Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/03/2003

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preserved, or about 30% of the existing tree cover. Above and beyond the trees that are slated for preservation, there is tremendous potential to preserve a number of young red and white oaks by relocating them with a tree spade. Staff recommends on site inspections with the applicant to identify possible candidates for relocation. Tom Hovey of the DNR has reviewed the development plan and has indicated that the plan is generally acceptable. The DNR has indicated that the density of units contained within the Shoreland Overlay District is a little more than they would typically like to see, but given the amount of open space preserved as part of the development and the fact that there will be less stormwater runoff into Sunfish Lake than currently occurs, the DNR finds the plan acceptable. Since a portion of the development property is within the Shoreland Overlay District, City Ordinances require additional environmental review be undertaken. The majority of the review criteria regards grading and filling within the Shoreland area. These issues are reviewed as part of the Lower Rum River Water Management permit process. The other main component of the required environmental review deals with the protection of trees. The City will, as in previous developments, require best management practices be used during grading around trees. Also, the submitted tree preservation plan complies with the required review regarding tree removal. In regards to trails, the Planning Commission recommended that the trail on the eastern portion of the development be removed as previously discussed at the January 21, 2003 City Council work session. The Planning Commission also recommended that the southern trail be removed from the plat. The Park and Recreation Commission reviewed the plat on February 13, 2003. The Commission felt strongly that the trail on the south edge of the plat be constructed as originally proposed, and in addition, that it be extended southwesterly (in the sedimentation pond area) to connect to 145th Lane adjacent to Sunwood Drive. The Commission acknowledged that several residents spoke against the trail located on the southern edge, but noted that the trail will be of value to a large number of existing residents for recreation. Staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat subject to the City Staff Review Letter dated January 31, 2003, Revised February 21, 2003 and City Council approval of the PUD rezoning request and a determination on trail matters. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Pearson, to adopt Resolution #03-02-__ approving the preliminary plat of Village of Sunfish Lake contingent on compliance with City staff review letter dated January 31, 2003, revised February 21,2003, rezoning the land to the PUD, 146th Avenue be connected, the southern trail being eliminated, staff working with the developer on identifying possible trees to be relocated, drainage issues being addressed, a sidewalk along 145th Lane being constructed in lieu of the backyard trail on the southern portion of the property, and trees being protected from oak wilt. Further discussion: Mayor Gamec inquired if the sidewalk along 145th Lane should be included in the motion since it was an area outside of the development. City Attorney Goodrich replied that the sidewalk along 145th Lane could be included in 'the motion. He also noted that Preliminary plat approval is the driving document for the future of the plat so the Council should be very specific in their motion. Principal Planner Trudgeon noted that the City staff review letter states very specifically what they need to have for the drainage and grading plans. Councihnember Strommen stated that she liked the concept of the development, but she still had a couple of concerns that she would have liked time to work out. She stated that she was still concerned with the length of the driveways as well as the single lot off Sunwood Drive on the City Council/February 25, 2003 Page 17 of 24 P37