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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 10, 2018 14 Commissioner Jones asked if the DNR would also have to review this request. City Planner Bachler explained the DNR does not have jurisdiction over this waterway. He provided further comment on the RCWD’s permitting process and noted the applicant was in the process of applying for a permit from this organization. Commissioner Bartel requested further information regarding the easement. City Planner Bachler commented that the City has an easement for operating the lift station on the property and noted that the proposal was to modify the dimensions of the easement. He reported the change to the easement would not impact the operation of the lift station. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka noted this lift station was reconstructed in 2012 and the area requested to be vacated was not part of any necessary construction area. Commissioner Bartel asked what the minimum lot size was for the City of Arden Hills. City Planner Bachler stated the minimum lot size was 11,000 square feet in the R-2 zoning district. Commissioner Lambeth questioned if there had been any thought given to the use of imported fill to make this site buildable and what impact this might have on erosion control. City Planner Bachler indicated he was uncertain as to the amount of fill that would have to be brought in. He recommended the applicant address this question. He noted that a Grading and Erosion Control permit would be required for the proposed subdivision. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Joe Federer, 3695 New Brighton Road, stated he sent a lengthy letter to the City. He described how the proposed request would drastically impact his house. He discussed the privacy in his neighborhood along with the number of trees. He reported he was told in 2012 that the subject property was undevelopable. He commented on the amount of wetland in Tim Horita’s backyard and expressed concern with the development of this property. He provided further comment on the history of the easement on this property. He described the energy efficiency methods that were used in constructing his home noting his windows cannot be covered during the day. He explained with homes being constructed as proposed he would need to have blinds and he would not be able to effectively heat his home. He stated it would cost him $10,000 to $11,000 to install a furnace and an additional expense would be incurred to install blinds on the exterior of his home, which would be another $15,000. He stated he could not afford to make these improvements when the heat for his home was currently free. He believed that the proposed homes would be injurious to adjacent tracts. Lastly, he indicated it would not be desirable to add three driveways to Thom Drive.