Minutes - Council - 07/22/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Mayor Gamec, to adopt Resolution #03-07-188 approving the final plat of Tiger Meadows including the construction of the parking area and street connection as indicated in Exhibit B, contingent upon compliance with City staff review letter dated July 18, 2003 and the developer entering into a Development Agreement with the City. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, and Councilmembers Cook, Elvig, Kurak, Pearson, and Zimmelxnan. Voting No: None. Case #9: Proposed Tree Preservation Ordinance Community Development Director Frolik stated that last year the City Council formed an Environmental Policy Task Force (EPTF) to draft a tree preservation ordinance for the City. Developers active in the City of Ramsey were also sent a copy of the proposed ordinance. The EPTF held a joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission on March 20, 2003 to review the preliminary draft ordinance. The draft ordinance was subjected to a public hearing at the Planning Commission level on July 10, 2003. The ordinance establishes some minimum performance standards as far as tree preservation and replacement for new development. It also includes some enforcement tools to address diseased and/or hazardous trees on private property. The Planning Commission and the EPTF recommend adoption of the ordinance. Councilmember Kurak inquired if the tree preservation ordinance was primarily for new developments. Community Development Director Frolik explained that the vast majority of the ordinance is focused on new development, but it does give the City the ability to give notice to a property owner for hazardous or diseased trees. Councihnember Kurak inquired if the ordinance prohibits a property owner from cutting down a tree on their property and Community Development Director Frolik replied no, that it does not. Councilmember Cook inquired if there is language included in the ordinance that prevents a private property owner from clear cutting trees before the land is sold to a developer and Community Development Director Frolik replied there is not. Mayor Gamec stated that that is something that can happen because people have certain property rights. Councilmember Kurak thanked the Environmental Policy Task Force and staff for all of their hard work on drafting the ordinance. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to introduce a tree preservation ordinance. City Council/July 22, 2003 Page 19 of 33