Minutes - Council - 04/27/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Gamcc asked who served on the interview committees. Human Resources Reed informed the Council of the members of the interview committees. Case #6: Reqnest for Amendment to an Approved Site Plan; Case of Precise Metalcraft Associate Planner Geisler reported that on August 26, 2003, Precise Metalcraft received site plan approwd tot' a 12,533 square foot manufacturing/office building on Radium Street between McI(inlcy Street and 140"~ Avenue. Precise Metalcraft is now ready to install the landscaping on their site, and is seeking an amendment to the landscaping plan previously approved by the Council. Precise Metalcraft's approved landscaping plan shows a total of 25 trees and 100 shrubs, which meets current landscaping requirements in the E-2 Employment District. Under the new landscaping requirements for the E-2 District, a total of 21 trees and 41 shrubs would be required for this project. The applicant has submitted a revised plan and shows a total of 55 shrubs and 10 trees. Staff met with the applicant on-site to evaluate the proposed amendments and review the site's landscaping potential. Staff and the applicant are in agreement on the number and placement of shrubs on the site, with the exception of the north property line. The applicant is concerned that trees planted along this property line will be in standing water from thc drainage ditch and may cause damage to cars in the parking lot. It is staff's opinion that there is sufficient room to plant some trees along this property line. The drainage ditch is not intended to act as a holding pond and will not hold water for long periods of time. There are also tree species that can be planted that are more compatible with any standing water that may occur. Associate Planner Geisler stated staff is recomlnending that additional trees be planted along the northern property line, perhaps to match the number and spacing of trees on the south property lilac. If scven additional trees were planted in this location, this would bring the total number of trees on thc site to 17, which is still short of the 21 trees required by code. Because there are two existing trees in the rear of the site, staff is of the opinion that this is a good compromise. Councilmcmbcr Cook questioned if the trees are needed for screening. Associate Planner Geisler replied it is the minimum number of trees required in the zoning district. Staff recognizes they do have limitations with this site for placement of trees. Gina, a representative of Precision Metalcraft, stated they do not have a good amount of land to work with. Dwayne Muschik, President of Precision Metalcraft, stated they have a statement from their insurance company that recommends they do not have trees because of the parking, and a statement fi'om a landscaper recommending bushes rather than trees. He stated if a tree is placed in the proposed location, sap will go on the parked cars when the tree is full grown. If they put bushes there, they could keep them trimmed and it would be nice looking and save a lot of problems. City Council/April 27, 2004 Page 19 of 35