Minutes - Council - 02/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further discussion: Josh Metzer, Lennar, stated that they will do what they can to preserve existing trees, but they would need to first define which trees are on the developer property and which are on adjacent properties to the east. He stated that there will be a graded swale on the eastern property to create the berm and manage stormwater to move south to the stormwater system. He stated that in order to do that, most trees along the property line would need to be removed. He stated that if the stormwater plan can work while preserving trees, they would attempt to do so. He stated that the tree buffer ordinance is very specific on the number of trees that need to be planted per foot, and therefore he would ask that any action specify that for every tree preserved, that would be one less tree required to be planted. He asked if the project engineer could provide input on the grading near that southern boundary and if it would be possible to even preserve trees in that location. Nathan Hermer, ISG, stated that he reviewed the grading prior to the meeting, and it does appear that this could perhaps work to save some trees in that area. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the developer requested that for every tree preserved one be removed from those that need to be planted. He stated that he would suggest that would apply to those trees that would be required to be planted adjacent to that lot and not just allowed to be removed from somewhere else on the site. Councilmember Specht commented that he worked with staff to develop the language he proposed in his motion which he feels gives staff the flexibility to work with the developer and neighbors without becoming too specific. Councilmember Musgrove asked if staff is comfortable with the motion as stated. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill confirmed that staff is comfortable with the motion language as proposed. Councilmember Musgrove asked if there would still be a berm in the area to the south where trees could be preserved. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that the berm could taper off and stop short, leaving the existing plantings. He noted that staff will continue to have the discussions recognizing that the developer has come forward with the desired buffer as directed. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Kuzma, Councilmembers Specht, Musgrove, Howell, Riley, and Woestehoff. Voting No: None. 7.03: 2021 Legislative Platform City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt the 2021 City of Ramsey Legislative Platform as presented. Councilmember Howell referenced the item related to the Governors Executive Order and local control. She stated that many people are running out of time with their finances and businesses and would like to see that item as a high priority. Councilmember Musgrove agreed. She commented that the Executive Orders impact local control and agree that should be moved up. She asked for more information on TIF districting, specifically if extending the district would keep those funds within The COR rather than placing them on the levy which would benefit the City as a whole. City Administrator Ulrich explained that typically there is a limited amount of time to complete TIF projects within the District. He stated that the TIF district does capture all of the taxing jurisdiction dollars for primarily infrastructure related improvements within that area. He stated that if those improvements are not funded through the TIF districts, they would be projects that City Council / February 8, 2021 Page 6 of 12