04-27-2004 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 2004 Page 7 mix of 22 overstory, 11 evergreen, and 11 ornamental. Staff is recommending 10 additional pine trees for screening along both sides of the storage area. He noted that the applicants site plan indicates 43 trees. Robert Kostruba, 20573 Quincy Street, owner of the mini storage to the south asked why the City is requiring so many trees in an industrial-zoned area. He stated that the only area he can plant the additional trees is in a drainage ditch and that no landscaping contractor will guarantee trees which are planted in an area which may be washed out by runoff. Mr. Harlicker stated that the applicant has the entire site to plant the trees on and that no drainage is directed around the perimeter of the property. Commissioner Curtis asked how the gravel area will be maintained. Mr. Harlicker stated that some type of material or barrier will be required and approved by the City Engineer to keep the outdoor storage area from expanding. Bobby Peterson, Andover, property owner to the north, stated that the City of Elk River has a unique opportunity for businesses such has his by allowing outdoor storage and now the City is asking them to hide it by requiring an unreasonable number of trees. He estimated that he will be required to plant 40 trees on his 3-acre parcel when it is developed. Mr. Harlicker stated that Mr. Peterson may want to work with Olson General Contractors regarding placement of trees between their sites. Commissioner Pederson stated that he voted against the variance because the request did not meet the criteria. He stated that the Medium Industrial landscaping ordinance requirements may need to be re-evaluated. He stated that valid points have been brought up regarding the number of required trees. Commissioner Pederson suggested that the number of trees could be reduced in exchange for planting larger trees in the front of the property. He stated that he would like to see some trees planted along the back of the undeveloped property. Commissioner Curtis concurred and stated that she would like to see some of the trees distributed on the back of the property. Chair Ropp stated that he felt 44 trees would be adequate and that he would support negotiating this number if the applicant planted larger trees in the front. Commissioner Anderson stated that he felt the Commission needs to consider the long term, as uses may change and that he did not feel anyone regrets requiring screening. He stated that he supported staff's recommendation for requiring the additional trees. He stated that the applicant has the option of spreading the trees out more and that he also would like to see some trees across the back property. Commissioner Offerman concurred with Commissioner Anderson's comments. He felt it was up to the applicant to come up with a plan to spread the trees throughout the site. Frank Carlson, owner of the proposed building, stated that it would not be difficult to distribute the trees, but that he did not understand why the City felt it was necessary to screen the pipe yard, since the building would screen the outdoor storage from the pipe yard.