2006-04-07 Outstanding Issues
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
48OO Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planners~nacplanning.com
MEMORANDUM
T0: Larry Kruse
Mike Couri
Jon Sutherland
Adam Nafstad
FROM: Alan Brixius
DATE: April 7, 2006
RE: Albertville -Outlet Mall Outstanding Issues
FILE NO: 163.06 - 06.09
BACKGROUND
On April 25, 2006, the City Council and Chelsea Group are meeting to discuss the
outstanding issues related to the Albertville Outlet Mall. At our April 4, 2006 City staff
meeting, I was directed to provide a summary of issues for discussion.
1. Existing Dirt Pile
An earthen berm exists on the western edge of the Outlet Mall property. This berm was
not part of the approved site grading plan or wetland mitigation plan. The berm has
raised concerns for the visibility of adjoining properties and with slope erosion into
abutting wetlands. The City Council has required the removal of the dirt pile as a
condition of lowering the fence along the Phase III parking lot.
In past considerations, the City has discussed options for possibly reducing the berm
height but not requiring its total removal. Another option is offered in the following
language:
The City and Chelsea agree that Chelsea shall have two years from the date
of this agreement to remove the berm located west of Lot 1, Block 1, Outlets
at Albertville, Wright County, Minnesota. If Chelsea fails to remove the berm
within this two year period, the City may, but shall not be required to, remove
the berm and dispose of the soil in any reasonable manner. In such event,
Chelsea agrees to pay the City one-half of the cost of removing said berm.
Said payment shall be made within 30 days of billing by the City.
Ta date, no change has occurred with the dirt pile, although the Outlet Mall has offered
the dirt as free fill.
2. Phase III Fence Height
The Outlet Mall has requested approval to lower the height of the fence along the west
edge of the Phase III parking lot to provide better visibility of the available parking lot.
The City is receptive to lowering the fence if all items related to the Outlet Mall can be
addressed and the following fence conditions can be met:
A. The lower fence height must block the headlights of a full size pickup. In
response to this item, the Outlet Mall proposes to lower the fence 17 inches and
re-stripe and sign the wes# edge of the parking lot for compact parking only. Both
the height and additional striping should address the headlight issue.
B. Jaywalkers crossing County Road 19 at locations different than the controlled
intersection is a real concern. In lowering the fence, the City will require the
following considerations:
(1) The fence should be designed to prevent pedestrians from jumping the
fence to gain access to County Road 19.
(2) The fence must be extended south and east to prevent pedestrians from
walking around the fence to gain access to County Road 19.
3. Pedestrian Traffic
Jaywalkers between Phase II and Phase III of the Outlet Malls is a serious issue. The
City wants fences erected to discourage jaywalkers and direct pedestrians to the
controlled intersection. Corrections should include:
A. Fences at the east end of Phase II buildings and along the east edge of the
parking lot. The Outlet Mall is interested in working with the County to place a
fence in the right-of-way along the east side of the existing trail.
B. A fence to the northwest edge of Phase III to discourage access into the Phase
III at this location.
4. Pedestrian Access to Burger King
The current pedestrian access to the Burger King site is unplanned and is occurring at
an unsafe location due to the street curve, sight line, and traffic volumes. Burger King
has extended a sidewalk to the street edge without City approval. The following items
should be addressed:
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A. A revised site plan should be submitted showing the pedestrian connection from
Burger King to the Outlet Mall buildings.
B. Marked crosswalk location.
C. Signage identifying crossing location.
D. Sidewalk design showing width, disability accessibility.
5. Site Lighting
The Outlet Mall lighting in Phases I and II has 45 degree directional lighting on very tall
poles. This has created glare issues for residents living south of the freeway. Site
examination reveals that the current lighting appears to be on an adjustable swivel that
will accommodate some adjustments in the lighting angles. The City recommends an
adjustment in site lighting to a 90 degree angle to down light the parking lot.
6. Trash Receptacles
The Outlet Mall was approved with just trash compactors. When trash enclosures were
recommended, the Outlet Mall indicated that the trash compactors would address the
total need for Phase I and II and since they were self-contained, no additional screening
was required. The PUD was approved with this premise. Since then, a number of trash
dumpsters have been placed on Phase I and II sites in unplanned locations and
unscreened. Past site inspections have revealed unsightly views of the dumpsters from
County Road 19 and adjoining properties.
After identifying this issue to the Outlet Mall, they proceeded to paint the dumpsters to
match the building color to camouflage the units. However, at different times,
inspections reveal that dumpsters are still a visual problem due to location, appearance,
overflowing trash or outdoor storage of other materials (i.e., pallets). In Phase III, the
dumpsters tend to wander from approved designated trash enclosures. This Phase III
issue is a particular concern in that they abut hospitality businesses.
We will be conducting a site inspection of the Outlet Mall to inventory existing conditions
prior to the April 25th meeting. A plan to address the trash receptacles must be agreed
upon.
7. Road Issues
The City has expressed interest in extending a street between the Outlet Mall and
Welcome Furniture to provide a second access and egress between the two
commercial areas. Before this issue continues to be pursued, the City Engineer will
further examine the practicality for this street from physical, financial and traffic
perspectives.
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