– City Planning Comm Dec minutes

REVISED DRAFT MINUTES – Jamestown CityPlanning Commission

December 8, 2014 – 8:00 a.m.

Present: Hillerud, Bensch, Rath, Frye, Bayer, Trautman, Rhinehart, Ritter

Others present: Schwartzkopf, Wollan, Harty, Buchanan, Klundt, Fuchs, Wiles, Michel

Absent: None

Chairman Hillerud called the meeting to order. Commission member Trautman moved to approve the minutes from the November 10, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Rath.

Motion Carried.

Public Hearing: Final Plat Request

Hearing on an application requesting final plat approval of Dabill Addition, a replat of Lot 19, Beverly Hills 3^rd Addition and Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Beverly Hills 6^th Addition within the City of Jamestown, North Dakota (701 and 703 12^th St SW and 1210 7^th Ave SW).

Stephanie Falkers, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. gave the staff report explaining the recommendation for approval.

Chairman Hillerud opened the public hearing. No one appeared. Chairman Hillerud closed the public hearing.

A motion was made by Commission member Frye to recommend approval of the final plat of Dabill Addition, a replat of Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Beverly Hills 6^th Addition and Lot 19, Beverly Hills 3^rd Addition to the City Council, as it meets the requirements of Section 13 of Appendix B. Seconded by Ritter. Roll Call. Unanimous aye vote. Motion Carried.

Discussion regarding example regulations for requiring traffic impact studies. Stephanie Falkers, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. gave an overview of how traffic impact studies are used for a variety of traffic improvements. She also reviewed what developments might trigger the need for this type of study, and how some cities regulate these studies.

Stephanie Falkers, SRF Consuting Group, Inc. explained that a motion was made at the November Planning Commission meeting to request that SRF Consulting Group provide example regulations for traffic impact studies in use by other agencies. She provided an overview of traffic impact studies including: how data is gathered and used, the study outcomes, and industry standards. Stephanie outlined six major considerations that need to be considered by the City of Jamestown if and when regulations are developed and adopted. To provide examples of existing regulations, she reviewed and compared various regulation elements adopted within Fargo, ND, Rochester, MN and New Prague, MN.

Stephanie explained the NDDOT’s policy related to the need for a traffic impact study. This policy requires some form of submittal for all developments requesting access onto a roadway within the highway system. These requirements vary depending on the amount of trips generated per day by the development. She noted that the city may want to develop regulations that consider these elements but also focus on impacts to the local network as well. Stephanie discussed recommendations for study requirement thresholds, study timing, and staff discretion.

Stephanie concluded the presentation by providing a recommendation from SRF Consulting Group that the City adopt language that would, 1. require traffic impact studies based on trip generation, 2. include city engineer discretion to allow for the requirement or waiver of traffic impact studies when professional judgment criteria are met, and 3. require a traffic impact study to be completed at various stages of development.

Commission member Trautman excused herself.

Cindy Gray responded that there may be some delay because of a traffic study, but it is important to look at the larger impact of future development. She also explained that by having a Land Use & Transportation study in place can at times prevent traffic study problems. She discussed experiences with traffic impact studies from other communities around the state.

Chairman Hillerud questioned what the next steps for the process are. Cindy Gray responded that development regulations would need to be developed, most likely through staff recommendations and/or a working group. The regulations would then be adopted through the public process just like any other ordinance amendment.

Commission Member Bayer asked how the studies get used, and if they just stay on a shelf. He discussed who pays for the study to be completed and the required improvements to the system. Cindy Gray explained that many cities require that the developer pay for the completion of a traffic impact study. Some communities will pay for the study, or a portion of the study for different reasons (i.e. if the city would like to include a larger study area or more detailed analysis). The improvements can be paid for using the same methodology. City Engineer Schwartzkopf also explained the general issue is how to deal with the additional traffic onto the system and implementation measures.

Commission Member Bayer asked how the requirements are fair for everyone. City Engineer Schwartzkopf responded that the adopted regulations will help to make things fair, and that limits could be placed on the use of city engineer discretion. He noted that possible study results could include level of service, but ultimately the decision is arbitrary, and that the City will have to decide how to act

Commission Member Ritter discussed the development that is already permitted that was not required to complete a traffic impact study. She asked if Jamestown was already behind the 8-ball in regards to these regulations. City Engineer Schwartzkopf noted the NDDOT’s request for the development and review of traffic impact study regulations, adding that it isn’t a major concern quite yet. The NDDOT wants to make sure that we are thinking about these impacts, and have policies in place to go about handling the development.

Commission Member Frye questioned possible development delays if it is found that a study is required well into the review process. Cindy Gray responded that the use of pre-application meetings and well described application materials should help to reduce confusion on when a study is required, reducing the chance for delay. Commission Member Frye added that if the city hires a consultant to complete the study, the notices alone could push back the application more than 30 days. City Engineer Schwartzkopf explained that companies who do these types of studies can be on a prequalified list and would be ready to do traffic impact studies on request for the city.

A motion was made by Commission Member Rhinehart to recommend to the City Council that ordinance language be developed for the requirement of traffic impact studies for development within the City of Jamestown as recommended by SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Seconded by Ritter. Roll Call. 6 ayes, 1 nay (Bayer). Motion Carried.

Discussion regarding potential updates to the City of Jamestown’s Urban Area Boundary.

City Engineer Schwartzkopf explained the need to look at Jamestown’s existing urban area boundary and the need for a possible update to the definite boundary. He noted that Stutsman County has been provided with a copy of the proposed boundary map to review and comment upon.

Stephanie Falkers, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. began by explaining that the urban boundary is for transportation planning purposes only, and does not outline any urban planning or jurisdictional boundary changes. She explained that the current boundary was updated in 2002, and noted that at a minimum the boundary must be updated to include the 2010 US Census urban boundary. Stephanie walked through the various areas defined for potential inclusion in a boundary update, stating the pros and cons of each.

City Engineer Schwartzkopf, explained that we will have a better idea of the areas to include and the implications of new areas after the meeting with the NDDOT on the 18^th of December. The NDDOT has seen the LUTP, but not this updated boundary map.

Commission members discussed the map and the various areas proposed for inclusion. Commission Member Bayer asked about the purpose of the boundaries and if it has to do with road planning purposes only, and not city limit lines. City Engineer Schwartzkopf explained that it is only for transportation studies and future funding sources.

Chairmen Hillerud noted that there is a lot of information that needs to be digested about this topic. No action was taken by the Commission at this time.