11-14-2006 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 November 14, 2006 --------------------------- Chair Lemke asked why Parks and Recreation Commission is asking fora 50-foot wide trail. Ms. Cartney stated she is not sure, but that they have asked for it to be platted as an outlot, as well. Chair Lemke questioned why the trail was needed, since there would be a bituminous trail two houses away. Planning Manager Barnhart explained that he believed the trail is to offer a n neighborhood connection to the property to the south. Commissioner Offerman asked for clarification on the availability of sewer and water services. Mr. Maurer explained that the property has been in the Urban Service District for some time, and that it is deep enough and sized to service the area. He stated that approval of the plat could be contingent upon the developers of River Park and Preserve Ponds working out how the connections would be accomplished. Commissioner Offerman asked if the connections would come from the north. Mr. Maurer explained how the connections are proposed to be made. He noted that the developers need to work together in order for it to be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. Chair Lemke opened the public hearing. Ross Abel of John Oliver & Associates, representative of the developer -Stated that he also did not understand the request for the 50-foot wide trail, since there is a segment of trail two lots away. He stated that the side yard setback of two lots would be significantly impacted by this request. Mr. Abel stated that they would have no problem increasing the landscaping on Lot 8-12, Block 1 to screen the lots from the highway. He noted that the water connection was via County Highway 40. ???? There being no further public comment, Chair Lemke closed the public hearing. Commissioner Westgaard questioned the lot size being requested. Ms. Cartney stated that other residential PUD's have similar lot sizes. Commissioner Westgaard stated that as long as all of the City Engineer's concerns were addressed, he was in favor of approval of the request. He noted that he also did not understand the request for the 50-foot trail width. He suggested that the condition be removed, since they had no information to justify the request. Conunissioner Anderson suggested that the condition be included and that the Parks and Recreation representative could present their recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Ropp asked where the nearest park is located. Mr. Barnhart stated that nearest park is in the River Park plat. He noted that it is anticipated when the property to the south is developed, a larger park will be created. Also, a park is proposed for the Liberty Heights project. Conuiussioner Offerman stated he was not in favor of removing the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation, since trail connections are important. Commissioner Stevens concurred. Commissioner Scott expressed concern that 1/3 of the backyards of Lots 5 - 10, Block 3 will not be useable, due to the power line easement. He stated that he also concurred with leaving the 50-foot trail connection in the recommendations. Commissioner Offerman stated that the properly owners of Lots 5-10 will still be able to use and enjoy their entire backyard for a garden or whatever, just that no structures can be built in the easement.