1985 08 05
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REGULAR CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 5, 1985
Mayor Hamilton called the meeting to order. The meeting was opened with the Pledge
to the Flag.
Members Present
Councilman Horn, Councilwoman Watson
Councilman Geving, and Councilwoman Swenson
Members Absent
None
Staff Present
Don Ashworth, Barbara Dacy,
Bill Monk, and Lori Sietsema
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilwoman Watson moved to approve the Agenda as presented.
Motion was seconded by Councilman Geving. The following voted in favor: Mayor
Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative
votes. Motion carried. Due to a large agenda this evening, the following items will
be discussed on a future agenda: discussion on the population, employment and house-
hold forecast from the Metropolitan Council and discussion on the Lake Ann
improvements.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilwoman Watson moved to approve the following consent agenda
items pursuant to the City Manager's recommendations:
l.a. Conditional Use Permit Request for a Group Home for up to Ten
Boys, 2600 Arboretum Blvd., Mid-American Baptist Social Service.
b. RESOLUTION 085-39: Set Hearing Date for Preliminary Resolution on
an Industrial Revenue Bond, The Lane Company.
c. Preliminary and Final Plat Approval, Vogel Addition, 810 Creekwood
Drive, Clara and Ann Vogel.
Motion was seconded by Mayor Hamilton. The following voted in favor:
Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving.
votes. Motion carried.
Mayor
No negative
PUBLIC HEARING
CREEKWOOD DRIVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Hamilton called the public hearing to order with the following interested per-
sons present:
Anne M. Vogel, 815 Creekwood Drive, Chaska
Dale & Peggy Gunderson, 8840 lake Riley Blvd. Apt 117
Bill Monk: The project that is before the Council is a public improvement hearing.
It involves a number of properties along the public street to be improved as well as
numerous single family lots on Audubon as well as the golf course. The improvements
go from HWY 101 past Mandan Circle all the way to the west edge of Halla Nursery.
The improvements of paving a 20 foot bituminous mat along the ground level that
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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already exists. In the feasibility study that is being considered tonight, the
improvements include grading and drainage improvements to be done by the city as I
routine maintenance work at no cost to the owners. The only cost being assessed back
are the engineering costs associated with the project itself and the costs of the 2"
by 26" mat that will be put down along the gravel section of the road. There are
proposed, at this point, no right-of-way acquisitions. The estimated project cost is
$16,500. It is to be assessed at the end over a number of residential properties.
Most of them will be down to on-line, off-line properties; off-line being assessed at
$300 because they must use this road to get to and from HWY 101; on-line properties
being assessed at a 2-1 ratio at $600 per unit. The nursery has been set at 4 units
for an assessment of $2,400 and the Bluff Creek Golf Course has been determined by
using a useage arrangement because we couldn't come up with any unit determination,
and they are being proposed to be assessed for $9,600.
There being no comment from the public, Councilman Geving moved to close the public
hearing. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Watson. The following voted in favor:
Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No
negative votes. Motion carried.
CREEKWOOD DRIVE STREET
Councilwoman Swenson:
charged? There are no
IMPROVEMENTS:
On the grading and drainage situation, how will that be
costs included in the report.
Bill Monk: We would do that just as routine maintenance. We take the blade down and
put gravel down, blade it, and set the drain and set the grade by itself.
Councilwoman Swenson: I assume by these four assessments to Halla Nursery, we are
saying that we will give them four building permits if they wanted to divide their
property.
I
Bill Monk: Based on
--
that changes between
to be re-evaluated.
the current
now and the
Before this
ordinance, that is really what we are saying. If
time that the project is assessed, that would have
project is assessed, we may have to review that.
Councilwoman Swenson: In other words, that assessment would be reviewed if and when
that change is made.
Bill Monk: The feasibility study is nothing more than a proposed assessment. The
Council has to make that determination.
Councilman Geving: If we were to get a protest for the eventual assessment against
the Bluff Creek Golf Association, could we substantiate a protest of $9,600 out of
the $16,500 being charged to them?
Bill Monk: I think we can.
--
Councilman Geving: Have we ever had any contact with officials from the golf asso-
ciation on this matter and are they aware that this kind of assessment could be
fa cing them?
Bill Monk: I have personally talked with at least one of the partners on two occa-
sions and ever since the feasibility study was done the only comment received was I
basically, "we will pay our share," and we never talked about what that was, but they
have been contacted. They were also sent a copy of the feasibility study.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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RESOLUTION 085-40: Councilwoman Swenson moved the adoption of a resolution approving
the preparation of the plans and specifications and authorize the solicitation of
bids for the Creekwood Drive street improvements. Resolution was seconded by
Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson
and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
LAKE ANN BOAT ACCESS:
Bill Monk: There are some items that I have written up regarding the total costs
of the project and how much will come back on the city. A reduction in the
contract is possible, but after looking at the work that is included, I believe
that the bid, as it stands right now, is really too good to pass up.
Councilwoman Watson: Part of this project is the bikeway between the Greenwood
Shores park and Lake Ann Park. The Greenwood Shores park has seen a substantial
increase in use since it is connected to Lake Ann Park. There is a concern
about that gate, for instance, is frequently down. There are cars going in and
out of that park. I don't know how to answer that problem. I realize that
maintenance must get down to the lift station. But there have been some
problems and we have seen an increase in useage. As we increase the accessibi-
lity of that park, it is going to increase the useage.
Councilman Geving: On the pathway between Greenwood Shores and Lake Ann, you
are mentioning that this is adjacent to the existing wood chip trail, why aren't
you going right over the top of that?
Bill Monk: I was looking at the walking and hiking and that is something that
you would want to promote, and I believe that the wood chips in a trail really
does promote that. We would really have to remove the wood chips and get a base
anyway for a bituminous bikeway.
Councilman Geving: You indicated the status of the park fund. Would you explain
what you were talking about there, Bill?
Bill Monk: What we did was take a look at the park fund revenues and expenditures
anticipated this year and we are pretty close to those numbers. We also looked at
the expenditures projected for this year and for future years for other park lands
(i.e. South Lotus Lake, Herman Field) LAWCON grants that have been submitted and see
what the status on those projects was and how much of a balance there was in the
fund. After looking at that it seemed that the balance was pretty healthy. With
that, the recommendation that is being made right now could be made without any fears
that we would run out of money or take the project down to a minimum balance.
Councilman Geving: Apparently when we first started, there was an indication that we
would probably reach this $90,000 and we would split the cost between the state por-
tion and our own. We have expanded the project, could you explain to us where that
expansion occurred.
Bill Monk: Several things occurred. When the original estimate was done, I did
not anticipate that four years would go before the project actually became a reality.
There has been continual problems with the parking down by the beach. People are
parking on the grass, and there is just not enough room. The major change that was
made in the plan was the doubling of that parking lot, graveling and paving the
parking lot. As we do the boat access and the picnicing, it is going to do nothing
but get worse. That did substantially add to the project anywhere from $8,000 to
$12,000 for that one item.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-4-
Councilman Horn: What do we know about this paving company? Have we got any recom-
mendations from other people?
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Bill Monk: I have worked with them before and they do have a good name in the
paving community. I feel that an executed contract with them would do the work.
Mayor Hamilton: I was curious about these bids. It is obvious that some of these
companies were looking at something other than what the rest of them were looking at.
I am curious how there can be a $6,000 difference just doing excavation. I
understand that if a company doesn't really want a bid they are going to bid high so
they don't get it. Is that basically what has happened here?
Bill Monk: A lot of that happens. They keep each other honest by just sending in
bids and figuring not so much what the project is worth, but what it would take for
them to do it and make any money. Most of the companies at this point are tied up
for the rest of the year. I was hoping that one or two would at least come in that
did not have enough work to do. We did get one real good bid.
RESOLUTION #85-41: Councilman Geving moved the adoption
the low bid from Preferred Paving, Inc. in the amount of
boat access. Resolution was seconded by Mayor Hamilton.
favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson,
No negative votes. Motion carried.
of a resolution approving
$101,123.94 for the Lake Ann
The following voted in
Councilmen Horn and Geving.
1985 SEALCOATING PROGRAM:
Bill Monk: We did get bids from the two largest sealcoating outfits in the Metro
area. I am recommending that the Buffalo Bituminous, Inc. bid in the amount of
$62,959.00 be accepted and the contract be awarded this evening.
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RESOLUTION #85-42: Councilwoman Watson moved the adoption of a resolution approving
the low bid from Buffalo Bituminous, Inc. in the amount $62,959.00 for the 1985
Sealcoating Program. Resolution was seconded by Mayor Hamilton. The following voted
in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and
Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
MINUTES:
Amend July 15, 1985 Council minutes, page 6, paragraph 4, last sentence under PIPER
RIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NO. 85-4, Councilman Geving: What responisbility does the
City of Chanhassen have to clarify that bid with Mr. Yolk before we reject his bid?
Amend July 15, 1985 Council minutes, page 17, paragraph 10, second sentence under
SOUTH LOTUS LAKE, Councilwoman Swenson: There was great opposition for that because
we were going to change the ecology of the water.
Amend July 15, 1985 Council minutes, page 17, paragraph 4, last sentence under SOUTH
LOTUS LAKE, Mayor Hamilton: The funds are available, the site has been selected, it
took a very long process, and it hasn't been a very good process, and at this point I
see no reason to continue discussion about something that has been discussed for two
years, and input by the public would be reviewed by the Citizens Committee.
Councilwoman Swenson moved to approve the City Council minutes dated July 15, 1985 as
amended. Motion was seconded by Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor: I
Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No
negative votes. Motion carried.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Councilwoman Watson moved to note the Planning Commission minutes dated July 10,
1985. Motion was seconded by Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor: Mayor
Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative
votes. Motion carried.
SOUTH LOTUS LAKE:
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LAWCON GRANT APPLICATION FOR BOAT ACCESS/PARK IMPROVEMENTS, CITY QI CHANHASSEN:
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REQUEST FOR ~ ATTACHED AND DETACHED UNITS
WEST QI AND ADJACENT lQ HIGHWAY ~ BLOOMBERG COMPANIES.
Don Ashworth: The City Council did establish the Citizens Committee task force in
May of 1983. That committee spent a two-month period of time in coming to a recom-
mendation. They reviewed various sites, including the DNR site, Carver Beach and the
Bloomberg site. Their recommendation to the Council was that the Bloomberg site
should be pursued as the preferred boat access site. If negotiations with Bloomberg
fail, the City should then pursue the DNR site. There is a question regarding
funding. The funding for the project is through the grant that was received for the
north area boat access. The entire park costs associated with this project are pro-
posed to be paid for from that grant. As part of that, and has been alluded to by
others, is a $40,000 payment that is proposed to be made to Mr. Bloomberg as a part
of the land purchase or swap. The reason we refer to it as a swap and continue that
way is there is $40,000 in assessments on the northerly site. The City of Chanhassen
had attempted, for a number of years, to dispose of the northerly five acres. The
state would not allow the City to dispose of that or trade it unless a site of equal
value were obtained. Three years ago the Park Commission budgeted monies to payoff
the outstanding assessments on that property because it did not appear as though we
were going to be able to dispose of that property. There are no assessments on the
Bloomberg property. Accordingly, Mr. Bloomberg would pick up the assessments. In
fact, it is a true swap in that he would be picking up the $40,000 assessments on
that parcel and there would be a cash payment at this point in time to reimburse him
for the amount of those assessments.
Mark Koeqler: Just for orientation purposes, the exhibit on the monitor on the board
now shows HWY 101, the dark blotches and through this portion are the apartment
buildings. The park is the area that is bounded by the green. We have it broken
down into two pieces because of the entrance of South Shore Drive. This piece here,
which is approximately two acres and we term the upper area, this piece down here,
which is a little over two acres is termed the lower area. We have got HWY 101 here
with South Shore Drive coming in between. Looking at the upper area, which is
approximately two acres, serves two principle purposes. 1) the parking for the boat
access itself and 2) for any other facilities that are down along the lake shore. We
have got 10 car and trailer stalls in the middle of it. Presently, there are 10 car
spaces identified there as well. Additionally, we have shown in conceptual form at
this point, that we have a softball diamond and a play area that could be accom-
modated at the site. I would reiterate that those are not a part of the grant at
this point in time. The parking facility, the grading, and the landscaping improve-
ments would be part of the grant itself. In terms of what we are looking at from a
landscaping concept is that we are providing an entryway that will have a tree canopy
along the boulevard area, which is primarly Red Maple and Norwood Maple as you come
into the site. Throughout the rest of the park area we really used plant materials
for two purposes; for both visual attractiveness and for a physical barrier. You
will notice the concentration of mass planting in this area. We have got a very
steep slope through there and we are encouraging people to go around that area to get
to anything that would ultimately be up above. If a ball diamond goes in, we would
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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encourage that there be a dense screen planting along this portion of this property
that would be supplemented by fencing, potentially along the outfield and along the
park boundaries so that we would have a secure area for the play space. That is the
concept for the upper area and the landscaping. In regards to the grading and
draining aspects, what we have done with the parking lot is that we have tried to cut
the parking lot down into the site. Drainage in the ball diamond will continue to
come out to HWY 101 just as it does at the present time. The drainage within this
portion of the site will actually come down into the parking lot area. The parking
lot will be used to some degree for a detention facility. Additionally, at the
recommendation of the Planning Commission, we have added a detention pond between the
parking lot and the streets, which we will control the water that comes into that.
