Agenda - Council Work Session - 06/17/2003

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Site Plan Review: Alpine Acres May 16, 2003, revised June 6, 2003 Page 4 of 5 satisfied. The plan indicates that a portion of the overstory requirement will be met by preserving some of the existing trees on site. As stated above, the minimum number of required oversto~ trees is 404. The plan indicates that 143 existing trees are being preserved and thus, 261 overstory trees are to be planted. However, the City does not consider all of these trees as significant. Therefore, at least sixteen (16) additional overstory trees need to be planted (the aspen and poplar trees do not qualify as significant). ~ All species indicated on the species palette are acceptable according to the Ramsey Tree Book and meet the minimum size requirements of City Code. One of the species of shrubs, Allegheny Serviceberry, is actually considered a preferred species as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book. However, there is some concern with the lack of diversity of species being planted. Most notably, Red Pine is the only species of evergreen tree shown on the plan. Secondly, there is to be 808 ornamental trees planted. The species palette indicates that three varieties of crab apple and one species of serviceberry will be used to satisfy this requirement. At a minimum, two additional conifer species should be used and at least three additional species of ornamental trees should be included. This will enhance the site aesthetically as well as act as a buffer against disease/insect infestations that can devastate largely monoculture plantings. The Ramsey Tree Book should be referenced in determining the additional plantings to be included. Density Transitioning: ·City Ordinances require a transition between higher density developments-and lower density developments. Density Transitioning requirements are addressed as part of the preliminary plat for Alpine Acres. Screening: The R-2 district stipulates that a thirty (30) foot wide bufferyard be included anywhere that a proposed higher density zoning district abuts a lower density zoning district. Within the bufferyard, an additional 10% percent of landscaping is required based on the minimum landscape plantings. Screening requirements are being satisfied through density transitioning, which is addressed as part of the preliminary plat of Alpine Acres. Ground Cover/Irrigation: The development is required to establish sod in all areas not improved with structures or pavement. An irrigation system will need to be provided throughout the development where sodded and landscaped areas will be established. The proposed irrigation system will need to be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. Mailbox Location: The placement of mailboxes for the towhome units should be located along 'the private streets when possible. Location of mailboxes along public streets will need to be clustered and is subject to the review and approval of the Streets Supervisor. Address Signage: The City will be requiring an address location sign (specifying the units addresses) to be placed at the entrance of all private streets. The required signage will assist emergency services in locating a specific unit when called to the site. The address signage is subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer and Police Chief.