Minutes - Council - 05/14/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council looks at the site and feels it complies then maybe it was a moot point but, based on his interpretation, that is not the case. Mr. Iverson stated that there are four key issues, one is that the City lacks any type of tree preservation ordinance or wetland protection ordinance, which is why the PONDS group would recommend adopting ordinances quickly. Secondly, when tree preservation is left in the hands of the developer it is non-existent. A developer is a for profit organization, therefore, it is not in their best interest to adhere to the City's requirements in terms of wishes. They will do what they have the right to do within the laws and regulations. Thirdly, the PONDS group feels that the lack of citizen involvement throughout the development process has cost the City dearly. Several times concerns were brought to the table by citizens, but they were not addressed. Fourthly, it has been his experience that what developers say and what they do don't always equate. Developers do not always paint the complete truth. For an example, comments were made by Royal Oaks that they worked with staff and citizens on the plat, but there was no citizen involvement. During the February 12 Council meeting, it was stated that grading would be done in phases to assist in tree preservation, but the site was cleared in a matter of days. Finally, Mr. Black stated that they would do some reforestation and the only thing he can find for reforestation is one, two-inch diameter tree in each lot, which Mr. Iverson would not define as reforestation. The only other reforestation attempt that was made was the relocation of 20 to 30 scotch pines, and in the recent Ramsey Resident it explains why there are so many scotch pines dying. He warned that a large portion of the reforestation will probably be dead in the near future. Mr. Iverson stated that the City of Ramsey deserves more than a bunch of empty promises and they need to act quickly to avoid any further disasters. Jim Bittner, 14331 Neon Street NW, Ramsey, reviewed the tree buffer between the wetland and The Ponds development. He stated that while watching a recent Council work session he was encouraged that the Council might be interested in having residents assist in writing appropriate tree preservation ordinances and wetland protection ordinances. He noted that the City's park staff was surprised by the amount of trees that were removed on the property and blamed the removal of all the trees on conflicting ordinances. What the PONDS group is advocating is the ratification of a tree ordinance and wetland protection ordinance to be adopted by December 2002. They would recommend that an ordinance development committee be created comprised of staff, citizens, Planning Commission members, and any other appropriate City body. He explained that the citizens are committed to do the work as a high priority. They would also recommend that any development plans currently in the approval process must be accompanied by an enforceable wetland and tree preservation plan. They recommend that the City halt any further development on the peninsula as part of the Royal Oaks Realty development and give the land back to the City for a park as it was indicated in the City's Comprehensive Plan. No further development of the peninsula should go forward until a tree preservation and wetland protection ordinance is in place. Ms. Stroman stated that unfortunately the cost of one person's learning experience has occurred at the expense of someone else. She hoped that the Council has learned their lesson about the importance of citizen input. To be honest, no one was overly surprised with what occurred on the property, which is why they tried to get someone to listen to them prior to the start of the City Council/May 14, 2002 Page 3 of 36