Out of that detention pond we have got a catch basin and a storm sewer system which
will then be on down in the lower part of the access itself and eventually move into
the lake. The access in the lower portion really has a number of primary components,
the turn around, the watching facilities, which is the major one, as you can see by
looking at it. It accommodates vehicles to come down to launch a boat. There are
two parking spaces that are down there in the center, which were put there specifi-
cally under the recommendation of the state, which are for elderly and handicapped
individual use. There is a little area right here that is identified as a picnic
area, a drop off type of point so that someone can come down and drop off a family,
etc. In addition to the boat access, other activities that occur down there is
really the picnic area. That, again, is a concept thing. There is no money in the
grant for tables or grills, etc. The City has indicated from time to time that might
be an appropriate site. There is existing tree cover all through here, which is
essentially somewhat dictative where the access goes. The access location, we have
located as far to the west that we reasonably can. The major constraint there is
that we are trying to preserve the canopy of oak trees that exist. The access is
approximately 110 to 120 feet from this property line. What we have done and shown
in terms of improvements along that area, we show, as you go across the site, a con-
tinuation of the existing tree cover that is there. We have put some large species
in through this portion, with the ultimate hope that they will help mitigate the view
from these houses up here. These properties sit approximately 40 feet above the ele-
vation of the lake so that we are not going to stand here and tell you that we are
going to screen those completely, because we are not. But we think as those trees
mature the canopy will help soften the view down into that area. We have used plant
materials for physical purposes as well as aesthetic purposes. We have provided an
extensive barrier, which is quite dense along this portion of the site because of the
buffer of the adjacent residential property. We have provided another buffer in this
area, which is actually a somewhat depressed area, which is intended to buffer the
parking stalls from the actual lake. The other feature on this particular portion is
the stretching along this site of the access, we have put in a walkway trail that
will lead up to the parking lot. We have consciously located the picnic facilities,
the trail and the access as far away from the residential property as we reasonably
can. The other control measure that has been put into place so far in review of the
Park Commission is that surrounding the entire boat access itself on both sides we
have proposed a ballard and chain assembly. We define that for both vehicular and
pedistrian flow. Additionally, we would propose that there would be signage
throughout this portion to indicate that is the end of the park property boundaries.
The balance would be private property and no trespassers would be permitted. Looking
at the grading aspects of the lower area. Up above we have a continuation of that
storm sewer that comes down from the detention pond, which is right off of the
parking lot. We are proposing to run a storm sewer down, which would kind of meander
through the access itself. Along the way we have got a series of sump type catch
basins which will help slow down the flow of water and in addition will allow some
additional sedimentation to occur. When you get down to the lower part of the
access, the catch basins will eventually outlet into a drainage swale, that has been
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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identified down through this portion of the site. There is an additional catch basin
in this area as well, because what we essentially have done, is taken the boat access
and tipped it away from the lake inward so that any storm water that falls upon the
access will come back into the site rather than going out directly into the lake.
That drainage water will come into this lower area, and in all likelihood, on a final
plan, this catch basin will probably be connected back here and brought out and the
drainage would occur in that fashion. This grading and drainage plan has been
reviewed preliminarily by the Watershed District. They were in general consensus
with it. They said they would take a look at the catch basin connection that I just
mentioned and possible dentention down in that area in addition to a swale. The boat
access drive that proceeds on down is about 10 percent at its steepest, which does
occur throughout this portion of the site. That is an overview. (Mr. Koegler was
referring to a chart throughout his presentation.)
Councilman Geving: I think one of the things that Don alluded to when he introduced
Mark was that you were going to try and answer some of the questions of the Hill
Street memorandum. Do you feel that you have hit upon all those items?
Mark Koeqler: let me hit upon one, Councilman Geving, which may need a little more
emphasis and that would be drainage in the general area. I don't want to advocate
that we have done an overall drainage plan. You are well aware that we took strictly
park property. The City Engineer and the developer's engineer have been looking at
that portion of the site. Essentially, when we have looked at drainage in the park,
what we had done is we had defined these black lines, which indicate the existing
drainage boundaries right now on the property as it exists. This portion of the site
is somewhat sheet draining down towards lotus lake. The center section comes down
toward the lake. This funnel shaped area comes down to HWY 101. This portion comes
down to HWY 101 slightly askew and then the balance of the drainage through this
portion comes down across the properties that Mr. Melby and his neighbors have
referenced in their letter. At the present time there is sheet drainage that does
come across those properties. That is the way the contours are at the present time.
What we will actually be doing, in looking at this project, there is a dash line
along this portion that roughly defines the line of the drainage area that we will be
excluding from the pattern as it exists right now. The drainage within this line and
the existing dark line through this area, will now be collected in the detention
system in the storm sewer system that will eventually flow down to the swale and out
into the lake. So that water will be channelized more directly to lotus lake in this
fashion rather than a sheet fashion that is presently coming across the lower
portions of those properties. We are not changing the balance of that particular
area, but just with the access we are chipping away at a portion of that.
Councilwoman Watson: That would, at least to a degree, keep the park water on the
park property as opposed to any increase we have going across neighboring lots.
Jack Melby: I have seen this presentation before and it hasn't changed. We are very
familiar with the amount of drainage in the area. The water that is going to be
coming out of this development down the hill, which is a steep grade and we know it
is going to happen and we are very concerned about the velocity of that water. We
talked earlier about simply not putting a swale in there, but building a berm three
to four foot high to contain it and I can assure you that it is going to come down
there and wash out the beach area. The other concern is the water that is going into
HWY 101 along the drainage ditch that will also come down and go through those three
properties so all the water and runoff created by the development of these roads,
etc. is being directed into those properties. Our primary concern is, it is going to
increase the volume because of the density of that development, but more importantly,
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-8-
the velocity. It is a very steep hill and I expect to see damage at a moderate rain-
fall and certainly at heavy rainfall. I think you should reconsider the plan in
terms of velocity for exploring and make some plans to check that water flow.
I
Mayor Hamilton: That would be done. This is very preliminary, as Mark has said,
the way that he sees it at this time how the water would flow. But I am sure before
anything is finalized, we would have a very thorough study done of what the best way
to handle the water is and where it is going to go and how we can direct it to where
we want it to go. That has always been a concern of ours.
Councilman Gevinq: I would like to follow up on that because I think it is valid
point. We talked about berming along HWY 101 and I am not so sure that I want to
push that because of the view angle and some other ideas. I do believe that maybe
the separation that we are talking about could be clear cut, very definitive and if
it means berming the area between the proposed park area and Mr. Melby's lot line,
then I would say berm the entire thing all the way up to the line that we see on the
chart. I believe that berming should be a part of the land.
Councilwoman Watson: Would that be the same time as we would discuss potential
fencing of that lower portion as well?
Mayor Hamilton: Yes.
Councilman Horn: Is there a certain portion of the runoff from the development that
would go down this street, or how is this separated from the remainder of the
development?
Bill Monk: Two systems will work. We have looked at both the development and this I.
proposal. The bulk of the water will be handled through the development and through
the basins created on the development. There is some street drainage that will be
coming from the development, from the short cul-de-sac in the Bloomberg development
will flow towards them. We have incorporated all those areas into our calculations.
Henry Sosin: I commend you for considering Jack Melby's property in the plans that
you are trying to perfect. I hope that doesn't mean, however, that all the water
that we are talking about coming from the parking lot in the other area is going to
be piped rather than sheet flowed into lotus lake, because as you all know, pipe
draining is probably the worst kind of drainage as far as the effect on the ecology
of the lake.
Mayor Hamilton: I think you made the same type of comment at the Planning Commission
meeting and Bill had attempted to reply to that at that time. So I think we are all
aware of that and we don't certainly like piping of water. This is a very preli-
minary sketch and it is just an idea that Mark has put on paper so that we can get
some idea and so you can have some idea of a possibility that can happen. I think we
need to discuss it in more detail and perhaps have an engineering firm look at the
actual water flow and how we can handle it better. We will be looking at this in
more detail.
Councilwoman Watson: This would simply be an attempt to direct the water. It would
not have anything to do with what happened to it while it was being directed.
Mayor Hamilton: I think Mark did add one retention pond to the north of the parking
lot since the Planning Commission meeting because of some of the comments that were
made there.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Jack Melby: I was wondering about the operating hours and alcoholic beverages. Is
this the appropriate time for that question?
Lori Sietsema: The operating hours of the park must be open 16 hours a day between 4
a.m. and 12:00 midnight, because it is a LAWCON grant. Lake Ann Park has the same
stipulations. We open that park at 6 a.m. and close it at 10:00 p.m. Our park ordi-
nance indicates that parks have to be closed at 10:00 p.m. As far as alcoholic
beverages, the park ordinance does not allow anything stronger than 3.2 beer. It is
up to the City Council whether they want to eliminate that in that park. They have
the option to have a park rule banning alcohol from that park.
Mayor Hamilton: Doesn't the DNR have some regulations regarding that?
Lori Sietsema: I don't believe so.
Jack Melby: Just to remind you, in previous Planning Commission and City Council
meetings, we talked about the privacy issue down there. That is one of the concerns
that we have with late night vandalism and things like that. We recommended at that
time that there would be some kind of fencing along the south side of the park pro-
perty to help us in the area of trespassing, vandalism and things to that order.
Would you respond to that.
Mayor Hamilton: Again, this is a preliminary plan and I think we are all aware of
your concerns and we are concerned about that. I think we want to do whatever we
possibly can. I can understand that it is a little difficult for you to keep an eye
on your boat, etc. all the time and we will do everything we can to address that.
Wes Arseth: What is going to be the controlled number of boats to be down there at
one time or during the night time?
Lori Sietsema: We have a couple of options. One option is there are 12 parking
spots, with proper signage in the parking area, boat access area, as well as on the
streets, and frequent police patrolling, a limited number of lake users will be able
to get on the lake. Anyone parking in an illegal area would be ticketed or towed,
discouraging abuse. A second option is to install a gate house at the boat access
site with a park attendant on duty during park hours. The park attendant would be
responsible for closing the boat access when the parking area is filled until a
parking spot opened up, thus limiting the number of boats on the lake.
Wes Arseth: What about the ones in the condominiums that launch a boat and park
their trailer in the garage?
Lori Sietsema: Once the parking area is filled they would not be allowed to launch
their bo~t. However, there would be no way we could control that before the parking
area is filled.
Wes Arseth: Why don't we have a numbering system that only so many boats go in the
lake?
Lori Sietsema:
I don't believe that is legal.
Wes Arseth: The DNR does it all the time with the number of parking spots.
Lori Sietsema: I called the DNR and asked them if we could just limit it to twelve
boats even though there were parking spaces available, and they told me that you
can't do that. If there are parking spaces available we have to let them in.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-10-
Mayor Hamilton:
more and see if
number of ideas
will do.
I think that is something else that we are going to have
we can't find the best solution to that problem. We have
and the Council has not had an opportunity to discuss it,
to discuss
heard a
which we
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Wes Arseth: This is the issue that I have been talking about all the time. But
there is no regulations here. If it were down at the other site, there would be some
regulations.
Mayor Hamilton: There would be no regulation there either. We are talking about
exactly the same thing. No matter where the boat access is, if a person decides to
put their boat in and take their car and trailer back home or where ever they want to
put it, it is going to be the same no matter where you are at. The thing is, if they
don't have any place to dock their boat, they take their boat out.
Wes Arseth: Say we get too many boats in the lake at one time, that becomes a
problem of traffic. What would you do?
Mayor Hamilton: We are going to have to have the Sheriff's Department out there
patrolling it.
Wes Arseth: Would you shut down the lake?
Mayor Hamilton: How do you shut down the lake?
Wes Arseth: With the number of power boats.
Mayor Hamilton: I am certain that we would have recommendations back to us from the I
Sheriff's Department because it could become a dangerous situation and then we would
have to do something to our ordinance to enforce it more strictly, which would
include everybody on the lake, not just the boat access.
Wes Arseth: Well, then we are putting a lot of money into the access for naught.
Mayor Hamilton: I don't know that. I don't think that there are going to be
hundreds of people coming here to put their. boat on lotus lake.
Wes Arseth: I just hope not.
Councilman Geving: I think, too, that you have got to recognize that there is a
significant drop from the parking area to the boat launching area. You are going to
have to want to get onto the lake pretty badly if you want to drop your boat off,
drive up the hill and walk back down to get to your boat, then come off the lake and
do the same thing over again. It is not going to be that convenient. I suspect that
after people try it once or twice, they won't come back. I really don't think that
it is going to be that popular.
I am just wondering about the boat access. What are you going to
do with Carver Beach? Are you going to take that out or what?
Mayor Hamilton: Yes, that will be closed.
Councilwoman Swenson: It is going to be my recommendation that we leave open the I
option, if it is not decided at this point, to put in a gate house. It is my recom-
mendation that we leave this option open and if we find what you are suggesting is
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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happening, then we will say only 12 boats will be let in. When 12 boats have been
put on, then that is it. This works on lake Riley. It has cut down the traffic on
the lake. It may not be necessary to do that, but I would certainly request that
this Council would consider such as option.
Rick Murray: I commend Mrs. Swenson for her comments because if this does become a
problem then this is an option that this body still has later to help gain control of
the lake. I think this thing has been studied for some time and I want to commend
the staff for what they have done and also the Council for their efforts.
Henry Sosin: I would like to go back to a more basic problem. Having attended
several meetings here and also the Planning Commission meetings, and my sense after
the Planning Commission meeting, and I think it was expressed in their minutes, is
that there was great concern about the safety features related to any access on the
east side of the lake, mainly vehicular traffic from HWY 101. In addition to the
vehicular traffic, I believe the Planning Commission even recommended not going ahead
with the park because they were so concerned about city attraction from the park. I
know that one of their recommendations in their motion was that Council give serious
consideration to, what I think the minutes said, the other three possible access
sites. I am not sure what was meant by those. My real concern is that the Council
really does seriously consider that there may be a better site, a more safe site, for
a boat access on the lake. The DNR seems to have, at this site, accepted split
parking, like at the Carver Beach site.
