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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2019 7 <br /> <br />Commissioner Subramnian asked if any alternate parking plans had been considered such as a <br />parking ramp to eliminate the need to remove trees. He stated he would like to see nature and <br />trees preserved. <br /> <br />Mr. Apilkowski indicated a parking ramp would be too costly for the school district. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman commented further on the planting islands and stated he <br />understood the school was currently under parked by 100+ spaces. He recommended the <br />applicant be required to install planting islands throughout the proposed parking areas that meet <br />or exceed the required quantity of islands, design specifications and a minimum of one tree per <br />island, which in whole or in part compensates for the caliper inch deficiency in the mitigation <br />plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Apilkowski stated he appreciated this feedback and explained the school could aspire to this <br />recommendation. He reported the City Ordinance does not have language that addresses the <br />maximum number of trees that can be removed. Rather, it states 10% can be removed without <br />replacement and has an aggressive replacement plan. He noted the school district would have an <br />aggressive tree replacement plan. He indicated it was the school districts intent to not disturb the <br />pavement across the street given the expense for the stormwater management on this property. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman explained that the planting island trees would make a significant <br />dent in the mitigation shortage that currently exists in the landscaping plan and the compensation <br />owed to the City would be less. <br /> <br />Mr. Apilkowski discussed the tree replacement plan noting the placement of some trees was still <br />being negotiated with staff as it may not make sense to plant an additional 500 trees on the site. <br />He indicated it would be difficult for the school to have full use of its fields if 500 trees were <br />required. For this reason, the school district would be making a payment to the City in lieu of the <br />tree replacement requirement. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund asked why the lacrosse field was placed the way it was by the school <br />district. <br /> <br />Mr. Apilkowski explained this site was challenged for green space. He reported the proposed <br />configuration would allow for an extra football practice field in the fall. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig commented the Planning Commission was tasked with considering the zoning <br />regulations for a property. He discussed the location of the stormwater pond to the north and <br />asked why this pond was added. <br /> <br />Mr. Apilkowski stated this stormwater pond has been on the school districts plan but noted the <br />cost to acquire the land was higher than anticipated. This meant the school district had less <br />money for the remainder of the project. He apologized to staff for the late changes made to the <br />plan but indicated these changes would allow the school district to remain on budget for the <br />overall project. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig questioned if the school district would be on board to consulting with the <br />neighbors regarding tree placement. He understood the school could make a payment in lieu of