Agenda - Council - 06/26/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Trites Rolle questioned if there will be appropriate capacity elsewhere for the drainage pond if TH 47 were to be realigned in this direction. City Engineer Jankowski replied there will be an opportunity to accommodate drainage in other areas that will be modified. For example, there would be an opportunity to place some of the drainage where the existing Dysprosium Street is, and eventually part of the Lord of Life property will also be served, so there are some opportunities there as well. Staff thinks there will be plenty of opportunity to replace that capacity. Mr. Fink presented City Engineer Jankowski with revised grading and utility plans. He indicated these plans were prepared for Watershed District submittal as well. Mr. Fink provided a presentation of the revised landscaping plan for Terrace Hills Apartments. He stated the site has no trees, except for a strip along the south edge along an existing recreation trail. Most of these trees are mature oaks, some have been identified with 4- inch diameters, and some that were even smaller, but in working with the Environmental Coordinator, he saw no need for a tree . preservation plan. There will be a tree preservation line along the edge of the, existing trees, and that will be the limit for disturbance of ground or grading. Mr. Fink stated the area along the property line is closely adjacent to the R -1 property to the south. They are being asked to create a buffer zone in this area, so in addition to the existing trees they are proposing to plant the additional trees included in the plan to comply with the buffer zone. Mr. Fink stated the tree plantings included in the plan exceeds the canopy cover calculation required under City Code. The plan being submitted has been reviewed by the Environmental Coordinator and he is confident he has his support, and that the plan will adequately buffer any visual views from the neighboring property. Chairperson Nixt verified with Mr. Fink that the buffer area will be sodded and irrigated. He inquired about the proposed elevation of the retaining wall. Mr. Fink replied it will be an engineered retaining wall that could reach 10 or 11 feet and will require safety fencing. Commissioner Van Scoy inquired about buffering on the west side of the development. Mr. Fink stated there is an R -2 district immediately west, which has townhomes and an existing stormwater retention pond. He has talked with staff. about any necessary transition buffering. The existing properties are separated by the large retention pond and staff did not see the need for additional buffering in this area. Chairperson Nixt noted the northwest corner of the site gets closer to the townhomes and the existing occupants. Mr. Fink indicated he has worked closely with Environmental Coordinator Chris Anderson on this plan. They focused on adequate plantings and canopy cover, buffer zones and screening, and never at any time has Mr. Anderson recommended that they increase any plantings in this area. —308—