Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/15/2019

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City Planner Anderson stated that he did not think any absolute concerns would be identified by the DNR related to this request. He stated that perhaps a comment would be made to offset the building with additional plantings,which is already recommended by staff. He noted that the City has not yet received input from the DNR but is basing his comments on past experience from the DNR with similar requests. Councilmember Shryock asked if there should be a consideration of requesting an evergreen planting between the new building and the neighboring property. Board Member Moore stated that she would be concerned with adding additional plantings in the bluff area, because of the existing tree locations. She stated that perhaps the applicant could work with a Master Gardener from Anoka County to determine if additional plantings would be appropriate or harmful to the river. She stated that she does support the request for an additional evergreen planting between the building and neighboring property. Chairperson Valentine stated that perhaps there should be a more professional input regarding the request for additional plantings. City Planner Anderson stated that personally he does not see a concern with space between the building and the existing tree line, however, the recommendation could be to fill in more of the gap along the shoreline to provide additional screening of structures in general. He believed that in-house there are resources and capabilities to visit the site and determine if there is sufficient space for trees to survive. He stated that if there is not sufficient space for a tree to survive, he would then not support adding trees in that location. Motion by Board Member Fetterley and seconded by Board Member Hiatt to recommend the Planning Commission approve the requested variance contingent upon the applicant planting additional native trees between the accessory building and the river if there is space as determined by a site visit by Staff Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Valentine,Board Member Fetterley, Hiatt,Bernard, and Moore. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Covart and Madison. 5.03: Review Preliminary Plat for Property at 6080 Highway 10 NW (Project No. 18-163); Case of Village Bank City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of this case is to review a Preliminary Plat for a subdivision of the property located at 6080 Highway 10 NW. The subject property is currently zoned both R-1 Residential and E-1 Employment. The Preliminary Plat shows 14 detached villa lots plus three outlots that will contain the storm water pond, infiltration basin, and trail (part of the Mississippi River Trail). A Comprehensive Plan amendment and zoning amendment will be required based on the proposed use, lot dimensions and density. Councilmember Shryock stated that the Council is of the same mind as the Planning Commission and EPB. She stated that there was some discussion on the number of lots, but the Council supported moving ahead with this number of lots to gather additional public input. She noted that Environmental Policy Board /April 15, 2019 Page3of6