10-4-1989 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Agenda

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Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Planning Commission Minutes, 10-4-89 Page 6 CASE #88-30: The Planner reviewed the items that can be approved by Commission and Council at this time, as listed on page 2 of his report, and items to be brought back for Council approval after staff or • committee recommendation. He discussed Tax Increment Financing for public improvements to the trail and park. Bergly stated the Developer is now considering making the pathway a private trail for use by residents of the project only. Previously it was discussed as a trail to provide access for public use as part of the City trail system. The Planner also reviewed items to be reviewed and approved by staff. He noted the sign plan will have to return for Commission review and approval by Council as required in the Sign Ordinance. Commission expressed concern relative to the following items: 1. Lighting fixtures proposed have no controls for illumination "cut-off" and questioned if the fixtures will sufficiently light the parking lot area for safety purposes. Preferred a more detailed location plan including illumination information and a fixture with shielding capabilities. 2. Handicapped parking situation; not pleased with proposed pathway situation. The Planner noted the design is at standard ramp grades for handicapped access. 3. Preferred trail/pathway system be utilized for public use; design and responsibility for maintenance were also discussed. Charles Cook, developer for the project, outlined the areas of concern expressed • at the previous Commission meeting that have been addressed: 1. The developer has adjusted the handicapped parking on the site; moved the outside parking area to better accommodate access. A walk-out design was not feasible with the topography on the site. He noted other units constructed in different cities and currently in use have met handicapped requirements with this exact design. The sidewalks meet all grade requirements. Handicapped tenants have 15 ft. wide stalls in the garage, ramped sidewalks inside the garage to the entry elevations for mail pick-up, and maintained sidewalks and parking at the rear level for the handicapped units. 2. The Fire Chief requested the trail/pathway system which doubles as an emergency vehicle access be constructed as a 20 ft. wide, 10 ton roadway. The City Engineer has reviewed the issue and indicates in his letter of 10-3-89 that either a 7-ton Bituminous surfaced trail or a gravel surfaced trail designed as outlined in the letter. Cook advised it is not his preference to use a bituminous surface and feels the pathway should remain private due to the closeness of the trail to the units; felt it would invite vandalism with outsiders using the trail system. He was of the opinion a paved surface would invite automobile traffic and prefers the gravel surfaced pathway. 3. The developer explained the lighting provided across the front of the building, at the ends of each building and at the rear of the buildings. Security lights at the corner of each building that are photo-sensitive will also be installed. He also outlined the handicapped lighting in the parking lot area. 4. The landscaping costs were decreased approximately $13,000.00, however, $9,000.00 of the decreased amount was due to the elimination of crushed rock and edging around each building. He substituted pine trees at two locations to buffer the noise from the freeway and to buffer the parking areas, as per the Planner's recommendation. 5. The entrance sign has not been designed at this time; the locations have been designated. The developer stated he would return with the design as required.