference is you would have the back end of
your car closer to the center of the street.
Rick Murray - But you would still be 11 feet behind the curb.
Bob Waibel - In the Near Mountain project they have 36 units of quads
approved here. They came in for a plan amendment last summer. It was
approved for a 40 foot right-of-way with 25 foot front yard setback which
is equivalent to the 50 foot, 20 foot front yard setback that we are
talking about in this plan. The remainder of the Near Mountain project is I
showing 50 foot rights-of-way with the same 25 foot front yard setback that
was approved here.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Scott Martin - The distinction that we are drawing is a looped street
that's going to carry more traffic versus the short cul-de-sacs and in my
opinion, it's a matter of aesthetics. Rick is saying that those lots, as
building sites, are going to be more marketable if it's the rear yard that
you can turn your attention to. I only wanted to point that out because I
want you to understand that it is different. You are reviewing single lots
in this case, whether we should reduce the front yard setbacks at the same
time, I don't know.
Rick Murray - When we addressed this problem the first time, staff's con-
cern was, well it's 40 foot streets, where are we going to store the snow
and I said that's a legitimate concern so, what if we made it 50 feet and
gave the public sector another five feet of green space. With respect to
the curb line, that wasn't going to change.
The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson,
Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
PRELIMINARY PLAT NORTHEAST AND NORTHWEST CORNERS OF COUNTY ROADS 17 AND 18
INTERSECTION~LLSIDE OAKS:-- -- --- --
Bob Waibel - The City Council has seen this particular proposal in sketch
Plan review. The Council had asked that the applicant go back and redraw
the plans to attempt to maintain a minimum 2! acre lot size. The revised
preliminary plat has achieved that minimum lot size by virtue of the fact
that previous Lot 8 has been removed. They found some soil and water table
problems so as a result they removed that lot and distributed it amongst
the rest of the lots. The only other revision in the plan since you last
saw it is the fact that they platted a 25 foot pedestrian easement to get
to Lot 6 to allow for better pedestrian access to what might be park in
this area. Staff finds that there is no problem with that particular
design. The applicant has submitted soil percolation test data as required
by ordinace. They do fall within the On Site Septic System Ordinanace
standards and staff recommends approval.
Councilman Geving - I guess I would be a little bit disturbed by those per-
colation tests. It looks like a lot of standing water after 24 hours at
various depths. Do you have any comment on that?
~ Klingelhutz - I think the water table is good for Carver County and
Chanhassen. We have got some at 96 inches. To tell you the truth, the
soil percolation tests and the soil borings where taken at probably what
you could consider the absolute worst time of the year, right in the spring
thaw after the big melt. The ground was saturated with water and the
fellow that did the percolation tests said, any other time of the year you
could look to a 20 to 40% better percolation than what these showed and yet
these were good enough to pass city standards.
Councilman Geving - Apparently our city standards are pretty low. If you
look at Lots 4 and 3, I know those lots, they are very low. Where would
you build a house on Lots 3 and 4?
~ Klingelhutz - You have got some high area in Lot 4.
Councilman Geving - Where did they take the percolation tests?
Al Klingelhutz - They took them down fairly low. In fact some of them I
dldn't think where they took them that they were even going to pass but
they did. They were that far down below the hill.
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
-20-
Councilman Geving - That's why I say, like in Lot 3 for example, that's
quite low also.
~ Klingelhutz - You look at the contours and see how the elevation goes up
there you get to the back part of the lot and you go up pretty high.
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Councilman Geving - It just seemed like, based on those percolation tests,
to me, they are kind of worthless. You did it and you paid for it and it
told us that had they been taken at some other time you probably would have
faired better.
~ Klingelhutz - We have a booklet for each lot and as the lots are sold
each purchaser will get exactly what he is supposed to do on his lot to get
a satisfactory septic tank and drainfield and even to put the tile in
around his house.
Councilwoman Watson - Have you got perspective buyers for any of these
lots?
~ Klingelhutz - Three of the lots are actually sold contingent on final
plat approval. On each purchase agreement it says that all parties have
been informed about the possibility of the landfill site south of County
Road 18. If we could possibly get the final plat approved you would pro-
bably seem them in here for a building permit for two of the lots next
week.
