Agenda - Council - 07/26/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Preliminary Plat and Site Plan Review Rum River Estates April l, 2005, revised April 6, 2005 Page 4 of 6 vegetation be established within the wetlands. Staff would suggest obtaining the seeding specifications established by MnDot be incorporated into a portion of the wetland area. Ii. Traffic Generation Analysis. A-traffic generation analysis for this project was completed by Bolton and Menk Inc. The traffic study shows that the additional traffic generated from this development will not degrade the operations of the existing streets and intersections. As part of the study, Bolton and Menk made the following recommendations: a. Place a stop sign at the northbound approach of Radium Street and I57th Lane b. Place a stop sign at the southbound approach of Potassium Street and Old CSAH 5 c. Upgrade Potassium Street to provide a paved surface and adequate width d. Upgrade width and roadway surface of Old CSAH 5 I2. Drainage and Utility Easements. Wetlands must be encumbered with a drainage and utility easement. It appears that the preliminary plat complies with this requirement. l 3. Density Transitioning. The development is not subject to density transitioning. 14. Landscaping. We are in receipt ora landscaping plan that was submitted on March 17, 2005. Using the canopy cover fbrmula, the minimum required canopy cover is 64,237 square feet. A combination of existing trees and new plantings are being utilized to fulfill this requirement. The new plantings consist of deciduous and coniferous overstory trees, ornamental trees, and shrubs totaling approximately 30,150 square feet. All of the proposed plantings meet the minimum size requirements and all species are considered to be acceptable and/or preferred as outlined in the 'Ramsey Tree Book. The remainder of the required canopy cover will be achieved by preserving existing vegetation, which is discussed below. The t'bllowing comments are offered regarding the landscaping plan: In the planting specifications, if a wire basket is present with the balled and burlap trees, at least the top third ol~ it must be removed after the tree has been placed in the planting hole and partially backfilled. Also, as much of the burlap should be cut away as possible, not just folded back (if the burlap has been treated to resist decay or if it is made of plastic, all of it should be removed). The depth of the planting hole should be adjusted so that the root flare is at grade level. Organic mulch should be used around all new plantings to a depth of 4-6 inches, but should be pulled back so it is not against the stems of the plants. 15. Tree Prese~wation. There are approximately 200 trees that are to be preserved throughout the construction process consisting mostly of aspen, red and white pine, and northern pin oak.' Roughly thirty-five (35) of the trees being preserved qualify to be credited toward the required canopy cover (at least 8 inches in diameter and meaningfully located). These trees will constitute about 42,736 square feet of canopy cover. f"urthermore, many of these trees, as well as younger, smaller trees will provide some screening for the existing properties to the north.