Don Ashworth: I did contact the DNR and they said that they were unaware of any rule
changes that were any different today than they were at the time that they had
discussed the various issues with the lotus lake task force group. I did mention the
Carver Beach site and questioned the potential of split parking. They could not see
how parking could be achieved in the Carver Beach area. They were trying to think of
how it potentially could occur. As much as they are aware of the area they could not
see how it could be achieved. They did say that there were no differences today than
they had expressed back to that committee at that point in time.
Mayor Hamilton: Also, the traffic concerns that you have suggested certainly concerns
all of,us. That was, indeed, one of the recommendations made by the Planning
Commission that we have a traffic expert look at what would be best way to handle the
traffic in that area, which I am sure we will do.
Henry Sosin: The difference, I believe, is that initially the DNR refused the Carver
Beach site because the Carver Beach parking area was located above the site and their
objection was that no one who has a physical handicap could use that site. That is
very similar to what they are accepting here. Two different spots below for han-
dicaps and the rest up above. There is a park there and the DNR actually did walk
that when they were looking at the Carver Beach site, as did other people and citi-
zens as well. But their objection was only the handicapped parking, not the fact
that there would be off site parking for others. As we mentioned at the last
meeting, I think to call the DNR and say a little change, they are obviously going to
say no. If the Council were to decide that there is a real problem with safety and
if there is a possibility of achieving an access at another site which eliminates
that problem and which the lake Study Commission gave you as a number one choice for
ecological reason initially, then I think it would be worth while to approach the DNR
with a very positive status, saying we need it there, because.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Don Ashworth: There were several problems associated with the Carver Beach area. It
was not just the parking. We have a road system that if you would attempt to bring
any type of a vehicle down to the boat access, none of those roads are wide enough or
capable of providing any type of traffic to get down to the site. The second concern
was the physical construction of the access itself. If you looked at the presen-
tation by Mr. Koegler, there is quite an extensive area that is being shown for that.
My point is that I don't think the parking is the only issue of concern to the
Citizens Committee in looking at Carver Beach.
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Councilman Horn: The committee did look at the Carver Beach site and at one point
there was a lot available right across the street from what had been the mooring area
and the committee felt that had the Council at that point acquired that land that
would have been a viable access. Since a house was built on that property, we tried
to figure out all kinds of ways to get parking in that area without having to go up
to the other park, which is almost a half a mile away, and it seemed like there was
no other way to get any kind of parking close to the vicinity. I think that option
did exist at one point, but when the committee reviewed it we didn't see a reasonable
way to get parking in the vicinity that would be at all code.
Don Ashworth: The Council did approve for the Mayor and Manager to sign the grant at
the last meeting and set this meeting up as discussion, so you need not take any
additional action.
Georgette Sosin: I would like to ask Councilwoman Swenson a question. On Lake Riley
when you had that access with a gate, did that come on after it was approved with no
gate or did they put it on at the beginning.
Councilwoman Swenson: No, that was put on because it was determined that it be
required.
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Georgette Sosin: That was the point that I wanted to make.
Mayor Hamilton: We will be reviewing that, I am sure. It will certainly be one of
the items that we will want to consider very carefully.
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT DEVELOPMENT PLAN REQUEST FOR ~ ATTACHED AND DETACHED
UNITS WEST ]I AND ADJACENT lQ HIGHWAY ~ BLOOMBERG COMPANIES:
Mayor Hamilton: This item was reviewed also on July 15, 1985. There were some
recommendations made by the Council to Mr. Bloomberg. He asked for some time to
review those requests that the Council had made and he has replied to them. We have
the item back on tonight so that we can review it again this evening and look at the
changes that Mr. Bloomberg has made.
Barb Dacy: At the JUly 15 meeting the City Council made several recommendations as
to how the plan should be amended. It can be seen by the minutes the recommendations
were that the duplexes should be eliminated to reduce the density to 2.7 units per
acre which coincides with the Planning Commission recommendation to close the access
to West 77th Street. A recommendation was made that additional berming be made along
TH 101 and that there be individual riparian rights for the four riparian lots on
Lotus Lake. There was an additional recommendation in that the duplex lot be split
so that there would be two single family lots instead a duplex lot and two single
family lots. The applicant has reviewed the City Council minutes and has submitted I
this revised plan, which represents the fourth revised plans since the initial appli-
cation. He has reduced the number of units from 66 to 62. Now proposed are 20
single family units, 14 duplex units and 28 condominium units. The gross density of
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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the project is 2.91 units per acre. That excludes the acreage for the boat access
and park. The net density is 4.23 units per acre. That excludes the public right of
way. The average single family lot size is 19,356 square feet. The average duplex
size is 6,348 square feet. The median lot size is 16,500 for the single family lots
and 7,500 square feet for the duplex lots. In conformance with the DNR recommen-
dations, the applicant has indicated a conservation easement to match the 930 eleva-
tion contour in the area adjacent to the lake to preserve the slope. He has also
amended the drainage and utility easments in this area to conform with staff recom-
mendations for the existing ravine between lot 17 and 18 as well as he proposed a
retention pond on the north part of lot 16. An additional change was made, lot 3 was
originally a duplex lot and it has now been changed to a single family lot. The con-
dominium units was originally 31 and three condominium lots have now been eliminated.
The land use pattern remains as has always been considered to match the existing
single family uses which propose single family uses and to surround the perimeter of
the plan with single family lots. There has been a reduction in the number of duplex
lots. Seven lots remain as duplexes. The intent of the land use pattern is to con-
centrate the highest density of development in the center of the parcel adjacent to
the cluster street, the park and across the existing high density development. The
traffic issue is also a major issue discussed both with the Commission and the
Council meetings. The Council concurred with the Commission recommendation to not
connect the proposed South Shore Drive with West 77th Street. Staff is maintaining
its previous recommendation that a connection be made with a right on only, turning
movement at the westerly access onto TH 101. The grading and drainage features have
also significantly changed since the initial time of that location. The cul-de-sac
in the northwest corner of the plat has been pulled back in conformance with staff
recommendations and the necessary easements identified as mentioned earlier. DNR
approval: As you know, the PUD must be approved by the Department of Natural
Resources. We discussed at the last meeting the issue regarding individual docking
rights for each of the four riparian lots. I talked to the DNR staff regarding the
Council's desire to have each of those riparian lots enjoyed. They normally allow
one dock per lot. The DNR's adamant that not only that the slope be maintained, but
that the number of docks in that area would be minimized as well. They will not
approve the plan if the docks in this area exceed two docks. I also indicated in the
report that they would approve up to eight slips. That was incorrect. They now
indicate that is now four slips. They will only approve two docks and four slips.
Mayor Hamilton: Which lots?
Barb Dacy: lots 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. I believe on lot 16 they already have a
dock, so it is lots 17 through 20.
Councilwoman Watson: That would be one slip per lot.
Barb Dacy: Correct. Two docks and four slips.
Mayor Hamilton: The existing dock is not included in the numbers.
Barb Dacy: Yes, that is correct.
Mayor Hamilton: So it would be three docks then.
Councilman Horn: So there can only be four boats there.
~ Dacy: Correct.
Mayor Hamilton: On the two docks. There is one dock there already.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-14-
Councilwoman Watson: So there would be six boats making multiple use out of the pre-
sent dock.
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Councilman Gevinq: The dock on lot 16 remains as is, that is excluded.
Councilwoman Swenson: Then it would be two in addition to that?
Councilman Geving: Yes.
Councilman Horn: Do we need the DNR approval on this?
Barb Dacy: Yes.
Councilman Horn: When does the DNR supercede our lake ordinance?
Barb Dacy: The most restrictive rules will apply, where there is a conflict between
local regulation or state regulation, which ever is the most restrictive will apply.
The shoreline management ordinance is adopted by the City ordinance #65. That
clearly states that the DNR has to approve a PUD or final plans.
Councilman Horn: What basis do they have for limiting the number of docks, what is
their precedent for that?
Barb Dacy: They believe the unique nature of the site beyond the slope and they
want to protect the integrity of the lake and the shoreline in that particular area
and minimize the number of structures and the number of slips per dock.
Councilman Horn: I guess if we are concerned about the challenge ability of our
ordinance, I would really be concerned about that one.
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Barb Dacy: The parks and open space issue, the Park and Recreation Commission recom-
mended that a trail easement be identified between the condominium area and TH 101
provided pedestrian access from the neighborhood to the west to the post park site.
Also the Park and Recreation Commission recommended that the City Council pursue
negotiations with the developer to acquire what is known as Block 4. It is triangu-
lar in shape and approximates two-thirds of an acre. According the the Park and
Recreation Commission this would be suitable for tennis courts, volleyball and
basketball areas. Staff concurs with the Park and Recreation Commission's recommen-
dation and would recommend that the City Council strongly consider reducing the park
charge per unit in view of a land dedication agreement of this two-thirds acre
parcel. In summary, staff is recommending approval of the proposed preliminary and
final development with rezoning to P-l, planned residential development, based on
the plans received on July 31, 1985, and subject to the following conditions:
1. DNR formal approval.
2. No more than two docks and four slips for lots 17-20, Block 1.
3. Watershed District approval.
4. Recommendations in the City Engineer's memo dated June 10, 1985.
5. Dedication of a trail easement between TH 101 and the condominium
area.
6. Authorizing staff with City Council final approval to negotiate
the dedication of Block 4 for park purposes.
7. Revision of the landscaping plan to show one tree per duplex unit
at the rear of the duplex lots.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Herb Bloomberg: I don't know if I understand exactly what the DNR is restricting in
regard to the shore. They are limiting the four lots to two docks, I understand
that, but are they going to jeopardize the Fenger lot? Are they taking jurisdiction
there? I would rather take that lot out of the plat. My sister won't sign this plat
if she loses her dock. She has lived there for 17 years and has dock rights.
Barb Dacy: If there is an existing dock there on your sister's property, their
recommendation does not include that existing dock. This is for the four proposed
new lots.
Herb Bloomberg:
dock and so she
lake, I hope.
We had planned a dock there before. But she hasn't been using the
certainly isn't losing rights because she hasn't been using the
Councilman Geving: That is something that we better check on, but I am sure that
it's not true.
Barb Dacy: It has always been my understanding that those two docks were for the
preliminary proposal and would not affect your existing dock.
Mayor Hamilton: We will clarify that for you, Mr. Bloomberg, to make sure.
Herb Bloomberg: We got involved in acquiring this strip of land where the blue house
is over on the east edge because we have been trying to develop without it and that
has been happening for two years. I didn't think that we would be losing the dock
rights for this home that had a dock and there is even one there today on the shore.
It is a sandy shore and that is part of my reason in wanting to cooperate to get this
lake access on this end of the lake because it is such an ideal one from an ecology
standpoint. There is no way that boats can stir up the soft bottom and hurt the eco-
logy of the lake. There has been concern in regard to the activity, and I think that
anyone recognizes that that could be a problem, but you have grand fathered in two
lake residences, both with lake rights. What I would like to do would be to find if
we couldn't trade those two dock rights for one single dock that could be used for
four slips which would let them maintain their dock. Another advantage would be
that, for whatever concern there is in being the last dock in the line next to the
public access, that this be a buffer dock. I would think that Mr. Melby would maybe
appreciate four friendly neighbors that would help police that.
Mayor Hamilton: Did you have anything else, Mr. Bloomberg, that you wanted to relay
to us?
Herb Bloomberg: It is quite obvious that this will be going through the next phases.
One thing that I built from the start, I love this view down the lake. You can see
the hills that over look Christmas lake two miles away. I would like to see it writ-
ten into the park board stipulations for maintaining this landscaping and that this
would be forever a site line so that when you are driving north on TH 101 you will
get a nice glimpse of that lake. We all know that with one building and with some
trees and shrubs in the way we have lost that forever. We named that road South
Shore Drive and I think it would be nice to see what shore you are talking about.
Councilman Geving: I think you could help with that by when you develop that area,
make sure you leave that view open with the homes that you are planning. If you plan
it that way, it will stay that way.
Herb Bloomberg: I have problems on a couple of building sites, too, which restricts
me too, but I think it is well worth the effort.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-16-
Councilwoman Watson: Here again we come to the drainage problem and I realize we
discussed that in relationship with the park, but if we could keep the water from
this site and try and minimize any water that leaves. It is all the same problem and
I am sure that it can all be dealt with at that time. I don't know when we will be
dealing with crossing TH 101. There will be people crossing TH 101. One suggestion
was a pedestrian overpass and I realize that would be extremely expensive.
Don Ashworth: Mr. Koegler, I know you did look at that issue briefly on the
pedestrian/traffic issue.
Mark Koegler: Yes we did. We had taken a look at the pedestrian issue in regard to
the park. TH 101 is, admittedly, a difficult situation. Anybody that is in the area
is well aware of that. The apartments across the way from the potential park is
really the concern that we were looking at. In order to look at that we reviewed the
project and talked to the apartment management people. They indicated that there are
approximately 20 - 25 children in the entire apartment complex right now. Two of the
buildings are adults only. From their observations, the smaller children are kept
within the complex and they said they have only seen teen-age type kids walking into
town along TH 101. Regardless of that, we still need to provide the safest crossing
as possible. What we have looked at, opposite the driveway that comes in with the
parking that is close to TH 101 at that point is probably the best location for a
marked crosswalk across there. We also talked to the Minnesota Department of
Transportation about the possible installtion of the flashing warning signs for
pedestrian crossing in that area and they agreed that this would probably be
appropriate there. I would like to point out that they would not share in the cost
of that and that would be a city expense. That can be done reasonably and economi-
cally. . Another reason that we proposed the crosswalk here is because it would tie
into the trail, which I believe is one of staff's recommendations that leads behind
the condominium units over into the park itself, which would allow people to get
across TH 101 either into town or in the park or whatever the best connection might
be. We have addressed that as a preliminary fashion.
Councilwoman Watson: The access on South Shore, is this a right out only?
