Agenda - Council - 04/25/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Peek pondered, if a lot has 150 trees and takes 25 down to build a house, why one would want to replaceCthe trees when there are still 125 on the lot. He suggested the City may wish to distinguish between semi-open lots and wooded lots. Mr. Boos stated that there currently is a ceiling on the number of trees per acre, for replacement computation, in the proposed ordinance. Mr. Emmerich also noted that trees sometimes need to be thinned out in order to allow growth of healthier trees. He stated that Ramsey has a good Arbor Day Program, and suggested addressing the planting of trees more strongly at that program. Mr. Bacon advised that the City Council made the determination to reduce support of this type of program and to make it privatized. Councilmember Zimmerman interjected that he has always supported the Arbor Day Program, however, he is the only one. Mr. BOOs inquired whether the developers were in agreement that joint trenching should be required. Mr. Emmerich and Mr. Gorham agreed it's a great idea, adding that the utility companies like it also. Mr. Emmerich suggested that money should be contributed to the Arbor Day Program. Resident Janette Monear, 8513 164th Lane NW, summarized that what she's hearing from the developers is that this is costly. She remarked that the basic problem is education. She felt there is no reason that one shouldn't be able to look at a lot and know what trees need to come down and assess the best place for a house to set because of the trees there. She feels that tree preservation ordinances are very confusing, however if the City doesn't obtain some control, it wilt be coming at the state level. _ She stated ordinances are not going to work if there is no education to go with them. She commented that property taxes are lower because of the lack of trees. She suggested that Ramsey should have workshops for replanting, adding that replanting in neighborhoods reunites neighbors. She concluded that there needs to be guidelines, but if they aren't going to be enforced, there is no purpose. Mr. Boos discussed the process of distributing information to builders and requiting the lot's tree preservation plan be displayed in the garage along side the building permit. Ms. Monear inquired whether it was possible to get the subcontractors to a meeting, require that they be certified. Mr. Gorham advised that the State is in the process of requiring licensing of all contractors but that it's goinglo take years. He stated that at that time they might require classes. He noted that one can have some control if they use the same contractors. Ms. Monear stated she thinks the key is the subcontractors. Mr, Gorham and Mr. Emmerich were in agreement. Ms. Monear also suggested that the City require utilities to come through one corridor. Mr. Boos and Mr. Gorham agreed that would provide a big benefit. Tree Conservation Policy Workshop/February 21, 1995 Page 4 of 5 I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I i I