Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 03/21/2016

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Board Member Covart stated some of the lights are very close to trees that are planted on some of the developments she drove by and hoped the lights would be installed before the trees so there will be adequate space for tree growth. City Planner Anderson stated they do not have a minimal spacing distance requirement for trees and street lights, they only have a minimum spacing requirement for fire hydrants, which is a ten- foot separation requirement. He stated this could be something staff looks at but he does not have a specific suggestion for this in terms of what a suitable spacing distance would be. Board Member Lewis asked for elaboration on the generally acceptable wording for the plantings. City Planner Anderson stated they have a street hierarchy in the COR design framework. He indicated there is a certain grouping of trees assigned to each of the designated types of streets. All of the species proposed within all of those groups do not specifically line up with the local th street. He stated they also have plantings on the north side of 146 and on the east side of Peridot Street NW and there was some discussion internally if they should match that and make it symmetrical on both sides of the street and the general consensus that came out of that discussion was people will notice a nicely landscaped street, not necessarily the variety of tree. Board Member Lewis asked aesthetically, will they look good in ten years. City Planner Anderson stated he thought it would because they will never get the same symmetry because they have trees already established and by adding in a little bit of diversity they will have some resiliency built in if a certain species starts to be affected by pests. Board Member Lewis suggested the applicant plant some Autumn Blaze Maple trees on the south th side of 146 Avenue NW because of the color. City Planner Anderson stated with that particular species they have gotten overplanted and there is some concern with that. Board Member Bentz stated on the north side perimeter there did not seem to be a lot of pine trees, which will block winter winds. City Planner Anderson stated that evergreens are not allowed within the boulevard areas because of their growth form that creates a conflict with pedestrians and motor vehicles. Where it makes sense they can look at trying to accommodate or push for them. City Planner Anderson recapped the recommendations of the Board. 1. Work with the Project Developer in terms of a more detailed irrigation system. 2. Look at the internal plantings and redistributing them within the development. Motion by Board Member Stodola and seconded by Board Member Valentine to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan for The Station Preliminary Plat located at the 7200 block of Ramsey Parkway in The COR (Project No. 16-09); Case of D.R. Horton, Inc., contingent upon compliance with the Technical Memorandum and the following two items: Environmental Policy Board / March 21, 2016 Page 4 of 6