10-11-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM Prepared By: J. Barnhart Reviewed By: Approved By: 1. Purpose. Consider preliminary plat approval for Gennesaret, platting 365 Westlake and recently vacated right of way. 2. MN§15.99 Application Deadline. The preliminary plat application was received on August 12, 2021 and considered to be complete on August 27th. The 120-Day review period will expire on December 25, 2021. 3. Background. The City Council approved the vacation of a portion of Westlake Street on August 9, 2021 (Case #LA21-29, Resolution 7211). Included with that request were the provision of additional right of way to facilitate a cul de sac at the southern end of Westlake, provision of a drainage and utility easement to protect the existing sanitary and storm water utilities in the area, a cash donation, and a donation of a boulevard reserve adjacent to 341 Westlake. The boulevard reserve was offered during the meeting, and was not written into the resolution. 4. Proposal. The applicant proposes a plat that incorporates the vacated portion of Westlake, the right of way for the cul de sac, the easement for drainage and utility purposes. 5. Analysis. This platting project is relatively minor; no new lots are being created. The one issue identified during planning commission review involves the cul de sac. The applicant is providing about 1/3 of the cul de sac. The middle third is part of the platted Westlake, and the remaining 1/3 was provided through a boundary line adjustment in 1999 (Resolution 4266). Orono’s standard radius for cul de sac right of way is now 50 feet, the western 2/3 of the cul de sac is conforming, the eastern 1/3, utilizing previously provided right of way, has only 40 feet radius. In lieu of the boulevard reserve adjacent to 341 Westlake offered by Mr. Erickson, which staff has not identified as beneficial to the city, staff recommends an easement over a portion of 372 Westlake (owned by Erickson) to facilitate a conforming cul de sac and snow storage. Mr. Erickson objects to this request. 6. Planning Commission Vote and Comment. On September 20th, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the preliminary plat. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted 6-0 on a motion to approve the preliminary plat, subject to MCWD approval and to “try and make the 50’ radius”. Commissioners discussed, in lieu of the easement, shifting the cul de sac further to the west. Planning Commission minutes are attached as Exhibit B. 7. Public Comment. During the public hearing, one area resident spoke in support of the plat. 8. Staff Recommendation. Staff recommends the Council direct staff to draft a resolution of approval for both the preliminary and final plat, with direction as to the cul de sac issue. It is expected that the Council will consider a resolution combining action on the preliminary and final plat in the near future. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED City Council should direct staff to draft a resolution of approval or denial of the proposed preliminary and final plat, with direction on the cul de sac issue. Item No.: 16 Date: October 11, 2021 Item Description: LA21-000057/58, Robert Erickson, 365 Westlake Street – Gennesaret Preliminary Plat Presenter: Jeremy Barnhart, AICP Community Development Director Agenda Section: Community Development Report