Bill Monk: The original plan that was submitted called for two access points onto
TH 101 and a connection onto W. 77th Street. At the last meeting the Council had
talked about leaving the two access points onto TH 101 completely operational with
all turning movements and not making any connection to W. 77th Street. That has to
be made a part of whatever motion the Council makes on this item. That should be
specified.
Councilwoman Watson: Okay. The only logical thing would be to have people be able
to make either a right or left turning movement out of those two streets, especially
since the desire is to cut off W. 77th Street.
Mayor Hamilton: If you want to talk about the movement of traffic, perhaps you could
address the Hill Street intersection issue.
Bill Monk: Since the very beginning, I have always thought that as the series deve-
loped, one of the primary concerns would be a realignment of the southern most Hill
Street access onto TH 101 on a really bad curve with severe sight distance restric-
tions in either direction. I proposed that the existing southerly access point of
Hill Street be closed off and realigned into this plat, that street would not be
built to a full section, the section would be built more along the lines that already
exist there right now. You could eliminate that dangerous access point. That has
always been a part of the plan and is a part of the plan that is being recommended
right now.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Wes Arseth: You know, Bill, the east side of Hill Street exiting onto TH 101 is an
extremely dangerous area. As the traffic from the development exits out there, you
are going to have that multiplied many times over. Is there any thought of putting
the dead end on that. Mr. Powers has talked to me about giving some land of his that
he owns back there and trading it off for the front part of it and making it a cul-
de-sac back there, which would make it a lot safer than what we have right now.
Mayor Hamilton: Is there any chance of tying the Horr property into that also so
that he could come up and go out through Hill Street because his access has been really
bad.
Bill Monk: I don't believe so. I think that actually is frontage onto TH 101. I
would not pursue the cul-de-sac option. I believe that the straight forward approach
with having lakeshore come right up on TH 101, most or all of the traffic would use
the access points on TH 101. Hill Street was going to be designed somewhat now so it
looks not much more than a wide driveway. In order to try and stop people from
making that move, since it is not a difficult move onto TH 101, almost 100 percent of
the traffic would go directly to TH 101 where there would be turn lanes and those
type of improvements. You could pursue the cul-de-sac idea, but my approach on this
is just to get rid of the one right on the curve. If the Council would give me
direction, I would be more than happy to meet with the homeowners and take a look at
the possibilities.
Councilman Geving: I would recommend that we get a petition from the homeowners on
Hill Street to close off their home street and we start from there. Unless you do
that it looks like we are taking the initiative.
Councilwoman Watson: I am amazed at the DNR's decision. I think there is a lot of
land like this on a lot of lakes and I am surprised that they have chose~ this par-
ticular moment to be arbitrary about that particular issue.
Councilman Geving: As a result of our last meeting we asked Mr. Bloomberg to go back
and realign his plat and he has done some of those things that we had asked him to
do. One of the recommendations that we made is that he reduce the number of con-
dominiums and he has now reduced his condominiums from 31 to 28 and the front end of
the north side of the plan now looks very nice to me. I believe that there is a cer-
tain amount of riparian rights that are available to Lot 16, there should be no
question about the lot and the dock on that particular lot, nor should there be any
question, in my mind, on the dock for Block 2. Secondly, I had spoken about closing
off West 77th Street. I believe that should still happen. I had recommended that we
take Lots 1, 2 and 3 and create two single family homes facing onto South Shore
Drive, so if we would remove one lot there, which means that instead of having three
small lots, we would have two very nice lots of approximately 13,400 square feet
each. They would be facing South Shore Drive, which means that would have no impact
on what happens on West 77th Street. I would recommend that we do like I initially
said at the last meeting, make that line between Lots 2 and 3 all the way from the
east to the west and create two lots rather than three. My next comment has to do
with the berming along TH 101. I want to back off from that comment a little bit
because I do believe what Mr. Bloomberg had to say is exactly correct. We want to
retain the view of the lake. Along with that, I believe we ought to think seriously
about putting in a trail way, a bike way, or some way of accessing the entire length
of this plan from the downtown area across the plan and continuing on up TH 101.
We received a letter from Chuck Hurt. He is the president of the Lotus Lake
Betterment Association. What he is proposing to do is just exactly what we said.
I think that would be a very nice betterment to our community to make that happen.
On the right-out that was proposed for the west most entry way to South Shore Drive,
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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I believe that we should have all turning movements there and not just a right out.
I don't believe that we could ask people to drive north all the way up to the
northern most and eastern most entrance to this planned community to enter their
home. I would like to see that be all turning movements on both of those accesses.
In regards to the docks, I don't believe that the DNR is correct in their assumption
of what they are trying to do to us with giving us two docks and four slips. It is
totally unreal and we have not been faced with this before from the DNR. This is the
very first time we have had this kind of comment or request from the DNR. I think we
ought to vote to have it for this development and see if we can't push that through.
The two docks I don't have any problem with, but we shouldn't treat Mr. Bloomberg or
anybody else differently. We should give them four slips or five slips for each one
of those docks. In regards to the gross density, we are now getting down, in terms
of gross density, to the area that we talked about before and that was an objective
of 3.0. We are at 2.91 on our gross density and I think that is very acceptable. I
believe that we should not provide for any decrease in the park dedication fee, nor
make any attempt to acquire Block 4. I think Block 4 will take care of itself in due
time. We have adequate amount of space dedicated to the park. My personal opinion
is that there should not be a reduction in the park dedication fees for any of this
development. I also agree with the City Engineer that we should eliminate the
existing south access to Hill Street.
Councilman Horn: Councilman Geving covered most of the comments that I would have
made with the exception that the Council had also recommended the elimination of the
duplex lots. I read in Mr. Ashworth's recommendations on August 5th that Mr.
Bloomberg is concerned about the duplexes on lots 21 through 23. I think those con-
cerns are valid in that case. However, we also have the duplexes on lots four through
nine that have not been addressed and I don't see the arguments used on lots 21
through 23 being valid for those lots, so I would like to reinforce the recommen-
dation that we had made the last time we reviewed those that they would be single
family lots along that section.
Mayor Hamilton: I think lots 6 and 8 are not duplex lots, they are single family
lots.
Councilman Horn: I could share Dale's and Carol's comments about the DNR. I think
they have expressed them adequately. It is hard to find any consistency with what
they are doing with a recommendation like that. But other than the recommendation
for lots 4, 5, 7, and 9 and concurring with the recommendation to close off W. 77th
Street and make the South Shore exist a right in, right out, that would conclude my
recommendations.
Councilwoman Swenson: I certainly agree with Councilman Horn. When I was working on
this, I was concerned about the size of the duplex lots. If, in fact, the duplexes
are eliminated as I also feel they ought to be along the west side, we rarely smile
at anything less than 15,000 square feet for a single family dwelling and yet we have
a request here for 12,200 square foot buildings sites that are being divided in two.
I am not pleased with that. The first option that I would have would be to eliminate
the duplexes. By eliminating the lot, which I thought we had recommended last week,
we have 11 lots going through lot 12 and through 11 down which constituted about
157,500 feet. If we were to take those 11 lots and divide them equally, we would
wind up with a 14,300 square foot lot, which for a single family dwelling is usually
what we request. My first preference would be the elimination of the duplexes. In
regards to the rest of the things, I am in complete agreement with everyone else.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Mayor Hamilton: I am very pleased that Mr. Bloomberg came back and responded to our
comments and concerns about changing some of the items in the development. I am not
convinced that closing off West 77th Street is the best idea.
Councilman Gevinq: I am now proposing that this development contain a total of 57
units. That total consists of the elimination of one of the single family lots in
Block 1, the elimination of the four duplex units identified as Block 1, Lot 4, 5, 7
and nine and making those single family, leaving the duplexes on Lots 21, 22 and 23
and we have eliminated five units for a total of 57 units for this plan.
Mayor Hamilton: I am wondering how far we are going to ask Mr. Bloomberg to go. He
was here three weeks ago and we asked him to cut out several lots again, he responded
to and solved nearly everyones concerns and now he has come back and we are asking
him to reduce some more. So the next time that he comes back, we ask him to reduce
again, pretty soon we'll be down to one house. I can't agree with cutting out
another five. I think you are asking him to do too much.
Councilwoman Swenson: May I review our minutes for the 15th of July when we
discussed this? I suggested, should we review our recommendations and Councilman
Geving replied, "I think we need to identify them." Councilwoman Swenson: "Our
first recommendation that we would make would be to eliminate the duplexes, which
reduces the density to 2.7, close W. 77th Street and the berming would be appropriate
and the individual riparian rights for docking would be retained." Mayor Hamilton:
"And that the development contract states that there be no cutting other than to put
a walkway down to the dock." Councilman Geving: "I made a recommendation on the
corner, making 2 lots out of the proposed Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1." According to
the minutes that we have, what we are recommending tonight is consistent with what we
recommended on the 15th of July.
Barb Dacy: I need some additional Council direction as to the status of Block 4. I
know it is the applicant's concern that it is not to be used for park uses, that some
type of determination be made if he could locate a couple of the condominium units on
that lot or try and subdivide it for single family or duplex use. I believe the
applicant is concerned that if it is not used for park purposes that he will have
two-thirds of an acre of land that is just sitting there and not being used. I need
some Council direction to give to the applicant as to what to do with Block 4.
Mayor Hamilton: I think Dale's comment was that that will take care of itself in the
long run. He felt that we had enough park space. I guess I would think that
purchasing Block 4 would certainly be advantageous to the City. To have parkland
combined with the property that is at the well house right now would make a very nice
park. But I think Dale felt that it would take care of itself in due time and
perhaps some time in the future maybe we could think of making use of that.
Councilman Gevinq: I just don't want to mix that issue up with the whole plan,
because it has not been a part of the plan. It is silent in the plan.
Mayor Hamilton: But it is a part of the overall property.
Councilman Geving: It is a part of the property. If Mr. Bloomberg wanted to
designate that for condominiums or something, I wouldn't have any problem with that.
Don Ashworth: There would be a change though, in that all the way through in the
park commission at looking at this, that has been part of the park plan that has been
considered by the Park and Recreation Commission. In the negotiations, that has
included the lot. But if the Council determines not to pursue that, Mr. Bloomberg
should be able to use that.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Councilman Gevinq: Maybe we should just indicate that we will continue negotiating
with Mr. Bloomberg as our original intention. The Park Commission's recommendation
clearly stated that we should attempt to negotiate purchasing that sometime in the
future. I don't know when that would be, because that could cost us a considerable
amount of money. The only other consideration that I would make is that we could
acquire Block 4 by reducing park charges on all of the 57 units that are proposed to
equal the cost of Block 4 so that, in a sense, we would acquire Block 4 through the
park dedication process.
Councilwoman Watson: How do we establish the value on that property?
Don Ashworth: In all the discussions that we have had regarding the purchase of the
property from Mr. Bloomberg, this parcel has always been included in those
discussions. As far as the total amount of money is concerned, that would be paid
over a period of time. We did discuss whether or not there would be any easing of
the park acquisition charges that would be applied against the property, and I have
left that issue open not saying that the city would make a reduction or not.
Councilwoman Watson: I would prefer to see it done in that manner as opposed to
purchasing the land.
Mayor Hamilton: That is what the recommendation was.
Wes Arseth: I have a question on Hill Street. I noticed the road is going adjacent
to TH 101, it makes a sharp left and then makes a sharp right again. Every winter we
always have troubles with the snow plows making that bend by Mr. Power's house. Is
there any problem on separating those two southerly lots and putting Hill Street bet-
ween that? That seems to be a lot more wise.
Bill Monk: We did review that, but the problem is the placing of the existing blue
house on the property. We are waiting for the potential layouts for the property in
there. It seemed best to bring it up. I do believe that we can make it workable and
we will separate those lots that much more from TH 101 as that access road. That was
looked at and in trying to separate it you lose too much of the use of the space in
the flat area. I do believe that the layout that is there is workable.
Mayor Hamilton: We could do that. That is an alternative that we should keep in
mind.
~ Schmieg: I guess I resent the comment that you made, Mr. Mayor, on the fact
that asking Mr. Bloomberg to do something different than when he was here last time.
Along with everybody else and in the minutes it was very clearly stated and by you
also as to the number of units that there would be after the duplexes were cut and
everything else. I don't think it has been unfair. It has been very up front. The
Planning Commissioners have said it, the Council members have said it and I don't
feel that that is a fair statement. I think you've been very up front with him and
then to come back and completely ignore all your requests, I found, quite startling.
Councilman Geving moved to approve the preliminary and final development plan request
with rezoning to P-l based on the plans stamped "Received July 31, 1985" and subject
to the following conditions:
1. DNR formal approval;
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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'~.>. "..": r:)
v <2-,)
2. Two docks with 5 slips each on riparian Lots 17 through 20, Block 1,
excluding the Fenger property and the blue house on the eastern part
of the property. Staff will contact DNR regarding their requirements
as to the amount of the dockage that can be permitted;
3. Watershed District approval;
4. Recommendations in the City Engineer's memorandum dated June 10, 1985
excluding recommendation 04:
a. Four drainage design modifications be adopted:
-Lowering the center island area of the townhouse turnaround
so it can function as a landscaped detention basin with a
controlled outlet. Should this location prove unacceptable,
equal area must be provided elsewhere on the upper shelf area.
-Using catch basins with sumps to retain large sediment par-
ticles (now that the City has a vacuum truck for removing
the silt build-up) and drop manholes to dissipate energy
and reduce runoff velocities.
