02-09-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes February 9, 2004 ............................. Page 6 Director of Planning Michele McPherson introduced David Pertl, developer for the proposed Elk Ridge Center project. Mr. Pert reviewed the project location and overall proposed development. Mr. Pertl introduced Daniel Green, Architect for the project who provided an overview of the proposed site layout, landscaping design, and architectural character. He noted that Morcon would be providing long-term ownership and management of the project. Mr. Green introduced Marie Cote, Traffic Engineer. Ms. Cote reviewed the existing conditions (levels of service) at key intersections. She discussed traffic forecasts with a 3.5% growth rate, noting that 572 trips per day are proposed to be generated by the proposed development. Ms. Cote explained that the year 2006 build conditions include additional site access locations, the extension of Holt Street north along the east side of the proposed development, and the realignment of 197th Avenue/Irving Street, with the Holt Street extension as the south approach. She noted that the analysis of the proposed level of service indicates that all intersections are within the acceptable range including peak hours. Ms. Cote stated that MnDOT's Corridor Management Plan includes the upgrade of Highway 169 through Elk River to a freeway facility. Recommendations also include a future interchange at 169/Jackson Street/197th Avenue intersections. She noted that future studies will be conducted and that MnDOT maintains that it is too early for official comment on the project. Ms. Cote concluded that based on the study, all key intersections will continue to operate at acceptable levels of service and that the proposed development does not adversely affect the surrounding roadway network. She noted that an interchange at 169/197th Avenue does have some minor impacts to the development, but that MnDOT felt the developer made a reasonable attempt to provide a workable solution. Ms. McPherson presented the staff report at this time. She stated that Morcon is requesting a land use amendment to Highway Business, a rezoning to Planned Unit Development (PUD), a conditional use permit for a PUD, and preliminary plat approval for seven lots for Elk Ridge Center. The property is 18 acres in area and is located in the southwest corner of the intersection of 197th Avenue and Highway 169. Issues associated with the conditional use permit request were reviewed by Ms. McPherson including: components of the PUD, layout of the buildings, streets and parking, landscaping and signage. She noted that a lighting plan needs to be provided and a revised tree preservation plan to reflect the trees that actually will be saved should be submitted. The applicant will be required to obtain the necessary wetland permits for the two small wetlands prior to commencing grading. The drainage plan consists of two ponds, which will hold back-to-back 100-year rainfall events, and one pond which outlets under Highway 169. Ms. McPherson noted that the applicant needs to revise the drainage calculations as addressed in the City Engineer's memo. Also, a maintenance plan must be submitted regarding infiltration rates for the ponds and how the rate will be maintained in the future. Ms. McPherson explained that staff met with MnDOT on January 12, 2004 and that MnDOT is interested in moving the Highway 169 Study to the next level. An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will need to be completed and a decision made as to which properties will need to be acquired. She noted that the study may include all of