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2006-04-07 Outstanding Issues"' NRTIH ST ASSC?ClATd Cfli~t5U1.TANTS, 11 C. 4C1sJ (~lsc+r~ h/lerr~ariat High~y~, ~u~te L7 t:~caldn Vr~.fey, f 5~4~2 ~~I~rt~rtie: ?63.231.5~a i*a~sirrttl~: 7~~.~31.~~~1 plt~ri~r.~- :.iaug~i~ranrr}~.~e~r~n MEMORANDUM ~~ TO: 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. To 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 west 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: 2 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 .,~ .i ~1 ~~ `~ 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 Rece tacles -- ~• ~~`~ ~ ~ ~`~ { ~~ ~ `'~ vMtti~ ~~~ 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. Upon review of this summary, let's discuss any modifications necessary before forwarding a copy to Chelsea Group.