11-20-07 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING November 20, 2007 Page 3 instance where a building is having its footprint increased they would be required to submit a tree survey indicating species, size and number of all the trees on the lot that would be impacted by the project. What they are looking at is replacing trees per caliper. Discussion regarding the Minnetonka Ordinance and the goal of the ordinance was ensued. There was discussion on what triggered having the tree preservation ordinance. Ms. Beekman stated that if anyone has any questions when reviewing the Minnetonka Ordinance to let her know. Chair Henry indicated he believes it is an important thing to have. He indicated he did not like the bullet under Incentives that states, “a protected woodlot could be dedicated to the city in lieu of park dedication requirements.” He stated that it is important to be cautious about offering creative alternatives to Park Dedication Requirements. Ms. Beekman mentioned she would like to include something about overplanting and how far trees need to be planted from the foundation. She suggested the City could set up a fund where a developer, if running out of room to plant trees, could instead pay the cash value of the trees to the fund and the City could use that money for tree preservation elsewhere in the city. Chair Henry indicated he thinks that is a dangerous precedent. He states his preference would be not to allow that. COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE – James Lehnhoff Ms. Olson indicated Mr. Lehnhoff wanted to make sure everyone was okay with the Comprehensive Plan and if there were any comments or changes that anyone wanted to make they could e-mail him regarding anything he had presented to the group so far. The Committee had no comments. 8. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE – Fran Holmes Councilmember Holmes gave an update on the highlights of the last three meetings they had with the City Council.  They adopted the resolution for the Safe Routes to School Plan. She stated they approved the Northwestern College planning unit development update that would provide for realignment of the main road, the new parking garage and student life center.  They denied the request to continue the long-term lease on the Sheehy Park tennis court and made the decision to designate it as a public park.  At the November 13 Council Meeting they talked in more detail about Arden Plaza and the issues brought up by the Planning Commission. The developer was there to hear what they had to say and they will be voting on the PUD plan at the November 26 meeting. Another thing that was talked about is whether the City wants to have a moratorium on building in the B2 district from now on and to come up with a plan.  At the November 19 work session they talked about the budget, the capital improvement plan, and the comprehensive pay plan.  They had discussion about possibly licensing rental property because a lot of people are complaining about the homes that are rented to students and all the vehicles.  They are looking at liquor license issues because of the no smoking in the bars. The state is looking at patios so people can take their drink on the patio and smoke.  There will be two meetings on December 6. The one at City Hall will be about the Glen Arden reconstruction on the east side of Old Snelling and the one at the public works facility will be a meeting for the old City Hall property. Anyone interested can attend either one. Committee Member Peck asked if the Sheehy Park tennis court would be reconstructed and if the sentiment of the Council essentially was that they did not want to have private parks in any of the neighborhoods.