Councilman Geving moved to approve the preliminary plat for Hillside Oaks, I
located at the northeast and northwest corners of County Roads 17 and 18,
for Brian and Neil Klingelhutz, Planning Case 84-2. Motion seconded by
Councilwoman Watson. The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton,
Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes.
Motion carried.
GRADING PERMIT CONDITIONS, ROY TEICH: David Teich was present.
Bill Monk - When this item was first brought up there were 11 conditions
that were spelled out and agreed to. As a part of this one of the items
remains unfinished. I am hopeful that the PCA will cooperate and will view
the site and if they come back with positive findings I will be more than
pleased to conclude this.
Councilman Geving - So in effect what you are saying, Bill, is you want to
finalize this thing once and for all even if there is work yet to be done.
Bill Monk - Basically, his plan is complete and I am saying okay if it is
complere-and we are using the PCA as justification to say it is complete,
let's just get their final word that they are happy and that there are no
violations to their codes out there right now and if that is the case, I am
more than happy with the Council's approval to say that this item is
complete and return the bond.
Councilman Geving - How much money do we have?
Bill Monk - There is about a $400 deposit that was put down at the
beginning. Some of that money has been spent on water tests and a number
of items. There also is a $10,000 or $15,000 bond that is still being held
pending final resolution of this item.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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David Teich - I am trying to buy that farm and move there. I was born and
raised there. My secondary concern is to get that bond back. That bond
was supposed to run concurrently with the permit that was approved in
January. The bond ran until March 24th at which time the bonding company
needed more money to carry the bond on because you people wouldn't release
it. You people told us you would release it when a second bond was posted
by Mr. Ingram which I believe was posted last November. It wasn1t. The
first of the year we called. They said yes, within a week we would have
it. We still haven1t got it.
Mayor Hamilton - I think the requirement was that the bond would be
released when the work was completed.
David Teich - It has gotten very cloudy. We want to see it finalized also.
We are more than happy to cooperate and have an expert or whoever you
people decide is an expert to come out and review that ravine. I would
also like to get a letter of intent from the staff to tell us that if we
get the PCA or someone else that you people want to name to come out and
review it and they okay it, that, that does finally resolve the conflict
that we have.
Bill Monk - The minutes of tonight's meeting will act as justification or
clarification on the release. Minutes can be certified. The Council can
approve in it's motion, basically approving the conclusion of this item so
that whether staff writes them a letter saying it can be released, these
minutes will act as a release. We will contact the PCA as quickly as
possible.
Councilwoman Watson moved to accept the City Engineer's report of April 13,
1984. Motion seconded by Mayor Hamilton. The following voted in favor:
Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No nega-
tive votes. Motion carried.
LOT AREA AND SETBACK VARIANCE REQUEST, LOT 26, BLOCK ~ RED CEDAR POINT:
Mayor-Hamilton moved to refer this item-rQ the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals for consideration. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Watson. The
following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson, Councilmen
Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
SKETCH PLAN, 7251 MINNEWASHTA PARKWAY, DUANE BARTH:
Bob Waibel - ~proposal is to divide the 6.27 acre parcel into 15 single
family lots. The proposal also includes a provision of 550 foot cul-de-sac
down the center of the property to provide access. There is an existing
residence on the property that would have to be removed or relocated prior
to development occurring. The proposed subdivision requires variances to
the Shoreland Management Ordinance for minimum lot area, Recreational Beach
Lot Ordinance for lot depth and dockage and the Subdivision Ordinance for
street frontage and length of cul-de-sac. The Shoreland Management
requirements states that the minimum lot size in the shoreland area shall
be 15,000 square feet whereas the Subdivision Ordinance bases it upon an
average of 15,000 square feet allowing for some slippage in the lot sizes
depending upon the terrain of the property or the location of the lots
themselves relative to the streets. The DNR has indicated that they could
support an amendment to our Shoreland Management Regulations to allow for
an average lot size of 15,000 square feet. They concur with the position
that staff has suggested in this report that using an average could result
in better designed lots depending upon the local terrain of where the lots
Council Meeting April 16, 1984
-22-
would plan to be. Using a minimum of 15,000 square feet may serve as a
disincentive for the applicant to create properly designed lots. You would I
achieve a somewhat lower density from a 2.9 to perhaps 2.8 units per acre
but the lots, from an economic standpoint probably would come as close as
they could to the minimum not taking into account design and locationa1
factors of those lots. The Planning Commission did not support that posi-
tion and recommended that the plat come in with an average of 15,000 square
feet. The Recreational Beach Lot Ordinance requires that each recreational
beach lot have a width measured at both the ordinary high water mark and a
point 100 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark of not less than
four lineal feet per each dwelling unit which has rights to the beach lot.
