10-11-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, September 20, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 3 1. LA21-000057 BOB ERICKSON, 365 WESTLAKE STREET, PRELIMINARY PLAT Bob Erickson, Applicant, was present. Commissioner Erickson stepped down and excused himself for the item. Staff presented a summary packet of information. Barnhart noted Mr. Erickson is requesting Preliminary Plat approval to plat the vacated portions of Westlake Street and his lot at 365 Westlake. The plat will approve the provision of a drainage and utility easement and additional right-of-way for a cul-de-sac as required by the City Council when they vacated the portion of Westlake. The main issue outstanding is provision of an easement to enlarge the cul-de-sac at 372 Westlake; Staff suggested the portion Mr. Erickson controls on the west side, that the additional easement be provided to make a larger more conforming cul-de-sac. Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat and notes that this is not a subdivision, they are not creating any more lots, there are no public improvements proposed, and Staff is recommending approval subject to the easement and Watershed District approval. Gettman asked if there was public benefit to doing this other than the access to the easement for public utilities; he thought they had talked about public access. Barnhart replied that was a Staff and Planning Commission recommendation and the City Council did not agree. They found there was adequate benefit to vacation with provision of the cul-de-sac and other concessions Mr. Erickson provided. Bollis asked regarding the cul-de-sac, could they move it over towards the side that is owned and not have an easement on Mr. Erickson’s side. Barnhart replied that would be an option. Bob Erickson, 372 Westlake Street, clarified he has discussed the additional easement for the cul-de-sac with Barnhart and expressed his reservations and since that time his reservations have grown. The 40-foot radius that exists now was determined in 1999 and it was agreed to with the explanation that with a standard 50-foot radius the outside 10 feet is typically used for either snow removal, storage, or parking. Mr. Erickson pointed out on the east side most of it is taken up by his driveway and his neighbor’s driveway. They have done things based on that 1999 approval and have put fencing along the area, planted 3 arborvitae, and have a red maple which would all have to be removed if he gives away the extra 10 feet, which he has no plan to do. It is not a part of the application nor is it part of Mr. Erickson’s personal plan. Another thing that seems redundant is the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) approval and he realizes it is standard for a lot of projects. However in looking at Exhibit C in the Staff report, Mr. Erickson initiated contact with the MCWD and explained the project and that he will be removing hardcover near the lake, and the MCWD sent a letter back stating that no permit is required. Bollis asked how Mr. Erickson would feel about adjusting the side he controls so they can get a conforming cul-de-sac in there. Mr. Erickson replied the west side has always been 50 feet and the existing portion in the middle, where the existing street is, is also 50 feet. Combining that with the 40 feet pre-existing, there is a total package that just barely shoehorns in to the flat area. If the whole thing was pushed further west they would have City Council Exhibit B LA21-57