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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 7, 2018 7 City Planner Bachler explained that staff has reviewed the proposed plans and believes the lift station could be successfully reconstructed with the reduced easement area and the addition of the two new homes. Commissioner Gehrig thanked staff for providing the Commission with additional information from the Rice Creek Watershed District and on the basin maintenance. Commissioner Jones stated the Commission did not really have a leg to stand on in order to deny the request, given the fact the applicant had not requested any variances and the proposed development met all City requirements. Chair Thompson indicated this was the case and noted the final decision for this request would be made by the City Council where the comments and concerns expressed by the neighbors would have to be considered. Commissioner Jones requested that staff take a closer look at the tree preservation plan to address the concern expressed by Mr. Federer this evening. City Planner Bachler discussed the tree preservation plan and noted all diseased trees had been removed from the City’s calculations. He commented further on the bond the City would require for the new tree plantings on the site. He noted if trees that are to be protected are removed or significantly damaged during construction, the City would require the trees to be replaced at a ratio of two caliper inches for every one inch removed. Chair Thompson reported the tree replacement and bond requirement was addressed in Conditions 11 and 12. She stated she supported keeping the cottonwood trees as significant trees within the calculations. Chair Thompson thanked the neighbors for coming forward and voicing their concerns regarding this development. Commissioner Gehrig moved and Commissioner Lambeth seconded a motion to recommend approval of 17-029 for a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Vacation of Easement at 3685 New Brighton Road, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, as amended by the nineteen (19) conditions in the February 7, 2018 Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).