1. Request to Amend Preliminary Plat for Glacier Commons Subdivisionr City of Kalispell Public Works Department
Post Office Box 1997, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406)758-7720, Fax (406)758-7831
REPORT TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: James C. Hansz, P.E., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Glacier Commons Subdivision - Request to Modify Granrud Drive Improvements
MEETING DATE: May 17, 2004
BACKGROUND: The Glacier Commons Subdivision was approved by City Council with several
conditions for improvements. One of those conditions is to improve Granrud Lane to City standards. The
City's expectation was that improvements would extend from Whitefish Stage road to Country Way, a
distance of approximately 1,330 feet, and would include curb and gutter with sidewalks and boulevards
flanking each side of the street. The developer has requested approval of a change that is a significant
deviation from the original requirements. The developer has asked to improve the roadway with curb and
gutter for 950 feet from Whitefish Stage Road to Buffalo Stage Drive and from there to Country Way,
approximately 380 feet, with parallel drainage ditches. An eight foot wide asphalt bike path is proposed
on the south side of the street for the full length in lieu of sidewalks on both sides. The bike path would
connect with the Whitefish Stage Road bike path. The areas of the right of way adjacent to bike paths,
boulevard areas and other areas within the ROW are required to be planted in grasses with street trees in
boulevard areas.
The requested change would result in a roadway section generally in conformance with normal
City Standards for 950 feet and in conformance with the City's Alternate street standard for the remaining
380 feet. This Alternate section would be similar in appearance to other county specification roads in the
area. The use of the City's alternate cross-section for roadways must be approved by City Council. It also
would replace two concrete sidewalks with a single slightly wider asphalt bike path having a shorter life
span than concrete. To extend longevity, we believe a concrete bike path should be substituted for asphalt.
In connection with the potential approval of any change, City Council also should direct staff and
the developer regarding its desires for maintenance of the adjacent landscaped areas which will result
from the developer's proposal. City park maintenance resources are not sufficient to maintain these areas,
except for the street trees. The south side of Granrud Lane is presently maintained by the Buffalo Stage
Homeowners Association. A similar maintenance arrangement with Glacier Commons should be
considered for the north side.
May 17, 2004 Gmnmd improvement modification request .doc
RECOMMENDATION: Provide guidance to staff on the City Council's desires for improving Gramud
Drive and adjacent landscape maintenance so that further discussions with the developer and his engineer
can be conducted in a timely and productive manner.
ACTION REQUESTED: AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 17, MOTION TO APPROVE OR
DISAPPROVE THE REQUESTED CHANGE FOR GRANRUD LANE ADJACENT TO GLACIER
COMMONS SUBDIVISION.
FISCAL EFFECTS: None,
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council
Respectfully
James C. Hansz, REY Chris A. Kukulski
Director of Public W rks l Engineer City Manager
Report compiled May 12, 2004
May 17, 2004 Gramod improvement modification request. doe