02-24-2004 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . The Planning Commission February 24, 2004 Page 5 Commissioner Anderson stated that he felt some strong language should be included in the developer agreement which would provide for tree preservation and replacement. Mr. Campion stated that he anticipated some language would be included to ensure that the lot was graded properly and trees will be saved which realistically can be saved. Mr. Breuer stated that a perimeter will be set up to mark the grading boundary. He stated that they would not be able to guarantee that trees will be saved, since there is already Oak Wilt in the neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson asked if the applicant would be open to a more aggressive reforestation of the lots, such as 3 trees on the smaller lots and 5-6 trees on the larger lots. Mr. Breuer stated that they would certainly consider the proposal. Mr. Harlicker noted that staff has discussed with the developer a minimum of 1 boulevard tree every 30 feet, so that most lots would have two trees and larger lots would have 3 or 4 trees. He stated that they will also discuss planting of trees in other areas of the plat where appropriate. Commissioner Franz concurred with Commissioner Anderson's concerns. Mr. Harlicker asked if the Commission had a preference as to the tree size or number of trees. Chair Pederson stated that he would feel the trees should be larger than 2 ~" caliper size and would prefer a 4" size. Chair Pederson stated that this area is very heavily wooded and he felt a tree inventory should be required for this site. He stated that he felt it was a very poor use of this property to cut down nearly all of the trees and poor stewardship of the land. Chair Pederson stated that he felt trails were an amenity to the PUD but sidewalks were not, since sidewalks would be required in the R1c zoning anyway. He felt the lots were too close together and that the city needs to receive something in return for allowing the PUD zoning. Chair Pederson stated that he does not see that the City is getting anything in return. He stated that he felt a development could be designed that would protect the trees, such as cluster and would be a better use of the PUD zoning. He stated that he felt the Commission did not want to see this area leveled and that custom grading could be done. He asked if the four lots on Block 8 are proposed to be removed as recommended by TEP Panel. Mr. Campion stated that the mitigation plan has been revised by removing one lot and they feel that this plan will be accepted by the TEP. Mr. Campion asked if the Commission would consider multiple family housing with a cluster. Chair Pederson stated that he felt this would be an option. Commissioner Ropp asked if a park has been identified on the plan. Mr. Breuer stated that there are discussing with staff the possibility of locating playground equipment somewhere in the buffer area. Jim Nord, 19645 Hudson Circle, joint owner of the property, stated that his family has been long time property owners in Elk River, residents and stewards of the land. His family owned a dairy farm in the location of the existing energy plant until the highway was changed. They then moved out to the Meadowvale area. He stated that his grandfather homesteaded the area 1880 where the golf course is now located and his parents purchased the property and sold 160 acres to the golf course in 1960 for $16,000. The land being discussed has been owned by the family for approximately 75 years. District 728 School purchased a portion of the property in the early 1990's for Meadowvale Elementary School. The purchase brought sewer and water to the area, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in assessments to his family. These assessments are an obligation that must be