01-27-2004 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes January 27,2004 Page 4 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 2 ponds which will hold back-to-back lOO-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 Highway 169 from the Mississippi River (Highway 101) up to Princeton. Currently, MnDOT is drafting a Scope of Services and proposes to hire a consultant in late fall of 2004. She noted that the EIS will likely take up to two years to complete, and only then could MnDOT or the City begin the process of acquiring property. She noted that the City has no money budgeted for property acquisition. Ms. McPherson stated that these steps need to occur so that if and when money should become available for MnDOT to do a project, they and the City will be prepared. Ms. McPherson explained that preliminary plat consists of 7 lots ranging in size from 1.02 acres to 3.73 acres. Holt Street will function as a service road along Highway 169 and will connect with the existing Holt Street at 194m Avenue and be extended to intersect with 197m Avenue. She noted that the Park and Recreation Commission recommended cash for the park dedication requirement. Staff recommends approval of the requests by Morcon based on the findings and conditions listed in the staff report. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. John Polden, 11751196th Avenue, stated that he was told by a MnDOT representative that they plan to construct a underpass or overpass at Main Street in two years, and one at 197m Avenue in 1 - 5 years. Chair Pederson stated that based on Ms. McPherson's meeting with MnDOT in January, that is not the case. Mr. Polden expressed his concern that the proposed development will bring people into the residential neighborhood that would not otherwise travel through it. He stated that he was concerned about the ponds. Leanne Brown, 19737 Lowell, expressed her opposition to the proposed development. She stated that she did not receive the notices of meetings. Mr. Pertl stated that even though she did not receive a mailed notice, she was in attendance at all the meetings and that they have listened to her comments. Ms. Brown stated that she did not feel Elk River needed any more Class II or small restaurants and that Elk River residents are looking for something different. She stated that she did not see any difference between this development and Elk Park Center. Tom Halbakken, 11744 194th Avenue, stated that he was concerned about traffic and that it is difficult now to get in and out of the neighborhood. He did not feel there were enough streets to accommodate the traffic and that the sharp turn by the bank onto 197m Avenue was not acceptable.