Minutes - Council - 10/13/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Haas Steffen stated she watched the Planning Commission meeting and noted Mr. Gruber commented on how much extra his costs were from the City. She stated that she wants people in business to know that the extra cost was to bury a huge tank that was laid on the property owner by the State of Minnesota, not the City ofRamsey. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated that people doing business in the City of Ramsey should be aware of that situation. She stated she understands that Mr. Gruber may have heard that vines may pull down the fence. Mr. Gruber stated this is what he was told. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to modify the landscape plan and approve that part of the landscape plan that would reduce the number of required four-foot deciduous tree plantings from 30 to 18 and to relocate them from the north to the west property line. Further discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman stated he felt putting 30 trees on the west side was a fair trade and he does not feel 18 will provide much of a buffer. Mr. Gruber noted that his original site plan contained full grading and no trees but the proposal, if approved, will result in having 48 more trees than in the original plan. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that all agree more trees are not needed on the T.H. #10 frontage but the most complaints are coming from the Alpaca neighborhood on the west side. Mr. Gruber pointed out the area where trees were saved and where they will be relocated. He stated this is about 550 feet and will have 18 trees. He restated that the original plan was to have no trees. Ms. Frolik advised that the vine issue will be addressed again by the Planning Commission. Marquerite Henke, 14311 Armstrong Boulevard NW, stated that Alpaca residents and this group had an agreement and the Council determined what they had to do but now they want to change that agreement. She asked why they can't be held to the 30 trees. Ms. Henke noted this is a 550 foot area and the entire west side is very open. She stated that there were a lot of residents present at the meeting and a promise was made to those residents. Ms. Henke stated that the proposal for 18 trees will provide no barrier at all, especially if the vines are eliminated. She urged the Council to stay with the earlier decision and require the 30 trees of the original agreement. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted that Ms. Henke referenced the original agreement but that agreement indicated no trees on the west side. However, the Council is now requiring 18 trees. She clarified the original agreement is not being violated since it contained no trees on the west side. Ms. Henke stated the original agreement did require vines on the west side and at the Planning Commission it appeared the vines would not be requested and this may be a substitute for the vines. Mayor Gamec stated he agreed that vines on fences are a bad deal due to the damage they cause to the fence, the vines die, and the leaves fall off in the winter. Ms. Henke stated she does not object to the trees but does object to the quantity since she feels 18 trees grouped in threes over 550 feet will not provide much screening. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, and Beahen. Voting No: Zimmerman. Absent: CouncilmemberBeyer. Councilmember Zimmerman stated he voted against the motion due to the number of trees. City Council/October 13, 1998 Page 11 of 22