Oakdale council approves final map, improvement agreement for Saddlewood subdivision

The Oakdale City Council on a 3-0 vote authorized the city manager to execute a subdivision improvement agreement and approved the final map for the Saddlewood subdivision, the first project in the Crane Crossing specific plan area.

City staff said the action will allow developers to record individual lots with the county recorder and begin installation of standard subdivision infrastructure, while some park improvements tied to the project will be constructed as part of the subdivision work.

Staff described the utilities and public improvements included in the agreement as storm drainage, sewer, water mains, and above-ground work such as streets, curb and gutter, sidewalks, decorative lighting and mailbox clusters. Brownwood Lane will be limited to pedestrian access and Timberwood will serve as the through street providing a second access point to the subdivision, staff said.

The presentation noted elements that will benefit adjacent parts of the Crane Crossing area and therefore require a financing plan and reimbursement agreement; those items will return to council for consideration in the next 30 to 45 days. "Some of the undergrounding and infrastructure that's going to be installed will be enjoyed by future development in the area," a staff member said, adding that a separate finance and reimbursement package is forthcoming.

Park work tied to the subdivision and to nearby Fish Park was described in the staff report. Planned park improvements include shade structures over a playground and picnic area, a two-stall restroom near the play area, resurfacing of a half basketball court with lighting, irrigation work and rehabilitation of existing ball fields. Staff said public improvements will be bonded, built to city standards and, after a one-year warranty period, accepted for city maintenance.

On funding, staff said the costs of the work are generated by the Saddlewood development through developer-paid fees and referenced a previously considered community facilities district; the staff presentation said the surrounding neighborhood will not bear direct financial burden for these improvements. "There won't be any additional burden on the immediate neighborhood," the staff member said.

Council members asked procedural and design questions about the final map, annexation of northern portions of the specific plan area, and how park locations and drainage will be addressed as the plan area develops. The council voted aye: Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Council member Potassie and Mayor Barrios.

The council directed staff to return with the reimbursement and financing plan in the coming weeks for the council's final action.