-The two outlets be released into elongated swales on the
lower shelf adjacent to the lake so disturbance from the
discharge on the lake is minimized and additional area is
provided to allow sedimentation in a location that can be
readily accessed and maintained. These swales will have to
be located so as not to interfere with the existing
forcemains.
b. The northwest cul-de-sac be shortened and lots realigned to avoid
disturbance of the steep slopes adjacent to Lotus Lake.
c. All Streets be constructed to City standards including a 28 foot
width, and 18 inch gravel equivalency and lined with concrete curb
and gutter.
d. eliminated.
e. All MnDot requirements for drainage and access within TH 101 right-
of-way be included as a part of City approval.
f. That an additional 17 foot wide strip be dedicated along TH 101 for
future highway improvements.
g. That all DNR and Watershed District conditions concerning density and
drainage be incorporated as a part of the City's approval.
5. Dedication of a trail easement between TH 101 and the condominium area;
6. Authorizing staff, with City Council final approval, to negotiate the ded-
ication of Block 4 for park purposes and for park fee credits;
7. Revision of the landscaping plan to show one tree per duplex unit;
(~~
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-22-
8. Connection into West 77th Street is not permitted. All access points shall
have full traffic movements;
9. Lake views from TH 101 shall be retained;
I
10. Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1, shall be combined into two single family lots
facing South Shore Drive, and Lots 4, 5, 7 and 9, Block 1, shall be single
family lots;
11. Staff should investigate the possibility of berming along the lot line
between the Melby property and the Bloomberg property;
12. Staff will continue to look into a cross-over of TH 101.
The last two conditions are items that will be pursued by City staff in its prepara-
tion of final specifications for the boat access and park. Motion was seconded by
Councilman Horn.
Bill Monk: I have a problem with the condition to allow dock rights with the
existing blue house. That might involve allowing the private dock in a public park.
I don't know with the DNR regulations if that will be commended.
Don Ashworth: We may have to bring the issue back.
Bill Monk: The Council may want to direct staff to pursue that, but I really don't
know whether that is actually possible. If you look at the plan, the park cuts that
property off. That property no longer extends all the way down to the lake. You
caught me a little bit by surprise with that request. If the dock is to be straight 1-
down, it could definitely cause major problems with the park access site.
Mayor Hamilton: It will remain as is in the motion with the understanding that
staff will pursue it and it will then come back to this body.
Roger Knutson: I have not discussed this with Mr. Bloomberg, but if Mr. Bloomberg
decides that he would rather go along with the DNR request and have a confrontation
or law suit with them, it would be the Council's willingness to allow him to go with
two docks with two slips each rather than five, if that was his desire.
Mayor Hamilton: We would amend the motion at that time.
The following voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson,
Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
Herb Bloomberg: There are a number of factors. One is in regard to docking for
the blue house. I know the City of Minneapolis they rent anchorages to boats. It
seems to me, in view of the circumstances, losing a dock if you were involved in a
trade taking five acres with no lake and trading it for five acres with 300 feet of
beautiful lake shore. It doesn't sound like very good business to me. Maybe there
can be something done that would help that. One other angle is if we eliminate the
duplex lots and maybe you want to consider squeezing them together to be over 100
foot lots when you put them together. The other thing is that I feel eventually with
the development with this whole park scheme, that there will come a time when the
public would want to make a connection there and I would like to offer to donate that
portion of the road as a park with the stipulation that someday it might be used as a
roadway. I can see a few years from now that little league baseball is going over
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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here and you have bicycles and walking and all of that, and I think you wouldn't have
trouble getting a few hundred signatures of people to the west to say that they would
like their youngsters in the middle of that park without going onto TH 101. So maybe
things can change. I am satisfied that we don't need the connection now, and maybe
forever. But I think that we could maybe keep some of those options open.
VARIANCE lQ THE ~ FOOT SHORELAND SETBACK FOR ~ DECK, 7300 LAREDO DRIVE, ALAN FOX:
FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR ~ DECK, 801 PONTIAC LANE, PAUL NAAB:
LOT AREA AND SIDE YARD SETBACK VARIANCEt'FOR~~ SINGLE FAMILY HOME, 1565 BLUFF CREEK
DRIVE, ALBERT DORWEILER:
VARIANCE lQ CONTRUCT ~ ADDITION TO A NON-CONFORMING SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, 2821
TANGERS LANE, OLSEN/HAWLEY:
The above four items were approved unanimously at an earlier Board of Adjustments and
Appeals meeting. Therefore, no action was required by the Council.
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT lQ THE RECREATIONAL BEACHLOT ORDINANCE, CITY Qf CHANHASSEN:
Barb Dacy: Attachments H9, 10 and 12 are going to be the primary points of
discussion. H9 is the existing beachlot ordinance, HID is the proposed ordinance and
H12 is the proposed ordinance proposed by Councilwoman Swenson. I would like to run
through the differences between the existing ordinance and the proposed ordinance.
The rirst item in the beachlot ordinance is conditional uses of any R-l District per-
taining to the location of the chemical toilet facilities. The current ordinance
allows that they be placed on the beachlot but they be required to be placed 75 feet
backl from the ordinary high water mark. The proposed ordinance only allows these
facilities for administratively authorized special events or if the Council finds it
such" the facility will not entirely affect adjacent properties. The Planning
Commission felt that this particular proposed language was too vague. So that was
their major concern with this item and that the present language be maintained.
Secondly, the current ordinance does not permit any motor vehicles to be driven or
parked on the beachlot. The proposed ordinance does permit those if you launch from
the beachlot by a motorized vehicle but does not allow any vehicle to be parked on
the beachlot. The Planning Commission was very much opposed to the proposed ordi-
nance amendment regarding this particular section. Item C. remains the same. That
prohibits overnight camping on a beachlot~ lItem D., the current ordinance does not
allow the overnight storage or mooring of watercraft or overnight docking of
watercraft. The proposed ordinance allows overnight mooring or storage of up to five
watercraft. The rest of this section regarding storing of items remains the same.
Item E. refers to launching on the beachlot. This is mentioned again just because
the way the proposed ordinance is structured. Item F., the current ordinance
requires that a beachlot be 100 feet in width at the ordinary high water mark and
landward 100 feet. The proposed ordinance requires 200 feet of lake frontage for a
beachlot to have a dock, plus another 200 feet for each additional dock. There is
also an area requirement for a dock and this is that a beachlot must have at least
30,000 square feet for the first dock and 20,000 square feet for each additional
dock. So the proposed beachlot would have to meet both the frontage requirement and
the area requirement in order to have a dock. Items F. and G. remain the same in the
proposed ordinance as to the number of units a beachlot can serve. The final item
that the proposed ordinance allows and is not included in the existing ordinance is
that in areas that are designated as conservation easements shall not be considered
as part of the beachlot. So that is more restrictive than the existing ordinance. I
would now like to review attachment H12 and highlight the items that are different
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-24-
from the previous ordinance. In item A. the language is simplified to just state
that except for administratively authorized events, a maximum of three days per year,
chemical toilets are not permitted on any beachlot. The next major change is in I
regards to overnight storage. Proposed is that no recreational beachlot shall be
used for purposes of overnight storage or overnight mooring of more than five
watercraft in total, only three of which are allowed to be motorized watercraft.
Additionally, the language continues to allow canoes to be stacked on racks and the
overnight storage of sailboats. Again, docking of other watercraft or seaplanes is
still permissible. That has not changed from the existing ordinance. So what has
changed is the number of boats to be stored overnight and the types of boats,
motorized and non-motorized. Item E. proposes the 200 feet of lake frontage require-
ment and 30,000 square feet in beachlot area before a beachlot can have a dock.
However, it says a limit of three docks shall be permitted on any recreational beach-
lot, with a maximum of nine motorized watercraft, except on a body of water in excess
of 600 acres in which case DNR regulations apply. I believe you were referring to
the PUD calculation standards that the DNR used to calculate the proposed number of
slips in the Red Cedar Cove townhomes.
Councilwoman Swenson: This can remain at the 75 feet or be increased to the 100 feet
which we require. But that can be discussed.
Barb Dacy: The rest of the ordinance that Mrs. Swenson has proposed mirrors the
existing ordinance as far as designating swimming areas, however, the last item J.,
does not permit launching from the beachlot unless it can be manually carried across
the beachlot. No vehicle may be parked, driven across or utilized upon any area of
the beachlot except for the purpose of the erection and dismantling of a dock.
Councilwoman Swenson: I would like to add to that the inclusion of the item D. in
the proposed amendment which you said the areas designated as conservation easements.
I
Barb Dacy: In your staff report, we also did some calculations as to how these pro-
posed regulations would affect the existing beachlots. Under the existing ordinance,
six out of 14 beachlots would be able to have a dock. Under the proposed ordinance
directed by the attorney and staff, only two of the 14 would be able to have an addi-
tional dock beyond what they have now and that was Lotus Lake Estates and the beach-
lot on Lake Minnewashta Shores. We did some additional calculations today as to how
Mrs. Swenson's ordinance requirements would affect the beachlots. For example, under
the first option you can have one dock per 200 feet of lake frontage plus 30,000
square feet and an additional dock would be an additional 200 feet plus 20,000 square
feet and a maximum of three docks per beachlot and a maximum of three motorized boats
per dock for overnight storage, a maximum of five boats per dock allowed over night.
In the Lotus Lakes Estates case, three with a total of nine motorized boats and an
overall total of 15 boats would be permitted. The Red Cedar Cove is an item that
will be discussed later on the agenda, but we thought you might be interested in how
these would affect that particular development. So that would result in three docks
with nine motorized boats with an overall total of 15 boats. The second option would
be to increase the area of requirement on the secondary requirement for another dock
to 30,000 square feet, which would require that Lotus Lake Estates could have two
docks with a total of six motorized boats and an overall total of ten boats. For the
proposed Red Cedar Cove, there would be three docks for a total of nine motorized
boats and an overall total of 15 boats. So you have several options before you. The
Planning Commission did not have the benefit of Mrs. Swenson's proposed ordinance
amendment, however, they were adamant that no boats be launched from the beachlot.
Their ultimate recommendation was to maintain the existing ordinance and to deny a
proposed ordinance amendment.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Roqer Karjalahti: It was discussed before with the public access point and closing
the Carver Beach access to any public launching. The way the proposal was before
Councilwoman Swenson's suggestion of launching over this common lot, to me, was abso-
lutely ridiculous. Here we are trying to restrict what is coming and that would just
open it up.
Jack Melby: I would like to see the existing ordinance remain pretty much as it is
with the exception that the overnight storage of five boats be changed to three
boats. The ordinance, as it stands, is a very sound ordinance and is the best that
a lot of people have come up with and I think it ought to stay just the way it is.
Steve Burke: I seem to get the feedback from the Planning Commission and the
Council. Just before we listened to the Council talk about the DNR gave you the out
to say that you can only put docks and alleviate some of the crowding on this one
lake and you were adamant about," we are going to try and get those riparian rights
back into those four lots," and now you are back with these lots saying, don't let
anybody get on the lake. But you had an opportunity over there and you are saying
let them back on because we shouldn't do that. You have a blue house that you are
considering letting them keep their dock. It just doesn't seem right. I am won-
dering, is the Councilwoman's proposal going to go before feedback, because none of
her proposals have been given the opportunity to get any public feedback at a public
hearing. This is the first time that I have been aware of it and I think the Council
is aware of her proposed changes. I would hate to see, without public feedback, this
thing be buffaloed right through because I could write up an ordinance and submit it
and you probably wouldn't make overhead projections of it.
Pat McMahon: This ordinance is three years old and it was inequitable and it still
is. It is inequitable in many ways. If you look at the lotus lake Estates shore
front, it has got 1,000 feet, almost 60,000 square feet of property and that is equiv-
alent to about six shore front homes with riparian rights. We don't even have the
equivalent of one. What is missing is a sense of proportion. I think that what is
needed here is some common sense and compromise and I think the City Attorney's pro-
posal and Councilwoman Swenson's proposal go a long way towards some equity to go on.
Rick Murray: I do not think that the launch across the beachlot is a desireable
thing to have. I do think, however, that this city will continue having problems
with development, especially in relation to when this ordinance was brought into
affect a few years ago. I don't think there has been any major relations or decent
property development in the last three years. The question then comes up, what are
we going to do about this situation? You can take a lot of situations where a land
owner will come in to see what he can do for his property and with this particular
ordinance as it stands, it is very difficult for a land owner to see the logic and
the reason for some of the ways that this ordinance functions.
Jack Melby: I have listened to a lot of what has been said and I think in terms of
the problems that exist and the problems that potentially will exist, I think a lot
of those problems will automatically be dealt with one day if we simply stand behind
the existing ordinance.
Candice Steele: I live on Horseshoe Curve. There are two main issues that I have
when changing the present ordinance. One has to do with conservation of the waters
and I think wave action from increased numbers of power boats will really cause
problems. The water quality of this lake is awful. The second factor has to do with
safety. That is frightening. As I look at the number of power boats that are on the
lake already, that is frightening.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Tim Rashleqer: I live at 31 Choctaw Circle. I know some of you had a qualm about
what is safe on the lake and what the lake is going to have to do for preservation.
I think our qualm is to have preferable rights to the lake and if it is going to have I.
to be controlled on a more continuous format, I think we would agree and accept the
outcome of that format. But the argument equitable usage is going to be a problem
for the safety or the regulation of that lake. The wetland argument, I know that
many of the people here that argue about the use of the wetland, I can't but notice
that they have got their lawns all the way to the lakeshore edge and they have 100
horse power boats sitting by the dock, that doesn't seem to be the issue tonight. I
hope that isn't what this is about. I think that what this is about is equitable use
of the outlot. I commend the people that wrote this. In my four years here, this is
one of the finer documents that controls and protects the outlots.
Roger Karjalahti: I really feel for the people over at lotus lakes Estates. Before
we bought on Frontier Trail, we looked at a lot over there. But we knew that the
land down there wasn't zoned for docks and that even if you were the one right on the
water, that wasn't your land at the end and you couldn't go down there and use it,
you couldn't put up a dock. All these things that are happening now are just things
after the fact. When you guys bought, that's the way the rules were.
