03-06-13 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – MARCH 6, 2013 4 3. The structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. 4. The addition shall be the same color and use the same construction materials as the existing structure. Chair Larson asked if the aerial shown with the red lines indicates the property lines and Ms. Beekman stated it is not exactly on the property lines. Chair Larson noted a 6’2 inch overhead garage door is not in violation of the Code. Commissioner Holewa asked if the spruce tree would need to be removed and Ms. Beekman stated she believes it would need to be removed. City Planner Meagan Beekman reviewed the City Tree Preservation Guidelines. The owner can remove up to 10% of the trees on the property without mitigation. Mr. Matthew Wessberg, applicant, stated when the original plan was done in 2007, the plan was to move the spruce tree, but the tree mover stated the tree could not be situated in the best location. Mr. Wessberg stated another larger tree has been planted. They have been in the home since 2005. The home was built in 1954. Commissioner Thompson asked about the oak tree and Mr. Wessberg stated it is their intent to keep the oak tree and, if necessary, the deck will be built around it. The existing curb cut will be used and the retaining walls will remain. Chair Larson asked if the deck would have posts and Mr. Wessberg stated they would use posts. Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Hames, to recommend approval of Planning Case 13-001 for a variance at 1455 Skiles Lane, based on the findings of fact, the submitted plans and the four conditions in the March 6, 2013, planning case report. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Thompson stated she appreciates the research staff did on the setbacks on other homes in the neighborhood. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS City Planner Meagan Beekman reviewed the Resilient Communities Project (RCP) is a program through the University of Minnesota and administered by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA). The program selects one Minnesota City per year to participate. The program matches University coursework with community projects that have a sustainability impact. The program defines sustainability broadly to include environmental, social, and financial sustainability for a community. The projects should have a relatively narrow scope and clear deliverable. Once a city is selected, CURA staff match up the individual projects with graduate courses at the University of Minnesota that have a community-project component related to one or more of the city’s needs. The purpose of the program is intended to better connect University resources with communities, regional entities, and organizations interested in sustainability in the Twin Cities and other metropolitan areas in Minnesota. At their February 11, 2013 meeting, the City Council directed Staff to prepare an application to the RCP program. RCP Staff have indicated that they will make a decision on the applications in mid-March. Staff has prepared a list of 19 projects to include as part of the application. Projects fall into three categories: