Agenda - Council - 02/12/1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A discussion was held regarding "clear cutti.ng~.. Mr. Marston stated that clear cutting would be discouraged but only prohibited within a 100' distance of the Rum River, Mississippi River and any of the public bodies of water. Art Dunn asked what the definition of clear cutting is~ Reference was made to Page 68 of the Critical River Ordinance. Art Dunn commented that he feels that prohibiting cutting of trees will conflict with solar access and this is something we are trying to encourage. To not allow cutting of trees would defe~t this aspect. Mr. Marston agreed that there are some conflicts, the obvious one being, solar and woodland protection within so much area of bodies of water so the Commission may want to put more emphasis on woodland protection° Policies for solar accessplan are needed~-~- Ben Deemer reported that the only place where the City has significant tree population is along the water courses and in areas that are already developed. Ron West stated that the original plan stated that 50 percent of the trees could be clear cut and 50 percent were to preserved. He feels this is adequate to incorporate solar energy. Chairman Peterson asked if the Commission wants to apply the 50 percent figure. Mr. Marston spoke on clear cutting, saying that this Would allow for removal of some trees but not all of them, 50% isn't clear cutting, Is this the sort of provision that should be applied to the co~unity as a whole or do we want this for shoreline areas and something less restrictive for the other areas? Chairman Peterson asked if this is in the plan, how can it be enforced? Ron West repl~d that it could only be enforced on new developments or plats. Regarding the industrial or commercial districts, trees could not be preserved in thoses cases~ this should apply only to residential areas. Chairman Peterson noted that the site plan/building design plan ~pproval provided for commercial or industrial developers to replant trees, shrubs and create green areas. Ben Deemer added that where there are cases where more trees have to be cut down, it could be more rigidly enforced to having them replant. Ths following areas were specifically noted: The City wants to maintain control over a developer who comes in who has trees on his property, some control should be maintained on this.~ Along the shoreline areas, consensus is to maintains50% crown WORKSHOP MEETING PLANNING & ZONING January 15, 1980 Page 2