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

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improvements are done on the County roads. In regards to tree preservation, the plan has been revised from previous submissions to allow for greater preservation of several groves of trees. Specifically, a group of Hackberries, which range in diameter from 8" to 19", and two groves of large Cottonwoods with Red Cedars in the understory. In addition to these, a small clump of trees in the southwest corner and a rather large stand of trees in the northwest coruer will also be preserved. There has been a lot of discussion with the developer regarding relocating some of the existing trees on site. After a site inspection by Staff, it was found that a majority of the trees were not ideal candidates, either due to species, size, or condition and form, for relocation. However, there are a number of possible candidates that are on the two single-family properties at the intersection of Ramsey Blvd and County Road #116. This option is worth exploring if a majority of these trees are available (after the properties are vacated). Relocating existing trees provides many benefits to both the developer and the City. The trees are already well adapted to the site/soils and will create a more aesthetically pleasing atmosphere by adding some size to the new landscape. The preliminary plat is meeting the 40% open space and 10% identifiable open space required of all multi-family developments. At their special meeting on June 25, 2003, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat subject to compliance with the City Staff Review Letter and supplemental engineering comments. Staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat subject to the City Staff Review Letter dated May 30, 2003 Revised June 23, 2003, Revised July 18, 2003 and additional City Engineering comments to be presented at the July 22, 2003 City Council meeting. Councilmember Zimmerman requested that the plats include street names so that the comments can be accurately reflected. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon explained that the developer would like to begin the process of removing the trees that are not going to be saved prior to final plat approval, which staff was seeking guidance on from the Council. In addition they are looking to start mass grading on the property once they receive preliminary plat approval. Mr. Tmdgeon feels that it might be possible if certain criteria are met, but he did not have that information available. If the Council was agreeable to allowing the developer to start grading after they receive preliminary plat approval staff would like to be able to work out the details on that which could then be brought back to the Council. Councilmember Kurak inquired as to how the drainage and grading of this property impacted the Town Center property. City Engineer Jankowski explained that this subdivision is being designed with an overflow that will eventually drain through the Town Center property, but in the interim the water will be held in a landlocked basin which will have to meet the design requirements for a land locked basin. The plat has received a permit from the WMO meeting those requirements. Councilmember Kurak inquired if the ponds would be eliminated in the future once the outlet is connected. City Engineer Jankowski replied that that could be a possibility. City Council/July 22, 2003 Page 21 of 33