Tom Merz: I live on lake Minnewashta. I hope we are all here for the same reason
and that is that we have a resource such as our lakes. I feel that we have seen in
the last five years since this ordinance has been implimented that the quality of our
lakes have gone down hill. I would hope that if we are talking about the increased
type of access to this lake, we presently have with lake Minnewashta probably one of
the 35 public accesses to our lake. These things should be properly redistributed.
I would hope instead of having more boats to this lake, let's redistribute that to
your outlots or whatever you are going to do taking it away from this public access.
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Mayor Hamilton: I think we have several issues to discuss here. One being specifi-
cally what the effect that Pat's proposed ordinance changes, with the favor of the
Council and for the Planning Commission to have further discussion, and to have a
public hearing before it is altered, that is one issue we need to discuss. There is
no question that the issue of beachlots and outlots is certainly a difficult one to
try to decide on. There are certainly some good points on both sides, however, I
think what this Council is trying to do and has been trying to do ever since the
first ordinance was developed was to be fair. In my mind, that's the overriding fac-
tor. We have got to be fair to everybody. Because one person lives on the lake
doesn't give him the right to keep the other person off. It is a difficult issue to
decide and I hope all of you realize that we are trying to be fair at all times.
Councilwoman Watson: At this point in time I am in favor of leaving the ordinance as
is.
Councilman Geving: Every time we talk about the beachlot ordinance it is a hot
issue. I believe that the beachlot ordinance was well thought out. We have spent a
lot of time on it. I have been on the Council for over 10 years and I think that
this is one of things that has been tested by time, at least over the past three
years. I believe that we should maintain it as is. There are some minor adjustments
that could be made such as the launching of boats and the trailers across the beach-
lot, and the possibility of eliminating chemical toilet facilities and camping.
Those are very minor things. The thing that Councilwoman Swenson is proposing is a
very major departure from the original intent of the ordinance. I have a real 1
problem with this. This came as a surprise to me in our packet. I didn't realize
that this was going to be an issue, so I would like to leave the issue as it is and
not let it proceed any further at this time.
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Councilman Horn: I would like to make a couple of comments about the memo on August
5th stating the background of this ordinance. It doesn't quite jibe with the way I
recall things happening. First of all it states that the Ecological Committee was
reactivated in 1979 by the Planning Commission to rename the lake Study Committee.
That is true as far as it goes. What they failed to state in there is that the
Planning Commission was directed by the City Council at that time. This statement
would make it appear that this was something that the Planning Commission did on its
own. Being on the Planning Commission at that time, I recall very clearly that it
was a direction from the City Council at that time that the Planning Commission start
up a ordinance to serve as a subdivision ordinance for beachlots. This was the
Planning Commissions method of doing that. Also it states in the next paragraph that
during a tour of the City lakes it appeared that several riparian lots were over
used. I am not quite sure what that means. What was actually observed was that
there were many of these common out lots that were being over used. There were quite
a few on lake Minnewashta that looked like marinas. There were a few on lotus lake
that were obviously in very ill kept conditions. Obviously, they found the best and
the worst on the lakes. We found Sunrise Hills Beach, which was very well done and
we found a few others that were in the opposite extreme. It was very clear to us at
that point that something had to be done about this because of all of the problems
that we saw on the lake, the majority of it had to do with these beachlots. That was
the reason that this was formed. Of all of the proposals that I have seen come for-
ward to change this ordinance, the only one that makes any sense and logic at all to
me is to qualify the amount of useage by the land area along the lake. The original
feeling was, and the original violators that created this ordinance, was the 25 foot
lots, the 100 foot lots that had 40 and 100 homeowners using it. In fact, we have
one that has 25 feet of lakeshore that has 80 homes using it right now on lotus lake.
That is the kind of access that this ordinance was put in place for. So I think
there is some merit to raising the question of, if you have a certain amount of lake
frontage that you should have a certain amount of useage. However, I think in some
other instances, the dock ordinance was a little excessive. I am certainly sym-
pathetic to Jack Melby's requirement that that be changed. I think that is exactly
what Councilwoman Swenson's proposal took into account. It is perhaps a little more
liberal than I would be, but I can't separate those two. I think we would have to
consider the amount of use on a dock along with any ordinance that would affect this
so that we would look at both of them together. As far as any of the other propo-
sals, I think that is the only one that I would see that even requires discussion.
Otherwise, if those ordinances were not considered together, I would certainly concur
that we go along with the Planning Commission's recommendation to leave it as is.
lAST SENTENCE AMENDED 09-09-85, PAGE J.
Councilwoman Swenson: I would like to point out that actually what I had here is
ordinance modifications. That probably should have read ordinance amendment modifi-
cations. It is not new and is not anything that has not been before the Planning
Commission. As a matter of fact, I could well have not submitted that and this
evening suggested that we make these modifications to the ordinance amendment that is
now being presented. For example, on this first item, which is A., that remains the
same. The only thing that I have changed there is to eliminate the possibility of a
chemical toilet. Believe me, you do not want a chemical toilet. Three days a year
for special events, this is fine. The areas as conservation easements remains the
same. Recreational beachlots shall not be used for overnight camping purposes. That
is the same. The proposed ordinance recommended five watercraft per dock. My recom-
mendation is five, but with three motorized and the docks and canoes remain the same.
Item E. is the same as when it was before the Planning Commission, the 200 feet and
the 30,000 square feet for one dock and an additional 20,000 square feet is required
for each additional dock. This remains the same as the amendment. Item F. remains
the same as the proposed amendment. Item G. is the same as the proposed amendment.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-28-
Item H. is the same as the proposed amendment. Item I. is the same as the proposed
amendment. Item J. is the same. The only thing is for the swimming areas it says, I
in the original ordinance, that the swimming areas are clearly delineated with offi-
cial U.S. Coast Guard marker buoys. I only recommended that they have officially .
approved buoys, and the elimination of the launching. They both may be launched from
a beachlot, however, no boat, trailer, motor vehicle, shall be parked on any
recreational beachlot. I completely concur. The only thing my ordinance amendment
has done here is to take the amendment that has been in front of the Planning
Commission and modify it, eliminating those things which are totally objectionable,
in my particular opinion. In essence, it is not a new ordinance amendment, it is
merely a modification to the one that has been proposed. I feel that this was fair.
We have had this ordinance in place for three years, but I do feel that it has been
totally inequitable to eliminate all dockage of motorized units or overnight units on
recreational beachlots. Particularly, if they conform to these things. I think we
have to bear in mind that what happens is that if we continue having these problems,
it may well be that the Council will determine that there won't be any beachlots and
you will have riparian rights, which means you are going to wind up with a lot more
boats on the water than you are if you have a modification of this type. My recom-
mendation was that the maximum dockage would be three docks with nine motorized
units. A non-motorized unit, I do not believe, will affect the quality of the lake.
I do not feel that the regulations that we have put down on this proposed amendment
are, in fact, going to do anything except make the situation more equitable for
everybody. SENTENCE 10 AMENDED 9-9-85, PAGE 3
Fred Oelschlager: I live on Chanhassen Road and I am a life-time resident of
Chanhassen. You have a good ordinance now. I hate to see it knuckle under every
three years when something else goes up. Everybody can still use the lake because of I
the public access.
Councilman Horn: If I can recall back to some of the discussion on the Lake Study
Committee, I think that the reasoning given at that time for being more restrictive
on new beachlots was the fact that we knew that we couldn't do anything about
existing beachlots. They were already grand fathered in. What we did was lump beach-
lots as a category and said, okay, we know that they were excessive in the past, now
if we take that group of users and make it a little more conservative in the future,
some years down the road we are going to have an average that will be consistant with
the homeowners with the existing property owners. That was some of the reasoning
that went into making this ordinance more conservative on beachlot owners because it
excesses already existing in that type of development. LAST SENTENCE AMENDED 9-9-85
Councilman Geving moved to deny the entire modification to the existing Recreational
Beachlot Ordinance. Motion was seconded Councilwoman Watson. The following voted in
favor: Councilwoman Watson and Councilmen Horn and Geving. Mayor Hamilton and
Councilwoman Swenson opposed. Motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST lQ AMEND THE WATER SURFACE USAGE ORDINANCE, JACK MELBY:
Mayor Hamilton: It was requested on July 15 that the Council consider amending the
water surface usage ordinance to allow the storage of three boats rather than five.
I hope you received a copy of the memo that was sent out by Don Ashworth.
Jack Melby:
Yes I did.
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Mayor Hamilton: Do you concur with the feelings in there?
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Don Ashworth: The ball is really back in your court, Jack. We have your request on
file. If you are representing the homeowners association, and bring back to us posi-
tions from those, the City's policy has been then to initiate the hearing process.
Given the significance of this change, it has been the policy of the Council to make
sure that a majority of those people who would be affected would want this type of
change.
Jack Melby: I understand. The request was made from our homeowners association to
ask for the change. So the next step for us is to do something formally in terms of
requesting a public hearing. Is that right?
Mayor Hamilton: Yes. Are you meaning to suggest that you want no more than three
motorized boats?
Jack Melby: It allows five now, we want to get it to a total of three.
Mayor Hamilton: So we will need to wait for something back from Mr. Melby. We can
ask Mr. Melby if he wants to get a petition from his neighborhood saying that this is
something that you would like to see done. It will then be placed on the Planning
Commission agenda and there will then be a public hearing.
Jack Melby: I
ha ve not had a
the letter and
just got to read the letter tonight. The folks in our association
chance to read the letter. What we have planned is for them to read
then we will get back to you.
Mayor Hamilton:
That is fine.
RED CEDAR COVE, 3900 RED CEDAR POINT DRIVE, PLOCHER/GESKE:
A. Variance Requests ~ the Requirements ~ the Beachlot Ordinance.
~ Preliminary and Final Plat Review.
C. Conditional Use Permit for ~ Recreational Beachlot.
D. Conditional Use Permit for ~ Boathouse.
VARIANCE REQUESTS lQ THE REQUIREMENTS QI THE BEACHLOT ORDINANCE:
Barb Dacy: You have three options, as you recall, there was a motion to reconsider
the proposed variance request at the July 15th meeting and action was tabled until
this evening. The options open to you are to either deny the request, to approve the
variance request as proposed, or to approve the variance requests with modifications.
What the applicants are requesting the variances for: 1) to allow the ability to
ingress and egress to launch proposed boats across the beachlot, however, that was
changed. The applicants felt that they could live with the requirement that they
would have to require their owners to use the public access on Lake Minnewashta, but
have the ability to have the dock company come in twice a year and install and remove
the docks. 2) To allow for overnight storage, mooring and docking of up to a com-
bination of 18 boats, slips and moorings. 3) To allow the trailers on the beachlot
and to launch boats or other watercraft by use of motor vehicles, trailers, and/or
wheeled dolly. Again that has been resolved through the ability of the applicant to
require that the boats be launched through a public access. 4) to allow for a maximum
of a 100 foot dock length. However, on their plans, they show dock lengths that do
not exceed 82 - 85 feet in length. So, basically, if you are considering the varian-
ces tonight, what you would be allowing is for the overnight storage of a certain
combination of docks and/or moorings. However, for the sake of the record, make
clear in the motion as to what you intend to approve or disapprove of as to the
launching of vehicles or the ability of vehicles to be going over the beachlot pro-
perty, and be specific as to the proposed dock length. If the variance requests are
approved, they will need the approval of the conditional permit, which is item C. on
this item.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Fred Plocher: The basis for our request for the variance has been that if we are not
allowed to provide our owners with overnight storage of a boat, we would be forced to
abandon this plan. We have got to get riparian rights in order to make this an eco-
nomically feasible subdivision. I might point out that in the past, the Planning
Commission has unanimously approved the plan. At the last Planning Commission, I
think it is fair to say that all Planning Commission members nodded their head when I
asked that this probably wasn't the best possible use of this land. It is a wonder-
ful plan that has a tremendous amount of open space. Our contention is that if we
don't get some fairness on the beachlot ordinance, we will be forced to do the second
best thing. We have not been able to understand how this logic has escaped some
people. I think our case is so strong. This afternoon I drew something up. It is
only that lake portion. Compare it to the beautiful open space, 150 foot setback from
the lake of the townhouses. Let's compare them. Represented here is that same area
down by the lake. To make the numbers work on this thing, we have got to sell
riparian rights. An alternate to this plan, with all this open space and these
townhouses at 150 feet away from the lake, would be this. This is what would be
allowed by the present beachlot ordinance. There is 75 feet per lot on the lake, as
per ordinance. It has a 90 foot width at the setback of the house, as per the ordi-
nance. Seventy-five feet back from the lake, as per the ordinance. They are roughly
20,000 foot lots, per the ordinance. There is a beachlot with 130 feet and at an
average of over 100 feet deep. These dock lengths get out to four feet of water.
That is roughly 85-86 feet. You have seven, 86 foot docks. The ordinance says that
these individual owners can have five boats. For fear of seeming to be ridiculous, I
drew in three boats. Three times six is 18, which we are requesting. If the draw
backs of this plan are not apparent to the Council and to the public, I would like to
point out just a few things. I have 19 reasons why you should pass our variance
request. I have one reason why maybe you shouldn't. The advantages to Chanhassen
are the lakes, the general environment of the Red Cedar Cove townhomes with dockage
proposals over a detached home plan forced by the present beachlot ordinance. The
advantage to doing this is that it meets the beachlot ordinance-no hassel, no public
meetings. On this one there would be a little hooting and hollaring. 1) The plan
that we would like to do will create less lake activity or equal lake activity than
this one. Our plan giving 18 individuals a right to have a boat on the lake will not
create any more lake use than restricting that to six fine folks plus the beachlot.
