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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—April 25, 2011 17 8.C. Planning Case 11-006 — Fox Ridge Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Preliminary Plat (continued) - neighborhoods. The drainage plans have been prepared by an expert in determining the proper way to grade to make drainage effective. It will be up to the developer to build according to the approved drainage plans. City Attorney Filla stated the City needed to rely on the experts that have been hired to address the drainage. Councilmember Werner asked what the objections were to the dual cul-de-sac that is being requested by the residents of Keithson Road. City Planner Beekman stated the Fire Marshal believes that the connection will increase public safety and make access to the development more efficient. From a traffic and transportation standpoint, having additional road connections increases connectivity, allows vehicles to distribute more evenly, and reduces traffic impacts overall. The addition of the two cut-de-sacs versus the through-street would result in additional tree loss. Public Works Director Maurer stated snow plowing, utility access and maintenance is better and more efficient if the connection is there. The connection would also give the residents on Keithson Drive an alternative exit point to avoid Highway 96. There are potential safety issues that could arise by having Highway 96 the only access to Keithson Drive. The County may decide in the future to shut the median opening on Highway 96. Councilmembcr Holden asked if the residents on Keithson Drive had a reasonable expectation that this road would become a through street. City Planner Beekman stated Keithson Drive was always expected to be a through-street once the other property was developed. She could not say for sure what the residents knew but the City has always anticipated that it would eventually connect. That is why there is no cul-de-sac now. Councilmember Werner clarified the Keithson properties were developed before wetland legislation had been enacted. Public Works Director Maurer stated this was correct. Now wetland agencies are expecting developers to avoid, minimize, and mitigate when it comes to wetlands. Developers are no longer able to fill in wetlands to make a buildable lot. Mayor Grant stated the grade separation on Highway 10 and County Road 96 could make this route more desirable. This would increase traffic on this road and make it more problematic for the residents of Keithson Drive to access their homes Public Works Director Maurer stated the grade separation would also decrease the openings in traffic that are created by the traffic lights and this could make the access point of Keithson Drive a dangerous intersection.