The minimum width that Mr. Barth would have to propose on this frontage of
the 1akeshore would be 60 feet reflecting the 15 units which would have
rights. However, to have a dock you would have to maintain a minimum of
100 foot depth and 200 foot width from the 1akeshore. Additionally, the
Beach Lot Ordinance would only allow for one dock. Additionally, DNR regu-
lations would concur with that, that only one dock would be permitted. Mr.
Barth has been notified that also open area storage or mooring of boats
would not be allowed on those docks as per our regulations. Staff does see
some room for variance as far as the Beach Lot Ordinance is concerned in
this particular plan. The Planning Commission has concurred with that and
has encouraged Mr. Barth to redesign his plan to show slightly altered
beach lot configuration. He does exceed the minimum width requirements for
docks by approximately 100%. It's 190 feet where all you would have to
have is the minimum. He is providing substantial area for active play. I
would suggest that the Council entertain the concept that Mr. Barth rede-
sign his plan to show some interior extension of the beach lot. Staff I
finds that perhaps Mr. Barth should redesign his plan to redistribute the
frontages along this area trying to get a somewhat larger frontage here.
Lot 8 does have one of the better building sites. I think the trade off is
not to extend the street and add impervious surface area any more than need
be, yet allow for reasonable amount of frontage, variance, for Lot 8 to
develop and be included in the plat. The City Engineer has indicated that
the proposed road way can make minimum grade of 7%. There would have to be
drainage and grading plan submitted at the time preliminary plat is sub-
mitted to verify that fact. The Park and Recreation Commission has
reviewed the plan and has recommended that park dedication fees be paid at
the time building permit applications are taken out on the individual lots.
They see no consistency with the comprehensive plan for dedication of land
from this particular plan. The Planning Commission did encourage Mr. Barth
to proceed to preliminary plat review taking into account those comments
concerning the beach lot area, the cul-de-sac, frontage on Lot 8 and also
to approach the Council and receive their comments in addition to theirs
before he proceeds to the preliminary plat.
Councilman Horn - The entrance to the beach lot, is that between Lots 14
and 13?
Duane Barth - That's correct. It would be a walking path.
Councilwoman Watson - On Lots 8 and 9, that's quite high isn't it?
Duane Barth - This elevation and the lake elevation is around 36 feet.
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Councilwoman Watson - What kind of 1akeshore is it there?
Duane Barth - It's sandy and it does have some grass.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Councilman Geving - What can we do with Lot 8 to make that cul-de-sac come
around better. It just seems like that whole plan could be shifted
somewhat.
Duane Barth - There might be able to do some adjustment.
Councilman Geving - I think if you started at the 110 you could make that
adjustment pretty nicely so that at least we would have 40/45 feet on Lot
8. You recognize that something has to be done with Lot 8.
Scott Martin - Typically on a cul-de-sac or pie shaped lot like that you
try to shoot for a 40 foot minimum. Your building frontage is measured at
the building setback line.
Councilman Geving - It is always amazing to me, on Lotus Lake, if a plan
like this were presented tonight this room would be full. Lake Minnewashta
we have got quite a bit of lake frontage there shown and there is nobody
here to oppose it.
Bob Waibel - There is 190 feet of frontage for the beach lot. He needs a
minimum for a dock of 100 feet of frontage and 100 foot of depth. He has
got 53 feet in depth.
Councilman Geving - With those slopes, I can see right now there is not any
room.
Scott Martin - I think the reason, as I call because I was involved with
Recreational Beach Lot Ordinance, this is really the first time that you
have had a chance to apply it on a new subdivision. The reason that I
think the Lake Study Committee was concerned about that is they didn't want
postage stamp size beach lot serving huge subdivisions so they tried to put
some minimum control factor. Here you have got a small beach lot and a
small subdivision.
Councilman Geving - Would you have a homeowners association connected with
this to maintain the beach lot?
