On July 1, 2015, the Planning Division received an application for preliminary plat approval for the proposed Pike Subdivision Amended Block 2.  The property is generally located north of Stillwater Drive which is north of King Avenue West and west of 80^th Street West. This 11-lot subdivision will re-arrange the western half of the original plat from December 1972.  The proposed lots range from 1 acre to 1.96 acres.  The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to act on the proposal on September 15, 2015.  
 

Staff recommends that the Planning Board recommend that the Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners conditionally approve the preliminary plat of Pike Subdivision, Amended Block 2 and adopt the Findings of Fact as presented in the staff report.
 
PROPOSED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Pursuant to Section 76-3-608(4), MCA, the following conditions are recommended to reasonably minimize potential adverse impacts identified within the Findings of Fact.
 

1. To ensure ditches are properly identified and easements are identified and in place for the ditches, the applicant will show ditch locations and existing easement for them on the final plat or provide easements and documentation for their creation before final plat approval.
    
2. To ensure proper vacating of public right-of-way on Canyon Drive involving Lots 14-A-2, 20-A and 19-A, prior to final plat approval the applicant will go through the process of vacating portions of the existing cul-de-sac with County Public Works.
    
3. To minimize the effects on local services, prior to final plat approval a Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) will be created to provide maintenance of the interior roads of this subdivision.
    
4. To ensure public park land is being used in accordance with the desires of the County Park Board, prior to final plat approval or before construction of the tank takes place, the applicant will receive permission from the County Park Board to install the 10,000 gallon dry hydrant system in the park land off of South 80^th Street West.
    
5. To ensure proper location and installation of the proposed 10,000 gallon dry hydrant, prior to final plat approval the applicant will receive written approval from the Laurel Fire Department for the location and verification of installation and testing of the tank.
    
6. To meet YCSR and ensure proper storm water management practices, prior to final plat approval the applicant will submit proposed storm water management information to the MDEQ for review and approval.
    
7. To minimize the effects on the natural environment, prior to final plat approval a weed management plan and property inspection shall be approved by the County Weed Department.
    
8. To minimize the effects on local services, prior to final plat approval the subdivider shall provide written verification that the US Postal Service has approved the mail facilities and the location for this subdivision.
    
9. Minor changes may be made in the SIA and final documents, as requested by the Planning and/or Public Works Departments, to clarify the documents and bring them into the standard acceptable format.         
    
10. The final plat shall comply with all requirements of the County Subdivision Regulations, rules, regulations, policies, and resolutions of the Yellowstone County, and the laws and Administrative Rules of the State of Montana.

No variances were requested.

Vice President Don Reed, serving in the absence of President Dick Clark, called for discussion and questions from the Board.  Donna Forbes asked for clarification on the access points along Stillwater Drive. Dave Green pointed out a no access strip will be placed on the plat along Stillwater Drive so Lots 5-A and 6-A will only have access off of Pike Court.  Lots 3 and 4 on Stillwater Drive have existing homes and existing access off of Stillwater Drive.  Donna Forbes asked if there is any concern with the location of the dry hydrant.  Dave Green said the Laurel Fire Department has signed off on this location.

Donna Forbes asked how many Growth Policy goals need to meet when a subdivision is being reviewed. Candi Millar said many of the Growth Policy goals do not apply to county subdivision development, but when land use goals are considered in review of a subdivision, about half of the goals would usually be met. She explained that staff tries to point out that a subdivision proposal is not in conflict with any goals and directly addresses some of the goals.  Donna Forbes asked about the advantage of a using a hammerhead turn around is versus a cul-de-sac. Candi Millar said it accomplishes the need for a turnaround and reduces the size of the street surface and right-of-way needed.  In response to a question by Don Reed, Dave Green said the west edge where the proposed South 82^nd Street West was originally platted is partially swampland but not in the lot areas.