11-15-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, September 20,2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. 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 to cut into a rather steep hill to make room and put a significant retaining wall around it. He would prefer not to do that but use what he has submitted in his application. Kirchner opened the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. Linda Thrasher, 356 Westlake Street,wants to reaffirm her approval of what Mr.Erickson is suggesting. She is a landowner on the street and has spent a lot of time with Mr. and Mrs. Erickson to understand what they are doing,noting they have been incredibly accommodating.The street could use some help and improvement and the Preliminary Plat works well for Mr.Erickson,but also for the neighbors. It is thoughtful,attractive,and will be an additive to the neighborhood. Kirchner closed the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. Libby noted he was in favor of this a year ago when they first reviewed it,he spent a considerable amount of time walking and inspecting the site.He was able to see firsthand how difficult it was for the maintenance truck to pull up to the facility,do the work,and turn around.He thinks the proposal by the Applicant is practical and will improve the safety and practical nature for the City in doing the maintenance there. He supports improvement. Ressler was in support of the vacation.Regarding the cul-de-sac,the City has seen applications and rigidity in the ability to approve conventional or conforming cul-de-sacs as defined by the City,and a hard line has been taking.Knowing that,he feels that will be the City Council's belief,as well. He would like to see the 40-foot radius amended because this is the chance to get it right. He respects Mr. Erickson's desire in keeping it at 40 feet,he also thinks the City Council would probably like to see it conforming.Based on that reason,he would like to see a 50 foot radius on the east and west sides. Bollis echoed Ressler's concerns. He thinks it would make more sense to have a conforming cul-de-sac created there and it needs to go farther to the west. He believes the main reason for vacating the roadway Page 2 of 8