Duane Barth - Yes. Another thing I was wondering about this ordinance, the
100 by 100 means 10,000 square feet and so it does set up a guideline for
that. Actually my square footage would be almost double that.
Bob Waibel - Going back to this cul-de-sac frontage on Lot 8, bear in mind
the Planning Commission's recommendation not to amend the Shoreland
Management Ordinance and stick with the 15,000 square foot requirement.
Scott Martin - I think the real issue here beyond any problems that we may
have with the beach lot is whether in a shoreland area we want to give a
little on minimum lot size. Technically, when you read that the ordinance
says you cannot have less than 15,000 square foot lots in 1,000 of this
type of a lake but DNR is saying they typically go along with an average
lot size of 15,000 square feet. Unless I am wrong about this, this does
meet the average test but it doesn't meet the minimum per see If this were
24 lots or more it would be thrown in the City's PUD Ordinance and then
it's a moot issue.
Duane Barth - I think the smallest lot is 11,800.
Council Meeting, April 16, 1984
-24-
Scott Martin - I think this gentlemen's surveyor went through our
Subdivision Ordinance and it said minimum lot size 11,700 with an average
density of 15,000 square feet. He did that appropriately except what he
didn't take into consideration was the Shore1and Management Regulations.
Bob Waibel - DNR has approved such amendments to other community's
Shore1and Management Ordinance, however, they could not approve this plan
until we have enacted an amendment of our own.
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Councilman Horn - Our own Subdivision Ordinance requires 15,000 square
feet. ----
Scott Martin - When you get into the shore1and area we have, in most cases,
been more restrictive and that over rides it.
Councilman Horn - Ours is an average in a non PUD?
Bob Waibel - That's correct.
Scott Martin - I think part of the reason is that you see few subdivisions
this small. Technically, the minimum lot size is 11,700 square feet.
Because there are no people here, I want you to understand that notices
were not sent out because this is just being bounced off you to see if you
like it or hate it or want to make some changes.
Councilman Geving - What would our wetland ordinance have to say?
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Bob Waibel - There are no wetlands on this property according to the offi-
cial map. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will be reviewing the plan and
may have some comments. The areas where Mr. Barth would need imput is con-
cerning the possible variances to the shore1and for minimum lot size or
action to amend the shore1and ordinance to allow for an average, the
recreational beach lot, what Mr. Barth should do as far as proceeding with
this design for variance or making changes, also for lot width, and the
length of the cul-de-sac.
Councilwoman Watson - I don't have any trouble with the configuration of
the open space. I think it's the only way it can be and I think that's
fine. I would like to see the lots in there at 15,000 square feet. I
think if they made them a minimum of 15,000 square feet there would be
frontage for Lot 8. If he could even get 40 feet in there so that that lot
is more accessible. I realize it is probably one of the nicer lots but I
would like to see all these lots at a minimum of 15,000 square feet.
Councilman Geving - I would like to see us clean up Lot 8 with a larger
frontage on the cul-de-sac and also some comments regarding those boat
slips. I would like to know what is permissible under our ordinances.
Bob Waibel - One dock to be not longer than 50 feet or what it takes to
reach four feet in depth in the water.
Councilman Horn - I agr~e with Dale's comments.
Mayor Hamilton - I think that 15,000 square feet should be maintained. Lot
8 needs greater access on the cul-de-sac.
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Council Meeting April 16, 1984
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Bob Waibel - For the record, the Council is not amenable to amending our
shoreland ordinance to enable Mr. Barth to proceed with the average of
15,000 square feet.
Councilman Horn - I would rather see three lakeshore lots.
Councilman Geving - I would buy that idea. Take the beach lot and make
them lakeshore lots and forget about the access for the rest of the
homeowners.
Duane Barth - The numbers don't work out that way. We can't get that much
for the lake lots. I would be in favor of this plan amended some how.
Scott Martin - Since this is a deadlock, I will way this to Mr. Barth, we
have a two/two deadlock and can probably guess what the missing member
would say but you will need a 4/5th vote so I would say go back to 15,000
square foot lots.
Mayor Hamilton - The missing member would go along with the 15,000 square
foot lots.
Councilman Horn moved to adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Geving.
The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwoman Watson,
Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
Don Ashworth
City Manager