2) The visual pollution of the dockage would be less because of clustering of the
docks. The visual pollution of the structures would be less because of doubling or
more of the setback. These houses are going to be 75 feet from the lake. You better
believe they are going to be there because of grade problems up here. I have pic-
tured 1,800 square foot houses here. I predict they are going to be bigger than that
because they are not going to have a basement. They are going to have to build in
storage. Our townhouses, the closest one is placed a distance back from the lake.
Some of them almost three times the distance back from the lake. The lakeshore and
dock maintenance would be better because it would be done by contractors. Here you
have to rely on six individual people and kind of a loose beachlot association main-
taining this beach area and these docks. I think it is fair to say that one out of
seven might not do a good job. I guarantee that an association that is very much
involved in the whole operation of the townhouse situation, they are going to be
plowing their own roads, they are going to be mowing their lawns, there are going to
be repainting the houses, they are going to be reroofing the houses, they are going
to be getting common insurance on the structures. This is not a loose association
that is worried about a beachlot a half a block away. The majority rules. You can
bet that the people that are paying $150,000 for a townhouse, they are going to want
it nice. This will be well maintained. We could nail that conditional use permit
with all sorts of things and say you can pull it if you don't maintain it. Under the
plan that we want to do, the runoff into the lake is going to be protected. Mr.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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Geske and I both live I! miles away from this site. We are concerned about the lake.
We appreciate the beachlot ordinance in controlling the lakes and preserving the
lakes. I think we are doing that. There will be no control of the runoff. It will
go directly into the lake. On our plan and on the engineering plans you have, much
of the runoff that is created by this development will have a settling pond here and
a slow grassy swale drain into the lake after the solids have settled out. In other
words, this plan preserves the lake better than if you follow the ordinance. The
folks are going to be real proud of their lots and their lawns. On the townhouse
plan, the association document, as we have agreed at previous meetings, will say that
there will be no fertilizer used on the common area. The townhouse plan preserves
the lake more than the detached housing plan does. We were asked by some of the
neighbors if we could possibly put this road out to Minnewashta Parkway and not come
out the other way. Bill Monk said it wasn't a good idea. The Council and the
Planning Commission agreed. So this plan does not include an access out to lake
Minnewashta. This plan is forced on us by the ordinance which would have to include
an access out to Minnewashta Parkway. The townhouse plan will generate very few
children for schools and other special services. With the detached housing plan you
will have families with two or three children. This plan you have practically no
children. The townhouse plan is less destructive of vegetation and natural grade.
We have placed these things around the trees. The townhouse plan requires no tax
money to maintain the roads and no city personnel to maintain the roads. This will
be a private roadway. The townhouse plan creates more visible open space. The
townhouse plan creates a precendent for undeveloped land in the city, which I believe
gives the Council and Planning Commission more flexibility to take the best overall
plan instead of being hand cuffed by an ordinance. Our marketing plan and design is
for middle age, singles, working couples. We are assuming that our average occupancy
of each home is going to be two. That could be disputed. We have had three people
that have given us money so far. Of those three, there was a couple and and two
singles. That is less than two per lot. With the detached housing plan, I don't
think it is unfair to say that there would be an average of four per lot. Because of
the population and age and number there is going to be very much less traffic
generated off of our plan than the forced plan. Our plan is defensible in court. I
question if the other one is. All structures, landscaping, outside storage are
controlled by the architectural design and the developers and the association, rather
than 14 or 15 individuals doing their own thing. The townhouse plan gives an alter-
nate to Chanhassen residents. Instead of moving out of town, they can stay in town
and get a different type of housing that they may want. The townhouse plan creates
less impervious surfaces. The overall townhouse plan has the support of the vast
majority of the residents in that neighborhood. (Mr. Plocher was referring to charts
throughout his presentation.)
Councilwoman Swenson: It has been agreed already that there won't be any boat
launches. Right?
Fred Plocher: Yes, we have withdrawn our request.
Councilwoman Swenson: Overall, what is the variance request?
Barb Dacy: The overnight storage. The applicant is requesting the ability to store
overnight, 18 watercraft combined mooring and/or docking.
Councilman Gevinq: I would like to propose that we return to the City Council action
and the motion that Mayor Hamilton made on July 1, 1985 items 2b. To allow member
vehicles ingress and egress to the Homeowner's Association to set and remove docks;
and 2d. To allow for overnight storage, overnight mooring, and overnight docking of
up to a combination of 18 boat slips and moorings; and allow three docks instead of
two; and the dock length will be based on the depth of the water; and also subject to
DNR approval of more than 12 boat slips. I was absent from that meeting that night
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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and was not able to vote on the motion and I would like to proceed along those lines.
Mayor, if you still feel strongly about your motion, because that is exactly what is
being requested in item l3.a. Since it has been voted on for reconsideration, it is
applicable and appropriate for us to do this action.
Councilman Geving moved to take Mayor Hamilton's motion of July 1, 1985, wherein he
moved to approve the variance, ordinance 47-AB, Section 14.04, Recreational Beachlot:
items 2.b. To allow member vehicles ingress and egress to the Homeowner's Association
to set and remove docks; and 2.d. To allow for the overnight storage, overnight
mooring, and overnight docking of up to a combination of 18 boat slips and moorings;
and allow a maximum of three docks; and the dock length will be based on the ability
to extend to 4 feet of water in conformance with the beachlot oridnance; and also DNR
approval of more than 12 boat slips. Motion was seconded by Mayor Hamilton.
Councilwoman Watson: I was looking for something by way of a compromise. I feel
that a variance was in order here, but I was looking to a variance that would allow
the 12 moorings that the DNR would allow.
Mayor Hamilton: I just want to clarify that 18 is not necessarily all motorized
boats. It is a combination of boats and moorings for sailboats.
Fred Plocher: It is our intention to go to the DNR. If they say 12, we are going to
have to live with a more restrictive number. We believe that is a special site and
that they will increase that.
Mayor Hamilton:
their decision.
and say that 12
If we say a combination of 18, let the DNR review that and make
Mr. Plocher said he is willing to live with that if they come back
is all they are going to let them have.
Councilwoman Swenson: Barb, may we have a clarification here. I remember in our
discussion we were talking about the possibility of 12 plus 6 non-motorized. Is the
DNR regulation for 12 motorized units or 12 watercraft.
Barb Dacy: On page two of the staff report, when we originally drafted this when we
were discussing this with the DNR, according to their calculations, 12 boat slips
would be permitted. When I asked, would this pertain to motorized vehicles, she said
yes. If there was to be six additional sailboat moorings, she stated that the DNR
would have to look at that as to the placement of those sailboat moorings in relation
to the docks and to the overall function of that entire area. However, if it is
approved for more than 12 boat slips, there is apparently a procedure that the appli-
cant has to go through with the DNR to exceed that number as based on their PUD
calculations.
Georgette Sosin: I was kind of surprised that the developer would show the worst
possible comparison to what you want to sell. It is obvious that if you had a choice
you are going to take the better choice. That goes without saying. I was just
surprised at the way it is drawn. I don't think that the fact that you did it this
afternoon is an excuse, because I think that just promotes your cause. If I had to
vote between two plans and looking at the way it is presented as an artist, I would
object knowing that he could do a far better job with six houses. I am hoping that
this presentation is not going to influence the Council on their decision tonight in
view of the fact that he is obviously making a pitch for what he wants.
Councilwoman Watson: In all fairness, this is not Mr. Plocher's first presentation
to us. This was a brand new presentation.
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Georqette Sosin: We are concerned about the implications of your variance to the
other outlots in the future as well as those now.
Councilwoman Watson:
absolutely nothing to
perfectly clear.
Each variance is considered as an individual case. One has
do with another. I think that is something that we should make
The following voted in favor of the motion: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and
Swenson, and Councilman Geving. Councilman Horn opposed. Motion carried.
I would like to know how you think this is fair to the citizens as to
what you have just approved and to what you just denied. Where is your fairness,
where is the equality. This is ridiculous.
Mayor Hamilton:
I don't know exactly what you are referring to.
You put down one association that wants the same thing and you let
somebody else have it.
Mayor Hamilton: We have not dealt with any other association here this evening. We
dealt with a proposed ordinance change and that was defeated by the Council by a vote
of three to two.
So we need to go to court to have you treat us fairly? We deserve to
be treated fairly. What do we do now?
Mayor Hamilton: I would suggest that you contact the staff and ask them what your
next move ought to be.
It is appalling that you can go for this development which has exactly
seven lots in front, the same as lotus lake Estates, which we probably have more lake
frontage.
Mayor Hamilton: This is the one that is
that is the one that we have to vote on.
with lotus lake.
in front of us at the present moment and
We haven't had anything before us dealing
We have come before you before. We have spent a great deal of money
coming before you.
Mayor Hamilton: With the present ordinance as it is, your hands are tied.
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAN REIVEW:
Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the preliminary and final development plan request
185-5 for 18 townhomes based on the plat stamped "Received June 19, 1985" and subject
to the following conditions:
1. Submission of a detailed landscaping plan for the areas on the
south and east property lines;
2. Conditions listed in the City Engineer's memorandum dated July 5, 1985:
a. Since multiple sewer services are proposed, maintenance must be
covered within the association covenants.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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b. Although the watermains are to be city facilities, restoration of
utility repairs will involve private property. For that reason,
restoration of private facilities within municipal utility easements
should be handled by the association and covered in the covenants and
development contract.
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c. Final design of the storm sewer system including the creek realignment
shall meet all requirements of the Watershed District and DNR. Also,
maintenance of the private storm sewer system shall be covered in the
association covenants to assure continual compliance with city and
Watershed requirements.
d. All streets shall include bituminous surfaces lined with concrete
curb and have a minimum driving width of 24 feet. Maintenance should
also be covered in the association covenants.
Motion was seconded by Councilman Geving. The following voted in favor: Mayor
Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative
votes. Motion carried.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A RECREATIONAL BEACHLOT:
Mayor Hamilton: They need a conditional use permit to have the recreational beachlot.
Barb Dacy: What the Planning Commission stated is that they denied the conditional
use permit proposal and recommended that that applicant instead conform to the
existing ordinance. What you would be considering under the conditional use permit
you could establish any type of conditions that you would feel appropriate to insure I
that the beachlot is maintained properly.
Mayor Hamilton: Don't we have a generic type of agreement with other conditional
permits for beachlots? Do we have such a thing, Roger?
Roqer Knutson: Yes. We have used it in other places.
Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the conditional use permit for a recreational beach-
lot and authorized staff to prepare the language for the permit. Staff will then
include the following conditions in the permit and submit the conditional use permit
for Council review as a consent agenda item at the August 19th meeting:
1. Conformance with the standards of the Beachlot Ordinance except
where specific variances were granted;
2. Allow member vehicles ingress and egress to the homeowner's
association to set and remove the docks;
3. to allow for overnight storage, overnight mooring and overnight
docking of up to a combination of 18 boat slips and moorings;
4. To allow a maximum of three docks;
5. The dock length will be based on the ability to extend to
four feet of water;
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6. DNR approval of more than 12 boat slips; and
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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7. Based on the plans stamped "Received June 19, 1985."
Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Watson. The following voted in
Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, and Councilman Geving.
opposed. Motion carried.
favor: Mayor
Councilman Horn
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A BOATHOUSE:
Fred Plocher: On this diagram there is a dotted line, which is part of the building
that is there. We would remove that. It would be demolished. It is on the right of
way and there are all sorts of things wrong with it. The newer portion would remain
and it would be remodeled to look like the siding of the townhomes and the roof will
look like the townhomes. The Planning Commission approved this idea. We got tangled
up in semantics of whether it was a boathouse or what is was, because we are not
storing boats there. The idea of it was because of the dockage, it would be a nice
amenity if the building were converted to 18 little rooms or big cages, etc. to keep
miscellaneous items in there.
Councilman Gevinq: What is the size of this structure?
Fred Plocher: It is around 30' by 24'.
Councilwoman Watson moved to approve the conditional use permit for a boathouse sub-
ject to the following conditions:
1. The boathouse cannot be used for habitation and cannot contain
sanitary facilities;
2. Submission of detailed landscaping and architectural plans
at time of building permit application; and
3. No gasoline or flammable material can be stored in the boathouse.
Motion was seconded by Mayor Hamilton.
Councilman Horn: The only question that I had is if it is going to be a boathouse,
where are these people going to store their gas cans?
Councilwoman Watson: In their garages.
Councilman Horn: Is that better than down there?
Councilwoman Watson: Yes.
Mayor Hamilton: I think it is because down at the boathouse there is a possibility
of some vandalism if kids break in there. If it is in their garage, there is going
to be a less chance of vandalism in there residence.
Councilwoman Watson: They are going to be much more aware of what goes on in their
garage than they do with the boathouse.
The following voted in favor of the motion: Mayor Hamilt?n, Councilwomen Watson and
Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
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CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT REQUEST FOR A lANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR'S YARD, 6421
HAZELTINE BOULEVARD, GARDENEER, INC.:
Barb Dacy: The site is located at the Junior High School east of and adjacent to
Highway 41. As you recall, on May 2, 1984, Gardeneer, Inc. received a conditional
use permit for their landscaping business subject to the following conditions:
1) that the outside storage and business activities be in conformance with the
approved site plan and subject to City Council review and reconsideration three years
from the execution of the conditional use permit. Also, listed for conditions of ter-
mination were if there were to be a material change of condition of the neighborhood
where the use is located and violations of the terms of the permit. What has hap-
pened is that staff was notified of an expansion of Gardeneer's activity by the adja-
cent property owner who is complaining of noise, especially early in the mornings and
on weekends. The property owner noticed the expansion of the area walking one day
along his property lines. In response to this, staff sent Gardeneer a letter
notifying them that in order for this activity to continue that the applicant would
either have to cease activity or apply for an amendment to the conditional use per-
mit. The area that Gardeneer has expanded is to the south of the site and totals
approximately one acre, 220 feet by 320 feet. Occurring on the site is the storage
of trees and growing of trees. When first noticed, there was storage of large
boulders in the northeastern corner of the expanded area. In a letter to the city,
Gardeneer explained that they needed the additional area because of an excess in
inventory. However, they were not aware that they were violating the conditional use
permit. The letter states that the increased storage area would be required until
October 31, 1985 to allow the trees adequate growing time to prevent damage.
