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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-22 Joint Board MIN 1 City of Stillwater Stillwater Township Joint Board December 22, 2005 Present: David Junker, City of Stillwater; Linda Countryman, Stillwater Township; David Johnson, Stillwater Township Others: Stillwater Community Development Director Steve Russell Chair David Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Mr. Russell explained that three of the five items on the agenda relating to the Liberty West development – Comprehensive Plan amendment, Annexation and PUD -- require a decision and recommendation from the Joint Board. The City Council has final authority over the subdivision and annexation requests, he said. Mr. Russell reviewed the 8-acre site, noting that the provision for access and services to the area was pre-planned in conjunction with the Liberty on the Lake and Legends projects. He said the proposal is to designate the parcel small-lot, single-family, which is consistent with the surrounding land use. He spoke briefly of the uniqueness of the site, including trees and natural topography, which make the site a difficult one to develop in a manner that accommodates the existing resources. Marc Putnam, landscape architect who also did the master plan for the Liberty on the Lake development, spoke on behalf on developers Chris Aamodt and partner. He reviewed the site plan and tree inventory. He also spoke of planned Manning Avenue improvements and the impact on plans for the Liberty West site development. He also reviewed plans for walks/trail connections; retaining walls for tree protection; and water feature as part of the storm water retention plan. He noted that the development includes 19 homes; one house was eliminated at the recommendation of the City’s Planning Commission and Park Board and the lot dedicated to open space. Mr. Johnson asked about the water feature and how often water would be flowing. Mr. Putnam explained the water will be recirculated to provide constant flow, but admitted that in extremely dry conditions that might not be the case. Mr. Russell noted that storm water curren tly flows to the site from Grant. There was a question about whether this development would be part of the Liberty on the Lake Association. Mr. Putnam explained that the Liberty West Association would be a stand-alone homeowners’ association as proposed. The questioner expressed a concern that the Liberty on the Lake Association has spent a lot of money on beautification efforts that will benefit the Liberty West residents. Also expressed was a concern about the alley access at the southern portion of the site and the impact on the existing homes. Kristin Kroll, Harvest Green, said a concern about the alley is the safety of children, as well as the visual impact and privacy issues. Ms. Kroll said if the two homes that would be served by the alley had front garages, that would resolve all the issues. Jeff Doe, 430 Harvest Green, also spoke in favor of redesigning the two homes with front-entry garages. Mr. Putnam spoke of the greater issue of the streetscape for the entire development. Mr. Aamodt said Mr. Putnam, engineers and he should look at the concerns voiced by the neighbors in more detail. There was a question as to when the final layout would be approved. Mr. Johnson noted the Joint Board does not make the final decision on the development layout; the Joint Board is dealing with zoning issues, compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan and subdivision. Mr. Junker noted that there would be a public hearing at 2 City of Stillwater Stillwater Township Joint Board December 22, 2005 the City Council level where specifics will be discussed; the alley issue would be decided at the Council meeting, it was noted. Also expressed was a concern about the current safety of the intersection of Country Road and Heritage, which will be compounded by the addition of the traffic generated by the new Liberty West development. It was requested the City consider making that intersection a controlled one. There was a question about the possible naming of a street that might be changed due to the new development. Later in the meeting, Mr. Russell stated the engineering department will determine the street name. Mr. Johnson encouraged the City to receive input from residents and to make any decision known sooner rather than later so residents can deal with any issues related to a possible address change. There was a question about whether this development would be controlled by the same architectural covenants as Liberty on the Lake and whether there would be an architectural review process. Mr. Putnam said the same approach will be applied to this development. Mr. Junker moved to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from Rural Residential to small-lot, single-family. Ms. Countryman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Junker moved to change the zoning from Agricultural Preservation to Cottage Residential. Ms. Countryman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Junker, seconded by Ms. Countryman, moved to approve the 19-lot subdivision on 8-acres in the Cottage Residential District. Mr. Johnson said he would not like action on this to cement any decision related to the alley access discussed earlier in the meeting. He asked about the possibility of reconfiguring three lots. Mr. Junker noted that what the Board is a pproving is 19 lots, not final approval of the layout. Mr. Russell said he would reflect that in the staff report. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Junker moved approval of the preliminary plat for 19 lots. Ms. Countryman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Johnson reiterated his comments regarding encouraging continued discussions of how to reconfigure the lots to address the alleyway concerns. Mr. Johnson noted that the Board does not take action on this matter, but merely comments/makes recommendations to the City Council. A resident requested that consideration be given to moving the curb in the area of one of the historic trees in order to prevent damage to the root system of the tree. Regarding annexation, Mr. Junker said he thought annexation was appropriate. Mr. Johnson agreed that annexation is a logical next step in development of the area. There was a comment regarding the possible impact of this development on sales of properties in the Liberty on the Lake development. Mr. Johnson noted that is a private sector decision, not a public sector decision. Mr. Putnam expressed his appreciation to Mr. Russell for his past work and efforts. 3 City of Stillwater Stillwater Township Joint Board December 22, 2005 The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary