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5.4. SR 03-18-1996Jty of ver MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Steven B. Ach, City Planner~~_~ March 18, 1996 Preliminary Plat for Rick Lund, Public Hearing Case No. P 95-8 Issue Consider a request for preliminary plat approval by Rick Lund to subdivide approximately 23 acres into 44 single family lots. Location The subject property is located along the east side of County Road No. I at the 196th Street alignment. Zoning/Land Use Rlc (Single Family Residential) / MR (Medium Density Residential) Attachments · Sketch A · Sketch B · Sketch C · Revised Plat · Report to the Planning Commission dated February 27th Overview The proposed preliminary plat involves approximately 23 acres of property bordered by County Road No. 1 on the west and undeveloped property on the north, south and east. The proposed plat would include 44 single family lots with access being provided off of County Road No. 1. The preliminary plat also demonstrates future access points to adjacent properties, as those are 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 Memo to Mayor and City CounciUP 95-8 Page 2 March 18, 1996 anticipated to be developed at some point in the future with city water and sewer. The natural characteristics of the property are similar to the Lafayette Woods property further to the east which consists of dramatic topography and heavily wooded with a variety of oaks, elm, cherry, birch and aspen. Included in the Planning Commission report is a letter from Tim Edgeton, County Forest Resource Specialist, describing the vegetative cover and condition of the subject property. The lot sizes within the proposed plat range from slightly over 10,000 square feet up to 34,568 square feet. The overall density of this subdivision is approximately 1.9 units per acre. Access off County Road No. I As previously mentioned, access to this development will be directly off County Road No. 1. The location of this access point is consistent with Sherburne County's plans in upgrading County Road No. I and the realignment of County Road No. 44 immediately to the west. County Road No. 44's realignment to County Road No. I would create a 4-legged intersection at the point were access is being provided to this development. Northwest Corner of the Plat As the proposed plat was submitted to the Planning Commission, staff felt that the proposed road alignment between the DNR stream and existing home could be accomplished with minimal impact to the DNR stream on the west and existing home on the east. However, since the Planning Commission meeting on February 27, staff has had a chance to meet with Dan Lais from the Department of Natural Resources, and evaluate this area of the plat in more detail. To begin with, the DNR has expressed a concern (see attached letter), regarding the impact to the protected waterway. The DNR's first position would be to have the proposed plat designed around the natural resource, rather than impacting the resource to accommodate the plat. The proposed plat not only has an impact to the natural waterway as a result of the road location, but also includes grading and removal of vegetation along the banks of this waterway. This grading activity concerns the DNR from the standpoint of increasing the likelihood of additional erosion and sediment entering the waterway and working its way towards Lake Orono. To complicate matters, the location of the existing house is preventing the road from completely avoiding the DNR stream. If in fact, a road is to be finessed between the DNR stream on the west and the house on the east, it is s:kcouncil\p95-8x.doc Memo to Mayor and City CounciYP 95-8 Page 3 March 18, 1996 fair to say that the developer's engineer has done a good job in splitting the difference between these two fixed points. However, I believe it is also fair to ask what are some alternative designs or options to consider to further minimize, or avoid, the DNR stream on the west. In light of these concerns, the developer has taken the extra steps in trying to minimize impact to the stream and the need for a setback and variance for the existing home. It has been proposed by the developer that the following take place to meet the DNR and city's concerns: · Remove a portion of the existing home that is closest to the proposed street and rebuild a garage at the required setback. (see attached Sketch A) Minimize impact to DNR stream by shifting the channel or recreating an open stream with rip rap to prevent erosion. A guard rail and 5 foot boulevard would be constructed along the roadway. (see Sketch B) · Utilize the existing driveway to cross the stream in order to access Lot 8. (see Sketch C) · Create another stream crossing with one driveway to access Lot 7 and Lot 6. (see Sketch C) DNR Approval Obviously, all the modifications proposed by the developer have to be approved by the DNR. At the time this memorandum was prepared, staff has not heard from the DNR regarding the recent changes. Staff will be prepared Monday night to inform the Council of the DNR's comments. Park and Recreation Commission Recommendation The Park and Recreation Commission has recommended a cash dedication be provided based on the number of lots in the proposed development. In addition, the Commission has expressed the need to expand the road width from County Road No. I east to the point where the road turns and goes north, to accommodate an on-road trail system. This trail is planned to be extended further to the east and ultimately, connecting with the city trail which runs north and south along the east side of Meadowvale Elementary School. This on-road trail would basically be a striped shoulder to facilitate the movement of pedestrians from County Road No. I to a point further east, (beyond the limits of the plat) where an off-road trail system would be extended to the main pedestrian corridor. The off-road trail is not planned to be constructed until the property (currently owned by the Nord family) is platted. s:\council\p95-8x.doc Memo to Mayor and City CounciUP 95-8 March 18, 1996 Page 4 Planning Commission Recommendation The Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat for Rick Lund with the conditions outlined in the staff report and including two additional conditions to read as follows: 22. All corner lots meet the minimum lot width requirement of 100 feet. 23. The developer meet with staff and the DNR to determine if the DNR protected stream and road can be moved further to the west, minimizing the variance request for the existing home. Recommendation It is recommended the City Council approve the preliminary plat request by Rick Lund based on the following conditions: The plat be revised to minimize impact to the DNR stream and the amount of a setback variance for the existing home. o The existing home be remodeled to have a compatible appearance with the new homes within the development. e A developer's agreement be prepared outlining the terms and conditions for plat approval and installation of improvements. Comments outlined in the City Engineer's memo dated 2/19/96, be addressed and incorporated into revised plat. o Recommendations from the Park and Recreation Commission be incorporated into approval for preliminary plat. Water availability charge in the amount of $300 per lot be paid to Elk River Utilities prior to releasing the final plat for recording. Developer should check with Elk River Utilities for any additional charges relative to water connection fees. e Surface water management fee in the amount required by the City at the time of final plat be paid prior to recording the plat with Sherburne County. So Ail of the appropriate approvals be received from the DNR regarding any impact to the stream, prior to final plat approval. s:kcouncilkp95-8x.doc Memo to Mayor and City Council]P 95-8 March 18, 1996 o Page 5 A tree preservation plan be submitted along with the grading plan for each phase of the development to maximize tree preservation during construction, and that the use of retaining walls and other appropriate methods be utilized to preserve as many trees as possible during the construction. 10. An NPEDS Permit be obtained for the grading associated with this development. 11. A detailed erosion control plan be submitted and approved by the City Engineer and Department of Natural Resources, prior to commencing grading on site. 12. Appropriate permits be obtained from Sherburne County Highway Department for any work done within the county highway right-of- way. 13. Prior to issuance of any building permits, a development plan be submitted outlining the style of home and finished floor elevations and approved by the City Engineer. 14. The developer reimburse the City for costs associated with reviewing this plat prior to releasing the plat for recording with the county. 15. The developer provide a letter of credit to the City in the amount of 100% the costs associated with improvements. 16. Upon completing all of the improvements and having them accepted by the City, a warranty bond in the amount of 25 percent of the improvement costs shall be submitted to the City for a one year period. 17. Lots 6 and 7, Block 1, be developed with a shared driveway in order to minimize impacts to the DNR stream. 18. Lot 8, Block 1, be required to utilize the existing driveway as access to the buildable portion of the lot. 19. Controlled access be provided on the plat along County Road No. 1. 20. To help buffer the homes from County Road No. 1, particularly Lot 8, Block 1, additional landscaping be provided along the western limits of the plat. 21. A variance application be submitted and reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council for the existing house on Lot 2, Block 2. s:\councilXp95-8x.doc Memo to Mayor and City CounciUP 95-8 March 18, 1996 Page 6 22. 23. 24. 25. Tree protection plans along with each building permit be submitted to maximize the saving of trees during home construction. A wetland joint notification form be completed and returned to the City. All corner lots meet the minimum lot width requirement of 100 feet. The developer meet with staff and the DNR to determine if the DNR protected stream and road can be moved further to the west, minimizing the variance request for the existing home. s:\council\p95-8x.doc I,,!,,I ! .................................................................... ~ ~ ,' '~ ................................................ i .................................. i:~r~o :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ---:::::::_,~__.u: ................ -~-'-:::::::c: ...... i~~.__::: i .' Zi ............................... -.i ., ~, , , ~___...i,~_ ......................................... ~ ....... ,~ ................... CROSS SECTION TNt~OUG:N Ct~EEK. $OALtE I" = SKETCH I[ -PORTION OF HOME 'TO BE REMOVED EXISTING He / / L_ ---/ SKETCH C SHARED DRI / // / / EXISTING DI LEGAL DESCRIPnON LEGAL DESCRIP~(~ X 927.2 X 939.5 0 GO I00 ELK RIVER ~INNESOTA OVNER/DEVELOPER RICHARD LUND O 50 100 &, \ \// \ ~ ,. ..-, I ~ ~T~' A I ~I ~ - ~ ~ot[~ ~o~ ~ / / ....... '----~~~~--~ ........ ~ / ~ ,, ~./ ~ I I ~ . ...... , ...... ~ ..... 1~32.99 I ' .................. I~ ~ FT / ~ ~728 ~ FT ~A~ & ' ......... ~ ........ ~ ~___~ ..... J ......... ~.__ J ~ ~,, --- / '~--~--~ L 127 4 ~ ~ I~ rT ~ ..... ~ '- ~ozF5 I I I s~~'la"w/ I ~~ I : II "'""~ .. ~28'~4 i~6" I I. 81.98 ~ s ~o'~'o~"~ I ~ I I ~/ x I I ~ ' ................................. ' ~ ~ .................................... / 'TI~'~'.'"~ ......... ' ....... ... ....... ~ ~ X ................................ ~ ~ ~, ~ ,~., b. ~ ~ ~ ,~ ~ ~ , ~ ~. ~ .,. ~';: T ~'*' ..... '-~ ..... ' ....... , ....... .... ~ ~ ~ .... .~ ...... ~ .- .............................. CITY OF ELK RIVER HINNESOTA OWN~R/DIEV~LOp£R RICHARD LUND C2.1J / Q I \ ELK RIVI~R o~m~L'v~op~ ~HA~ C3.1J CITY OF EIV1~R MINNESOTA __ 4 I I I I I I 5 2 ~ 6 F I I I C4.1J 7.3. 'ty of ver TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM Planning Commission Steven B. Ach, City Planner~~/f~.~ February 26, 1996 Preliminary Plat for Rick Lund, Public Hearing Case No. P 95-8 Request Rick Lund is requesting a preliminary plat approval to subdivide approximately 23 acres into 44 single family lots. Location The subject property is located along the east side of County Road No. 1 at the 196th Street alignment. Zoning/Land Use Rlc (Single Family Residential) / MR (Medium Density Residential) Attachments · Memo from the City Engineer dated 2/19/96 · Location Map Zoning Map · Development Plans · Letter from County Highway Department · Letter from Department of Natural Resources · Letter from Sherburne County Forest Resource Specialist Background The preliminary plat was submitted to the Planning Commission last month in order to give the developer an opportunity to update the Planning Commission on the status of the project. Due to a couple of outstanding issues the developer asked that the plat be tabled until tonight's meeting. 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 Memo to Planning CommissioufP95-8 Page 2 February 27, 1996 During that time the issues have been further addressed and incorporated into the revised plat for the Planning Commission's consideration. Overview The proposed preliminary plat involves approximately 23 acres of property. Two land owners, Mr. Yaeger and Mr. Nord, own property that are directly affected by the plat. Mr. Nord's property was recently included to assist in resolving one of staffs concerns regarding access to County Road No. 1. The balance of Mr. Nord's property is not being considered at this time for any plat approval. The proposed preliminary plat would create 44 single family lots, all meeting the minimum lot size requirements found in the Rlc zoning text. Lot sizes range from a 10,000 square foot lot up to 34,568 square feet. The overall density of this development is 1.9 units per acre. Characteristics of the Site According to Tim Edgeton, County Forest Resource Specialist, the subject property is wooded with northern pin oak and burr oak. Other species include elm, cherry, birch, aspen and box elder. The overall health and condition of the trees on this property is described in the attached letter from Tim Edgeton. Besides being wooded, the property has a varying topography with grade changes in the range of 30-40 feet. The property also has a DNR protected stream paralleling County Road 1 which extends the entire length of the plat. Impact to this stream has been minimized with recent changes to the proposed plat. The stream will be further protected by utilizing an existing driveway as access to the buildable portion of Lot 8, Block 1. Furthermore, a shared driveway to Lots 6 and 7, Block 1, is proposed to avoid additional stream crossings. This once again, minimizes impact to the integrity of the stream and has been done at the request of the DNR. Existing Home The plat has been designed in order to save the existing home located in the northwest corner of the plat. However, given the recent changes to the plat and to minimize the impact to the DNR stream, the required front yard building setback of 30 feet cannot be achieved. The front yard setback as shown is approximately 15-18 feet, measured from the right-of-way. In order to legitimize this situation, a variance should be completed and reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. Staff believes there is justification for granting the variance, given the environmental constraints on site. s:\planning\pc\p95-8x.doc Memo to Planning Commission/P95-8 February 27, 1996 Page 3 Park and Recreation Recommendation The Park and Recreation Commission has recommended a widened right-of- way at the intersection of County Road No. I to facilitate the detached trail from County Road No. 1 toward the east. This trail corridor would eventually connect Meadowvale Heights development with the city trail further to the east. The Park and Recreation Commission has emphasized that this trail corridor has the possibility of acting as a major east-west route to serve the surrounding residential areas and make connections with the city trail. Recommendation It is recommended the Planning Commission recommend approval of the preliminary plat for Rick Lund to subdivide approximately 23 acres into 44 single family lots, with the following conditions: e e A developer's agreement be prepared outlining the terms and conditions for plat approval and installation of improvements. Comments outlined in the City Engineer's memo dated 2/19/96, be addressed and incorporated into revised plat. Recommendations from the Park and Recreation Commission be incorporated into approval for preliminary plat. Se Water availability charge in the amount of $300 per lot be paid to Elk River Utilities prior to releasing the final plat for recording. Developer should check with Elk River Utilities for any additional charges relative to water connection fees. Surface water management fee in the amount required by the City at the time of final plat be paid prior to recording the plat with Sherburne County. Ail of the appropriate approvals be received from the DNR regarding any impact to the stream, prior to final plat approval. A tree preservation plan be submitted along with the grading plan for each phase of the development to maximize tree preservation during construction, and that the use of retaining walls and other appropriate methods be utilized to preserve as many trees as possible during the construction. An NPEDS Permit be obtained for the grading associated with this development. s:\planning\pc\p95-8x.doc Memo to Planning Commission/P95-8 February 27, 1996 o 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Page 4 21. A detailed erosion control plan be submitted and approved by the City Engineer and Department of Natural Resources, prior to commencing grading on site. Appropriate permits be obtained from Sherburne County Highway Department for any work done within the county highway right-of- way. Prior to issuance of any building permits, a development plan be submitted outlining the style of home and finished floor elevations' and approved by the City Engineer. The developer reimburse the City for costs associated with reviewing this plat prior to releasing the plat for recording with the county. The developer provide a letter of credit to the City in the amount of 100% the costs associated with improvements. Upon completing all of the improvements and having them accepted by the City, a warranty bond in the amount of 25 percent of the improvement costs shall be submitted to the City for a one year period. Lots 6 and 7, Block 1, be developed with a shared driveway in order to minimize impacts to the DNR strear~ Lot 8, Block 1, be required to utilize the existing driveway as access to the buildable portion of the lot. Controlled access be provided on the plat along County Road No. 1. To help buffer the homes from County Road No. 1, particularly Lot 8, Block 1, additional landscaping be provided along the western limits of the plat. A variance application be submitted and reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council for the existing house on Lot 2, Block 2. Tree protection plans along with each building permit be submitted to maximize the saving of trees during home construction. A wetland joint notification form be completed and returned ot the City. s:\planning\pc\p95-8x.doc COXSULTINGENGINEER~ 1326 Energy ParJ( Drive St. Paul, MN 55108 612-644-4389 1-800-888-2923 Fax: 612-644-9446 February 19, 1996 File: 230-288-11 Mr. Steve Ach City Planner City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway P.O. Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330 RE: NORDIC WOODS Dear Mr. Ach: CIVIL ENGINEERING: ENVIRONMENTAL MUNICIPAL ')PLANNING SOLID WASTE STRUCTURAL SURVEYING TRAFFIC TRANSPORTATION ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: HVAC POWER DISTRIBUTION SCADA SYSTEM CONTROLS OFFICES IN: MINNEAPOLIS PRIOR LAKE ST. PAUL WASECA As requested, we have reviewed the packet of information supplied for the proposed Nordic Woods Addition. The packet consisted of four drawings labeled Existing Conditions, Preliminary Plat, Preliminary Grading Plan, and Preliminary Utility Plan. They were prepared by Landform Engineering Company. Based on comments received at the concept review meeting, our review of the new submittal, and comments from last month's Planning Commission presentation, we would offer the following comments: A. PRELIMINARY PLAT The sedimentation pond shown on Lots 8 and 9, Block 1, will require additional easement to be granted from Lot 9. Both along the east edge of Lot 1, Block 4, and the north edge of Lots 1 and 6, Block 3, the easement should be increased to 20 feet, In both of these areas there is proposed storm sewer. o It is my understanding that Lots 13, 14, and 15, Block 6, are proposed to be an outlot. If this is the case, they should be shown as an outlot on the Preliminary Plat. However, the drainage easements necessary for the existing low areas will still need to be granted. We are still concerned that the north end of Street C may not be constructed as a cul-de-sac when the property to the north is developed. Lot 6, Block 2, and Lot 1, Block 3, should not be sold as cul-de-sac lots since in the future Street C may be extended through the property to the north. Our concern comes from the fact that the right-of-way lines within Nordic Woods on Lot 6, Block 2, and Lot 1, Block 3, would indicate a cul- de-sac. 230/288-1901 .feb An Equal Opportunity Employer Mr. Steve Ach February 19, 1996 Page Two B. PRELIMINARY GRADING PLAN They have tried to show on the Grading Plan areas that will be cleared of trees by indicating the new tree line. In a number of areas, this is misleading and inaccurately shown. For instance, along the fronts of Lots 8, 9, and 10, Block 6, the tree line is shown immediately behind the right- of-way line. However, these three lots have homes at elevation 952, 951, and 950. The 950 contour is shown immediately adjacent to the right-of- way line. Between the 950 contour and the location where the homes would be built are a 952,954, and 956 contours. Obviously, this area will have to be graded and the trees removed. The same is true on Lots 4 and 5, Block 3; Lots 1 and 2, Block 6; and Lots 3, 5, and 6, Block 2. o We question whether the home on Lot 3, Block 2, should be a full basement walkout. It is shown with the lowest level of 930.5. Estimating where the rear of a house may be at that elevation fits fairly well with the existing topography. However, there is a low point in the rear lot of Lot 4, Block 2, at approximately 927.7. The runoff from the lowpoint will flow directly through the rear yard of Lot 3, Block 2, at approximately 929.5. We question whether one foot of freeboard to a walkout basement is sufficient. Perhaps this house would be better as a lookout with some mounding at the rear of the house to provide more freeboard. o Lot 9, Block 1, has a full basement walkout type of home proposed. The lowest elevation is set at 919.0. The existing contours on the lot are approximately 920.0 at the rear of the home site. The Grading Plan does not show lowering the elevation at the rear of the home. Perhaps a full basement lookout would be a better choice, since raising the house makes the driveway excessively steep. Lot 6, Block 2, and Lot 1, Block 3, are proposed with full basement walkout homes. We believe that these two lots should be changed to full basement lookout homes. o It is our understanding that the Developers have reached agreement with the Nord family to acquire the piece of property shown at the entrance consisting of Street A and Lots 1, 2, and part of 3, Block 1, in exchange for Lots 13, 14, and 15, Block 6. We also understand that this agreement allows for an easement off of the south end of Street E for the purposes of looping watermain. Proof of these agreements being in place will need to be provided to the City. 230/288-1901 .feb Mr. Steve Ach February 19, 1996 Page Three The Grading Plan shows grading off of the proposed plat at the north end of Streets B, C, D, and east end of Street A. We are not aware of any agreement with the surrounding property owners for this type of arrangement. Either proof of agreements from the surrounding property owners must be provided or adjustments to the Grading Plan will have to be made. In the case of the grading at the north end of Street C, more contours are needed in this area. In the case of grading at the north end of Street D, it is not possible to construct as shown on the Grading Plan. This area should be revisited. o We question whether it is wise to discharge storm water runoff into the low area in the rear of Lots 1 and 6, Block 3, where there is no outlet, when a ditch is available on the west edge of the property. We would suggest that the storm drainage be run from Street D to the west plat limits and discharged into the ditch. There is a 10w area in the rear of Lots 9 and 13, Block 6. Given the proposed home elevations in the immediate area, there appears to be no good way to provide for overflow drainage out of this low area. We would suggest that this be evaluated and filled if an emergency overflow cannot be provided. The high point on Street A is adjacent to Lot 4, Block 3. From this point, drainage to the west flows all the way down to the intersection of Street A as it enters off of CSAH gl. This is an excessive amount of street flow. We would suggest that storm drainage be provided at the intersection of Street B with Street A. 10. In the southwest corner of Lot 2, Block 3, there is a proposed knob that rises to approximately elevation 950. The first floor of the home on this lot is set at 943. We question the need for maintaining the knob in this area. Also on this same lot, there is proposed a full basement walkout type of home with the lowest floor at 935.0. The lot itself is much lower than that at the rear of the building site. This will require filling in of the low area in this location. However, on the adjacent lot, Lot 3, Block 3, this low area is maintained and a drainage easement is provided. We question whether the low area should be filled, and if it is filled, why not fill it on both lots and eliminate the drainage easement on Lot 3. The sedimentation ponds should have a minimum of 4:1 side slopes. It appears they are shown slightly steeper than that. Also, the drainage that runs through Lot 1, Block 4, needs treatment prior to discharge into the wetland. 230/288-1901. feb Mr. Steve Ach February 19, 1996 Page Four 11. The intersection of Street A as it enters the plat from CSAH gl should be built as a full intersection with utility stubs extended to the south out of the intersection. Currently, the intersection is shown as a curve. This change will allow extension of the street and utilities in either direction without disturbing the whole intersection. It will also allow for the crown of the road to be continued through the intersection as will be needed when the full intersection is developed. 12. We are not sure why the existing driveway through Lot 8, Block 1, is shown with dashed lines all the way to CSAH gl. The plan, as we understand it, is to use the existing driveway to cross the ditch but to not allow the existing driveway to continue to access CSAH ,gl. 13. There are a few lots that appear to have the potential for very steep driveways. These are Lot 9, Block 1; Lot 1, Block 2; and Lot 3, Block 6. 14. In front of Lot 9, Block 1, there is a flow arrow pointing the wrong direction. Ce PRELIMINARY UTILITY PLAN The extension of sanitary sewer at the north end of Street D should end in a manhole. Utilities are shown extending beyond the plat line in this location. No easement or agreement has been provided to allow this construction. The sanitary sewer at the east end of Street A should be extended to the plat boundary. Once again, the watermain in this location is shown extending off of the plat, with no easement provided. o The storm drainage along the east lot line of Lot 1, Block 4, is on the property line and will need an easement from the adjacent property to the east. At the intersection of Street A, just off of CSAH/gl, the sanitary sewer and watermain should be extended to the south to get these facilities out of the intersection to eliminate the need for digging it up in the future. 230/288-1901 .feb Mr. Steve Ach February 19, 1996 Page Five If you have any questions regarding any of these comments, please call. Sincerely, MSA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS Terry J..M~urer, P.E. TJM:tw 230/288-1901 .feb -~~x-~ ~,~ -'~~r~\z~ ....... ~ i ............. ~o~~ LOCATION , ver ' 3065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 CASE: pq~' Elk River, MN 55330 [:[Ic CITY PARK LOCATION City of ver 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330 ZONING MAP c,s~= p95..8 Rlc N .....-' Sherburne County Highway Department P.o. BOX 338 · ELK RIVER, MN 55330 · PHONE (612)441-1722 · FAX (612)441-2264 January 18, 1996 Mr. Steven Ach City of Elk River Planner 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 RE: Oak Creek Estates and Ridgewood Hills Preliminary Plats Dear Mr. Ach: We have reviewed the above referenced plats and have the following :comments: - As we discussed, the proposed access into the Oak Creek:.Estates Plat from CSAH 1 shoUld be located directly across CSAH 1 from our proposed realignment 6f CR 421., The realignment will be constructed with our scheduled 1996 CSAH 1 improvement project. The developer can contact us for construction plans and project scheduling. - The proposed access into the Oak Creek Estates Plat from CSAH 1 will require a permit from this office. - We are concerned that them are no provisions for east/west connections between plats on either side of the City owned abandoned rail line. By not providing internal connections across this trail, all of the traffic generated by these developments am forced ;o use the County Road system even for local-type trips that are normally accommodated by city ~ streets. The Ridgewood Hills Plat is located adjacent to an Anoka County owned and maintained roadway (CSAH 24). Any additional right-of-way Anoka County needs or requests should be provided. Anoka County may wish to eliminate the existing driveway immediately south of the proposed access road. Access into this lot can be accommodated via the proposed roadway into Ridgewood Hills. - The proposed access into the Ridgewood Hills Plat from Anoka County CSAH 24 will require a permit from the Anoka County Highway Department. - Any additional requests or comments Anoka County may have regarding CSAH 24 should be addressed prior to plat approval. If you have any questions or require any additional information, please feel free to call. Sincerely,/~"-- ,~ ~ ~,.~oran M. Cote: P.E. - ~~// Assistant Sherbume County Engineer cc Mr. Doug Fischer, Assistant Anoka County Engineer i)HON£ NO. ~D STATE OF EPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Division ct Waters, 4140 Thielman l~ne, Suite 203, St. Cloud, MN 58301 612/255-2976 riLE NO. February 21, 1996 Steve Ach, Planner City of Elk River P.O. Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Mr. Ach: Poet-It' brand f~x transmittal memo 76'71 NORDIC WOODS PRELIMINARY PLAT, CITY OF ELK RIVER As we discussed during our phone conversation on February 20, 1996. I have a few concerns regarding the proposed Nordic Woods developmenL In particular, I am concerned with Block One, Lots 7 and 8. As indicated on the grading plan, a culvert is proposed that would eliminate approximately 100 ff of a natural watercourse. A DNR Protected Waters permit is required for the installation of a culvert within this watercourse. The current design would not meet our permit requirements. Consequently, I would recommend that modifications to the design plan be made right from the start of this project. The watercourse must remain in its entirety, except for minor modifications to facilitate the installation of a driveway culvert. It appears that the best location for a single driveway culvert would be located along the lot lines of lot 7 and 8. Also, our Department would consider a minor location shift in the watercourse, approximately 10ft or so to the west, where the proposed road alignment comes in close Proximity to the existing channel. It may be necessary for the road in- slope to be armored with natural rock riprap to prevent scour and erosion problems from developing. Consideration should also be given to properly address stormwater management and erosion control concerns. In particular, the City should carefully assess these concerns since this development is within the Lake Orono watershed, which is presently targeted for water quality improvements. Please contact me at the above address or phone number if you have any questions regarding my comments. Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter. Dan Lais Area Hydrologist dl C: Dave Hills, Regional Hydrologist Steve Rohlf, Zoning Administrator [O'd ~O'ON AN EOUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYFR 96,[~ qaJ 666£-SS[-~T9:~31 'is SHERBURNE COUNTY TREE BOARD 26401 180th St. Big Lake, MN 55309 (612) 263-8522 TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Steve Ach, Elk River City Planner Tim Edgeton, County Forest Resource Specialist January 22, 1996 Forest Health Assessment for Oak Creek Estates - Preliminary Plat On January I 0, 1 ~96. i mai on-si~e with Steve ,Johnston, Engineer for Landform Engineering Company to review the Oak Creek Estates development. In making the assessment, I used data from the field inspection, from aerial photographs, from our oak wilt inventory maps (produced by the DNR), and from the survey maps supplied by Landform Engineering showing topography and proposed grading plans. Below is a summary of that inspection. Attached is a map outlining the approximate location of dead areas and the oak wilt sites (according to inventory). The land is heavily forested with a few small clearings. The primary forest cover type consists of northern pin oak and bur oak. Other species present include elm, cherry, birch, aspen, and boxelder. Understory vegetation consists mostly of hazel and prickly ash. The health and condition of trees varies with species and location. The higher elevation areas are comprised mostly of bur oak. These trees appear to be in good condition. Both mature and younger age classes are present. The lower elevation areas seem to have much more mortality. Both pin oak and bur oak are found in the lower areas, but much of the pin oak is dead and either still standing or already on the ground. Of the 2 or 3 large dead forest areas in the development, they ali seem to be in Iow elevations. Because of this, there is a good indication, that the dieback was due in part to droughth. Although the oak wilt inventory maps show 2 distinct oak wilt infection centers present, ! could not confirm .any' oak wilt during The inspections...! wouid strongiy recomme;l~ however, tna~ it be checked again for oak wilt sometime this sprin9 or early summer. There is no charge for this and if oak wilt is diagnosed, the County Cost-Share Program is still available. Overall, the south 1/2 of the development is where much of the standing dead trees are found. The far east 1/3 of the development seems to be in excellent condition and the north 1/2 is in good condition. Again, the dead areas seem to be found in the Iow elevations. The terrain is quite rolling with hills located throughout development. The rolling topography will definitely make grade changes near trees more likely than a fiat area would. Generally, the more grade changes that occur near trees, the more mortality will occur. Unfortunately, the dieback usually doesn't show up until 2 to 4 years later, so there is no easy or immediate way to tell if damage was done. '['herefore, in areas where trees wish to be saved or preserved, minimizing the grade changes near them will be very impodant. Because pin oak are especially intolerant to grade change, be aware of their locations. For assistance with tree preservation techniques, please feel free to contact me. If you have any further questions, call me at 263-8522. Thank you.