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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 22, 2020 11 Councilmember Holden questioned if Public Works believed there was enough room to access the storm pond. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported at a minimum Public Works needs 10 feet to access the rear property and this area would have to remain clear of vegetation. Councilmember Holden inquired who got to decide what type of trees were replanted within this development. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the City requires a mixture or variety of trees. Councilmember Holmes asked if the proposed retention pond was a requirement of Rice Creek Watershed. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this was a Rice Creek Watershed requirement. Further discussion ensued regarding how water would drain from the proposed development. Councilmember McClung stated he was having a hard time deciphering what the unique circumstances were with this property. He commented his other concern was that economic consideration should not constitute a practical difficulty. He explained that three lots would also work for this development, versus four. He indicated he did not see how the City could legitimately grant a variance for this request. Councilmember Holden agreed with Councilmember McClung. She stated she had additional conditions for approval if this item were to proceed towards approval. Mayor Grant reported if three lots were pursued the lots would be 108 feet wide, which was not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Councilmember McClung reminded the Council that they had to consider the proposal per City Code today and not what City Code used to be. Councilmember Scott stated he originally opposed this development, when proposed by a different developer. He commented given the fact several neighborhood meetings have been held and the neighbors want the blight removed he was in favor of granting the variance. He explained he was taking into consideration how the development would change the neighborhood and indicated this was an older neighborhood that had 80 foot lots. He supported the developer building homes on similar sized lots, versus 100+ foot wide lots. Councilmember Holden reported she has heard from a lot of the neighbors as well and she understood they wanted the blight removed. She explained the neighbors do not understand why this site has moved to four residential lots. She indicated the variance requirements were not being met in her mind.