Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/05/2001

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Ms. McGerr responded she hears comments from her visitors who ask what the big pile of dirt is back of her home. She said she realizes the owners have not had a chance to plant anything, and also realizes that with the slope, it will be hard to maintain decent vegetation. She stated her biggest concern is whether it will be maintained. Gary Jacobs, applicant, stated the Van Normans were not available for this meeting. He said he intended to make the berm look nice in regards to vegetation. He added that if he had not agreed to do that, the Homeowners Association would not have written the letter they did. He explained that they have been waiting to have the conditional use permit approved. They didn't want to do much to the berm in case the City denies the permit. He said they did plant trees and an initial grass planting, It is now late in the season, and there is less opportunity to plant vegetation. He said the Homeowners Association asked that the landscaping be complete by May 3, 2002. Scott Christianson, 8971 162aa Lane N.W., stated he concurred with Ms. McGerr. He said he supports the fact that maybe they would have felt differently if they had some say before it began. They now have to deal with it as is, and he said he wanted to make sure something is grown there. John Lindberg, 8971 160th Lane N.W., explained he lives adjacent to the property with the berm. He overlooks the berm from the front of his home. He said the major issue is that this took place over a year ago. He said the residents have had to look at this sand berm and need to be able to put it to rest. He stated it is important that the property is made to blend appropriately and the landscaping should be appropriate. The berm does not blend at this point. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Brauer, to close the public hearing. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Nixt, Commissioners Johnson, Brauer, Sweet, and Watson. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Kociscak and Reeve. The public hearing closed at 8:26 p.m. Commission Business Chairperson Nixt called the regular meeting of the Planning Commission back to order at 8:26 p.m. Commissioner Sweet commented she would abstain from discussion and voting. She said she lives by the berm and it is the most horrific thing. Chairperson Nixt inquired whether a landscape plan was given. He noted that the 33% slope grossly exceeds the limit of 12%. Planning Commission/November 5, 2001 Page 11 of 20'