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<br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she did visit the site with some residents and noted that some <br />of the mature trees are near the property line and if they are removed it could impact the adjacent <br />fences. She stated that she was glad to hear there will be discussion of how some of those trees <br />could possibly remain in place. She asked if all berms must have equal slopes on each side. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that staff can have that conversation with the <br />developer prior to final plat depending upon the flexibility provided by the Council. He stated that <br />staff has taken the approach of where the berm could be stopped to protect additional trees rather <br />than changing the slope. He stated that if the slope is changed that could cause problems with <br />drainage and erosion for adjacent properties. He noted that the berm could be stopped short on the <br />southern tip to protect additional trees if desired. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma invited members of the public to provide input. <br /> <br />Leslie Clark, 15150 Kangaroo Street, stated that she has become the spokesperson for her <br />neighbors. She stated that there has been recent confusion about which trees will remain and which <br />will be removed, so she would like clarification on that aspect. She commented that there are very <br />mature trees that provide a good buffer, but they are eight to ten feet into the developer’s property. <br />She hoped that perhaps those mature trees could be preserved as that would provide a better buffer <br />than a berm with new plantings. She commented that the residents have done a lot of <br />compromising with the City and previous developers in order to agree upon the density for the site <br />and just want to find the best compromise for the buffer. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that staff can continue the discussions with residents <br />and the developer. He stated that staff believed that the buffer and berm with plantings was the <br />desire of the neighbors. He stated that they can continue discussions prior to construction and <br />could bring that back to the Council. He suggested that flexibility be given for the berm if that is <br />the desire of the Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley asked if there would be future ramifications if the berm design is changed. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that they would not want to skip lots for the berm <br />but if the last three lots would prefer to preserve the existing trees rather than have the berm, staff <br />would be agreeable as long as that is agreed upon in writing. He did not believe there would be <br />long-term ramifications as future homeowners would be buying into the situation already in <br />existence. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell commented that she would prefer to preserve larger mature trees to the <br />extent possible. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Specht seconded by Councilmember Musgrove, to Adopt Resolution <br />#21-007 Approving Preliminary Plat of Northfork Meadows, contingent upon work with adjacent <br />neighbors and developer to finalize the landscaping and density transition plan to balance and <br />preserve as many trees as possible while meeting the minimum density transitioning requirements. <br /> <br />City Council / February 8, 2021 <br />Page 5 of 12 <br /> <br />