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<br />Planning Commission Minutes <br />September 26. 2000 <br /> <br />Page 10 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Commissioner Baker asked why not place the trail crossing at County Road 1. Mr. <br />Harlicker explained that it is better to cross a street at a controlled intersection <br />than at mid-block. Commissioner Baker questioned why sidewalks are not <br />proposed on both sides of the street. He stated that he felt having sidewalks on <br />both sides of the street appears more balanced. Ms. McPherson state that <br />typically in the City there are sidewalks one side only, and that considering the <br />limited amount of traffic and the amount of amenities the developer is already <br />proposing, staff did not feel it would be appropriate to require sidewalks on both <br />sides of the streets. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuester questioned why it was necessary to raise the grade in the <br />location noted by staff. Mr. Harlicker stated that the grading was necessary to <br />create walk-out lots which are proposed by the developer. <br /> <br />A question was raised regarding the American Wetland septic system proposed <br />by the developer. Terry Maurer stated that he did not have concerns about the <br />septic system, noting that this is the third style of community septic system which <br />the City has reviewed for clustered development. He explained that developers <br />will choose the system which best fits the size, soils and aesthetics of the individual <br />project. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mike Gair, representing Lyman Development, reviewed other cluster <br />development projects which he has completed including 2 in Lake Elmo, one in <br />Inver Grove Heights, Otsego, 2 in Ham Lake and Wisconsin. Mr. Gair reviewed the <br />Meadowwoods project. He explained that the 30 foot knoll in the south of the <br />plat will be preserved. Outlot C is proposed to be a focal point for the <br />development, providing a gathering space for the residents, with a gazebo and <br />extensive landscaping. A picket fence will be installed to define the open space. <br />Mr. Gair reviewed the location of the trails and sidewalks. He asked the <br />Commission to consider the preservation of wood and the additional <br />landscaping in the development as meeting the requirement for the additional <br />lot. <br /> <br />Mr. Jim Johnston of Lyman Development explained that he feels they have met <br />the intent of the City's open space preservation ordinance. He explained that <br />they would be preserving the stand of pines along County Road because of the <br />rural character it lent to the development. He asked that the Planning <br />Commission consider allowing the 401h lot, stating that when the development <br />was complete, no one would look at it and say there is one too many lots. Mr. <br />Johnston explained that the North American Wetlands septic system has been <br />used in Europe for many years and utilizes plants to clarify the water before it <br />reaches the open pond. <br /> <br />Commissioner Baker asked what will be planted in the open space. Mr. Johnston <br />stated that prairie grasses will be planted. Commissioner Baker asked if it would <br />be possible for residents to use the open space for playing ball. Mr. Johnston felt <br />that would be up to the Homeowner's Association. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnston explained why the trail location was chosen. Ms. McPherson <br />explained that the Park and Recreation Commission felt the trail should be closer <br />to County Road 1 so trail users would not feel they were encroaching on the <br />