8.1 SR 07-07-2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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single-family lots and establish the first intersection with County Road 33. The intersection will align with Joplin Street and construct new right and left-turn lanes into the subdivision. This first phase is consistent with the preliminary plat approval, but staff have requested one change to the street section to simplify maintenance of the required sidewalk. The development is being constructed using a rural section, which has drainage ditches rather than curbing and pipes to convey stormwater. This pushed the sidewalk further into the front yards due to the drainage ditches. This is not inherently a problem. However, the city ordinance requires the adjacent property owners to clear snow from sidewalks along their properties. Some of these properties will have hundreds of feet of sidewalk, as these are larger lots than normal. Additionally, the city will need to maintain the sidewalk on certain parcels that will be owned by the city. A typical 10-foot trail could be maintained with a pick-up truck and a plow, but the Parks Commission recommended a 5-foot sidewalk instead of the trail due to the number of driveways. The plans approved with the preliminary plat included a 5-foot sidewalk separated from the main roadway by a drainage ditch. The developer has prepared an exhibit (attached) showing the approved street section with a 5-foot sidewalk, the previously discussed option to delineate the sidewalk with pavement markings, and the recommended option with a 10-foot bituminous trail. They have provided the following comments and a list of pros and cons for each option: All the right-of-way options presented, in our view, offer enhancements above and beyond the typical requirements of a rural development, considering that standard rural roads are commonly shared by cars, bikes, and pedestrians: Option 1: Widened Rural Shared-Use Path, 6' Asphalt (Preferred) Pros: • Improved Safety: Wider paved area with striping and signage to improve visibility and encourage slower driving through enhanced driver spatial awareness (compared to standard rural roads). • Low Maintenance Burden: Maintained by the city using existing snow removal equipment simultaneously with road plowing; no added burden to residents. • Most Efficient Land Use: Requires minimal grading/tree removal, preserving the most natural features. Cons: • No Physical Barrier: Pedestrians are not physically separated from vehicles. Option 2: 6' Concrete Sidewalk (Prelim Plat Approved) Pros: • Safety: Ditch provides a physical buffer from traffic. • Recreational Appeal: Sidewalk promotes walking, creates a designated space for pedestrians. Cons: • Resident Maintenance Required: Homeowners must clear snow, which is a significant burden on large rural lots with large frontage lengths. • Driveway Complexity: Requires ditches, culverts, and additional crossings. • More Land Impact: Greater grading and tree removal than Option 1. Page 178 of 309