03/20/03 Jt Mtg w Planning - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Motion carriecl: Voting Yes: Planning Commissioners Nixt, Reeve, Watson, Brauer, Shepherd; Park and Recreation Commissioners Johns, Olds, Lehn~an, Rolfe; EPTF Members McDilda, Max, Connolly, Dvorak. Voting No: None. Absent: Planning Comrnissioners Johnson and Van Scoy; Park and Recreation Commissioners Ostrum, LaMere, Sl-u'yock; EPTF Member Sitz. COMMISSION/TASK FORCE BUSINESS Case #1: Review Proposed Tree Preservation Ordinance EPTF Chair Joe McDilcla stated that the objective of this joint meeting is to present what the 'Eprl'F believes to be very close to a final draft of the tree preservation ordinance. Councilmember Strommen noted that the Task Force has worked very hard to create an ordinance unique to Ramsey, and ~,mique ways to approach tree preservation and planting in Ramsey. One significant result is the development of a formula for determining appropriate number of plantings based on canopy cover versus stem count. Mr. McDilda explained that there curremly is not an ordinance in Ramsey that addresses the preservation of the urban forest. As new development occurs, we need to look at existing vegetation and complement what we exists in the City. Mr. McDilda then proceeded to review the ordinance outline and content. EPTF Vice-Chair Michael Max described the new Tree Book that has evolved as part of drafting a Tree Preservation Ordinance. There was also a discussion of the new formula devised for calculating the amount of plantings that would be required with new development. The new formula would be based on canopy and would be integrated into City Code in place of the current stem count fora'tala. The Planning Commission and Park Commission were glad to see that the ordinance encourages preservation but doesn't absolutely prohibit clear cutting, because that is not realistic in some cases. Through the discussion that ensued, it was also clarified that this ordinance does not prohibit the private homeowner fi'om removing trees from their property; that the ordinance is geared more towards new development and related tree requirements. Planning Commission Chairperson Nixt inquired as to how much it will cost the City to enforce this ordinance. EPTF member Dvoark stated that a 10t of cities have Tree Boards or Commissions to assist with enforcement. Discussion ensued regarding the cun'ent process wherein City Staff issues a review letter for each development proposal that includes a critique of the landscape plan. The process is in place t:br addressing trees, but in the broader sense of environmental issues, it may be necessary in the future to appoint an environmental commission. Planning Commissioner Brauer inquired about the economic impact associated with the adoption of the ordinance. He questioned what additional duties staff would be taking on and how those additional staff and tasks will be funded.