Agenda - Council - 05/23/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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'1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CASE Background: TREE By: CONSERVATION POLICY PROCESS Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor The purpose of th~s case is to receive Council affirmation and direction on the interim tree conservation polic~t process. As you are aware, the subject of tree conservation has been addressed by the City Council, Park and Recreation Commission, and most recently, at the meeting with frequent developers here in Ramsey. The above paragraOh and the following text is nearly identical to the case Council reviewed April 25. The attac~ed May 4 memorandum/meeting notice was generated in response to Council s desire to provide a~ additional opportunity for developers to comment on tree and subdivision issues. Present for t~e meeting were Councilmember Zimmerman and developer Tony Emmerich. Developer Dennis ~>eck provided a facsimile which is attached. Mr. Emmerich stated he is generally comfortable with the four points bulleted below, but may provide written comment (possibly available i~ time for the meeting). Observations: New subdivision st~xts are the most prominent cause of tree loss within the City. In addition, the public subdivision [brocess is the most visible and most enduring medium for the City to ensure that growth does not detract from the quality of life residents expect. For these reasons, the primary focus of di.4cussion has been new subdivisions. Tree issues, like all Other elements of subdivision creation, continue to be sorted out (usually) due to mutual agreemen between the Commissions, City Staff, and developers. City Council then has approved the terms ?ia the development agreement. The following issues are recommended and have been negotiato between the developers, Commissions, and City Staff: · Requiring th~ minimum equivalent of one 2" front yard tree for each new lot created · Significant ~ndividual trees and stands of trees to be identified on the grading plan for protecnon colns~deratton · Common bu~ for the utalmes ~n the road right-of-way · Encouraging~builders to protect saved trees on individual lots with fencing Attached for your information is a summary of the February 21 meeting with developers regarding tree conservation. Six points in the memo are believed to be the consensus of those in attendance at the meeting. Further, the recommendations appear to afford more flexibility than most cities allow developers. I~_ is for these reasons, Staff recommends that Council direct the Commissions and City Staff to nel[otiate with developers the above tree conservation measures for decision by Council within the d~velopment agreement framework. Staff has been working on ordinance amendments attempting to deal with several environmental issues within one ciydinance. This is continuing and will include additional meeting(s) with affected parties inchiding developers/builders. At this time, we are asking for Council ratification of Park and Recreatibn suggested policies which do not appear controversial.