Gardeneer's activities of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and
limited hours during the weekends. The Commission and the Council need to evaluate
the extent of the expansion of the landscaping contractor's yard activities. The
Planning Commission was quite adamant in their motion that the Council not amend the
conditional use permit to allow the expanded activity and consider revoking the con-
ditional use permit altogether as established and return the site to its original
condition. Staff's recommendation is as follows: The large boulders on the site
have been removed and the vehicle activity required for maintaining the trees should
be minimal. Staff recommended that 1) the hours of operation be limited to 7:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays; 2) that all plant
material be removed before October 31. 1985; 3) The area must be returned to its ori-
ginal state by November 15, 1985; 4) The Planning Commission and the City Council
review the use on an annual basis; 5) That the area not be expanded into, again, the
landscaping contractor's activity, but to concentrate on the originally approved
site. Included in your packet was a letter that was prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Mancino
regarding their problems that occurred as to the Gardeneer expansion.
At this point a small film strip was shown on the Gardeneer area, which is
transmitted as follows:
Mike Sobraske: My name is Mike Sobraske and I am an employee of Gardeneer, Inc. I
would like to have the Council take a look a the area in question and get a good pic-
ture of what exactly we are asking for as far as storage and for what period of time
we are actually requesting it for. We sold a few large jobs this spring and it became
quite obvious that we were not going to have enough space to store all of that and
keep our equipment adequately screened behind the building as requested. My neighbor,
Dave Gestach, owned this piece of property with two of his partners and I requested
that we use some space back here on a temporary basis. Unfortunately, it was an
agricultural area and I did not know that I was going to have to get any permits.
Unfortunately, I am very sorry for that. Nevertheless, that is the way it sits at
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
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this point. The only problem that we have right now with moving the material is that
the plants will have to be planted, otherwise, if you take the material up right now,
the chance is very good that we could run into some problems with the plants and they
will die.
Don Ashworth: Really, the only time that you come back in here is if you need any of
this stock, otherwise it is simply watering it.
Mike Sobraske:
back at night.
Right. That occurs usually in the morning and when the crews come
Otherwise, during the day all there is is watering.
END OF FILM STRIP
Mike Sobraske: I would like to have the Council and the Mayor take a look at a
couple of pictures that we have of the site in question. I believe this gives you an
idea of exactly where the area is and how it relates to HWY 7 and HWY 41 area. The
second picture is from a little different view point. This gives you an idea as far
as where the area in question is and where the neighbors are.
Mayor Hamilton: Did you cut through the fence?
Mike Sobraske: We didn't cut through the fence, no. It is a cyclone fence, and
right at that particular point it was unbolted. It is not damaged or anything. We
sold a large boulder retaining wall this fall. So we got some boulders out of one
and stored them for movement. So we stored some larger boulders. Since then they
have been removed.
Councilwoman Watson: I think the complaint regarded the hours of operation. How
long have you been utilizing this site?
Mike Sobraske: Since the middle of May.
Councilman Gevinq: Why did you expand your operation and not notify us?
Mike Sobraske: Unfortunately, without intent, I did not know that a permit was
needed to store the trees there.
Councilman Geving: Aren't you familiar with the conditional permit that was given to
Gardeneer?
Mike Sobraske: I wasn't at the time. I am very much, now.
Councilman Gevinq: Who is Thomas Wartman?
Mike Sobraske: He is the owner of Gardeneer.
Councilman Geving: What is your relationship to the Gardeneer Corporation?
Mike Sobraske: I am the general manager.
Councilman Geving: So the firm is still in Mr. Wartman's name?
Mike Sobraske: I believe it is in Gardeneer's name. I am not sure.
Councilman Gevinq: Has the ownership of Gardeneer changed in the last year.
Mike Sobraske: No.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-38-
Councilman Geving: Mr. Wartman is still the owner?
Councilman Gevinq: The reason that I ask that is because I see three different names
appearing on the applications.
I
Mike Sobraske: Yes, he is.
Mike Sobraske: We are not the land owners.
Councilman Gevinq: I understand
Gardeneer in Mr. Wartman's name.
for Gardeneer. I just wanted to
that, but the conditional use permit
Now I see that you are coming in as
make sure that the ownership has not
is given to
the applicant
changed.
Mike Sobraske: No.
Councilwoman Watson: Gardeneer has had an operation on a commercially zoned piece of
property at one point in time, didn't they?
Mike Sobraske: Yes, we did.
Councilwoman Watson: It just surprises me that you wouldn't be aware that you can't
move any place and start putting up trees and piling boulders, etc., because in that
area you certainly couldn't have moved over and just started using the piece next
door no matter whether you knew the guy or who it was. It seems to me it was a more
sophisticated operation than to think that you could simply do it and as long as
nobody found it, you were alright. Especially when you moved into an area that you
did by the school. That is a very limited area. The perimeters of the use of that
school building were very limited to begin with.
Mike Sobraske: If I could
point it is a little far.
what we are asking at this
take that decision back, I certainly would, but at this
Right now, it amounts to a little less than 90 days for
point.
I
Councilman Horn:
~
mit. I think we
I guess I wouldn't be in favor of revoking the conditional use per-
should give them another chance.
Mrs. Mancino: This has started in the middle of May and they are still there without
a permit. There is still noise and various other things going on after 5:00 p.m. and
we also have pictures that were taken at the beginning of July that shows what all
has been going on.
Sam Mancino: We first became aware of this on May 20th, which is almost 12 weeks
ago. I left a message for Gardeneer's crew with all three numbers that I could be
reached at to try and find out exactly what was going on. I wasn't sure what was
going on. However, I walked out and saw boulders, trees, a hole in the fence, and a
lot of heavy traffic moving in. I thought there had been construction started in the
area because for several days I had been hearing trucks going in and out starting
early in the morning. I think you see the aerial survey there that suggests that we
are quite some distance away. I know at the Planning Commission, several people came
from the Murray Hill area who also complained about the noise. I think if you look
through the pictures you will see the quantity of the equipment. They would start
early in the morning and run well into the evening. I wanted to see what was going
on, I left messages, but I never heard any response to it. I have got a couple of I
answering machines and I had secretaries taking messages for me and I never heard
anything back on it. So we called Barbara and inquired about it. She had not heard
of it either. It kind of surprises me a little bit because I have met Tom and he has
been in development before and he certainly knows about permits.
I
I
I
f' - -,~
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-39-
Mike Sobraske: Tom Wartman really wasn't involved in this and that is exactly why he
is not here tonight. He wasn't involved in the initiation of it. Tom is not really
involved in Gardeneer anymore. That is the number one reason why the problem
occurred and I guess if I could take that decision back, I would at this time, but
unfortunately, we can't. I believe we have made a concerted effort to cut down on
the noise, especially on the weekends. It is a strict policy that nobody goes back
there unless they are cleaning it out. The other neighbor who is not here tonight,
he had mentioned about problems with snow removal. In the Murray Hill area that
auxiliary lot, that's probably the lot he is discussing and that is the lot that
Plehal plows in the middle of the night and we don't do that. If you are going to
take things out of context, it will definately make things look a little worse than
it is.
Sam Mancino: I would like to find out from the Council what the
the conditional use permit was because it sounds very simple and
believe this permit is worded that it is for storage of plants.
machinery, it has ongoing traffic. The fact is that you are not
you are moving them around on a daily basis.
original intent of
straight forward. I
If you look at the
storing the plants,
Mike Sobraske: Sam, the plants are stored there until they are planted. What it
amounts to is that we got back there because the boulders have been removed. There
is another building back there, there is no equipment stored back there. The only
thing other than watering, occasionally we have to take a plant out.
Sam Mancino: I guess it comes down to one simple issue. That is what good is a con-
ditional use permit system if people violate it.
Mayor Hamilton: Well, if you have another system that is better, I guess we would be
interested in hearing about it, but the conditional use permit system works and it
works when people, like yourselves, have a complaint against somebody and then you
come and tell us. We are not out roaming the country side to try and find violators.
Under the conditional use permit, it really is up to the neighbors who have a problem
to let us know about that. That is how the whole system works. That is the only way
it can work. We do try to review, on an annual basis, every conditional use permit
that is in existance and we have people go out and inspect the premises to make sure
they are doing exactly what they should be. We are now suggesting that this con-
ditional use permit be reviewed on an annual basis rather than a longer period of
time, which was originally passed. It could be less, too. It could be reviewed
every six months. I think our staff normally does a really good job on getting on
these things right away. Did you recall talking to the Mancino's?
Barb Dacy: We have spoken together several times.
Mayor Hamilton: Did you try to take some action earlier to alleviate the problem?
Barb Dacy: Yes, I notified the applicant by writing and consulted with the City
Attorney to make sure what we were doing was correct.
I am with the Minnetonka Schools. The school board does not have an
official position on this, but I thought I should mention that a school board member
called and addressed that they were opposed to the expansion, so I am here to be very
supportive of the 90 day period where they are going to be allowed to finish up this
project. If they went before the board, they wouldn't find much support for con-
tinuing the expansion on the site.
Mayor Hamilton: I don't think he has got any support here for expansion, but that
wasn't a part of the bargaining, initially.
Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-40-
Mike Sobraske: The process has taken since May to get through tonight.
I
Councilwoman Watson: I think from looking at these pictures it doesn't take a scho-
lar to realize that perhaps this operation is bigger than where it is. I think we
weren't thinking of anything of the scope that Gardeneer is operating at that school
as one of the uses in that very limited district. It doesn't take much to realize
that it is a much larger business than I ever intended that should be there. My
feeling is that they should be able to continue this and get it cleaned up. I think
that Gardeneer should be looking for an area more in keeping with the business they
are operating.
Councilwoman Swenson moved to amend the conditional use permit for Gardeneer, Inc.
with the following conditions:
1. Hours of operation are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays
and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays;
2. Removal of all plant material before October 31, 1985;
3. The area must be returned to its original state by November 15, 1985;
4. The Planning Commission and City Council will review the use on an
annual basis;
5. The expanded area now being occupied should not be used for outdoor
storage or other activities;
I
6. Information regarding the status of the position that Mr. Thomas
Wartman holds at Gardeneer should be submitted to staff;
7. Staff is required to report back to the City Council by December 1st
regarding compliance of the conditional use permit by Gardeneer;
8. The applicant shall submit a detailed vehicle list; and
9. Violations of any condition of the conditional use permit will result
in immediate revocation.
Motion was seconded by Councilman Horn. The following voted in favor:
Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving.
votes. Motion carried.
Mayor
No negative
LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT REQUEST AND REQUEST lQ AMEND THE LOCATION Qf THE METROPOLIAN
URBAN SERVICE AREA BOUNDARY, ~ ACRES NORTH Qf AND ADJACENT lQ LYMAN BOULEVARD AND
WEST Qf LAKE RILEY BOULEVARD, RICHARD EIDE:
RESOLUTION #85-43: Councilman Horn moved the adoption of a resolution approving the
Land Use Plan Amendment Request #84-5 to redesignate ten acres of Residential Medium
Density to Residential Low Density and to change the MUSA boundary to include the
southwesterly ten acres of the applicant's parcel subject to Metropolitan Council
approval. Resolution was seconded by Councilman Geving. The following voted in I
favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving.
No negative votes. Motion carried.
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Council Meeting, August 5, 1985
-41-
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION lQ REQUIREMENTS TO CONNECT TO SANITARY SEWER, 9005 LAKE RILEY
BOULEVARD, ED SIEBENALER:
Mayor Hamilton: The applicant has requested that this item be removed from the
agenda for this evening and would like to put it on at a later time.
Don Ashworth: The court found him in violation of the ordinance and gave him a
30-day period of time to come back to the City if something is to be worked out.
Otherwise, the court will impose sentencing. He asked that he be able to come this
evening. He called me up this afternoon and said that he would like to have that
withdrawn and he will be on the August 19th agenda. At that point in time he will be
asking for a variance to build onto that existing structure. But he, in the process,
did tell me that he would conform to every point that I had in my letter. So whether
he does or not, I don't know.
Mayor Hamilton: With that being the case, I think it is only fair that if Pat or
some of the neighbors see a violation that the court ordered, specifically cars, cam-
pers, tents, or more than one family using that site then you should call and we will
go out and tag him and bring him back to court. That's the end of it. We will then
shut him down.
Don Ashworth: The only thing that we went to court on is the connection to sanitary
sewer and the removal of the satellite.
Mayor Hamilton moved to table this item until the August 19, 1985
applicant's request. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Watson.
voted in favor: Mayor Hamilton, Councilwomen Watson and Swenson,
Geving. No negative votes. Motion carried.
meeting as per the
The following
Councilmen Horn and
CITY NEWSLETTER/PUBLIC INFORMATION/COMMUNITY IDENTITY:
Mayor Hamilton stated that the Chamber should be involved in the City Newsletter/
Public Information, etc. He felt that if the South Shore paper is going to come in
that the Chamber should encourage their members to advertise in it to make it even
better.
This would be a weekly newspaper and it would take the place of the Carver County
Herald.
Councilwoman Watson moved to adjourn the
Hamilton. The following voted in favor:
Swenson, Councilmen Horn and Geving. No
meeting. Motion
Mayor Hamilton,
negative votes.
was seconded by Mayor
Councilwomen Watson and
Motion carried.
Don Ashworth
City Manager
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